Outside is Better
At Christy Sports, Outside is Better. It’s more than a motto, it’s a fact. Time spent outside makes us healthier, happier, and more connected. Yet, studies show that the average American spends about 90% of life indoors. We’re here to change that – one ski day, trail ride, or backyard gathering at a time.
For nearly 70 years, we’ve built our brand on a simple belief: everyone deserves to experience the joy of being outside. Whether you’re skiing powder, hiking trails, biking singletrack, or sipping coffee on a sunlit patio, our role is to make those moments easier, more comfortable, and more fun.
Our Roots
Christy Sports was founded in 1958 by Ed and Gale Crist, both ski instructors at Winter Park who wanted to make skiing more accessible and build a true community around it. They opened their first shop on West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, at a time when skis were still made of plain wood and boots were leather.
The Crists named their store Christy Sports after the christiania (or “Christie”) turn, a fundamental skill every new skier had to master. On weekends, they loaded customers and gear into a bright yellow school bus and drove to the slopes, creating one of the region’s first organized ski rental-and-ride programs. Inside the shop, the atmosphere blended the scent of pine pitch, wool, and leather with the buzz of locals preparing for their next adventure.
From the very beginning, Christy Sports was about more than the bottom line. While building a viable business was essential, the heart of the company has always been in growing the sport and community. The Crists launched the Christy Skiers Club, hired renowned craftsman Clyde Smith from Denver’s Groswold factory to lead their repair shop, and personally introduced thousands of people to skiing through lessons, trips, and encouragement.
What began as a single family-run storefront has grown into the largest specialty ski and snowboard retailer in the Rocky Mountains, with more than 50 locations across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. Today, we continue to honor the Crists’ vision by supporting mountain life year-round with rentals, retail, custom boot fitting, tuning, bike services, and patio living.
The Christy Sports Family of Brands
Why Outside is Better
Being outside doesn’t just change your surroundings, it changes your state of mind. Fresh snow under skis, a trail unfolding in front of your bike, or laughter around a patio table brings energy you won’t find indoors. That’s why we’ve built our entire platform around helping you spend more time where life feels better: outside.
We don’t just fit gear, we set the tone for your whole day. Our experts listen, fit precisely, and guide honestly so that your time outside is safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
The Science Behind “Outside is Better”
Spending time outside isn’t just fun, it’s backed by science to make you healthier and happier. A 2019 study in Scientific Reports found that just 120 minutes a week in nature boosts physical health and well-being, from stronger hearts to lower stress (White et al., 2019). Outdoor activities like skiing, biking, or relaxing on a patio, supported by our gear and expertise, also increase vitamin D from sunlight, which strengthens bones, immunity, and mood (Nutrients; Wacker & Holick, 2020).
Mentally, nature works wonders: a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis in Preventive Medicine Reports found that nature-based outdoor activities reduce anxiety and depression while improving overall well-being (Coventry et al., 2021). And when you head outside with others, like hitting the slopes with family or friends, it strengthens connection and belonging. Research summarized by the American Psychological Association highlights how time outdoors fosters social ties and nurtures emotional health.
At Christy Sports and our family of brands, we’re here to make every moment outside count, with gear and guidance that unlock these proven benefits.
How We Serve You
At Christy Sports and our family of brands, we offer more than transactions. We deliver expertise, confidence, and peace of mind. Here’s how we make Outside is Better a reality:
- Ski & Snowboard Rentals – Quality gear for all skill levels, with the option to save up to 20% when you reserve 24 hours in advance.
- Retail – High-performance gear from trusted brands, plus “try before you buy” programs so you can test skis in real conditions.
- Boot Fitting – Expert fits that go beyond size to solve pressure points, cold toes, and awkward alignment, because comfort equals confidence.
- Tuning & Repairs – Keep skis, snowboards, and bikes adventure-ready with in-house service and precision craftsmanship.
- Patio & Outdoor Living – White-glove delivery, design consultation, and premium furniture that turn your deck into the best room in the house.
