Try before you buy during Demo Day, March 2, 2019 at Granite Peak Ski Area. Chat with manufacturers reps and the Shepherd & Schaller team to learn about 2020 skis and snowboards. Post with our hashtag and you could win a prize. Come on, you’re gonna share the fun with your friends anyway. Bring us along!
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.
Here’s to the trees…
A new storm has its sights set on Central Wisconsin – Winter Storm Quiana. With snow forecasts anywhere from 5 to 12 inches and possible rain or freezing rain, we thought it would be nice to give out unsolicited advice on how our employees stay safe during the winter storms that have been hammering at us lately.
So get ready for some fun and some serious tips.
Allison’s safety tip – stock up on food and beverages so you don’t have to travel during the storm. Her favorites are chips with salsa and guacamole washed down with a White Russian! She suggests wrapping up in a blanket, have some snacks and watch her favorite series of movies – Jurassic Park!
General tip #1 – keep a blanket in the vehicle along with water, gloves, hat and a few snacks. You never know how long it will take for help to get to you should you need it
Alex advises to just stay inside however if you must go anywhere be sure to take your time. Don’t rush things – get there safely. (Although he also suggests watching a movie – Sponge Bob – while enjoying peanut M&M’s!)
General tip #2 – flashlights or headlamps along with some basics such as a roll of toilet paper, paper towels, and Kleenex come in very handy if you have a long wait for assistance to arrive.
Laura’s advice – don’t drive unless you have to and then take things slow and steady. No slamming on the brakes – that just lands you in the ditch. Stay home. Eat soup. Play in the snow. And then the inevitable….shoveling!
Shepherd & Schaller wants to remind everyone to stay safe during Winter Storm Quiana.
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!
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.
To learn more visit shepssports.com or call 715-845-5432
