One of the oldest ski shops west of the Mississippi is tucked in an unexpected location: a nondescript Centennial strip plaza. Founded in 1939 by Frank Bulkley II, who died this past spring, Eskimo Ski & Board Shop has an ambience that suggests a longtime love affair with skiing. One wall is lined with decades-old straight skis, and the tuning staff collectively has 75 years of experience. (Bulkley II is also credited with helping open the slopes at Winter Park and starting the now-defunct Ski Train.) Frank Bulkley III has run Eskimo since 2000 and, as his father did, focuses on the little things: exceptional, friendly customer service and superior ski and snowboard tunes. “I think our customers would tell you that they continue to come for those reasons,” Bulkley III says, “but also because they like to see a small shop like this continue to succeed.” eskimoshop.com

This article was originally published in 5280 December 2012.
Lindsey B. King
Lindsey B. King
Lindsey B. King was the magazine’s editor from 2021 to 2024. She is currently a Denver-based writer and editor.