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Talking cold weather gear at Avie’s Ski and Sports

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Ted Avedesian owns Avie’s Ski and Sports. 100 Main Street, Westerly. 596-0375

You must be getting busy. What’s hot right now?

We sell a lot of North Face jackets, Uggs, skis, boots, snowboard gear and cold-weather clothing. Believe me, no one keeps you warmer than a ski shop.

Tell us a little about the Trip Destinations you offer.

We do bus trips for the day to Okemo, Loon, Mount Sunapee, Mount Snow, Killington and Stratton Mountain Resort. The bus leaves from the shop, you ski all day and then relax all the way home. Because these trips are for all ages, we show PG movies only. The cost of the trip includes the bus ride and the lift ticket, which is cheaper than the lift ticket if you drove up yourself.

How does your rental system work?
The ski rental is for skis, boots and poles. The snowboard rental includes a snowboard, bindings and boots. We rent on a daily basis or we do a seasonal lease program.

What’s your insider tip for cold weather gear?
Well, SmartWool socks and underwear are the way to go; they are warm and after a weekend of skiing they still don’t smell. Also, the North Face clothing is built to last, and the new ski technology is the bomb.

What type of clothing items do you sell for someone who may not be a skier or snowboarder?
We sell lots of clothing for none skiers such as hats, gloves, socks, under garments, fleece, scarves and Uggs.

How did you get started?
I worked for Alpine Ski Sports for 27 years. In 2000, after Alpine closed, I re-opened my store in Westerly and named it after my father. I have been skiing since I was five years old and had gotten into ski racing. I went to college for athletic training and business, so owning a sport shop was great. I also sell SCUBA and tennis gear in the summer.

Skiing or snowboarding: which one do you prefer?
I am a skier, but people who snowboard really enjoy it. With my retail space, I gave customers a choice.

Any skiing/snowboarding plans of your own for the winter?
I will do as many day trips as I can with the store, and will probably head out to Salt Lake City, UT again with some friends for a week.

avie's ski sports, skiing, shopping, snowboarding, westerly, south county, so rhode island

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