1977
Dave’s Ski Shop Opens
Dave Wilderotter opens his first Tahoe City ski shop in the Henrikson Building with 15 pairs of rental skis.
SPECIALIZING IN FUN SINCE 1977
About Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards
One little ski shop. A whole lot of Tahoe history.
From 15 pairs of skis in 1977 to six locally owned ski and snowboard shops across North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, Tahoe Dave’s has always been about more than equipment. We’re about good people, great mountain days, and making FUN part of the experience.
1977
Founded in Tahoe City
6
North Tahoe & Truckee Shops
100%
Locally Owned
2027
Our 50th Anniversary
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
A Little Ski Shop With a Big Personality.
Tahoe Dave’s began in 1977 when founder Dave Wilderotter opened a small ski rental shop in two former motel units in Tahoe City’s Henrikson Building.
Armed with just 15 pairs of skis, a workbench, and plenty of determination, Dave set out to help people enjoy everything the mountains had to offer.
In true Tahoe fashion, he kept things simple. Dave converted part of the shop into a makeshift loft and office where he lived and headed to Granlibakken to use the showers.
His philosophy was refreshingly straightforward: provide good equipment, take care of people, and have a good time along the way.
That spirit is still at the heart of Tahoe Dave’s today.
“Have a good time and stay out of jail.”
Dave Wilderotter’s memorable advice from the early days.
THE TAHOE DAVE’S STORY
Growing Alongside Tahoe
Nearly five decades of mountain days, memorable characters, new shops, community connections, and a few adventures along the way.
Late 1970s
The First Expansion
After approximately two years, the business moves into the former Village Sports location as Dave’s customer base continues growing.
1990
Hello, Downtown Truckee
Tahoe Dave’s expands into historic Downtown Truckee, bringing rentals, service, and local expertise to another mountain community.
The Snowboard Years
The Shred Shed & Dog Pound
Tahoe Dave’s embraces the emerging snowboard scene, with Tahoe City’s snowboard operation evolving through the Shred Shed and Dave’s Dog Pound before finding its current home.
1994
Kings Beach Joins the Family
A new shop in Kings Beach brings Tahoe Dave’s convenient rentals and service to the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe.
1998
Olympic Valley Opens
Tahoe Dave’s expands into Olympic Valley, offering another convenient option for visitors heading toward Palisades Tahoe.
2013–2014
Standing Up for Local Business
Dave becomes involved in efforts encouraging the community to support locally owned businesses and protect the character of North Lake Tahoe.
2015
Investing in Employee Housing
Recognizing Tahoe’s housing challenges, Dave purchases a Truckee trailer park to help provide housing opportunities for employees.
2019
Truckee West Opens
The company’s sixth location opens in Truckee West around Thanksgiving, making it even easier to gear up along the I-80 corridor.
2021
Helping Shape Tahoe’s Future
Dave supports the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District and continues his longstanding involvement in community leadership.
2024
A New Generation of Local Ownership
Truckee locals John and Autumn Lincoln purchase Tahoe Dave’s from its founder, carrying forward the culture and community connections Dave built.
2027
50 Years of FUN!
Tahoe Dave’s celebrates its 50th anniversary, honoring five decades of skiing, snowboarding, community, and unforgettable Tahoe experiences.
PART OF SNOWBOARDING’S EARLY DAYS
We Were Into Snowboarding Before It Was Everywhere.
As snowboarding found its footing, Tahoe Dave’s was right there embracing the sport. The business developed a longstanding relationship with Burton dating back to snowboarding’s formative years.
Tahoe City’s snowboard operation evolved through memorable locations and names, including the Shred Shed and Dave’s Dog Pound. Today, the Tahoe City Boardshop continues that tradition with snowboards, boots, bindings, demos, clothing, and the local advice riders have counted on for decades.
A NEW CHAPTER, SAME TAHOE SPIRIT
Keeping Tahoe Dave’s Local.
In August 2024, Tahoe Dave’s entered a new chapter when Truckee locals John and Autumn Lincoln purchased the business from founder Dave Wilderotter.
As longtime members of the community, John and Autumn understand that Tahoe Dave’s is more than a collection of ski and snowboard shops. It’s a place where generations of families have rented their first skis, discovered new passions, worked their first jobs, and made mountain memories.
Their commitment is to preserve the personality, expertise, and community relationships that made Tahoe Dave’s special while continuing to invest in the team, equipment, and customer experience.
Different chapter. Same commitment to FUN.
MORE THAN A SKI SHOP
Tahoe Is Our Home. Community Is Our Heart.
From the beginning, Tahoe Dave’s has believed that being a local business means showing up for the place and people who make this community special.
Local Leadership
Our team supports local chambers, business associations, and community initiatives. John Lincoln serves on the Tahoe City Downtown Association board and the North Tahoe Chamber advisory committee.
