Where to buy Nordic skates in Anchorage
September 7, 2026
Nordic skating isn’t the only thing that our hometown does well — we also have top-notch retailers that sell and service Nordic skates
When Ermine opened in 2021, we chose to exclusively sell our skates online direct-to-consumer. This model made sense at the time: interacting with customers directly was integral to our product development process, and our small-scale, hands-on manufacturing process wasn’t ideal for retailers who needed high quantities and consistent production. Luckily, this changed as Ermine grew and developed.
Today, Ermine has a healthy retailer network both within Anchorage and in neighboring communities. Retailers can offer excellent in-person service, sell boots and other equipment that we don’t stock, and offer services like skate sharpening or binding changes.
Within Anchorage
There are currently three quality retailers in Anchorage that support Nordic skating: Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking (AMH), the Hoarding Marmot, and the Ermine store. Click on the name of each store to see its location in Google Maps.
AMH
AMH was founded in 1974 by Paul Denkewalter, and quickly grew into a hub for Alaska’s outdoor community. In 2018, the shop was purchased by longtime employee Jason Buttrick. Today, AMH retails high-end ski, mountaineering, and other outdoor equipment. AMH was the first company in Alaska to sell Nordic skates. They currently offer new skates and wild ice tools, Nordic skate rentals, and skate sharpening.
Hoarding Marmot
Hoarding Marmot opened as an outdoor consignment shop in 2015, gradually expanding its operation (and footprint) to include a large range of gently used and new goods. ‘The Marmot’ offers Ermine Nordic skates and wild ice tools, Nordic skate rentals, and sharpening.
Ermine store
Ermine’s midtown Anchorage manufacturing facility and store began operations in March 2026, and is scheduled to open to the public in October 2026. Until then, Ermine sells Nordic skates and wild ice skating tools online (with an in-person pickup option for those in the Anchorage area!).
Beyond Anchorage
The communities surrounding Anchorage also have a surprisingly robust Nordic skate retail network. For those in the Mat-Su Valley, Backcountry Bike and Ski has become a hub for Nordic skating and frequently stocks rescue picks and ice poles. On the Kenai Peninsula, the best places to find Nordic skates are Beemuns (Soldotna), Old Sterling Outfitters (Anchor Point), and Cycle Logical (Homer).”
- Paxson Woelber has been a dedicated Nordic skater and advocate for wild ice skating since 2016. In 2021, he founded Ermine Skate, North America's first Nordic skate company. Today, Ermine offers a range of premium Nordic skates and Nordic skating products designed for wild ice.
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