One of the most beautiful sights in winter is trees with freshly fallen snow. The Pine. The Spruce. The Maple. The Birch. All decorated with the intricacies of the snowflake. The silence echoes the beauty of nature’s call to us.
Our forests have been an integral part of Wisconsin history reminding us that time passes around us as quickly as the winter wind. Sometimes we forget how lucky we are in Central Wisconsin to enjoy the many types of trees that we have. We take for granted what trees have done for our lives – from logging to conservancy, from building to planting. Trees continue to reign over our lives.
When we travel through the winter forests, we are passing not just through the trees but through a wonderland of beauty and communities – from the trees themselves to the animals they shelter. Skiing or snowboarding through the trees provides an opportunity to enjoy their majesty. Snowshoeing on a winter’s eve with a full moon is breath taking. Having the opportunity to enjoy such a playground is a blessing, one to enjoy and one to protect.
We here at Shepherd & Schaller salute the trees. We embrace the winter wonderland they provide. We encourage everyone to go out and smell the crisp air, listen to the song playing in their wind-blown branches, whisper back to them all of your secrets and wishes. They will guard your secrets well.
The forests beckon to us. They call our names. They are part of us. They are one of the many reasons we do what we do. We are here to encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors and the trees as we do. We are here to assist in your journeys. We are here at Sheps to gear you up and send you on your journey. We are here because of the trees.
Wisconsin. The land of beer, brats and the Packers. The place where everyone can find something to love.
And in the winter, Wisconsin is full of….well, snow!
Wausau has the unique advantage of being almost dead center of an entire state of fun (and we love the state of fun). Within a few hour’s drive from here you can enjoy a plethora of winter activities:
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing – what a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenes created by the snow fall. Each hill you top, each corner you make, opens up an entirely new scenery for you to not only enjoy but to share with others. Marathon County Nine Mile Forest has gorgeous trails through the woods geared for a every level of skiing and offers many beautiful spots for winter photos.
Dog sledding – we all love our furry friends. And they love to play with us. How better to enjoy them and winter than to go dog sledding. A mere hour’s drive from Wausau gets you to Crocker Hills Horse and Dog Sled Trail System in Elton, WI.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding – if you need a bit more speed and an adrenaline rush, strap on your helmet and chase your rush down Granite Peak Ski Area.
You can also go ice fishing, Skijoring (yes that’s a thing), snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling and of course fat tire biking. Central Wisconsin has an abundance of wintery things to do and Shepherd & Schaller encourages you to get out there and enjoy them. (We can help with gear too!)
Of course, when the day is done and everyone is tired, happy and hungry Wausau has numerous places to eat, drink and sleep so you can start all over the next day.
That’s what we do here at Shepherd & Schaller. We live. We play. (We have thrown a few snowballs!). We eat. We drink. We sleep. And then we do it all again. Winter outdoor life Sheps way!
Even non-skiers have fun on the sun decks at Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau.
Robb Shepherd, President of Shepherd & Schaller, was elected Director of the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association
At its annual meeting during the January 2019 National Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in Denver, the NSSRA Board of Directors elected three Officers and four new Directors, including our fearless leader, Robb Shepherd.
NSSRA, founded in 1987, represents specialty snow sports retailers and advocates on their behalf on issues affecting their businesses. Their mission is to support specialty snow sports retailers, to promote the sports of skiing and snowboarding, and to compile and distribute to its members relevant snow sports industry research.
Robb previously served the ski industry for Nations Best Sports of Ft. Worth, Texas as a member of their hardgoods vendor screening committee.
“The ability to discuss, face-to-face with brand officers, what matters most to Wisconsin skiers has made a huge impact on our ability to give a big mountain experience to our customers.” Shepherd says. “Specialty retail is about expertise, passion, emerging trends and engaging in unique ways and I appreciate the opportunity to be a voice for our customers and others in our industry.”
Shepherd & Schaller is a 70-year-old outdoor specialty store in Downtown Wausau, WI. Presenting premium gear, heritage clothing and footwear, the product mix evolves with community passions in an historic, character-filled building. Repairs and rentals.
We’ve been playing and working outside in Central Wisconsin since 1949. We’re not only experts on the gear we sell and service, but where to use it , how to care for and store it, and how to dress for success.
Shop favorite brands like Chacos, Osprey packs and Patagonia for a start. We stock dozens and dozens of trend setting brands who use recycled and organic materials, support Fair Trade initiatives and support the environment in countless ways. Buy good gear less often and reduce your impact on the environment. We’re so excited to share great stories, good news, and smart products.
Buy or hold items to pick-up. Our web store features live salesfloor inventory for out most popular items. But know our full range of in-stock products is available only in store.
