REAL BIG QUESTION

you might have better luck in Reno because there aren't any "core" shops that carry both skis and snowboards. Bobo's is the closest thing, but it wouldn't take much to get take all of their youth audience and freeriders. Reno needs a ski shop comparable to the snowboard shop here (out of bounds) that sponsors events and riders. I think if you played you cards right in Reno and did a good job of getting your name out you would find a nice market niche and probobally do very well after a few years.

To be competetive in Ca you have to have huge financial backing and good relationships already established with at least a few major accounts. Good luck bro but in this market the only way to draw attention to yourself is having the best price and that is a hard thing to do as a startup shop. South Lake or Reno are your best bets I suppose cuz Sierra has the 80 corridor on lock from SF to Truckee.

yes i understand its hard to get in. but on the snowboarding side my friend has his hand veryyy deep in the industry, he has good relationships with Kidsnow productions, M3, Ride, and Lib Tech. and I have been working very very very hard for a long time now to save the money to chase my dream. and i know truckee is impossible so i am going to focus more on SLT locations when i go outin two weeks.

no one carriers helly hansen or oberymeyer in slt - all major ski companies are carried though.