Whether hitting the slopes at Perfect North, trekking to Snowshoe for a long weekend, or planning a spring break getaway to the Rockies, you don’t need to look any further than your own backyard for all of your ski and snowboard outfitting needs. Vertical Drop, located at Loveland Station, is your one-stop-shop for all things adventure on snow.
We know what you’re thinking — a ski and snowboard shop in Loveland, Ohio? Absolutely. “The Midwest has a dedicated ski and snowboard group. They love the mountains!” explains owner Jonathan Southworth. “And most of our customers don’t even go to Perfect North. They’re taking a couple trips a month or one long one each year out west to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming.”
So if you’re planning one last hurrah this season or next year’s big trip, consider Jonathan and the Vertical Drop crew your go-to’s for everything. “We’re a full-service ski and snowboard store with gear for the whole family. Plus, we offer tune-ups, installations, ski bindings — anything related to ski and snowboard, including repairs and maintenance. We do it all,” Jonathan says.
With everything from gear you’ll love to rentals and ski swaps (which happen every October — come in to sell your gear, and they’ll help match your goods to the right buyer, prioritizing your resale over their merch if it’s the best fit!), there’s not a lot Vertical Drop can’t do.
But it doesn’t stop at skiing and snowboarding — Vertical Drop is also your neighborhood stop for kayaking, skateboarding and longboarding needs. “When you buy a skateboard, some people need help putting their skateboard together,” Jonathan offers, with spring sports on the river and trail are right around the corner.
More to the point, the team at Vertical Drop are more than just retail experts. “We have a great staff — our new manager, Piotr, is from Poland, and has skied and snowboarded around the world. He’s got great knowledge of the industry world-wide,” Jonathan explains. So whether you stop in to just browse or are on the hunt for the perfect piece of equipment, what you’ll find first are experts in the field ready to give their advice, find the best equipment for your ability and age, and help you glide easily into ski and snowboard season!
A FAMILY AFFAIR
“Skiing is such a great family sport because the entire family can participate together … and anyone can do it. You can have your three-year-old child out there while skiing with the grandparents,” Jonathan continues. “And it’s great because in the winter, when you’re usually stuck inside, it gives you something to do together.”
ADULTS
“We carry all the major ski brands that parents and adult skiers are looking for,” Jonathan offers. Looking for the freshest styles from Obermeyer or timeless classics from The North Face? It’s a guarantee you can find it all at Vertical Drop. “We can outfit the whole family from head to toe, with everything from helmets, gloves and goggles down to boots and skis, base layers, and accessories. We can get everyone going, so you can walk out of the store and go straight to the slopes.”
TEENS
Looking for an outdoor activity perfect for getting those teenagers out of the house? “Skiing and snowboarding gives lots of time away from tablets and cellphones. You can actually talk to each other without any distractions that are normally present,” Jonathan says. And those teens will love the fits Vertical Drop has to offer. “One of our main brands is Flylow. And we carry Armada skis, Capita boards, Union bindings — all brands teens are looking for.”
KIDS
For the kiddos, there are always lots of great choices out there, but an amazing option Vertical Drop offers is a season ski lease. Rent the gear from them, and if your little one outgrows their gear midway through the season, you can swap it out! And don’t forget the number one must-have for the kids this season. “A helmet,” Jonathan answers simply and quickly. “That’s the most important thing.”
Shop for the whole family, gear everyone up for outdoor fun, try something new or explore an old fave, it’s all waiting at Vertical Drop!
VerticalDropOutdoors.com | 110 S. 2nd Street, Loveland | 513.583.5822