The store was established in 1986 to wean Don Vockeroth off mountain guiding which took him away from his family. After 25 years of climbing and skiing for livelihood and adventure it was time for the family to start a business. "Teaching our children the skill and dedication of entrepreneurial reality was a goal. We mortgaged our home, rented retail space, stocked the store and the Powderhound was born."
Don, a registered Mountain Guide working in the Canadian Rockies, had several soft adventure businesses going at the time: Valkyrie Heli Skiing, the Red Mountain Ski Shop, as well as being a carpenter. The girls were ski racing and mom was doing the bookkeeping so life was very busy.

Originally we had about 500 square feet and were closed in the off season. Today we occupy 3000 square feet and are continually evolving as we discover what does and doesn't work. We're open seven days a week all year long.

The Powderhound relies on the experience of a family and staff who live an adventure lifestyle and appreciate what it means to be an independent family run store. You'll find Don's grandchildren visiting and friends popping in at the end of the ski day. This is a place where the owners put in 12 hour days but still take the extra time to mount the bindings on the skis that you just bought at five minutes to closing.......and then deliver them to your hotel.

We use the products we sell because the easiest way to sell them is to know how well they perform. They are tried and tested by staff, family and customers on a daily basis. Feedback is noted and passed on to others. We believe this system enables us to help you to make the right choice.

It is the aim of the Powderhound to supply the best product, the best service, and the best advice to our customers, guests and friends.