Youth & Education
We support local schools, youth sports, scholarship efforts, and organizations helping Tahoe and Truckee kids discover new opportunities.
Skiing for Schools
Our discounted lift ticket fundraiser directs 100% of ticket proceeds to the Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation and Arts For The Schools.
Outdoor Access
We believe time outside can make a difference. Over the years, Tahoe Dave’s has supported groups and events that help people experience the mountains.
Local Traditions
From SnowFest and Fourth of July parades to Halloween, Oktoberfest, fundraisers, and neighborhood celebrations, we love being part of the FUN.
Giving Back
We regularly contribute gear, gift cards, auction items, time, and support to local nonprofits, school programs, community events, and neighbors in need.
PROUD TO BE A LOCAL FAVORITE
Recognition That Belongs to Our Whole Crew
Tahoe Dave’s has been recognized by our community through local readers’ polls and business awards. In 2026, we were honored as Best Ski/Snowboard Shop and Best Winter Rental Equipment in the Sierra Sun’s Best Of recognition.
John and Autumn Lincoln were also recognized through the Truckee Chamber’s 2026 Top of the Town awards. We’re grateful to our customers, our team, and the communities that continue supporting local businesses.
WHAT DRIVES US
Our Mission
At Tahoe Dave’s, our mission is to make every customer’s Lake Tahoe experience fun, easy, and memorable through knowledgeable service, quality equipment, trusted local expertise, and a genuine commitment to our people and community.
We act with intention, share the stoke, continue learning and growing, and recognize the unique value each person brings. By living these values, we create positive experiences for our customers, coworkers, and the Tahoe/Truckee community we call home.
We have fun exceeding expectations and do whatever we can to help every customer make the most of their time in Lake Tahoe.
HOW WE DO THINGS
Our Core Values
Living Intentionally Together
We make thoughtful choices, support one another, and work together to create a place where people belong.
Create Community Impact
We invest our energy, resources, and time in helping the Tahoe and Truckee community thrive.
Share the Stoke
We bring positive energy, enthusiasm, and FUN to the experiences we create.
Root in Expertise & Growth
We value local knowledge, technical expertise, and the willingness to keep learning.
Deliver Value
We help people find the right equipment, services, and experiences for their needs and budget.
YOUR LOCAL TAHOE GEAR CREW
Six Shops. One Tahoe Dave’s Family.
Whether you’re heading to the ski hill, exploring Tahoe in the summer, or just need some good local advice, there’s a Tahoe Dave’s nearby.
Tahoe City Ski Shop
Ski rentals, demos, ski gear, clothing, accessories, tuning, and year-round Tahoe shopping.
Tahoe City Boardshop
Snowboard rentals, demos, new boards, boots, bindings, backcountry essentials, and summer shopping.
Downtown Truckee
Ski and snowboard rentals, demos, tuning, winter gear, and summertime beachwear in historic Truckee.
Truckee West
Convenient ski and snowboard rentals, demos, tuning, clothing, and accessories near the I-80 corridor.
Kings Beach
Ski and snowboard rentals, demos, cross-country skis, snowshoes, clothing, and equipment services.
Olympic Valley
Ski and snowboard rentals, demos, winter gear, and local expertise near Palisades Tahoe.
A LITTLE NOSTALGIA
Old School Tahoe Dave’s
Some familiar looks from the many chapters of our history.
GOOD TO KNOW
A Few Things About Tahoe Dave’s
When was Tahoe Dave’s founded?
Tahoe Dave’s was founded in 1977 by Dave Wilderotter in Tahoe City, California. It began as a small ski rental shop with 15 pairs of skis.
Who owns Tahoe Dave’s today?
Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards is locally owned by Truckee residents John and Autumn Lincoln, who purchased the business from founder Dave Wilderotter in August 2024.
Where are Tahoe Dave’s shops located?
Tahoe Dave’s operates six winter locations: Tahoe City Ski Shop, Tahoe City Boardshop, Downtown Truckee, Truckee West, Kings Beach, and Olympic Valley.
What does Tahoe Dave’s offer?
Tahoe Dave’s offers ski and snowboard rentals, demo equipment, sales, tuning and repairs, kids’ seasonal rentals, cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals, winter clothing, accessories, and local advice for exploring Lake Tahoe.
Can I return my rental equipment to a different Tahoe Dave’s location?
Yes! Customers can rent equipment from one Tahoe Dave’s location and return or exchange it at another Tahoe Dave’s location without an additional location-change fee.
SPECIALIZING IN FUN SINCE 1977
The Best Part of Our Story? You’re In It.
Whether you’ve been visiting Tahoe Dave’s for decades or you’re gearing up for your first mountain adventure, we’re glad you’re here. Thanks for supporting a local Tahoe business and helping keep the FUN going.
See you out there, Bud!
Celebrating 50 Years of FUN in 2027