What length rope? How fast to drive? The answers to these questions make a difference in your safety and performance behind the boat. Ask us!
So how do we make it better outside? By preparing you for fun in all kinds of weather.
Our favorite warm weather outings take place on the lakes, rivers, trails, parks, beaches and festivals where we use premium gear from top brands. Summers are beautiful in the Northwoods. There’s no excuse to stay indoors. Let’s get you set up with:
Get 20% off necessary accessories when you by bikes or water sports gear. Always. Ask us for details!
Raleigh & Scott bikes in stock as well as a huge selection of bike clothes and accessories. We repair all bike brands year-round.
Let’s go cycling! Fat tire, mountain, commuter. What’s your style? We recommend and repair bikes for all riders. While the “pros” seek us out to fine tune their adventure, helping beginners is our specialty. Come ask your dummest question. We promise, no one is born knowing how to make biking a favorite activity in all kinds of weather. And whether you plan to ride a few blocks or a hundreds of miles we know the secrets and want to share. Let’s talk and test. Pre-shop our bikes here. Every new bike purchase includes a FREE 30-day check-up and FREE one-year tune-up!
What about cold weather? That’s when Shepherd & Schaller really shines!
Beginner to advanced, downhill, cross country casual and racer. All skiers love the selection at Shepherd & Schaller. Our full-service Wintersteiger repair shop takes care of the gear you love to use and occasionally abuse.
There’s simply no excuse to stay indoors during a Northwoods winter when you could prepare with our experts to go:
Is it your first time? Shep’s rents, sells used ski and snowboard gear and of course offers the largest selection in Wisconsin of the latest new model downhill skis, boots, poles, bindings, helmets and goggles. Plus, with all the clothing and accessories we offer and the high energy folks shopping alongside, you’ll feel like you’re in the mountains. A first-time skier will love Granite Peak Ski Area and Nine Mile Forest, both less than 10 miles from our door!
Still not convinced? Anyone can snow shoe, Cross Country skiing is a really inexpensive way to get great exercise and enjoy the quiet snowy trails and snowboarding is as fun as you think it is. Honestly. Visit us to rent Ice Skates for Wausau’s 400 Block rink and let’s chat about snow camping or a visit to Michigans ice caves. Dressing for snow sports isn’t as complicated as you might think, and doing it right makes a big difference in your comfort for a full day on the slopes and trails. Get our dressing for success tips here.
What about clothes, shoes and home goods from awesome outdoor brands who lead the way?
We’re proud to offer products from brands that care. Toad & Co, this photo, leads the way for sustainability, and clean, thoughtful environmental policies. All of the brands we stock practice what they preach.
Dress for success outdoors. Or for work, school or even the tavern. The outdoor lifestyle is easy to live in. You’ll find comfort and performance in the clothes, shoes and home goods we offer. Not lookalikes. Here are a few of the trend-setting brands we offer:
Patagonia, Fjallraven, Outdoor Research, The North Face
O’neill, Roxy, Quiksilver, Picture, Descent
Toad & Co, KAVU, Kuhl, Mountain Khakis, Sherpa
Pendleton, Woolwich, Kari Traa
Hestra, Swany, Dakine, Gardini
Smartwool, Darn Tough, Bridgedale
Chacos, Teva, Salomon
Sorel, Emu, Minnetonka
Stormy Kormer, Pistil, Buff, Blackstrap
Shepherd & Schaller in downtown Wausau is where you can learn how to dress and select gear for all of your outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather. Visit us across from Wausau’s 400 Block park. We have parking on site at 324 Scott St. Supporting outdoor enthusiasts since 1949!
Maybe not the best party tune, but it was #1 that year:
Born in 1949, Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods has grown up through all kinds of trends, survived challenges and met colorful characters.
70 years is something to celebrate. 2019 is our year!
Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods, 212 Scott Street, Wausau, WI. 1949.
Founded by Allen Shepherd and Stan Schaller.
We’ll celebrate trends – from in-line skates to fat tire bikes, all-wood skis to ABS top sheets.
We’ll celebrate brands – old to new, hard goods to apparel.
We’ll celebrate characters – we’ve known quite a few over the last 70 years here in Wausau, WI.
There have been changes to be sure, but one thing remains constant – our love for the outdoors. We play in the outdoors, we work in the outdoors, we care for the outdoors.
Stay tuned for details and upcoming events. Help us celebrate 70 years.
1949 Sporting Trivia. Boxing and baseball were hugely popular sports. The Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League merged to form the National Basketball Association (NBA), the NASCAR stock car racing series was inaugurated and of course there was hunting, fishing and camping with the family.
We encourage everyone to go out and smell the crisp air, listen to the song playing in their wind-blown branches, whisper back to them all of your secrets and wishes. They will guard your secrets well.
