Meet Derek Tiplady

Hometown: Burlington VT

Years of Experience: 11 Years here total at The Skirack as a mechanic. I've been the Catagory manager/Buyer for Snowboard product for the last 10 years and the Bike Parts and Accessories buyer for the last 3 years. I've been and avid rider and biker for around thirty years.

Outside Interests and Hobbies: In winter it's getting as many days on snow as my schedule and body will allow. Usually at Sugarbush or Bolton and the surrounding backcountry. Summer time its long rides off the beaten path especially if it involves camping, or just a quick cruise around town to meet up with friends for a beer. Golfing, disc golf, seeing live music or just hanging out with my Wife and our dog.

Favorite Gear: Airblaster Ninja Suits have been in my closet for the better part of two decades as they move with you better than two piece baselayer, and are great at keep you warm and dry.

Vans Infuse or Hi-Standard Pro and Nitro Skylab or Chase boa boots fit my feet really well and I'm super picky about my boots. I use mainly Union Atlas or Rome Katana bindings for resort and Spark R&D Arc's or Dyno DH's for the splitboard. I ride a little bit of everything so the boards that I'm really digging for this winter are The Nitro Mountain, Capita BSOD, and Yes Hybrid for tight trees, good snow days or just hauling around the groomers. The Rome Freaker was super fun as a resort all around board and the Arbor Draft was a blast for playing in the park.

For Bike equipment, Sidi Dominators have been the longest lasting pair of shoes I've ever owned. I like a lot of the Blackburn frame/seat bags as they are a really good value and have held up well. Specialized's new Terra C and CL wheelsets are a killer deal and probably the next upgrade to my own bike.

The Triggerpoint Impact massager that we carry has been a life saver for keeping me moving. I've had a lot of injuries over the years and that thing gets me limber enough to stretch out the sore spots and recover quicker.

Favorite local outdoor destination(s): Sugarbush for resort riding as it's got mostly quick lifts and they do a great job with their park as well as maintaining snow quality. Bolton has some incredible spots right off the resort's boundaries, small hikes can be extremely fruitful even after everything else is tracked out. For biking any of the states backroads that run along the rivers are a favorite of mine especially if there is some good food or beverage along the way.

Fun Fact or Story: I worked as a professional chef and bartender when I wasn't in the outdoor industry.