Opened in 1939 to fill the needs of the fledgling ski industry, Eskimo Ski Shop is the oldest specialty ski shop in the country. Its founder, Frank Bulkley II, saw the need for families to be able to afford the relatively expensive sport of skiing. He offered to rent ski equipment to the members of his children's ski club for the season. From this began the legacy of the Eskimo Ski & Board Shop and Eskimo Club.