Our Story

This fall marks Skinny Skis’ 35th Anniversary! The shop was opened in the fall of 1974 by Jeff Crabtree and Owen Anderson. Jeff’s collegiate racing experience at the University of Colorado led to a job in his hometown of Jackson as the head coach of the Jackson Hole Ski Club Nordic Team. With few options available for Nordic gear in the area, Jeff opted to open a seasonal shop with Owen, a close family friend. Gear and clothing from Madshus, Fischer, Skilom, Odlo and Bonna were the mainstays.

Skinny Skis continued as a seasonal (October thru April) Nordic specialty shop. In the spring of 1977 Skinny Skis had the opportunity to rent their location on a year ‘round basis. Phil Leeds, a friend of Jeff’s from California, joined the company as a partner. Phil had worked and climbed with Jeff during their summers in Grand Teton National Park.

Since selling Nordic gear in the summer would have proved to be a bit more of a challenge than anyone wanted to undertake, the highest quality gear and clothing for running, hiking, backpacking and climbing were added to the new store’s line-up. Skinny Skis was among the first shops in the country to offer gear and clothing from Marmot, Gregory and Moonstone.

In 1984 Owen left the company to follow his dream of sailing around the world. Jeff and Phil continued to operate and grow the business.

Nordic skiing remains at the root of Skinny Skis’ success. It is a passion of Jeff, Phil and the Skinny Skis’ management to continue providing the finest gear, clothing and service. In addition, Skinny Skis remains an active component of the local racing scene—-particularly junior racing.

We are committed to the sport and our customers! We value your feedback. Please feel free to contact us personally with questions, comments or concerns. We look forward to a great season and hearing from you soon.

-Jeff Crabtree and Phil Leeds

In the News


Skinny Skis Featured in The New York Times

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Skinny Skis Featured in the Outdoor Retailer Spotlight

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Year Round Staff

Jeff Crabtree

Owner

Jeff’s been selling Nordic equipment in Jackson for over thirty years, but has been involved in Nordic racing since the age of 10. Formerly a member of the University of Colorado Ski Team and head coach of the Jackson Nordic Team he now spends his time helping people of all abilities enjoy cross country skiing. Jeff can answer all of your technical questions, and help you get out on the snow with a ski setup custom selected for you.

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Phil Leeds

Owner

An avid nordic skier for over thirty years, he enjoys all facets of the sport: touring, track skiing as well as the backcountry. The father of two junior nordic racers, Phil particularly enjoys working with kids---helping them find the most appropriate gear. Whether you’re looking to upgrade equipment or step into nordic skiing for the first time, Phil is always happy to assist.

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Pat Melehes

Buyer

Hailing from Canada, Pat moved to Jackson in 1978 for a season of skiing. Twenty Six years later, Pat is still an avid Teton enthusiast, enjoying ice climbing, skate skiing and telemark skiing. In the summer months, Pat trail runs, hikes and rock climbs. In her spare time, Pat is the clothing buyer for Skinny Skis and has been a fixture in the store since 1981.

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Tom Windle

Buyer/Web Sales

A Nordic skier for 35 years, Tom helped pioneer a few of Jackson Hole’s Nordic ski centers before joining Skinny Skis in 1985. Tom is our hard goods and ski buyer with many years of experience. He would be happy to help you with any questions you may have about cross country skiing. He’s competed in several races over the years and enjoys ski skating, classic skiing and touring. During the winter months, he is out skiing almost everyday trying to tire-out his two yellow labs.

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Jenn Staph

Sales/Buyer

The only thing missing from this picture is Jenn’s crazy yellow dog Tess. In the winter Jenn enjoys any activity with skis, whether it be skate, classic or telemark. She has been in the valley for 10 years, and still has a list of peaks and places she would like to ski. She has been at Skinny Skis for almost 9 years as the assistant manager, merchandiser and now one of the buyers. We like to keep her busy. When she is not at the shop she can often be seen on top of Teton Pass or up Cache Creek somewhere.

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Steve Romeo

Sales/Moosely Seconds Manager

Steve Romeo is a sponsored backcountry skier, ski mountaineer and mountain runner. Steve’s passions can be followed on his popular backcountry skiing blog/website, www.TetonAT.com.

Matt

Matt Erickson

Shipping and Receiving/Web Sales

Katie

Katie Jackson

Web Manager

Katie has lived in Jackson for the past 8 years. She moved to the mountains from Southern California to be a ski-bum for a winter and has been here ever since. Katie worked for local Jackson ski apparel brands before making the move to the Skinny Skis family. In her spare time she enjoys introducing all outdoor activities to her 15 month old daughter as a means of bringing her up to speed on the Jackson lifestyle. Katie enjoys all aspects of winter sports, and concentrates on mountain biking and running during the summer months.

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Alyson Overbey

Patagonia Manager

Raised in Iowa, Alyson enjoys skiing and climbing and has a passion for design.  You'll soon see her outer wear apparel in outdoor shops nationwide!

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Christi Biolchini

Sales Associate

Moving to Jackson the day after college graduation, Christi couldn’t wait to return to the Tetons where she spent her summers growing up. She can be found ski-jouring with her 2 dogs or skiing at the village in the winter. Come summer she spends her time at the river fly-fishing, mountain and road biking, climbing & hiking in the backcountry.

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Ryan Hayes

Moosely Seconds Assistant Manager/Shop Tech

Kim

Kim Osborne

Sales Associate

K.O. came to Jackson almost 10 years ago from the bay area, but was born and raised in Pittsburgh. (go Steelers!) When she is not playing or ski touring in the mountains and carving up some fresh powder, Kim can be found cycling, hiking or surfing (known as Queen Kimmie-Kimmie-Kahuna to her fiance!) during the summer months. The Mountain lifestyle is most fitting, so if you ever need anything to keep you comfortable and happy in the JH area, come in and pay her a visit - she will greet you with a smile and gladly help you with your needs!