Kevin is very connected to the region.
“I grew up in Banff and learned to ski at a young age,” he says, “By the time I was 10, I was competing in the first Nancy Green Ski League – a brand new country wide initiative designed to encourage young Canadians to be ‘The Best That You Can Be’.”
During this time, Cliff White, the owner of Sunshine Village and a close friend of Kevin’s father, encouraged Bob to open Abominable Sports at the ski area.
“That was the beginning of a lifetime of pure fun and enjoyment for my three brothers and me,” reminisces Kevin. “We skied at Sunshine every weekend from opening day to the end of May, every year of my childhood. Competition was always encouraged in our family. We all played every sport we could. Alpine skiing was simply the most fun thing in the world to do!”
By 16 Kevin was competing nationally, then internationally. In 1981 he was named the Canadian Champion on the Pacific Western Pro Ski Tour. After racing professionally for seven years in Japan, he retired from active competition and joined the family business.
“I began working with my dad full-time, where I learned the outdoor sporting goods retail business from the bottom up. After more than 30 years of successfully directing the family businesses in Banff and Calgary, I made the difficult decision to downsize and move operations to Canmore, rebranding as Mountain Soles.”
The move allows Kevin and his team to focus on detailed, expert shoe and boot fitting, while still outfitting families with top notch ski equipment during the winter months.
“High quality, affordable ‘Footwear That Moves You’ is our motto,” he says. We provide custom orthotic insoles, detailed needs assessments and time-proven fitting techniques.” Rounding out their selection of ski and hiking boots is a broad range of comfort casual shoes, boots and sandals, winter snow boots, and duty shoes for wearing to work.
Mountain Soles makes skiing accessible and affordable to families in the region.
Kevin explains, ” With our ‘Mountain Soles Rent to Own’ ski equipment lease program, you can lease brand new equipment for an entire ski season at half price. Return your skis and boots at the end of the season or buy out the lease and keep the gear forever – your choice. Used ski equipment that has been returned to Mountain Soles is then offered to our clients at discount prices in its second year.”
Although the brand is still gaining recognition after its recent move to Canmore, Mountain Soles is becoming a household name.
“The hundreds of thanks that I have received from inspired athletes of all ages and ability levels, simply for taking the time to help them with their buying decisions, is what has given me the most satisfaction in my job. Small children with huge smiles top the list!” says Kevin. “The local business community is great at supporting one another and passing along their customers through referral. We share a common bond, that is the love of the mountains. We can all continue to thrive if we remain faithful to one another by shopping locally. Save the gas and your peace of mind by helping your neighbour to sustain their business and their unique way of life.”
Kevin concludes, “A big thank you goes out to all our treasured clients who have supported our family through three generations of outdoor fun in the mountains. To the many hard working and humorous friends who have helped our customers over the years– an even BIGGER thank you!”
More comfortable shoes and boots are right around the corner at Mountain Soles, located at 1408 Railway Ave. Canmore. Visit in person, online or on Facebook to learn more.
