Black Dome Mountain Sports — Attraction in Asheville

My experience at Black Dome Mountain Sports was disappointing enough that I felt compelled to share. From the moment I stepped inside, I was followed around by staff in a way that felt less like customer service and more like I was being surveilled. Every place I walked, there was someone conveniently “restocking” or “organizing” right behind me. It made the entire visit uncomfortable, like I was a suspect rather than a customer. I know tunnel road is notorious for being filled with homeless drug users, stealing gear to sell for their fix, but come on man. No reason to follow someone who’s interested in spending their money.

To make matters worse, the store is outrageously overpriced. I compared several items—backpacks, hiking boots, even basic accessories—to prices online and at other local shops, and Black Dome was consistently 50–65% higher for the exact same products. There’s no added value to justify the markup either, especially when you factor in the service and layout. Walmart and Amazon have close to the same products for much less and at decent quality.

I did a product/price comparison for 15 items between Walmart and this place. The results were: Walmart = $127.00 Black Dome: $1947.00 YIKES!

Speaking of which, the store is a mess. There’s no real flow to the layout, and everything feels crammed together. Trying to find what you need is a frustrating experience, and the disorganization only adds to the overall chaotic and uninviting atmosphere.

I walked in hoping to support a local business, but I left feeling unwelcome, frustrated, and ripped off. I can understand why the parking lot is empty every time I drive by. I’ll be taking my money elsewhere next time—and I recommend others...

Called Debby Thomas about helping outfit my crew of medically retired combat vets to hike the AT for a 6 months hike. Set up a video chat with her & the board over the spending of funds for the hike. Debby ask me to email her and remind her of the meeting a few days before. I did email her and also called to remind her an hour and 1/2 before the meeting. The store said Debby was not in. I asked them to give her a call so that she could get in touch with me to join the meeting. Debby never called or tried to EVER get back in touch with me. Debby never intended to help outfit these combat vets which also would brought more funds to Black Dome each year for the same hike. This was total disrespect for me, the combats vets going on the hike and the board of directors over the funds to pay for the hike and the gear. The board got together and made time to speak directly to Debby on zoom. Zero professionalism I would never recommend Debby or this store at anytime what so every. Respect & professionalism Debby and the Black Dome...

As a member of the Carolinas Climber's Coalition, you can recover 10% off anything at Black Dome. They have what you need for climbing and a guy with lots of information about climbing for all questions and to help figure out what would be best for your needs.

However, he is only one person and when he is in a discussion with someone I waited 15-20 minutes for acknowledgment that I was even there in line. With not even a glance or "I'll be right with you", I found I needed to get another store person to help me in that department bc it's not comfortable interrupting a conversation. I only needed two things - gym rope and a grigri - and shopping would've taken less than 5 minutes that day but it wasn't the case.

I intend to still shop here for climbing equipment and I hope I would be acknowledged for my presence in...