Shop Interview: The City Garage, Ellicottville’s Core Ski Shop, Keeps the Stoke Alive After 26 Years
Shop Interview: The City Garage, Ellicottville’s Core Ski Shop, Keeps the Stoke Alive After 26 Years
Owner Trey Clauss talks new gear, ski trends, and what keeps The City Garage at the heart of Ellicottville’s ski scene.
If you’ve spent any time in Ellicottville during ski season, you’ve likely crossed paths with The City Garage. Tucked just off the main drag on Monroe Street, this bold red building has been buzzing with ski stoke since 1999. What started as a small, core ski shop has evolved into one of Western New York’s most respected gear destinations, known for its knowledgeable staff, community vibe, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Owner Trey Clauss and his crew don’t just sell skis - they live the lifestyle. From organizing on-snow demo days and the ever-popular Telestock celebration, to supporting National Ski Patrol and local fundraisers, The City Garage continues to play an active role in Ellicottville’s outdoor community. Step inside and you’ll find the latest technology in skis, boots, and tuning equipment, but also the same authentic, laid-back atmosphere that’s drawn generations of skiers to “The Garage.”
As they gear up for their 26th winter, Trey and the team are once again pushing forward, introducing new ski innovations, investing in cutting-edge tuning systems, and welcoming everyone from weekend warriors to lifelong telemark devotees. Through it all, their focus remains the same: genuine customer service, expert guidance, and keeping the soul of skiing alive right here in the village.
We caught up with Trey to talk about the new season, the latest gear, and what keeps The City Garage rolling after more than two decades in the heart of Ellicottville.
INTERVIEW WITH TREY CLAUSS
eNOW: How are things shaping up at The City Garage as we head into another ski season?
TREY: Well, let's just put it this way - we’ve been hauling ski boxes since mid-July and we are more than READY to get this winter rolling! It seems year after year, we start the winter prep earlier and earlier, which keeps us on the grind more and more! Coming off of a great winter ’24/’25 we are very optimistic to continue into ’26!
eNOW: What new ski technology or gear lines are you most excited to carry this year?
TREY: We’ve got some great new gear lined up for this winter, starting with the ski world. Salomon has released their all new QST ski line-up. Reshaping the modern all mountain/free ride ski, these ski models will carry you from the hills of Ellicottville to the mountains of the west! But let’s not forget the most important part of the ski set-up is the boot! We have seen a tremendous increase in BOA closure boots for this season. Imagine never having to buckle a boot again. Enter - the DOUBLE BOA! We have brand new models coming from Salomon & K2, offering 2 very distinct fitting models from each.
eNOW: Your crew is known for stellar customer service. What’s your approach to helping people find their perfect setup?
TREY: No pressure sales tactic! Really trying to make people feel comfortable and relaxed in the sales setting. I know there are a zillion different places to shop/buy outdoor gear, but the connection with dealing with real people is only available when you walk inside a brick n’ mortar shop. We, the brick n’ mortar, are a dying breed. Having customer service being our #1 product will make sure we do not fall into that trend!
eNOW: What trends are you seeing among your customers this year - telemark setups, carving skis, lighter gear?
TREY: Since day one in 1999, we have always been dedicated to the core skier. This year we have FINALLY been given a brand new line-up of boots for the telemark community! This boot - Scarpa TX Pro & Comp for men and women - has really taken the tele world by storm. There has not been a new boot in over 10 years. There has been a big buzz so far this fall!
eNOW: The City Garage has been part of Ellicottville’s ski scene for decades - what’s the secret to that kind of longevity?
TREY: Entering our 26th year in business couldn’t have happened without our ski community! It’s what drew me in at the young age of 18! “The Garage” has always been a spot for skiers to gather, talk shop, and just be in the essence of skiing. I guess it’s hard to pinpoint what the secret sauce is to having a store that draws people in, but I will definitely say it’s all about the vibe, man! Having events throughout the season, i.e. movie premieres, on-snow demos, Telestock, participating in local charities, supporting the National Ski Patrol - it all comes back to being a skier yourself - skiing isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. WE ARE SKIERS!
eNOW: Any upgrades or changes around the shop for this winter?
TREY: We gave #5 a full top-to-bottom paint job over the summer! Curb appeal goes a long way, and when you have a stand alone building, you want it to stand out! On the inside, we have added an all new state-of-the-art hot waxing system: Wintersteiger Infrared Waxing Solution. This is an automated waxing system that will allow the wax to be applied in a more efficient and consistent manner. Using infrared light to melt the wax frees up any chance of human error! Robots are the future!!
eNOW: What’s your personal favorite ski or binding combo right now, and why?
TREY: Me personally!? Gotta call out the all new Salomon QST94 with Salomon Strive binding. This ski does it ALL! From hard pack groomers in the morning with a side of fun and forgiveness! This is the first rendition of an unisex ski line up - available in 2 color options to appease your color palette.
eNOW: Every rider has their favorite line. What local trails top your team’s list?
TREY: See You In The Trees! Tree skiing in Ellicottville is a very special treat - waiting for the right snow conditions can take time, but when it hits, there is nothing better than having the trees to ski in. When the snow melts in the trees and the days start to stretch out, spring time bumps on The Chute! The skiers hill - this is the best spot to be seen if you can handle the heckling from the lift!
eNOW: What’s one “must-have” piece of gear or apparel for skiers this season?
TREY: Second to having the right ski boot for your feet, you need to be able to see! We have seen a major boost in goggle tech this year, offering a wide variety of magnetic lens options and also having a wider selection of photochromic or transitional lenses. Having the goggle lens change with every changing light. One model in particular from Head - the Sunscreen goggle takes the light changing to a new level, solar sensitivity on the goggle frame changes an internal LCD screen inside the goggle lens. Making the goggle lens change automatically!
eNOW: Finish this sentence: You know it’s ski season in Ellicottville when…
TREY: …you can hear the sound of the snow guns firing for the first time!
