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The waiting game is over, Michigan riders! The snow is ready to fly this weekend, and we can practically hear the chairlifts humming. That crisp air means one thing: it's time to swap your holiday shopping stress for fresh powder dreams! At Nichols Ski & Snowboard, serving Metro Detroit skiers and riders for over 70 years, we know that the best gifts aren't wrapped—they're ripping down the mountain. We’ve loaded up our shops in Dearborn  and Waterford  with everything you need to spread the winter cheer, whether you're shopping for the whole family or that one special speed demon. Forget the ties and the socks. Here is our official, stoke-filled gift guide to get everyone—from first-timers to seasoned shredders—ready to send it this season. Chairlift surrounded by pine trees on a very snowy powder day. 1. For the Ultimate Gear Head (The Thrill Seekers) Got a rider who lives for the fall line? Whether they’re charging double blacks or laying down tracks on fresh corduroy, these are the gifts that truly elevate the experience. The Big Ticket:  A brand-new pair of Skis  or a fresh Snowboard . Nichols has the latest gear to match any style of riding. Come in and talk to our experts—we love matching riders with their perfect setup. The Game Changer:  A Custom Boot Fitting . Seriously, this is the gift of comfort and performance. A custom fit from the Nichols team ensures maximum control and minimum pain, turning a good day into a legendary one. The Essential Prep:  A Pro Tune  or Waxing Kit . Give the gift of speed! A professional tune-up makes gear feel brand new, while a DIY wax kit is perfect for the rider who loves the ritual of prepping their own board or skis. 2. For the Whole Crew (Family & Friends) Snow sports are meant to be shared! These gifts are perfect for outfitting the entire crew and fueling those priceless memories on the slopes. Mid-Layers and Jackets:  Layering is key! Keep everyone warm and dry with high-performance Jackets, Bibs, and Mid Layers . From bright colors for the kids to sleek technical shells for the adults, you can find the perfect look that performs. The Family Starter Pack:  If you have growing skiers or boarders, the Junior Buy Back Program  is a genius gift! This program allows you to purchase gear now and trade it in when they outgrow it, making it easy (and affordable) to keep the whole family on properly sized equipment. A Day on the Mountain:  Not sure what gear they need? Gift Rentals ! Pre-paid rental certificates are a fantastic way to introduce a friend or family member to the sport without the commitment of buying. 3. Stoke-Filled Stocking Stuffers (Under $100 & Must-Haves) Sometimes the smallest items make the biggest difference. These accessories are essential gear that everyone needs more of—and they fit perfectly under the tree. Vision Clarity:  A killer pair of Goggles . Visibility is safety, and new lenses can be a game-changer on a stormy day. A fresh pair of mirrored and magnetic lenses is instant stoke for any rider! The Headwear Huddle:   Hats & Helmets . Helmets are non-negotiable for protection, and a great beanie is the official uniform of the après-ski scene. Pick out a new lid or a stack of Nichols-approved beanies. The Small Essentials:  Look for accessories like quality wool socks (you can never have too many!), gloves, mittens, or a fresh set of boot dryers. The Easiest Way to Spread the Stoke: The Nichols Gift Certificate Still unsure what to get? Don't stress the size chart! A Nichols Gift Certificate  gives the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what they need, from a new pair of gloves to a full season tune-up. It's the ultimate gift for both singles and families, ensuring they get the perfect piece of gear or service to make their winter epic. The snow is coming, the mountains are calling, and your perfect holiday gifts are waiting. Stop by our shops in Waterford  or Dearborn  this weekend, or check out our offerings and services right now on our new website: nicholsskiandsnowboard.com . Happy Holidays and let it snow!

