History of The Boardroom
In 1982, Mike Timkey decided to change the status quo. Growing up in Lockport, N.Y., Mike worked at his father’s Cadillac dealership and learned the lessons of being an entrepreneur. “Bud” Timkey knew the value of hard work and passed it on to his four children. In 1977, the Timkey family packed up and moved to a small, quaint village called Ellicottville and bought what is now the Holiday Valley Inn.
Meanwhile, Jodie Lowry was learning those same lessons. A native of Ellicottville and 1 of 10 children, she knew how hard one has to work to be successful.
In 1982, with a few bucks and a blessing from his parents, Mike founded Alpine Ski Rental – a small, seasonal rental shop. Work continued until 1984, when a vicious fire on New Years’ Day burned the place to the ground.
But just like a phoenix, the store rose from the ashes. Mike and Jodie spent their first married summer rebuilding the store – by hand. Coming back with a bigger building and fresher ideas, Alpine Ski Rental became a routine stop for those skiing at Holiday Valley.
In 1989, Mike again decided to change the status quo. There was this new movement happening in the ski industry. No, it wasn’t snow blades. It was snowboarding. Mike and Jodie rolled the dice, and in 1990 ordered six decks.
Since then, we’ve stayed loyal to the ideals of hard work, sacrifice and customer service. For us, going to the shop every day is more than going to work. Our passion for the sport and our customers has continued for 26 years.
We don’t want you to shop online. We want you to come in to our store enjoy the experience. We want you to laugh, pet our dogs and become a part of our family.
About Ellicottville and shout outs
When winter hits Western New York, Ellicottville transforms from a diminutive, picturesque village to a premier destination.
Holiday Valley, ranked 4th on the East Coast for ski resorts, offers an awesome family atmosphere. The newly-built Tamarack Club gives you the opportunity to own a second home and HV’s “42 78” terrain parks kill it.
Holimont, the area’s premier private resort, draws its members from Ontario, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. They offer all the services you need for a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. Although a private area, Holimont allows public skiing and riding during the week.
Head into town and enjoy a beer with our friends from The Gin Mill – an awesome place to get good food with good people. Or if you’re hungry for pizza and subs, go see Kuk at Hoagies – he’s been around almost as long as we have.
If you want a relaxing spa visit, you need to check out Ellicottville Oasis – locally owned and operated. That place is serenity.
We don’t have what you’re looking for? Jet down to The City Garage – they know as much about skis as we know about snowboards.