WORDS BY HEIDI JOHANNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAMISH BIRT & VIRGINNIA LAJEUNESSE
Let It Snow! “
With luck, it might even snow for us. - HARUKI MURAKAMI
” When the Sawmill restaurant on Gateway Blvd had run its course back in 2014, it took a passion for powder and a keen eye for business to envision another life for this chalet‑esque structure. New owners of Sundance Ski and Snowboard, Alexandra Messinis and Jim Hillman were determined to carve out their own tracks when it came to the future of Sundance Ski and Snowboard, a favourite of snow sport enthusiasts since 1975. As Messinis explains, “It was an exciting time and opportunity to be a part of the progression of the business. We had big aspirations and moved online immediately. We were fully integrated, a first in the industry.” But as much as there was a need for advancement into the world of e-commerce, these two partners knew the value of decades’ long experience in the snow business. Previous owner, Vern Mark agreed to stay on as part of the team - an irreplaceable face and fitter at the store. “He knows everyone! People travel here from everywhere to get their boots fit by Vern!”
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