Fall is here, and that means it’s time to start thinking snow. While we’re still a few weeks away from fresh powder, parents know that getting kids ready for ski and snowboard season takes a little planning. The good news? A quick fall gear check now saves headaches later—and helps your crew spend more time on the slopes and less time scrambling. Junior skier skillfully navigating the tow rope. Here’s your ultimate fall checklist to make sure your kids are slope-ready: Find all the equipment Pull out skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, and goggles from wherever they spent the summer. Getting everything in one place is the first step. Check sizes before winter hits Kids grow fast. Have them try on boots, jackets, pants, and helmets now so you’re not stuck with frozen toes or too-tight layers on opening day. See what’s missing Lost a glove? Down a ski pole? Things disappear between spring skiing and the first snowfall—better to replace them now while selection is best. Inspect gear for safety Look over skis and snowboards for rust, worn edges, or base damage. Make sure bindings are secure. Not sure what you’re looking for? Swing by Nichols—we’ll give you honest advice on whether a tune or upgrade is needed. Refresh base layers and socks Warm kids = happy kids. Double-check thermal base layers, mid-layers, ski socks, and mittens. These essentials wear out faster than you think. Stock the little extras Neck warmers, sunscreen, hand warmers, ski passes, snack stashes—small things make a big difference in keeping your kids warm, safe, and smiling. Plan ahead with organization Create a system now—labeled bins, cubbies, or hooks—for each kid’s gear. Having everything in one spot makes busy mornings a lot smoother (and saves parents from frantic “where’s my other glove?” moments). What to do with outgrown gear Set aside anything that no longer fits. At Nichols, we’ll help you trade in, donate, or recycle outgrown equipment so it can get more life with another family. It also frees up space for the right-sized gear your kids need this season. Take advantage of junior programs From seasonal rentals to our Junior Buy-Back Program, Nichols makes it easy to keep growing kids in the right gear without breaking the bank. A little prep in the fall keeps the whole family stoked when winter arrives. Future you will thank you when the first snow day comes and the kids are geared up, grinning, and ready to ride.

When Tom Jr. and Shirley first opened Nichols Ski & Snowboard in Dearborn over 70 years ago, they built more than a shop — they built a gathering place for families, friends, and snow lovers to gear up and share the joy of winter. Last fall, when a fire closed our doors, it felt like more than a building was lost. But just like on the slopes, when you take a fall, you get back up. With the support of our incredible community, that’s exactly what we’ve done. This summer, our team worked tirelessly to rebuild, refresh, and restock. And now, we’re proud to share that Nichols Dearborn has risen again — open, renewed, and ready for the season ahead. Dearborn Store Exterior on Michigan Ave. This isn’t just about new walls or shiny fixtures. It’s about honoring the spirit that Tom and Shirley started decades ago: Family  — three generations strong, serving skiers and riders of all ages. Community  — Dearborn neighbors, friends, and customers who lifted us up while we found our footing again. Passion  — for skiing, snowboarding, and making sure every person who walks through our doors is ready for their best days on the snow. To our loyal customers: thank you for your patience while we got “back on skis.” Your encouragement kept us going, and your belief in Nichols reminded us why we’ve been here for seven decades — and why we’ll be here for the next seven. New Interior at Dearborn Location So come visit the refreshed Dearborn shop. Step inside, feel the energy, and get stoked for the season ahead. 👉 Nichols Dearborn is back. The tradition continues. And we can’t wait to see you.

We’ve been very busy behind the scenes this summer, and we’re stoked to finally share our brand-new Nichols Ski & Snowboard website with you! Whether you’re gearing up for your first season on the slopes or you’re a lifelong shredder, our new site makes it easier than ever to stay connected, get fitted, and plan your winter adventures. Screenshot of mobile website homepage showing scrolling announcement banner Here’s what’s new: 🚨 Scrolling Banner for Announcements No more guessing about seasonal opening and closing dates—we’ll keep you up to speed right at the top of the page. From snow season kickoffs to spring sales, you’ll always know what’s happening at Nichols. 🏔 More Imagery of 2025/26 Products The stoke is real! Our gear galleries are packed with fresh imagery of the newest skis, snowboards, boots, and apparel. Scroll through to get inspired, then come into the shop to see (and try) it in person. Screenshot of website showing imagery of products 👣 Book Time with a Bootfitter Painful boots = short ski days. Now you can schedule a one-on-one session with our expert bootfitters directly through the site. We’ll make sure your boots fit perfectly so you can keep making laps all the way to après. Screenshot of custom boot fitting appointment request ✉️ Sign Up for Our Newsletter Want the inside scoop? Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on sales, seasonal happenings, and fresh blog posts delivered straight to your inbox. 📝 The Tips Up  Blog This is where we’ll share our favorite advice for a great winter—everything from skiing with kids and DIY maintenance to layering tips, race updates, and trip inspiration. Consider it your digital chairlift chat with the Nichols crew. More to Explore Beyond the big updates, we’ve made the whole site easier to navigate, faster to load, and packed it with even more stoke. You’ll also find: Our Story page  celebrating over 70 years of Nichols family ski shop history Service pages  for rentals, tuning, mounting, and repair Location & hours info  for both Dearborn and Waterford shops