Every service is delivered by people who live the outdoor lifestyle themselves. They don’t just hand out gear, they share hard-earned knowledge from the chairlift, trail, or backyard.
Year-Round Outdoor Living
Winter may be where most people meet us, but our commitment goes far beyond ski season. When the snow melts, many Christy Sports locations transform to support summer in the mountains and beyond.
- Bike Hubs: Select stores become go-to spots for warm-weather adventure, offering bike rentals, repairs, and gear that’s ready for singletrack or casual rides.
- Patio Showrooms: Other locations flip into full patio destinations, with showrooms designed to help you visualize and build your dream outdoor space. Our Leisure Living showroom in Utah offers a premium, year-round patio shopping experience. Our team provides design consultation, technical expertise, and white-glove delivery to create furniture setups built to thrive in mountain climates.
- Trail-to-Town Gear: We stock essentials for summer hikes, casual mountain-town exploration, and everything in between.
- SUP Rentals: In Telluride and across the Pacific Northwest, you can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and spend your days on the water.
- Tennis in the PNW: At Sturtevant’s in Tacoma and Bellevue, our team keeps players on the court with racquet stringing, gear, and apparel for tennis enthusiasts.
For many guests, this seasonal transition is a welcome surprise. One month you’re picking up skis, the next you’re walking through a patio display, rolling out with a tuned-up bike, or grabbing a SUP for the weekend. But through every season, our mission stays the same: supporting your outdoor lifestyle, from first chair to last light.
Community in Action
Helping people get outside also means making the outdoors more inclusive and affordable. That’s why Christy Sports partners with organizations like SheJumps through the SheJumps x Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program, which provides passes, lessons, and gear for women and nonbinary people who’ve historically faced barriers to skiing and snowboarding.
We also partner with SOS Outreach, a youth development nonprofit that uses skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure to mentor and empower kids. By combining outdoor activity with leadership training, service projects, and long-term mentorship, SOS helps thousands of young people each year build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the mountains.
And we’re proud to support Colorado Ski Country USA’s Ski Passport Program, which makes it easier than ever for families to ski together. The fan-favorite Ski Passport now includes kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade, in addition to grades 3–6, giving younger skiers four days each at 19 resorts across Colorado. Combined with Gems passes and discount cards, families have more flexible, affordable options to share the mountain lifestyle and create lasting memories.
Supporting affordability and access isn’t just a side project, it’s part of what makes Outside is Better a platform with purpose. We believe everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom and joy of the mountains.
Why Choose Christy Sports?
When you choose Christy Sports, you’re not just getting equipment – you’re getting:
- Local expertise from people who actually ski, ride, hike, and live in the communities we serve.
- Personalized service that builds trust and makes your day easier.
- Safe, well-maintained gear that performs when you need it most.
- Convenient locations – over 50 shops across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington, many just steps from the slopes.
- Community commitment rooted in decades of mountain-town living and partnerships that grow the outdoor community.
These aren’t just talking points, they reflect our mission, vision, and values. At Christy Sports, our mission is to create opportunities for everyone to experience the mountain lifestyle. Our vision is to welcome all people to the joy of mountain life and sport. And our values: authentic relationships, humble expertise, and a genuine love for what we do; guide every interaction.
Want to learn more? Explore our full story, mission, vision, and values here.
Ready to Get Outside?
Since 1958, we’ve believed the best stories aren’t told from the couch—they’re made on snow-dusted mornings, golden-hour bike rides, and patios filled with laughter.
- Reserve Your Rentals to save time and guarantee your gear.
- Find Your Store near your destination.
- Explore Outdoor Living to create your perfect backyard retreat.
At Christy Sports and our family of brands, Outside is Better isn’t just a tagline, it’s our founding story, our everyday practice, and our promise to you. Everything we do is driven by one simple goal: helping more people, in more places, enjoy the freedom, connection, and joy that only life outdoors can bring.
