Vail Resorts bought Hoigaard’s Sporting Goods, an icon in the Twin Cities area, in ongoing efforts to expand into the Midwest sporting goods market. Hoigaard’s specializes in Nordic gear, sports equipment and apparel for skiers, snowboarders in winter. In summer, the outdoor specialty store switches its spotlighted items to camping gear, bikes and paddle sports.

Hoigaard’s, purchased by Specialty Sports Venture (SSV), retail subsidiary of Vail Resorts, established its community roots as a tent and awning retailer in 1895.

Since 1960, when Hoigaard’s expanded their line to become an outdoor specialty store, it has been the Twin Cities’ preeminent snowboard and ski shop. For the past 38 years, Hoigaard’s has continued to host its famed September Tent Sale.

Interestingly, the store name will remain the same and most of the present employees are scheduled to stay onboard. Todd Brewer, president, whose wife Jill is a 4th generation Hoigaard, will also remain.

Brewer confided that the family had sought a change. Ultimately, Hoigaard’s purchased by Vail Resorts appeared the better alternative for sustaining stellar values and loyal employees.

Kat Jobanputra, C.O.O. of SSV, appeared in agreement by remarking that Hoigaard’s, the newest member of their retail family, is “perfectly aligned with the qualities that define the Specialty Sports Venture culture and philosophy”.

Im sure won’t change much with Hoigaard’s, but if anything does, it should be for the better.