The Trailhead opens second location in Winter Park, Colorado
The ski resort town welcomes a new but established gear shop from Buena Vista that's known for quirky items and even quirkier staff.
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Compared side by side, Winter Park and Buena Vista are pretty similar. They’re both mountain towns in Colorado located next to glorious natural resources, and they both have small populations and tight-knit communities. But Dave Blazer is excited to learn the nuances between the two towns now that he’s opened The Trailhead‘s second location in Winter Park.
The store celebrated a soft opening on Nov. 8. The shop’s small footprint shares space with The Perk—Winter Park’s premier coffee shop—and sits next door to Green Spaces—the town’s premier co-working spot.
“Winter Park has a lot to offer,” Blazer said. “It’s entering into a really cool renaissance. Part of what initially drew us to Winter Park is that there was an opportunity for a local gear shop. We have come to really enjoy being that community hub.”
Take a peek at the new store
Meet the friendly staff
From left to right: John Williams, Adam Nicholson, Tanner Trantham, Seth Rountree, Aliza Coleman, Andrew McFarland, and LJ Mendoza.
Coffee and gear?
The Perk’s satellite coffee shop is now located inside The Trailhead.
Same great gear
Over time, The Trailhead will learn what’s just right for Winter Park’s community compared to Buena Vista’s customers.
Same great gear
Howler Bros, Arc’teryx, Cotopaxi, and Black Diamond are just a few of the brands sold in the store.
Rentals in Buena Vista only
Since Winter Park already has a number of great places to rent and tune skis and equipment, The Trailhead in Winter Park decided not to offer rentals like they do at the Buena Vista shop.
“We’ve already started partnering with those guys,” Blazer said. “If you want skis, this is where you guys should go. If you already have skis, come over here.”
The Trailhead first opened in 1972 in Buena Vista and Blazer bought the shop in 2013. Two years ago, he started looking for a town to plant his second location. He was drawn to Winter Park’s close community and mountain culture.
Blazer figures there’s no better way to get to know the locals and visitors than over a steaming cup of coffee or beer, served by The Perk. The entire space is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and seats 21 people.
“It’s such a neat place to interact with people and to just be,” Blazer said. “We don’t just want to be some place that sells retail stuff. We want to be a place where people come so that they can be part of a community.”
