ACTYVE SKI WAREHOUSE Est.1981 — Local services in Town of Hempstead

Would give this place zero stars if it was possible. I was looking to get new boots at a bit of a bargain and further this may be the place to go. The place advertised on craigslist and didn't look fancy. I called to inquire about ski boots prior to going and the owner was extremely rude. I should have known not to go to this place when the owner answered my questions with "as long as you bring money I have boots." This place is a small hole in the wall makeshift warehouse. When you walk in, it's dark and dingy, and there is skis, snowboards, and boots all over the place. There's a makeshift couch (a row taken out of a mini van) for you to sit on. The guy that helps the owner sized my foot and kept insisting on a boot size two sizes too big. It wasn't his fault though; the owner probably trained him that way. As I kept insisting on a different size, the owner said something along the lines of, "this guy (me) knows what size he wants, we only give bigger sizes for beginners." I don't now how much water that statement holds but I was always told ski boots should fit your foot exactly to the toes (with a tiny bit of wiggle room). While trying on the boots the owner kept peppering me with questions. 'Where else did you go for boots?" "What boots do you have now" "what skis do you have now" "What's your budget" "why didn't you buy boots else where." Standard questions I suppose but there was an adversarial tone the whole time; as if he didn't want my business. The boots I tried on had too many pressure points so I asked the helper if they had other brands, and before he could answer the owner abruptly interrupts and says no. I then ask the helper if they have used boots and he says yes, but the owner quickly interjects again to say "no, we have no boots for you." I was taken back by the comment and the owner further explains. "I know your type. I've been doing this for 15 years. I can read people. We have nothing here for you." I wanted to react contentiously, throw a boot at him or through his window, but it wasn't worth it. I just said thank you and left. I'm not sure what the owner's deal was but I can confidently say I'll never be returning. Ended up taking my business to a reputable place. Don't waste your time...

We have our two daughters in the trade up program and have sent all of our friends with kids here too. The trade up program is far more cost effective than renting each season and no other ski shop (that I know of) offers anything remotely like it.

Before I detail this program, I want to shoutout Garrett and all the staff here. They’re knowledgeable and really great with kids too. Also, realize that “warehouse” is in the name to help manage expectations. You’re not in a Bloomingdale’s or super upscale resort shop here, but the prices are great and reflect that lower overhead.

Here’s how the trade up program works:

-You purchase a pair of skis and boots for your kids when you first sign them up. That equipment is yours forever. -As your kids grow, you have the option of trading up for bigger skis and/or boots for $25 each. An annual tuneup costs $25. This is a fixed cost and guaranteed for the duration of the program, until your child turns 13.

So for us, for one kid, we paid $200 at the start, then $50 the next season, then $75, then $50, then $50 (this all depends on whether you need bigger equipment each season or mid-season).

By comparison, to rent each year, you’re looking at $150+$150+$150+$150 and so on (assuming no price increases). And the skis aren’t yours to keep at any point.

So depending on how quickly your kids grow, you’re coming out ahead after just a few ski seasons, plus a set of skis and boots to walk away with when you’re done (remember, you purchased at the beginning). This is a NO BRAINER!

From the service to the prices and the unparalleled trade up program, I cannot recommend Actyve Ski...

STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! traded up my son’s ski and boots at this place. They waxed and sharpen my ski as well. Loaded everything in the car and drove to the mountain, we’re getting ready to ski only to find out that they gave my son TWO LEFT ski boots! My son was so upset that he won’t be able to ski after the long drive to the mountain. Called the store and the owner nonchalantly told me “oh rent the boots and ski somewhere nearby and we will reimburse you” so we did and wasted more than an hour to get his rental and eventually was able to ski. I took the TWO LEFT boots and ski back to the store and told them it was $67 for the rent and they REFUSED to pay me back! They’re asking for a receipt like as if I didn’t call ahead that they made a mistake and as if we were able to ski with a FREE rentals! What the F! Who gets a free rental in the ski resort???!!!! The 3 guys in front of the cashier doesn’t care how much trouble they caused our trip and still thinks I’m after their $67! You have multiple bad reviews...