Longtime snowboard coach Brett Conover recently opened up the Crested Butte Gear Exchange at 322 Belleview. After moving to the Gunnison valley 10 years ago to go to Western with a brief 3-year stint in Aspen 3 winters ago, Brett recognized a need for snowboard/splitboard boutique shop. However, instead of just focusing there, Brett also saw how a gear exchange-style store could support that dream.
The CBGE is tagteaming summer with CFS. get to 322 Belleview buy something.
Brett wants to create a fun place to be to chat about lines and beta, a place that will be more than just a store, a place to support the backcountry freeride scene and skate scene. Not to be completely selfish, but doing this will hopefully allow Brett to spend more time following his freeride passion. Winter plans are to open early, go shred, then be open late. Open seven days a week, it will also house a community art gallery.
While consignment has been basis of the store, consignment success has allowed for growth of small inventory. At this point, Brett is gearing up for summer. The summer will focus primarily on skate retail, and with the skate park half a block away, that seems like a good idea. You will be able to check out long boards, hard goods, and get some skate lessons. This winter the CBGE had noboard/splitboard stuff, snowmobile oil, ski/snowboard racks for sleds. Brett is looking to expand on snowmobile supplies. AT setups were very successful this past winter, so make sure to check them out in the fall if you are looking for that.
The Colorado Freeskier will be sharing the 322 Belleview space with the CBGE this summer. Brett and Gabe Martin went to Western together, this is reminiscent of the old days when they would take recreation management classes. The Colorado Freeskier will be renting Paddle Boards and doing limited retail out of the shop as a summer location in town. It will be open 9 AM – 5:30 PM, however consignment services will be offered Friday, Saturday, Sunday when Brett is in the shop throughout the summer.
You can check out what the CBGE is currently selling on Ebay. And definitely go like them on Facebook. The Crested Butte Gear Exchange just began summer hours earlier this week, so go get in there and check it out.
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