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NEW SEASON ALERT!

Our Founder

The one and only Buzz

Buzz Schleper started Buzz’s Boards in Vail in 1982, and over four decades his shop has become a centerpiece of Vail Village culture — equal parts local institution, tuning workshop, and community hub. Born in Minnesota and steeped in mountain life, Buzz built the store from his years managing local shops into a family-run business known for honest gear, expert tuning, and a customer-first spirit. The shop is celebrating its 43rd anniversary in Vail and remains independently owned and operated by the Schleper family.

What Makes Buzz's Boards Different

From day one Buzz’s Boards leaned into what locals wanted. The shop grew a reputation for meticulous tuning, fast turnaround on repairs, and a relaxed yet professional vibe that welcomes both visitors and lifelong locals. Buzz’s built its credibility hand-on: tuning skis and snowboards to a pro level, offering demo fleets, and running a rental and retail operation right at the base of the action in Vail Village. Known for the knowledgeable staff and strong value—with high customer satisfaction that keeps people coming back.

Family, Roots, and Local Legacy

Buzz’s Boards is very much a family story. Buzz is the proud father of Sarah Schleper, the U.S. World Cup and Olympic alpine skier, who grew up around the shop and the mountain community. Buzz’s sons are also part of the valley’s fabric: Johnny Schleper is a well-known local musician active in Vail’s live music scene, and Hunter Schleper U.S. Ski Team alum and notorious extreme sports enthusiast. Family members continue to help run and represent the shop. Buzz's is truly family-owned and operated.

Vail’s First True Snowboard Shop (and a Notable Moment in History)

Back when snowboarding was still outlawed on Vail, Buzz used to send the riders to Meadow Mountain or to Vail Pass to try the emerging new sport. The shop began selling snowboards at a time when snowboarding was still a fresh, sometimes controversial sport in the area. In those early days, snowboards were not universally accepted on resort slopes, and Buzz’s willingness to stock and support the new sport helped establish the shop as the original snowboard destination in Vail—a claim the store and local histories have celebrated. That early, pioneering stance helped define Buzz’s Boards as both trend-forward and rider-focused.

Tuning, Repairs & Pro-Level Service

Buzz’s Boards is known for its high-quality tuning services and repair work. Buzz and his team have long provided meticulous hand tuning, rental fleet maintenance, and repairs that range from routine base & edge service to more involved fixes. That expertise is something the local ski and racing community trusts—another reason pros and regulars alike look to Buzz’s when they want gear that performs.

The shop also produces multimedia content (podcasts, reviews, videos) that document the family, the shop’s history, and their approach to mountain life.

Community Commitment & Reputation

Buzz’s Boards emphasizes helping locals and supporting the larger Vail Valley ski community. Whether it's sponsoring new up-and-coming athletes, helping someone in-need, or providing a home-base for locals and visitors alike. The shop’s long history and steady stream of positive local presence and reviews reflect a strong community relationship: a dependable spot for rentals, repairs, and honest gear advice. Locally recognized for yet another year; a "Best of Vail" winner and overall a top choice for both visitors and residents who want knowledgeable, friendly service, and fair pricing. "When you're here, you're family!"

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