Why Venture Sports Base Camp Location in Vail Village

Mike Gruber

Name: Mike Gruber Where are you from: Portage, Wisconsin

How long at Venture: 7th winter with Venture

What store are you at and why: Bachelor Gulch: We are slopeside in Beaver Creek, need I say more?! I love the dynamic of our ski valet, there is always movement in the shop. I enjoy staying busy! We get the opportunity to be outside on the snow to send guests off, and greet them upon arrival back on property. I’m able to help make a guests ski vacation, the best it could possibly be while they are in my care. My team and I take tremendous pride in rolling out the best product we can. We are fortunate to see the same Owners year after year and form genuine friendships with them.

Tell us what you love the most about your job: I continue to work in a ski shop because I love skiing! I want my guests to have a great experience on the mountain. I help facilitate this by maintaining my stoke on skiing. Today that means I spend more days in the backcountry, but I often ride the resort for pleasure, and to be able to inform guests on current conditions. Because of my number of days on snow, I use a variety of gear. I’m able to help keep guests happy by recommending and equipping them with quality, functional gear, that fits and performs exceptionally well!

Describe your ideal day away from work: Wake up early, but not too early. Coffee and a big breakfast to fuel an adventure outside (with Macala)! Give us a fun fact about you: I lived in a mini-van with Macala in New Zealand for 6 months! Far from a ‘Sprinter’ van experience, however, one of the best decisions of my life. We love to travel and enjoy tying in rad activities with these travels like: skiing, biking, hiking, kiting, to name a few 🙂

Some freestyle question: I’m very fortunate to live this life! Let it snow!