Sawatch Backcountry = One Kick Ass Gear Shop!!!

Sawatch Backcountry Leadville, Colorado’s own ultimate gear shop! I am here in Leadville getting ready for the Leadville 20 mile snowshoe race and Mtn Mama and I happened upon Sawatch Backcountry by accident…or maybe it was fate!

We were ambling toward Provin’ Grounds coffee shop for a few cups of coffee when we passed Sawatch and were blown away by the beauty of the numerous fat Tele-skis beaming at us from the window, so naturally we couldn’t resist and headed in.

Walking into this place felt like home, warm, inviting and absolutely packed wall to wall and floor to ceiling with bright colors and epic quality gear.

The guy working the front of the shop, Geoff, was super friendly and excited to share his knowledge of the outdoor adventure scene surrounding Leadville. Mtn Mama snapped a few pics while Geoff showed me the topo maps I would need for the race.

During the short time I was in this shop every face was smiling and eager to help. All the way back to the guy cutting skins for skis. At no time did I get the impression I was being blown off or that Geoff was holding back on his local trail knowledge. There was absolutely no feeling of elitism or secrecy about these guy’s local playground. They were eager and well kick-ass!! Which is refreshing given the fact that last time we were in Leadville for the Teva Mountain Games we were told by another gear shop that there were no mountain biking trails nor much of anything else in and around Leadville, which we knew was false but didn’t have the time to scout it out for our selves.

So if you are out and about looking for a great gear shop that is locally owned and has the knowledge to back up their passion as well as yours check out Sawatch Backcountry located at 460 Harrison Ave. Leadville, CO 80461 719-486-2271, you will not be disappointed.

Oh and they also gave great advice on the local bar scene!!! So how could this place not be in the UpaDowna Hall of Fame?!?!