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!
Visit ski and snowboard vendors and try their 2017-18 gear featuring the greatest advancements in performance & looks. Ride it all – snowboards, race skis, freeride skis and cruisers. Check out the new helmets and goggles too. Try before you buy at a special discount from Shepherd & Schaller!
Join us at Granite Peak Ski Area on Saturday, March 4th, 2017 and see what all the fuss is about! We’ll have tons of vendors with their 2017-18 gear featuring the greatest advancements in performance & looks. Ride it all – snowboards, race skis, free ride skis and cruisers. Check out the new helmets and goggles too. Try before you buy!
One $5 donation to local ski and snowboard programs is requested. When you register, you’ll become eligible for door prizes.
Demo at Granite Peak is organized by Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods and runs from 10am-3pm.
Mark your calendars for both events; play at the hill then come to the shop! We’re dying for you to see the new stuff (because we think it looks great).
Pay half. Save half. Get 50% off the retail price of all remaining alpine and cross country ski equipment at Shepherd & Schaller through August 15th, 2016. Skis, bindings, boots, poles, helmets and winter outerwear for men, women and children is included. Remaining snowboards, boots and bindings are 40% off.
Ski season. We know it’ on your mind.
Pay half. Save half. Get 50% off the retail price of all remaining alpine and cross country ski equipment at Shepherd & Schaller through August 15th, 2016. Skis, bindings, boots, poles, helmets and ski outerwear for men, women and children is included. Remaining snowboards, boots and bindings are 40% off.
Wausau is Wisconsin’s Ski Destination, and Shepherd & Schaller is headquarters to Alpine and Cross Country Racers alike. Are you part of a team? Interested in trying something new? Have your eye set on a Gold Medal? Come see us. Racing equipment and maintenance is highly specialized and regulated. You’ll want expert help and with 65 years experience, Shepherd & Schaller is where the experts shop, tune and wax their skis.
We partner with Granite Peak Ski Team and support Wausau Nordic Ski Club skiers, offering team members special pricing on race equipment. We also contribute significantly to their ski swaps and support their fundraising activities year-round. Visit or call for contact info and details! 715-845-5432.
