Scandinavian Ski Shop

Will no longer shop here

I need to say that for being a major metro market, Chicago is very lacking when it comes to ski shops. You really have only 3 – 5 real, bonafide ski shops in the entire metro-​wide area (including suburbs). By virtue that it’s the closest one to my house, Scandinavian Ski Shop is the place I go for my ski needs. Given that I live in Evanston, it’s not all that close, but it’s the best I can get.
The shop itself is quaint and charming. It has all the look and feel of a genuine ski shop you’d find in markets closer to the mountains. They have everything you need to completely kit yourself out in gear and clothing. For me, the prices run a little bit on the high side, but I feel like you’re also getting expert service here that you won’t find at other places. It should be a requirement to have knowledgeable staff help you find the right ski equipment for your needs rather than somebody who has never skied before (at other outdoor sports chains) trying to help you pick our your gear. Each and every skier has a different skill set, skiing style, terrain preference, gender, and body type. All of these factors need to be considered when choosing the right pieces of equipment.
I also take my family’s skis here to have them tuned a few times a year, especially before we head out west to Colorado. They do a good job, but there can be a back log at times. You’ll need to drop them off and expect 2 – 3 days for them to be ready. I once called ahead to see if I could drop my skis off at night and get them back the next day. The guy on the phone laughed at me like I must have been smoking something funny, so there’s your answer.
Per the reviewer below who was able to get a mount for $ 15, I think they must have given you the friends/​family discount. I also took my online-​purchased, brand new skis with brand new rail system bindings there for a mount job. It’s not a difficult mount and I could have done it myself, but wanted somebody qualified to do it. They charged me the full $ 85 price tag you mentioned you were quoted from somewhere else. Either that, or maybe your review gave them the idea to raise the price. I just want it to be clear that this is definitely NOT their current going rate for a binding mount job.

What a great store! It looks small but there is plenty of merchandise squirreled away in every nook. This was my first time buying from the shop. My husband and I bought skis, boots, helmets, travel bags and more. Kevin spent hours with us. My boots alone took over two hours to fit. Kevin was very informed about the equipment and just down right pleasant to deal with. Prices were very good. We are happy to buy locally. I work full time and am thrilled that the shop is open several nights until 8p during the week (unlike other ski stores in the area). This will be our «go to» store as long as we ski! In case you are wondering, I am not related to the owner or any employee.

I have been going to this family-​owned and run shop now for a few decades. Jeff, the owner, is a great guy, knowledgeable, and always willing to discuss the sport and the industry. I’ve referred a lot of people here. Good selection, friendly staff, great service.

There’s isn’t a more friendly, personable shopping experience out there. The owner, Jeff, is as knowledgable as it gets. It’s his shop and he wants you to be happy with the right equipment. No pressure sales… just incredibly friendly service. The items in store are plentiful. The sales in the summer are insane. He’s always willing to work with his customers and offer a fair price. I start and end my shopping experience here annually. There is no need to go anywhere else. It’s just that awesome of a place. My only complaint is that it’s a small store so they can’t stock unlimited inventory. Some times colors aren’t in or they’ve sold out of a particular item.
Scandinavian Ski Shop has been servicing Glenview and the surrounding communities (i live in Park Ridge and happily drive the 20 minute commute) for a long time. It wouldn’t be what it is if they didn’t offer great experience and service.

Fair prices and old-​fashioned customer service. Everyone here was friendly and knowledgeable… no ski store attitude. Got a good price on new boots, skis and bindings and no one tried to «sell» me anything. It was a pleasure doing business with Kevin the maanger and Jeff the owner.

I had bought some boots on-​line (because I knew they fit me) but needed some slight boot fitting needs. I called up Scandinavian to see if they offered boot fitting services and ended up talking to Jeff (the owner, I think). He was super friendly and gave me advice over the phone about putting in insoles to make the boot fit better. He told me that I could bring the boots by and that he would be happy to heat up the inner boot to improve the fit. When I asked how much he would charge for the service, he laughed and said, «What am I going to do, charge you for electricity?» I brought the boots in and Jeff ended up spending an hour to help me fit my boots (which I did not purchase from him)! At the end of it, the only charge was the charge for the insoles I bought from him. I rarely take the time to write reviews because I’m generally too busy, but this experience was so exceptional I had to go out of my way to post this. With this type of service, they earned this customer’s loyalty.

Great Sevice, Friendly and Knoledgeable staff, everything you need or want for Sking, Snowboarding, and Clothing in stock and all the correct sizes of current merchindise, Great boot fitting, and tuneups for skies, and Boards.

First of all, I’m a regular here, just never thought to tell anyone about it until today. Countless times I’ve rented items with out hassle, enjoying liberal return dates along the way, bought some great cold weather gear as gifts every Christmas for the last 10 years, and gotten some great local ski tips from the folk at Scandinavian Ski; but never have I gotten better advice than when one of their guys told me to make sure I come back when they are having their annual Tent Event in the off season.
Several months and a fortune saved later… for the first season in the last 14, (thanks to last years model and series closeouts) all 6 of us in my family (41. 34, 14, 9, 9, and 5 yrs old) are fully out fitted for boarding. It was a painful transition to make, from Skis that is, and more expensive than renting, but these guys found a way to make it work for me. This weekends last trip hurrah for this season… is gonna be easy. Thanks SSS!

I am not questioning their knowledge within this industry, I am questioning their customer service. From entry to exit no one acknowledged my existence in this shop. Grant it I don’t really like attention, but its different when it feels intentional. Prices are high but they do have quality products.

I’ve been a skier my entire life, and have lived all around the country. Despite living near Viking, I drive up to Glenview for all my ski needs. The staff is super friendly, knowledgeable, and know their stuff. I’m a total ski geek, and I wind up spending hours at the shop talking to them when I go there. They go out of their way to please!!! I bought new skis and boots on-​line, and they installed the bindings for just $ 15. In contrast, Viking gave me total attitude for not getting my gear from them (see my review of Viking), and wanted to charge $ 85 for a 10 minute job.
Summary: If you want to buy or rent gear in the Chicago area, go to Scandinavian Ski Shop. Great prices, great service, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Note to other reviewer: They may not have a good site, but their prices are so low that you really shouldn’t care…

Horrible Website!!! Put some money into your business, and hire a web designer. It will be well worth your money.