Ski Demo Day is March 2 in Wausau

Our 2024 Ski Demo is where you can try before you buy

Granite Peak Ski Area

and Shepherd and Schaller host Wausau’s annual consumer Demo

Feel the difference! Try new skis, as many as you like. Before you buy! Demo Day at Granite Peak features Shepherd and Schaller vendors new skis and snowboards for the 2024 / 2025 ski season.

  • Register in Sundance Chalet  
  • Cost to participate is a $10 donation that goes to the Granite Peak Ski Team
  • Demo is available from 9am to 3pm, when all equipment must be returned
  • Demo gear is sized for adults, no race gear is available

Try as many new skis and boards as you can! Return them to the vendor booth in the Village by 3pm.

Then, pre-order from Shep’s for next season at a deep discount.

Buy your Granite Peak lift ticket here

Are ski socks necessary? Yes!

Why Ski Socks Matter

Ski socks add comfort, warmth and improve boot fit. They’re designed not to bunch up or slip down (saving you from the risk of blisters or sores) and can reduce shin bang while providing a hug that aids blood flow and energy, improve performance and stability. And yes, snowboard socks exist, and make the same positive contribution to your day on the slopes.

“Cold, wet feet will wreck your ski day.”

Robb Shepherd, Boot fitter

Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty. Woven to last a lifetime, they’ll improve the fit of your ski boots and keep you on the slopes longer.

Cushioning and Padding for Comfort

Many ski socks come with built-in cushioning and padding strategically located in high-impact areas, like the shin and ankle. These extra cushioned areas enhance comfort and minimize the shock of dynamic movements .

Perfect Fit and Compression

Grabbing the thickest pair of socks in your drawer is tempting in preparation for a cold day on the slopes. But a thick sock can impede blood flow and cramp your feet in your ski boot. Skiers should look for a sock that is snug, not tight and offers the right amount of compression and cushioning. Think of your ski sock more as a second skin than a loose layer that could bunch and lead to discomfort.

Finding the Right Length

The right length of ski socks is worth considering to avoid painful abrasions from your boot. Tube socks that stretch well above your boot, preventing it from chafing your shin, are good options.

Socks that are too short can slide back into the boots, creating blisters and discomfort during your ski tour. The right sock length will ensure your legs are protected and comfortable as you dominate the slopes.

Shop hundreds of in-stock ski socks at Shepherd and Schaller in downtown Wausau, WI, year-round.

Brrrr! Thank goodness for those fabric tubes that cover your face.

There are so many names: gaiter, neck-up, neck-tube. And, what about that thing people wear over their head and face? At Shepherd and Schaller we call it a Balaclava, or Clava. And we recommend them for bitter cold and hot sun.

There are so many names: gaiter, neck-up, neck-tube. And, what about that thing people wear over their head and face? At Shepherd and Schaller we call it a Balaclava, or Clava. We stock and wear them year round!

An investment of $15-$50 will protect your ski and keep you warm and dry.

Windproof panels, moisture-wicking fabrics, easy-fit sizing, multi-function from CTR. So, they’regreat for outdoor workers, athletes, everyone!

Quick-dry power-stretch fleece in kids and adult sizes. These things cover just your face or all the way over your head. Flexibility and crazy patterns rule!

Our year-round favorite: Merino Wool. The perfect fabric for cold, bitter cold and even sunny, hot weather. Shop all these and more in Downtown Wausau at Shep’s.

Merino Wool Greatest Hits:

  • It’s Odor resistant-Antimicrobial properties of merino wool means it kills bacteria . So, wear it repeatedly before washing. No matter how hot it is, you’ll feel fresh all day long. Your merino wool T-shirt or shirt will not smell – like cotton shirts do. On top of that, you don’t need to wash it each time you’ve worn it. Just hang it in the open air and enjoy it again the next day.
  • Merino Wool is Quick drying- a surprisingly fine fabric, that releases water easily. It’s dry long before your other garments are. Just put it in the machine, dry flat or place it on a hanger and wear it again in no time!
  • Merino Wool is Wrinkle resistant- The elastic properties of the merino fiber make it extremely wrinkle resistant. If you hang your garment to dry, ironing becomes optional. And when you’re travelling with a packed suitcase, just get out your merino wool clothes, hang them for half an hour and you’re all good. No annoying wrinkle damage from seatbelts or backpacks any more. It’s the ultimate on-the-go companion.
  • Merino Wool is Washable-The naturally protective outer layer of your merino wool shirt or T-shirt will prevent stains from being absorbed. However, when your favorite item is dirty, just wash it on low temperature. Not sure how to start? Check the care label inside your garment!
  • Merino Doesn’t itch-
  • Superfine merino wool fibers are only 17 microns thick, compared to a human hair which is between 60 and 180 microns in thickness causing them to be more flexible and less coarse against the skin. They also don’t fray as much as other fibers (thanks to their flexibility).
  • Merino is Durable-Merino wool is 6 times stronger than cotton. Each fiber can be bent back onto itself over 20.000 times. In comparison: cotton breaks after 3.200 times.
  • Merino UV resistant-The natural UV barrier of the fabric keeps you safe from damaging UV radiation from the sun – unlike synthetics and cotton. Sheep don’t get sunburn, right? Hello, worry-free summer times!

