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Why Utah Ski Gear is Utah's True Independent Choice With the Level 9 Sports Acquisition

What Happened to Level 9 Sports?

For years, local skiers looked to Level 9 Sports as both a budget-friendly Utah brick-and-mortar staple and a go-to online destination for ski and bike gear. Over the years, Level 9 expanded its local footprint by acquiring other regional mainstays including online retailer Bikewagon and consignment shop 2nd Tracks Sports. However, Level 9 was ultimately acquired by corporate e-commerce giant Backcountry (owned by investment group CSC Generation).

Following the transition:

  • Website: The original website (levelninesports.com) is no longer active and now redirects directly to Backcountry.com.

  • Store Locations: Level 9 originally operated 4 locations in Utah:

    • Downtown Salt Lake City / Granary District (660 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101) – Permanently Closed

    • Orem (644 State Street, Orem, UT 84057) – Permanently Closed

    • Millcreek (2927 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109) – Converted to a Backcountry Outlet

    • Ogden (1275 W 2550 S, Ogden, UT 84401) – Converted to a Backcountry Outlet

While a couple of storefronts remain open as Backcountry outlets, the transition from an independent discount shop to a subsidiary of a massive retail conglomerate changes how they operate. Decisions are increasingly driven by corporate bottom lines and large-scale algorithms rather than community-first service.

How Utah Ski Gear Fills the Gap (and Does It Better)

When big corporations take over local shops, the authentic skier-to-skier relationship often gets lost in translation. At Utah Ski Gear, we are proud to stand firm as a local, independent shop dedicated entirely to serving our community. That means using eco friendly services, selling local and sustainable products, and giving local exclusive deals.

Here is why Utah Ski Gear is the premier ski shop for local and value-minded skiers:

  • 100% Independent & Truly Local: We aren't answering to venture capital firms or out-of-state corporate parents. We live, work, and ski right here in Utah.

  • Unmatched Value & Circular Economy: While corporate entities focus on high margin new inventory, we offer a balanced mix of new gear, expert tunes, and quality used equipment that keeps skiing accessible for families and enthusiasts alike.

  • Hands-On Expertise: When you talk to our team, you're talking to local gear experts who ride the same snow you do, not a remote customer service representative.

  • Services Built Around Real Skiers: From custom tunes and mounting to our tailored trade-in programs, our physical shop is designed to get you on the mountain quickly without breaking the bank.

  • Free Mounts with Purchase of Ski & Binding: Here at Utah Ski Gear we offer a free mounting option with the purchase of a Skis and a Binding together, something Level 9 used to do before the acquisition.

The Bottom Line

The gear landscape in Utah is shifting, but our commitment hasn't changed. If you are looking for genuine advice, fair prices, and a shop that puts Utah skiers first, Utah Ski Gear is here to be your trusted home on and off the slopes. 

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