Last Updated: September 25, 2025
Outside is Better
At Christy Sports, Outside is Better. It’s more than a motto, it’s a fact. Time spent outside makes us healthier, happier, and more connected. Yet, studies show that the average American spends about 90% of life indoors. We’re here to change that – one ski day, trail ride, or backyard gathering at a time.
For nearly 70 years, we’ve built our brand on a simple belief: everyone deserves to experience the joy of being outside. Whether you’re skiing powder, hiking trails, biking singletrack, or sipping coffee on a sunlit patio, our role is to make those moments easier, more comfortable, and more fun.
Our Roots
Christy Sports was founded in 1958 by Ed and Gale Crist, both ski instructors at Winter Park who wanted to make skiing more accessible and build a true community around it. They opened their first shop on West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, at a time when skis were still made of plain wood and boots were leather.
The Crists named their store Christy Sports after the christiania (or “Christie”) turn, a fundamental skill every new skier had to master. On weekends, they loaded customers and gear into a bright yellow school bus and drove to the slopes, creating one of the region’s first organized ski rental-and-ride programs. Inside the shop, the atmosphere blended the scent of pine pitch, wool, and leather with the buzz of locals preparing for their next adventure.
From the very beginning, Christy Sports was about more than the bottom line. While building a viable business was essential, the heart of the company has always been in growing the sport and community. The Crists launched the Christy Skiers Club, hired renowned craftsman Clyde Smith from Denver’s Groswold factory to lead their repair shop, and personally introduced thousands of people to skiing through lessons, trips, and encouragement.
What began as a single family-run storefront has grown into the largest specialty ski and snowboard retailer in the Rocky Mountains, with more than 50 locations across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. Today, we continue to honor the Crists’ vision by supporting mountain life year-round with rentals, retail, custom boot fitting, tuning, bike services, and patio living.
The Christy Sports Family of Brands
Why Outside is Better
Being outside doesn’t just change your surroundings, it changes your state of mind. Fresh snow under skis, a trail unfolding in front of your bike, or laughter around a patio table brings energy you won’t find indoors. That’s why we’ve built our entire platform around helping you spend more time where life feels better: outside.
We don’t just fit gear, we set the tone for your whole day. Our experts listen, fit precisely, and guide honestly so that your time outside is safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
The Science Behind “Outside is Better”
Spending time outside isn’t just fun, it’s backed by science to make you healthier and happier. A 2019 study in Scientific Reports found that just 120 minutes a week in nature boosts physical health and well-being, from stronger hearts to lower stress (White et al., 2019). Outdoor activities like skiing, biking, or relaxing on a patio, supported by our gear and expertise, also increase vitamin D from sunlight, which strengthens bones, immunity, and mood (Nutrients; Wacker & Holick, 2020).
Mentally, nature works wonders: a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis in Preventive Medicine Reports found that nature-based outdoor activities reduce anxiety and depression while improving overall well-being (Coventry et al., 2021). And when you head outside with others, like hitting the slopes with family or friends, it strengthens connection and belonging. Research summarized by the American Psychological Association highlights how time outdoors fosters social ties and nurtures emotional health.
At Christy Sports and our family of brands, we’re here to make every moment outside count, with gear and guidance that unlock these proven benefits.
How We Serve You
At Christy Sports and our family of brands, we offer more than transactions. We deliver expertise, confidence, and peace of mind. Here’s how we make Outside is Better a reality:
- Ski & Snowboard Rentals – Quality gear for all skill levels, with the option to save up to 20% when you reserve 24 hours in advance.
- Retail – High-performance gear from trusted brands, plus “try before you buy” programs so you can test skis in real conditions.
- Boot Fitting – Expert fits that go beyond size to solve pressure points, cold toes, and awkward alignment, because comfort equals confidence.
- Tuning & Repairs – Keep skis, snowboards, and bikes adventure-ready with in-house service and precision craftsmanship.
- Patio & Outdoor Living – White-glove delivery, design consultation, and premium furniture that turn your deck into the best room in the house.
