Snow Dance Ski Association opens ski shop in Havre

Snow Dance Ski Association is opening a ski and snowboard rental shop at 425 First St. in the former Creative Leisure building in Havre for this year's winter season.

Snow Dance Ski Association President Claire Stoner said a limited number of skis are available, and anyone interested in seasonal ski rentals should get them at the rental shop grand opening Saturday. If people are interested in seasonal ski rentals but are unable to make it to the grand opening, they can call and make a appointment, she said.

The grand opening is Saturday at 10 a.m.

"It's really cool and exciting," Stoner said. "... I never envisioned a ski shop, but when Bridger Bowl offered to donate skis we could hardly turn it down."

She added that the association did not know how the shop would turn out but everyone coming together and getting it ready makes it very exciting for Havre.

Stoner said many great volunteers helped make the shop happen and worked hard to get everything set up.

She added that for the grand opening, door prizes, snacks and merchandise will be available. Everyone is welcome to the grand opening, she said, adding that even if somebody doesn't ski or snowboard they should come and see what the shop looks like.

Earlier this year, Bridger Bowl Ski Shop out of Bozeman donated 200 sets of skis, boots and poles to Bear Paw Ski Bowl. Stoner added that First National Pawn also donated snowboards, helmets and goggles, although these items are not available for seasonal rental.

Stoner said the association began working on the rental shop Thanksgiving weekend after painting the inside of the retail space the first part of November.

This month, volunteers built the rental shop's workshop, Stoner said, adding that she wanted to thank Korb Construction for donating lumber and labor to build the workshop. Stoner said she also wanted to thank Master Sports for donating equipment, such as a machine for polishing and waxing skis.

Havre Hardware and Home, Valley Furniture and Havre Space Center have also donated to make the ski shop possible, Stoner said.

Volunteer Kyle Speck will be working in the workshop, she said, adding that he is certified to set bindings and boot clips. Volunteers Cortney and Tony Filler will be managing the rental shop, Stoner said.

"It's so new to us, we'll see how it goes," Stoner said.

She added that, after the grand opening, the ski shop will be open one other day before Christmas. After the new year, the shop will be open Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 11 a.m. every week, Stoner said.

Appointments are also possible, she said, adding that Monday-morning returns will have to be scheduled.

For more information or to make appointments, people can contact Cortney Filler, 390-4788, or Tony Filler, 390-6178, or go to Bear Paw Ski Bowl Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/skibearpaw/.

Tickets for Bear Paw Ski Bowl will also be for sale at the shop, Stoner said. If people want to pay for tickets via credit or debit cards, they will need to come to the shop to purchase their tickets.

Bear Paw Ski Bowl hasn't opened yet for the season, but the equipment at the shop is for use at any area.

Stoner said she hopes that the rental shop will stay at the location throughout the year and for the spring, summer and fall have other things available for the public.

For the summer, Stoner said, the shop could do something with outdoor activities, partnering with other organizations and providing more resources.

Snow Dance Ski Association meetings will also be held in the ski shop and will be open to the public, she said, adding the association always has more room for volunteers.

That's how the association has stayed together, she said, everyone knows everyone. Stoner added that Bear Paw Ski Bowl is a great place for families and is affordable and fun.

Bear Paw Ski Bowl is entirely operated by volunteers, with the exception of a few paid employees from Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation and is managed by the non-profit Snow Dance Ski Association.

The hill is owned by the Chippewa Cree Tribe on Rocky Boy reservation which allows the hill to be used and managed by Snow Dance Ski Association.

Stoner said she has been involved in the Bear Paw Ski Bowl for more than 24 years, with all of her kids growing up on the hill. It is something special to her, and she hopes everyone can have a great experience this year, she added.

She said the association is also open to any suggestions for outdoor community projects or programs, and people can contact the association for more information.

"Just come on down and check it out, even if you're not skiers," Stoner said. "Say hello."