Dungeon Sale 2023: Wausau’s Biggest Ski Sale is Oct 23-28

Dungeon Sale is Wausau’s biggest annual ski consignment sale!
Shop 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, Oct 23-28, 2023.

Dig up the family and head to the Dungeon. If you dare

Frighteningly low prices on used and new ski and snowboard gear plus clearance priced clothes, winter boots, accessories and outerwear in addition to discounts on ski shop services is what you’ll find during our most popular annual event. Kid’s gear is among our most popular categories and we have a great selection of sizes.

Have something to sell? Drop off healthy, clean used skis, snowboards, boots and poles through Oct 7, 2023. After passing a quick inspection by our Pros, they’ll be part of our Dungeon Sale inventory. We help price it for you and keep only a 10% consignment fee when it sells, then give you Shep’s Store Credit to use toward the purchase of any of our products or services. We don’t accept clothing for consignment.

We’ve permanently moved our famously low-priced ski and snowboard gear from our basement Dungeon to the 3rd floor Tower, where we have more room for all the awesome gear you’re excited to see. If stairs aren’t your thing, we’ll bring the deals to you on the main floor.

Sorry, we don’t allow shoppers in the Dungeon Sale without a Shep’s team member. You can shop our discounts on the main floor and Clearance Balcony if you find you have to wait for a Shep’s associate for a short time.

Is new 23/24 gear on sale too?

You bet! Our “Package Pricing” (you can call it bundling too) allows you to pay the lowest possible price on all new ski and snowboard necessities including skis, boards, boots, bindings and poles. Helmets and Goggles will be discounted as well.

Combine used and new items to create your ski or snowboard bundle/package. You’ll get our lowest price on each item.

Deeply discounted outerwear, clothing, footwear and accessories will be located in our Clearance Balcony during Dungeon Sale. Plus you’ll get 15% off new 23/24 must-haves including goggles, helmets, clothes and footwear.

What else do I need to know?

  • Please shop in person another time if you have symptoms of any illness.  There’s plenty of gear available. Apart from off-site ski swap dates, you can shop our used-gear inventory any time beginning Oct 23, 2023.
  • Race Gear is limited again this year. Please contact us if you’re interested in race goodies and meet with our race experts another time. (The Dungeon Sale is likely not your best option — we have other special arrangements for race team members!)
  • Binding Adjustments for Dungeon Sale downhill skis will be $15 (Bring your ski boots along if you aren’t buying new ones.)
  • Shop Monday-Saturday 10am – 5pm
  • We don’t allow pre-sales or pre-shopping. That would be monstrously unfair.
  • We don’t accept returns of consigned gear once purchased.
  • We don’t allow Dungeon gear to be put on Hold.
  • If you need to shop for someone who can’t attend the event, please bring shoe size, height, weight, age and, for children, a tracing of their footprint.

Limited appointments are available for Dungeon Sale. Don’t fret if we’re booked up when you click, we’ll take care of you when you visit. Mon-Sat 10-5.

Shepherd & Schaller Back Shop Schedule

The doctor will see you now! Before you hit the trails and slopes (and sometimes after) a visit to our back shop is in order. Call us at 715-845-5432 for an estimate on turn-round time for the work you are requesting. We don’t make promises but we try hard to keep everyone on their gear. We do tune-ups, repairs, binding adjustments, binding mounts/installations and hot box treatments in our Wintersteiger ski and snowboard back shop, plus TLC and repairs of your beloved bike.

Work is scheduled in the order it is received.

Prices below are valid as of 3/1/21