5 Secrets Behind California Ski Company Berkeley's 35-Year Reign As The East Bay's Ultimate Ski Shop

The California Ski Company, affectionately known as CalSkiCo, is far more than just a retail store; it is a vital institution for West Coast skiing enthusiasts, standing as the East Bay Area’s only dedicated specialty ski shop. As of December 15, 2025, the shop continues its legacy at 843 Gilman St. in Berkeley, CA, providing a rare, hyper-focused expertise that big-box retailers simply cannot match. This deep dive explores the shop's history, its renowned services, and the recent, significant ownership transition that ensures its future is as bright as fresh Sierra powder.

Operating continuously since 1989, California Ski Company has built its reputation on a singular commitment: selling ski equipment—and *only* ski equipment. This specialization has fostered an environment of unmatched technical knowledge, particularly in the crucial area of custom boot fitting, a service that many veteran skiers consider the true foundation of a great day on the slopes. The shop’s enduring presence and recent updates confirm its status as the go-to resource for everyone from beginner skiers to seasoned backcountry touring experts.

The Legacy Holders: A Profile of CalSkiCo's Key Owners

The story of California Ski Company is intrinsically linked to the passionate individuals who have steered its course, each contributing a unique chapter to its decades-long history in Berkeley.

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The Founder: Dan Winter

The shop’s story begins with founder Dan Winter. Winter established the California Ski Company in 1989, setting up shop as one of the first tenants in a building formerly owned by Joe. His vision was clear: create a specialty environment focused exclusively on the needs of skiers, a concept that immediately resonated with the East Bay’s mountain-bound community.

The Long-Time Steward: Gary Hohl

For many years, the face of CalSkiCo was Gary Hohl. Hohl served as the owner for a significant period, guiding the company through various industry shifts and solidifying its reputation for technical excellence. Hohl's tenure ended recently when he decided it was time to move on, a decision that came after navigating the challenges of a global pandemic and a serious fire at the store.

The New Era: The Transition to "Tim"

In a significant and positive development for the local ski community, the ownership baton has been passed to a new steward, identified as "Tim." The transition was marked by Tim, along with a few employees and friends of Cal Ski, stopping by to introduce the new ownership. This change signals a fresh commitment to the shop's founding principles, with the new owner recognizing the importance of maintaining the unique culture and expertise that Gary Hohl had cultivated.

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The Unmatched Expertise: Why CalSkiCo is the East Bay's Only True Specialty Ski Shop

While many sporting goods stores sell skis, CalSkiCo’s dedication to a single category elevates it to a different class. This focus is the core secret to its longevity and topical authority in the ski world.

The Gold Standard: Custom Boot Fitting

The single most critical service offered by California Ski Company is its masterful custom boot fitting. The shop is a recognized member of the prestigious America's Best Bootfitters network, a distinction that assures customers they are receiving world-class, biomechanically informed service. Expert boot fitters like Haig are celebrated in customer reviews for their patience, knowledge, and ability to solve complex fit issues, ensuring comfort and performance on the mountain.

This process goes far beyond simply trying on a pair of boots; it involves a detailed assessment of the skier’s foot, stance, and ability to guarantee the best possible connection between the body and the ski. This service is non-negotiable for serious skiers and a major draw for the shop.

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A Hub for Backcountry and Touring

Beyond traditional Alpine skiing, CalSkiCo has become a crucial resource for the growing community of backcountry and touring enthusiasts. The shop actively discusses and supports the gear and knowledge needed for split-boarding and backcountry skiing, with staff members like Greg Whitehouse sharing their expertise on the latest trends and safety protocols. This forward-thinking approach keeps the shop relevant as the sport evolves.

The Gear Arsenal: Top Ski Brands and the 2024/2025 Lineup

A specialty shop must carry the best gear, and CalSkiCo’s inventory reflects a curated selection of both high-volume and high-caliber brands, ensuring they cater to every skiing style and budget.

The Core Brand Entities

CalSkiCo stocks a comprehensive collection of leading industry brands. These include popular names known for innovation and reliability, as well as niche, high-performance manufacturers.

• Performance Powerhouses: Fischer, Head, Volkl, and Atomic are staples, offering a wide range of all-mountain and racing skis.
• High-Caliber Specialists: The shop also features premium, high-end brands like Stockli, Kastle, and Stereo, which are favored by expert skiers for their precision and craftsmanship.
• Freestyle and All-Mountain: Armada is prominently featured, with their 24/25 lineup being highlighted for its complete collection of hard-charging directional and performance-enhancing all-mountain skis.
• Boots and Skis: Nordica, which shares an ownership group with Blizzard, is a dominant force in the boot industry and now offers award-winning skis, which CalSkiCo proudly carries.

Services Beyond Sales

The shop’s dedication to the sport extends past the initial purchase. They provide essential services such as:

• Ski Tuning and Repair: Maintaining the performance and longevity of expensive equipment.
• Binding Mounting: Expert, precise mounting for Alpine and Touring setups.
• Apparel and Accessories: While focused on hardgoods, they also offer the necessary complementary gear to complete the ski experience.

The Future of CalSkiCo: A Beacon for West Coast Skiers

The family-owned California Ski Company has successfully navigated decades of change, from the rise of online retail to shifts in skiing trends. Its ability to thrive, particularly in the wake of recent ownership changes, is a testament to its unwavering commitment to the customer and its deep technical expertise.

As the East Bay’s only specialty ski shop, CalSkiCo serves as a community anchor, often buzzing with excitement before a major Sierra blizzard, where customers gather for last-minute gear and the latest forecast. For any skier in Northern California, a visit to 843 Gilman Street is not just a shopping trip; it is an essential part of the preparation for an exceptional ski season.

With a new owner, Tim, at the helm, the shop continues its mission of creating exceptional ski experiences, ensuring that the legacy started by Dan Winter in 1989 remains the gold standard for ski gear and service in the Bay Area.