Every service is delivered by people who live the outdoor lifestyle themselves. They don’t just hand out gear, they share hard-earned knowledge from the chairlift, trail, or backyard.
Year-Round Outdoor Living
Winter may be where most people meet us, but our commitment goes far beyond ski season. When the snow melts, many Christy Sports locations transform to support summer in the mountains and beyond.
- Bike Hubs: Select stores become go-to spots for warm-weather adventure, offering bike rentals, repairs, and gear that’s ready for singletrack or casual rides.
- Patio Showrooms: Other locations flip into full patio destinations, with showrooms designed to help you visualize and build your dream outdoor space. Our Leisure Living showroom in Utah offers a premium, year-round patio shopping experience. Our team provides design consultation, technical expertise, and white-glove delivery to create furniture setups built to thrive in mountain climates.
- Trail-to-Town Gear: We stock essentials for summer hikes, casual mountain-town exploration, and everything in between.
- SUP Rentals: In Telluride and across the Pacific Northwest, you can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and spend your days on the water.
- Tennis in the PNW: At Sturtevant’s in Tacoma and Bellevue, our team keeps players on the court with racquet stringing, gear, and apparel for tennis enthusiasts.
For many guests, this seasonal transition is a welcome surprise. One month you’re picking up skis, the next you’re walking through a patio display, rolling out with a tuned-up bike, or grabbing a SUP for the weekend. But through every season, our mission stays the same: supporting your outdoor lifestyle, from first chair to last light.
Community in Action
Helping people get outside also means making the outdoors more inclusive and affordable. That’s why Christy Sports partners with organizations like SheJumps through the SheJumps x Ikon Pass Mountain Access Program, which provides passes, lessons, and gear for women and nonbinary people who’ve historically faced barriers to skiing and snowboarding.
We also partner with SOS Outreach, a youth development nonprofit that uses skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure to mentor and empower kids. By combining outdoor activity with leadership training, service projects, and long-term mentorship, SOS helps thousands of young people each year build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the mountains.
And we’re proud to support Colorado Ski Country USA’s Ski Passport Program, which makes it easier than ever for families to ski together. The fan-favorite Ski Passport now includes kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade, in addition to grades 3–6, giving younger skiers four days each at 19 resorts across Colorado. Combined with Gems passes and discount cards, families have more flexible, affordable options to share the mountain lifestyle and create lasting memories.
Supporting affordability and access isn’t just a side project, it’s part of what makes Outside is Better a platform with purpose. We believe everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom and joy of the mountains.
Why Choose Christy Sports?
When you choose Christy Sports, you’re not just getting equipment – you’re getting:
- Local expertise from people who actually ski, ride, hike, and live in the communities we serve.
- Personalized service that builds trust and makes your day easier.
- Safe, well-maintained gear that performs when you need it most.
- Convenient locations – over 50 shops across Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington, many just steps from the slopes.
- Community commitment rooted in decades of mountain-town living and partnerships that grow the outdoor community.
These aren’t just talking points, they reflect our mission, vision, and values. At Christy Sports, our mission is to create opportunities for everyone to experience the mountain lifestyle. Our vision is to welcome all people to the joy of mountain life and sport. And our values: authentic relationships, humble expertise, and a genuine love for what we do; guide every interaction.
Want to learn more? Explore our full story, mission, vision, and values here.
Ready to Get Outside?
Since 1958, we’ve believed the best stories aren’t told from the couch—they’re made on snow-dusted mornings, golden-hour bike rides, and patios filled with laughter.
- Reserve Your Rentals to save time and guarantee your gear.
- Find Your Store near your destination.
- Explore Outdoor Living to create your perfect backyard retreat.
At Christy Sports and our family of brands, Outside is Better isn’t just a tagline, it’s our founding story, our everyday practice, and our promise to you. Everything we do is driven by one simple goal: helping more people, in more places, enjoy the freedom, connection, and joy that only life outdoors can bring.
Last Updated: September 25, 2025
