The Sportsman & Ski Haus is an employee-owned outdoor and sporting goods store founded in 1968. The store has a family feel and employees who know the gear and know the nearby terrain.

In this year’s Best of Whitefish competition, the store garnered many awards, including best outdoor gear and best water sports shop. The store collected second place for best shoe store and best gear rental and third for best outdoor guide/outfitters and best ski/snowboard shop. 

“We appreciate the community,” Sportsman and Ski Haus Assistant Manager Sean Cooksey said. “Everyone here is super passionate about the stuff that we sell so it's a great job selling fun.” 

Sportsman is a friendly place to swap stories, get geared up and begin adventures.  

“We try to treat every customer like we are gearing up our friend,” he said. “It's fun to talk to people about what they're doing that weekend and sharing adventure stories.” 

While some of the store’s 28 employees are seasonal, many have been working with the company for 15, 20 and even 25 years. That kind of consistency builds trust, and customers appreciate seeing the same sales associate repeatedly.