Rooted in Tahoe: Why We Do What We Do

From the Mountains, For the Mountains

Here in Truckee, we wake up every day surrounded by alpine lakes, towering peaks, and trails that weave through some of the most beautiful terrain in the world. The Tahoe basin isn’t just where we live, it’s where our hearts and souls are rooted. And because we’re so lucky to call this place home, we feel a deep responsibility to help protect it.

At Tahoe Mountain Sports, that commitment shows up in everything we do, from the brands we choose to carry to the way we engage with our community. We’re not here to push gear just for the sake of selling it. We’re here to connect you with gear that lasts, performs, and was made with care, so you can focus on making memories outside, not replacing what’s in your pack.

Gear with Purpose

We carefully curate every item in our store, partnering with brands who share our values. That means looking for:

• Quality of production – so your gear holds up season after season.
• Lifetime longevity – fewer broken zippers, more adventures.
• Minimal packaging – because waste reduction starts before you even open the box.
• Corporate-conscious practices – companies that walk the talk when it comes to environmental responsibility.

We know every dollar you spend is hard-earned. That’s why we aim to provide gear that’s worth your investment and products that are thoughtfully crafted and ready for the long haul.

More Than a Gear Shop

We’re proud to be locally owned and community-driven. Whether it’s supporting organizations like the Sierra Avalanche Center, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, and Keep Truckee Green, or organizing educational events like our Avalanche Education Series, we believe giving back is part of the adventure.

We also believe in real customer service, the kind where you get a human on the other end of the phone, a friendly face in the store, and honest advice that comes from years of getting outside ourselves.

Sustainability in Action: Stories from Our Brands & Community

We partner with brands and projects making a real difference for the planet. Each of these initiatives has its own unique story. Here’s how we’re putting sustainability into action right now:

• NEMO Osmo – NEMO’s innovative OSMO™ fabrics combine performance and sustainability, using recycled yarns and reducing environmental impact without sacrificing durability.
• Hydrapak RePak – HydraPak's innovative upcycling program is dedicated to transforming old bottles into durable composite construction materials with a lifespan of over 30 years! Drop your bottles IN the TMS Re_Pak Box today.
• Terracycle – A program that recycles gear wrappers and packaging that would otherwise head to the landfill.
• Smartwool’s Second Cut Project – Turning scrap and end-of-life Merino wool products into new gear, closing the loop on waste. 
• Patagonia – A leader in repair, reuse, and responsible production, we’re proud to stock gear from one of the most environmentally conscious companies in the industry.
• TMS & PFAS-Free Gear – We’re prioritizing brands that are removing harmful “forever chemicals” from their products, making outdoor adventures safer for people and the planet. 
• Vuori Preferred Fibers – Vuori’s commitment to using recycled, organic, and responsibly sourced materials aligns perfectly with our own ethos. 
• On – Innovative footwear that combines high performance with a lower carbon footprint and reduced packaging waste. 

Why Shopping Local is the Greenest Choice

When you shop at TMS, you’re not just supporting a local business, you’re making one of the most climate-friendly choices available. Consider this:

• Global e-commerce shipping creates 4.8x more packaging waste than in-store shopping.
  
• Across the U.S., 82 million tons of packaging end up in landfills each year, making up nearly a third of all municipal trash.

By shopping locally, you help cut down on unnecessary packaging, avoid long-haul shipping emissions, and keep your dollars in the community, all while getting expert advice and service.

Join Us in Protecting Truckee/Tahoe

The wild places around us aren’t guaranteed forever, they’re something we all have to actively protect. By choosing quality gear, reducing waste, and supporting responsible brands, we can help ensure that the trails, peaks, and lakes we love remain just as wild for the next generation.

At Tahoe Mountain Sports, we’ll keep doing our part. And we’re here to help you do yours, because when we all commit to caring for this place, everyone wins.