Skinny Skis Jackson Hole: Ski, Trail Running & Hiking Gear Since 1974

Skinny Skis is a 50-year-old Jackson outdoor specialty shop on East Deloney Avenue, founded in 1974 around Nordic skiing and now covering cross-country and skate skiing, ski touring, running, hiking, camping, backpacking, and outdoor apparel including a deep Patagonia selection. The right fit is locals and visitors looking for serious gear with knowledgeable staff, Nordic skiers (the shop's original specialty), and travelers wanting an in-town outfitter for trail or trip preparation. The wrong fit is anyone hunting for in-bounds resort ski rentals; for that, route to a ski-shop with a rental fleet.

Jackson Hole’s Family-Owned Skinny Skis: Gear, Rentals & Expert Advice

A specialty outdoor shop split across seasons. Winter: classic and skate cross-country skis, ski-touring gear, snowshoes, winter apparel and footwear, plus rental fleet for Nordic skiing. Summer: running shoes (a deep selection from technical brands), hiking and trail-running apparel, camping and backpacking gear, packs, and trekking poles. Apparel year-round: Patagonia is heavily represented, plus other technical brands. The staff are themselves runners, skiers, and hikers; the advice is real.

Why people shop here

Three reasons. First, the staff knowledge. Outdoor shops often hire seasonal labor that knows the inventory but not the sport; Skinny Skis hires people who actually do the activities. Second, Nordic-ski depth. The original specialty hasn't been diluted; serious Nordic skiers find better selection here than at most resort shops. Third, the seasonal pivot. Many outdoor shops do one season well; Skinny Skis runs spring/summer/fall just as deeply as winter, which matters for the shoulder-season trip planner.

How to plan a visit

Walk in during open hours; the location at 65 W Deloney Avenue is a block east of the Town Square. Plan extra time if you're shopping for shoes; the staff fits you properly rather than handing you a box. For Nordic ski rentals, reserve ahead in winter peak weeks. For trip-specific advice (a longer backpacking trip, a specific run on the local trail system), tell the staff what you're planning and they'll calibrate the gear recommendations.

Where this gets tricky

Two honest tradeoffs. First, the price points run typical-specialty-outdoor; this is not a discount shop. Second, the resort ski rental side is not the focus; if you came for downhill ski rentals, walk to a different shop.

Word to the wise

For visitors planning a Nordic ski day in Grand Teton or on the local trail system, walk into Skinny Skis the morning of (or evening before) and ask about current conditions plus the right ski wax for the day's snow. The staff actively skis these trails; their condition reports are usually better than any web source. The same logic applies to trail-running and hiking conditions in summer.

Worth it?

For a 50-year-old Jackson specialty shop with serious Nordic ski and outdoor-gear depth and staff who do the activities, Skinny Skis is the right call. Walk in with a specific plan, ask substantive questions, and leave with gear that fits.

FAQ

Do they rent skis?

Yes, Nordic skis primarily.

What sports do they cover?

Nordic skiing, ski touring, running, hiking, camping, backpacking; clothing across all seasons.

Where are they?

65 W Deloney Avenue, a block east of the Town Square in Jackson.

How long has the shop been operating?

Since 1974; 50+ years.