Just in time for our Blister Recommended Shop, Powder Hound, to celebrate its 10-year business anniversary, Kara Williard chatted with the owner and founder, Eric Helmbrecht. They dove into a bunch of topics as a reflection of the 10 years Powder Hound has been a staple shop in Girdwood, AK, including how skis, boots, and bindings have progressed; the ways in which the industry has changed; what it looked like to be adaptable during a global pandemic; accomplishments they’re proud of; getting their start at the Palmer State Fair; what it feels like to ski on skis that are over 140 mm underfoot; snowboarding trends; and more.

TOPICS & TIMES:

• AT Boots & 50/50 Boots (4:22)
• Weight Trends (8:55)
• Macro Industry Trends (16:15)
• Global Pandemics & Adaptability (23:40)
• Influx of Skiers and Industry Growth (25:07)
• Employment Challenges (28:36)
• Things you’re Proud of (31:14)
• Palmer State Fair (32:11)
• Year-Round Stable Shop (36:26)
• Season Lease Program (39:25)
• Fat Skis (44:00)
• Breathable & Waterproof Gear (46:12)
• Binding Improvements (48:56)
• Don’t Forget SNOWBOARDING! (50:50)

RELATED LINKS:

• Our Blister Recommended Shop: Powder Hound
• Ep.133: Shop Talk: Powder Hound, Girdwood, AK
• Ep.41: Trends, Favorite Gear, and Most / Least Durable Products, with Eric Helmbrecht of Powder Hound AK
• Ep. 17: Spring Skiing & Biking in AK
• Blister Summit 2023 Registration 

OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

• CRAFTED 
• Bikes & Big Ideas
• Off The Couch
• BLISTER Podcast 

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