Named the #1 Ski Shop in America by Ski Magazine and an Expert Ski Shop by Skiing Magazine, Hickory & Tweed has been in operation since 1961. The name itself pays tribute to the origins of skiing. Hickory was the wood of choice for skis in the early years and tweed wool the popular insulation back in the day.
A good ski shop offers an assortment of the latest gear along with a range of services, such as boot fittings and tune-ups. Subtle nuances, such as personnel on hand or the more elusive, intangible “vibe” of a ski shop, shift the experience from generic ‘good’ to a noteworthy Top Shop. Hickory & Tweed, located in Armonk, New York, has been in the business of skiing (and more recently biking), gathering an avid following for nearly 60 years. Here’s how they do it:
Gear
Whether skier or snowboarder, Hickory & Tweed is the place to get the gear, accessories, and apparel you need. They offer top products for all ability levels, beginner to expert for men, women and children. Can’t find it in the store? Check out the online options (see below).
“It’s about building a relationship. It’s not just about selling you something.”
Ski and Board Services
Utilizing the industry leading tuning equipment from Wintersteiger, the expertly trained and highly qualified technicians here will get your gear in peak condition. They offer custom boot work as well as custom liners, affording your feet the comfort needed to ski bell to bell.
“We slap a “Tweed guarantee” on all of our boot work! If you aren’t comfortable with any of our fitting, come on back and we will ensure you leave as a satisfied “Tweeder”!
The Tweed was also one of the first shops to offer a family ski-leasing program, starting back in the mid-70’s, for growing kids and adults, too. For those first-timers not ready for a seasonal commitment, pick up your rentals here.
Employees
Think friendly, fun, and full of passion for winter sports. Hickory & Tweed is a family-run, customer-first business chock full of knowledgeable staff. While Skip runs the store, his wife, Michaela, handles the skiwear/spring buying. Also on hand is Mac, Skip’s son, who heads up the ecommerence business and marketing and Tish, Skip’s sister, runs the financials. It truly is a family affair. As an added bonus to the community, they actively hire young highschoolers who grow up working in the shop and come back to help during college years and holidays.
Vibe
Vintage ski memorabilia decorates the walls of this charming metro New York based shop. The place is steeped in ski culture, emitting an authenticity that gets you stoked for the slopes. With loads of multi-generational customers returning year after year, it possesses a warm and welcoming vibe to all who enter. It’s the kind of place you want to linger.
Customer Service
“What we’re really ultimately selling is peace of mind. We’re here. If there’s a problem come on in. We’ll take care of it.”
Skip Beitzel, Owner of Hickory & Tweed
Enough said.
Online Options
Since 1961 the store has been a part of the fabric of Armonk, New York. More recently, the majority of the Tweed’s selection is now offered on their easy-to-shop online store. Find gear, gifts and ski memorabilia here: HickoryandTweed.com
Giving Back to the Ski Community
The Tweed has a rich history of giving back to the ski community:
- Very involved with Friends of Alta, a nonprofit group working to preserve the Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
- Skip is also a board member of ISHA (International Skiing History Association).
- The Tweed has also been working closely with The Burke School in West Burke, Vermont, donating ski and board equipment to their program for over 30 years.
- Branded H&T gear, such as peak hats, are made in Vermont. They even designed a retro USA themed hat this past season for the Olympics and sent some over to the Men’s US Downhill Ski Team.
Of note the peak hats, as shown in the photo above, are made with the Moriarty family of Stowe, Vermont, the originators of the peak hat design.
Get Social
“Rather than just posting new inventory and sale announcements, we use our social pages to engage with and involve our customers in the content. It gives them a greater connection to the shop and continues that family ski shop feel, in a modernized fashion.”
Mac Beitzel, Hickory & Tweed
An additional feature to check out is the annual “Peak Pics” where customers can send in their best photos. Earn the most likes and score yourself a swag bag full of H&T gear.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HickoryandTweed/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hickoryandtweed/?hl=en
Website: HickoryandTweed.com
Run by ski enthusiasts with a life-long passion for the sport, that’s Hickory & Tweed.
