For 70 years Shepherd & Schaller has been extremely lucky to enjoy the bounty with which Mother Nature has blessed the Wausau area. By offering gear and resources to best enjoy the rivers, lakes, hills, Mountain and trails in all their natural (and occasionally improved) glory, we help make it even more exhilarating to partake by kayak, bike, ski or on foot. Wausau’s Favorite Outdoor Store is where locals and visitors come for premium gear and expert, authentic advice and to find out what’s new.
Spring 2019 – We’re super psyched about an exciting new local organization. It’s set to host year-round competitions and events that take advantage of our local natural resources and celebrate the blood, sweat and tears of every athlete. It will put the heart of Wisconsin on the map as the Extreme Sports Capital of the USA. We welcome IRONBULL.ORG!
Visit their website to learn about the history of the name, their goals and scheduled events. Follow IronBull on social media, join the clubs it supports, volunteer, donate and cheer the athletes on.
Active, healthy living is an integral part of the lives of many who call Wausau and Marathon County home. To those who are just visiting, Shep’s is happy to support you while you’re here and we invite you to live the IronBull lifestyle with us.
Just a few of Shep’s team of Iron Bulls over the years. Brad, Nick, Bryan and Pete .
Pre-shop our bikes here, then visit Shepherd & Schaller in Downtown Wausau to chat with our friendly, expert cyclists and choose the Raleigh or Scott bike best suited to your goals and budget.
Making memories is one of the best reasons to own a bike so we’ll start you off with a great one: With every bike purchase you get our Free professional assembly, a Free 30-day check-up and Free 1-year tune-up plus 20% off bike accessories like helmets, locks, lights, bells and bike clothes. Go home with a Free set of Skullcandy earbuds too (while they last.) Because a great bike with great bike service is music to your ears.
We stock Scott and Raleigh bicycles in models ideal for your upgrade from big-box store bikes, without bank-breaking prices. They feature premium components, better value. Need a high-end ride? Shop early for special order Scott and Raleigh – they move fast.
Only our full-time pro mechanic will touch your bike!
In love with your old bike, or passing it down? Our full-service bike repair shop is in the gifted hands of the region’s most respected repair expert, Pete Kohlmoos. With more than 30 years full-time experience, your ride will be better after a visit to Pete’s repair shop. Check out our Service Menu below.
Can’t visit us in person? Shop our web store or call 715-845-5432. We’ll be happy to help by phone too.
Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods, 324 Scott St, Wausau, WI 54403 (715) 845-5432
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.
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!
Our take on Winter Dressing explains how the fabrics and layers you choose make a real difference in how you feel.
That chill you get, the one that hangs on even after you’ve gone inside. We know why it happens and how to fix it!
Clothes protect you from the elements, like a building, right? A tent might suffice for dry, mild weather but wood or brick are preferred for more severe conditions. The insulation between you and the elements depends on your location (Florida? Wisconsin?) The other layers inside your home affect your comfort too, including flooring and curtains. See where we’re going?
The key for warmth in cold winter weather is to stay dry and it’s not just about snow.
Cotton holds moisture. This makes cotton the enemy of winter dressing. Sorry cotton! Save it for hot weather when you want to feel cooler. (PSA:That means no denim. Leave those great jeans in the closet when you venture outside, and never wear jeans under snow pants.)
The number one chill-causing fabric in your closet is cotton. Successful winter dressers know this: NO COTTON!
Why? It holds moisture: liquid and vapor. When cotton is wet, it stays wet. When it’s damp, it stays damp. Have you ever rolled a cotton sock off your foot after a day in shoes, ending up with a damp, icky sock donut? Body vapor + cotton is the problem! You don’t want that in winter because even if it doesn’t feel wet, cotton is holding moisture against your skin, which disperses body heat and makes you cold. Because our bodies create moisture in a vapor state, even if we’re not actively exercising and perspiring, winter fabrics must to dry while you’re wearing them. Read labels.
What to wear instead? Polyester, wool, silk, nylon. These all repel moisture and dry quickly. Chances are you have a lot of these in your closet.
Is it cold or wet enough for a jacket? Outerwear should be labeled Waterproof-Breathable. (Not just waterproof) This is really important! Think about it: a plastic bag is waterproof, but it’s not breathable. If you wear a plastic bag as an emergency rain cover it’s only a few minutes before you feel clammy underneath. That’s because it’s trapping your body vapor or perspiration underneath. Over time you’ll be as wet on the inside as the outside which isn’t comfortable and could become dangerous. Instead, Waterproof-Breathable fabrics keep snow and rain out while letting your personal humidity evaporate. It’s a technical solution. (There are many brands, including Gore-Tex and eVent.) A waterproof-breathable jacket or pant may or may not be insulated so what you wear underneath is just as important.
Base Layer fabrics range from silk to merino wool, polyester to bamboo. What they have in common is moisture-management. Today’s base layers look good enough to wear in public.
Step 1: Base Layer. We call what you wear next-to-skin Base Layer, but you may know it as long underwear. It could also just be your outfit for the day. The fabric you wear next to skin must wick moisture, dry quickly and provide insulation appropriate to your activity. For example, if you’re cross country skiing you can expect to sweat (there’s that moisture problem again!) A light-weight, stretch polyester or bamboo fabric that moves moisture quickly is a great way to go. You’re warmer because your heart rate is up, so dryness is the goal. Ice fishing? That requires a highly insulating fiber of course. Merino wool is our favorite because it insulates while it’s moving moisture. Working the drive-through or have a cold office? Skip the cotton shirt and pants. Merino wool is our year-round favorite fabric. Read more from the experts at Smartwool here. Socks are part of your base layer. Wear merino wool socks. You’ll thank us later.
Your Mid Layer might be a fleece or wool sweater, synthetic or down-filled jacket, or even both. What mid-layers have in common is that they insulate but don’t necessarily protect you from the elements.
Step 2: Mid Layer. This is your insulation. It might be a lightweight fleece sweater, a thick wool sweater grandma made, or a puffy down-filled jacket. Wicking and insulation continue in the mid layer. Ideally, the fabric you choose here will work with your base layer. Wool, polyester fleece, natural down are all great choices for different reasons. They are all mid-layers if they are not built to keep out wind and water. This is where our great brands have come up with some awesome advancements in recent years. We can show you when you visit us!
Outerwear is the exterior siding of your home in the weather. It might be a “shell” or it it could be insulated. It often has vents and special features.
Step 3: Outer Layer. Your winter jacket. We finally got to it! Here you have a multitude of choices. A winter jacket, parka or pant is the siding on your house. It’s your curb appeal around town. It’s the garment that helps you withstand the wind, snow, rain, and and cold.
Choose a “Hard Shell” jacket if you like flexibility. It’s is not insulated at all (think rain jacket) so you wear different layers underneath depending on the temperature outside and your activity level.
An insulated jacket contains temperature regulating insulation (like your home) to keep you warm even when not in motion and should have zipper vents to let extra heat escape. This layer must also have that waterproof/ breathable membrane/laminate we described to really keep you comfortable.
So come see us. Let’s talk about winter dressing, and all the great places to enjoy the outdoors in Central Wisconsin!
Discover Wisconsin thinks Winter in Wausau is the Best!
