Meet the Crew
Our passionate team of outdoor professionals are here to help you make the most of your time outdoors. Stop by and say hello!
Larry Fisher
Founder (1947–2018)
Larry Fisher, aka "Old Man Winter," founded Ski & Bow Rack in 1985 and proudly ran it for 33 years. He had a mustache that was the envy of the town. He knew more about custom insoles than most people knew about themselves. His passion for fitting ski boots bordered on fanaticism. He made the best homemade ice cream this side of Saturn. He was a beloved boss, father, grandfather, and ski buddy whose legacy lives on in the shop.
Brittany & Robert Bedtke
Owners
Brittany, Larry's daughter, basically grew up in the shop. She carries on her father's incredible legacy, and while her work behind the scenes keeps Ski and Bow Rack functioning, her perpetual encouragements keep the staff happy. Her husband, Robert Bedtke, has picked up where Larry left off in the wizard-ing world of custom-boot-fitting and daring adventures. You can always count on service with a smile from Robert, and his bubbling optimism is super contagious.
Sally Delange
Archery Department Manager
Sally is the most knowledgeable archery tech in the Four Corners, if not the Milky Way Galaxy, and has been for many years. She's been running our archery department for over 20 years. She will gladly help anyone learn more about bows and how to shoot them. Conversing with her about archery is sort of like trying to drink from a firehose.
Kevin Muirhead
Staff
There's only so much you can say about a guy who loves Jesus; loves his wife, Heather; sons Edmund, Janner, Kian, and Corin; daughter Berea; and after that, fishing, skiing, hiking, writing, soccer, and most everything outdoors. Also, jokes. Particularly Dad Jokes. You can tell he grew up in Pagosa and never got away — in the best way possible. Did you know that the shovel was a ground-breaking invention? If you want more jokes, you have only to ask.
Chase Peeler
Backpacking & Fly Fishing Specialist
Our resident backpacking wizard, Chase has logged more than 6,000 miles across 23 states on America's long-distance trails (AT, PCT, CDT, Colorado Trail, Ouachita Trail, Big Bend 100). An unapologetic gear nerd, he loves demystifying the often-overwhelming world of outdoor gear so customers can make smarter purchases. Chase is also an avid fly/Tenkara angler, an enthusiastic mushroom forager, and a middling bird hunter.
Anthony Montoya
Archery Specialist
Anthony — a world-class archer who grew up hunting the Pagosa area — knows what it takes to down any animal, and will sell you everything you need to do it while looking good. His expertise in the bow and arrow field, paired with his excellent customer service, is killer (pun intended). Give him fifteen minutes and you'll be walking out with a handful of the latest and greatest — but without any buyer's remorse.
Chace Hobbs
Fly Fishing Guide
Chace grew up in Fort Worth but got to the mountains as quickly as he could. He cut his teeth fly-fishing the Texas Hill Country and brought his skills to Pagosa Springs. Now here, he's basically a fly-fishing Jedi. Pretty sure he could pull a trout out of a pothole. He is the reel deal on the stream, super straightforward, and an awesome boot fitter. He likes long walks on the river chasing trout with his dog Hank, and in his spare time volunteers with Archuleta County Search and Rescue.
Catherine LaCrosse
Staff
The first thing you'll notice about Catherine is her great, big smile. The second: her happy, enthusiastic voice. The third: that neither of them will stop. She has mastered the art of the question and will keep asking them as long as you stand in front of the counter. Catherine makes the retail experience so much more personal in an age where face-to-face interaction is strained. Besides talking, she loves her children and grandchild, thru-hikes, camping, skiing, and the great outdoors.
Mario Olivares
Boot Fitting Specialist
Mario is the sort of guy you really want as a friend. Pleasant, unassuming, mildly-optimistic, and pragmatic in the best kind of way. If you're ever in a bind, he's the sort of guy you want helping you solve the problem — which makes him a fantastic boot-fitter. You'll get only helpful inquiries and a listening ear as he tries to find the best boot for your foot and your budget. He is a master of snowboarding and you will only get better from listening to him.
Paden Bailey
Fishing Specialist
When it comes to fishing in the Pagosa area, Paden is THE MAN. From Largemouth to Smallmouth, Crappie, Pike, Walleye, Catfish, or any species of trout (conventional, fly, or ice), this dude knows how to get the fish out of the water. When he isn't fishing, he's probably thinking about fishing, learning about fishing, or tying flies. He's also 2 for 4 on his archery bull tags, rocks a throwback mustache, and is just sneaky enough a prankster that you have to keep your eye on him.
Megan Castaneda
Staff
A woman of many talents, Megan has one skill in particular that our customers will find particularly helpful: she is perpetually cold. So if you suffer through winters or struggle through a snowy ski day, she knows all the secrets to finding ways to get and stay warm. When she's not at the counter, she works at Aspire, a local pregnancy center; sings for her church; and makes a hobby of world travel. She loves her three children and greets everyone with a genuine curiosity.
Oceana Willis
Staff
Oceana is the other person who can claim to have been raised here in the shop besides Brittany. Her archery accomplishments before adulthood were impressive, to say the least. Her affections have since pivoted to the equestrian realm, and she has blossomed into a fine horse trainer. When she's not around horses, she can usually be found on a quiet creek with her dog Cinch and her fly rod. She's also an artisan leather worker of astounding quality.
Mark Wagner
Boot Fitting Specialist
This Indiana boy finally found his home in the Southern Rockies; after 30 years of electric work in the Midwest, one would think he'd be ready to move on from electrical. Hence working in a ski shop. But he truly shines in the custom boot-fitting business. His easy-going, enthusiastic personality is contagious, and the stranger the foot, the more excited he gets. He and his wife, Alicia, love to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, hike, and fish. He also built (solo!) his own cabin in the San Juans.
Address
354 E Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone