I love this place to pieces. I have been coming here since I was a young kid and I'm 42 now. The last two times I came in here, I had the greatest conversations with the owners, and then I went to White Pines and got on some fish based on the suggestions I got from them. read more

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Great little sporting goods store which is perfect for the area. Bill defines the store with his knowledge and is very friendly if you need any fishing tips. The store mainly has fishing supplies for the nearby ponds to catch trout, bluegill, and bass. There is a small selection for water sports, goggles, snow gear, and swim wear. Yes it's small , but that's the charm and how logistics works when out so far from a local big box store. I've bought fishing licenses here which was not an issue for me. They are able to take debit card with a small fee. Pay with cash and you can avoid fee - just like numerous small business impacted by cc fees from the cc companies. Also picked up a custom Ebbetts Pass sun shirt which honestly is badasś. Support local business there and around town! read more

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DO NOT GIVE THIS PLACE THE TIME OF DAY. It's a wonder how this place stays in business with the most rude, condescending lady (owner) working at the front. I came in to get some fishing gear for my son and after I selected a couple poles, I had questions about assembling the line. She reluctantly grabbed a sample and when I asked if it was okay to take a photo, she snapped and said, "What... you can't take a photo with your mind?" Everything that came out of her mouth was curt and borderline offensive. After reading some of the reviews here, it seems I wasn't the first to experience her horrific behavior. read more

Great service, great selection, very knowledgeable about how, what and where to catch fish. Very helpful. Definitely a must stop on your way up the hill. read more

Amazing peopleFantastic place to shop. The owners are very trustworthy people who have been in business for a very very long time. Thank you Bill you are amazing read more

Perfect spot to stop on the way up to camping. Owners were very knowledgeable about the area and were super friendly.

Update after 4 years... I said I'd never come back, but my Father-in-Law needed a license. I vowed to not give them my business but went in with him. The same lady was there and was very condescending to him, too. He accidentally got his PIN wrong when she ran his card and she said she "would be happy to refuse the sale." He apologized for the hassle and said he can just pay in cash and she responded "I don't need your cash." Really!? A business doesn't want cash? At the same time another customer opened the refrigerator to get some worms and she yelled at him to put them back. I didn't see a sign that says customers can't handle the worms. He got frustrated and left. Honestly, what's going on with this place? I really do mean it this time, I'm NOT coming back. read more

Not a big place but they seem to have whatever you need for the season. Rented skis. Reasonable prices. Ended up buying some outerwear that was also reasonably priced. Guy who works there is awesome. read more

Kind. Knowledgeable. Great selection of fishing gear. We make a point to stop every time. Good prices.

Great shop, they have everything you need for some fun in mountains. The gentlemen who works there is very knowledgeable about the area and suggested some great spots for trout fishing. He was also just plain friendly which made the experience that much better. read more

We used Ebbette Pass Sporting Goods today for our snowboard and boots rentals before we went to Bear Valley. Soooo happy we did! Not only was their customer service awesome, but their prices were great!! The day before we bought the exactly same pair of gloves at Bear Valley resort for waaaay more ‍ so frustrating! We got our 13 year old snow pants for $60. WIN! This is a family owned business and it is very apparent that they really care about the people coming into their shop. This year was our 3rd annual trip... to this area, we will be renting here from now on. read more

Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods - Rental board in 3rd to right, rental boots are theirs and fourth the right. Everything was great! - Sporting Goods Near Me - Arnold, California

The lady behind the counter was rude and demeaning to me. She made me feel bad for going in there with any questions. I went in asking whether I could rent gear for my 3-year old even though she was napping at the time. She made it very clear I could not. Fair enough, I can understand that. However, the way she talked to me was unnecessarily rude and hostile. I tried asking some more questions about gear I might need in addition to the standard rental, and what was included in the rental (so that I could plan ahead for the next day). She made it very clear she wasn't interested in selling me anything. It was so bad that another patron caught me outside and talked to me a bit because she felt bad listening to that interaction. I came on yelp afterward and saw that this was a common experience with the lady owner. I ended up going to the Sierra Nevada Adventure Co instead. It was an amazing experience there. Day and night difference. They were so professional even though they were swamped and were so nice to my little one. read more

Thank you to the owners of Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods! I went in there to get some bait and gear and ask some questions! Not only did they tell me I had been fishing illegally (whoops) on the river when it was closed, they have me a great tip and directions to head to another nearby lake! I ended up getting 3 large bass 3-5lbs the first day, and my daughter caught a nice one on her frozen pole! read more

Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods - Sporting Goods Near Me - Arnold, California

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The owner was there when I came in. I was just exploring around and he was very polite and engaging even though I didn't purchase anything at that time. The store is outfitted well and items are easy to find. I will definitely be back when fishing season gets here! read more

Best ski rental in Arnold- go here -better skis, faster, better service, flexibility. Not crowded -Great experience

Wow, the condescending woman (heavyset, Caucasian, with dirty-blond wavy hair) behind the counter should probably not work with customers...at all. We came in to buy a few day passes and a sled. She was unnecessarily rude from the start, practically yelling at us as she condescendingly asked, "What do YOU want? Well, here's a sign. Since you've read the sign, you already know [our policy]," etc. and was equally rude to my friend. We were polite, but since we're visiting, needed literally a minute to ask questions and decide what we wanted. There was a man behind her who seemed nice, but walked away to help someone else. He seemed to genuinely enjoy his job. This woman seemed miserable, bitter, and hateful. I hope she finds something different to do that makes her happy. read more

I don't have an issue with their stock. The co-owners are very different, but don't get the wife started. She will complain about everything including customers in front of customers. The husband is very friendly and helpful. My biggest issue is neither wear a mask while in the store and there is minimal separation at the cash register. The wife even made a statement about being glad when this would all be over, "I have grandkids." I can only assume you love your grandkids, so wouldn't you want to protect them and stop the spread of COVID-19? Wearing a mask within an establishment is actually required. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings_06-18-2020.pdf read more

The best sporting goods shop around, Bill and sharon are the greatest, Bill is an encyclopedia of mountain knowledge and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Huge selection of fishing gear and always knows where the fish are hiding..Puts alot of his own money in to stock trout at white pines lake and is a huge part of why we love Arnold.Stop in if your in the area and buy a cool t-shirt or hat as he has a great selection! Also has all you need to rent for snow boarding or skiing at Bear... read more

RUDEST LADY EVER!!! If I could give minus stars I would! We went there to rent boots and boards typically the owners/workers are very friendly, not yesterday! The most condescending person I have ever experienced while shopping at a small business! The lady working yesterday was an absolute nightmare and I will never spend my money there again! We have a home up here so we are up here here, we aren't just people who pass by. Instead we went to SNAC and they were amazing! So friendly and helpful. read more

very helpful staff, good gear to rent and large inventory of top quality sporting goods

Couldn't update my orevious review because I got locked out of that account somehow and I hate so much to do this, but hopefully the lady- I guess the wife- sees this and realizes she either needs to change her attitude or change Jobs. I send people to Ebbetts Pass ALL THE TIME. Generally before doing so, I call up to see if they have what the customer needs to save a trip. 4 out of 5 times they do, customer is on their merry way. I got to help somebody, another local retailer gets business, customer is happy, win win all around. Well I finally encountered the woman people are complaining about in their reviews and Thank God I didn't encounter her on my first call or I'd never call or send people again. The call was on speaker and the customer was appalled by her rudeness and said he'd also never shop there. What a terrible way to run a business. Luckily the other employees I've spoken with are kind, but next time I call and she answers, it'll be an immediate hang up. I would normally never be that rude, but she deserves the same treatment she dishes out. read more

I'be been renting ski equipment from Bill and the Ebbetts Pass family for a number of years and it's the customer service, and his great sense of humor, that keeps bringing me back. It just feels like a family and Bill goes out of his way to make things easy for people and their prices are very reasonable. It's just a well stocked and unpretentious shop that has pretty much anything you'd need to enjoy this beautiful area. read more

Absolutely worst customer service ever. I NEVER take the time to even write negative reviews. I never want to take away from one of our local business. "We only take cash or debit" *owners wife proceeded to process debit ... runs card then says "$6 charge for debit" Me: oh I will pay cash then Owner wife: "nope. Too late." Then continues to argue making a scene in her own establishment. IF YOU HAVE FEES PLEASE INFORM YOUR CUSTOMERS. read more

There are definitely better options in town than this place. I visited here to buy some ear protection for my baby for an upcoming flight and wanted to support a local business since I am in Arnold a lot to visit my parents. First of all, they made everyone hand sanitize when they walked in. But they didn't have hand sanitizer, just sticky hand soap with no water. Gross. Then, a lady in her fifties or sixties who I am assuming is the owner gave me the stinkeye from the time I walked in, I'm guessing because of my skin color since I gave her no reason to do so. She was incredibly and intentionally rude when I asked her if she carried what I needed to buy. I kind of figured as much since they have very limited selection of everything; it's all very bare bones. Apparently it's also a home decor place called "The Outhouse", which is a very fitting name for what you will find inside. Skip it and go to one of the other fine establishments in town that sell similar items and treat all their customers with respect. read more

Stopped in the night before skiing to get some last minute items for the kids. We arrived after the store closed, but Bill saw us outside and invited us in. He was amazingly helpful - hooked us up with boots, gloves and other necessities for the kids. Store had a little bit of everything - kind of a small town general store for sporting goods - and he had everything we needed. Bill ended up staying more than half an hour to help us out. Even gave the kids a treat that we were going to buy for them. Then, the icing on the cake, Bill recommended a dinner place down the road for us, and as we pulled into the parking lot, my wife realized she left her purse (with the only key to our rental house in it!) at Bill's store. We went racing back to find the store darkened and Bill gone. Panic! How were we going to get into our house?!? While we were trying to reach someone who could open the store, Bill drove up - he had gone to the restaurant he'd recommended to try to find us to return the purse! Finding that we weren't there, he was headed to his backup restaurant recommendation, and drove back by his own store, saw us there and stopped in to return the purse. Needless to say, I heartily recommend this store. Bill's making the world a better place - go help him out. read more

Great, old fashioned friendly service. Good supply of equipment for a group of half a dozen for beginner ski rentals, including jackets and pants. One thing to mention is that while the woman behind the counter is helpful, as other reviewers have written she can come across a bit condescending. I was fine, especially since I tended to agree with her useful advice for managing a group of first time skiers and ensuring they were well protected and warm, but if you have thin skin you may not find it tolerable. She should work on her communication style. Making the customer feel stupid, especially tourists likely to write a 1 star review after having their egos bruised, is generally not a good thing for your business. That said, thank you to all the owners and staff for taking care of us all on our Christmas vacation. A warm Merry Christmas to you all. read more

We were heading up to take the kids fishing and camping. Stopped here to pick up some night crawlers. The owners were super friendly. They gave us some good suggestions on what to use in which lakes and it paid off. 13 fish caught for the kids. Friendly helpful business. read more

Outta town on a family camping trip. Second family camping trip and as African Americans in a large caravan we get a lot of stares and some unfriendliness which is to be expected. We walked in and this gentleman (the owner) was just full of hospitality to the point I'll make it a point to visit whenever we go up. Overall the people in this community were most welcoming read more

Popped in on 12/24 at the suggestion of our innkeeper. We were hoping to rent snowshoes for the afternoon. The place was not busy at all, but the woman behind the counter seemed entirely too annoyed that we stopped in. She proceeded to tell us that she wouldn't rent them to us because she didn't think our desired snowshoe location got enough snow the day before. We ended up leaving snowshoe less and feeling like stupid city slickers that offended the woman for not knowing exactly how much snow was on a trail we'd never been to. Fortunately, our snow boots sufficed on the trail, so she saved us some cash...that earns one star. One more star just because our innkeeper highly recommends them when that particular woman isn't manning the desk. read more

Next time I'd pass on Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods. While heading to Big Trees, I stopped by to check out the shop. As far as fly fishing, the shop carries a nice selection of flies and all the basics you'd need for local fishing. I looked around a bit and picked up a couple of casting bobbers for my boys. As I was making the transaction, I asked the employee who was helping me a couple of questions about a glass rod blank that was in full view behind the counter. She gave me curt responses and she grinned at me. When I asked her I could see the blank she said, "Not today" and walked off. I'd prefer not to get the corporate fly shop attitude from a mom and pop's shop. read more

A must stop for all high country fishing and outdoor sports. Friendly staff, knowledgeable about local conditions, and great stock. Not even mentioning the owners and people who work the counter are the real glue that keep many of the sportsmen in our community together while being downright friendly to all. Great service! read more

They have a large assortment of rental and retail snow boots for kids and adults, good variety of socks and do rent skis and snowboards, but variety is limited as they mostly rent to locals in this small town of Arnold. And they have a boot warmer, so you can warm your boots up while looking around! They also sell sno park passes here and have info on renting snomobiles! read more

We come to Bill in the summer for tackle and bait and general local fishing knowledge. Our first time up here for snow sports and he's the guy we came to, he had it all. Set us up for a day of fun in the snow, boards, boots, all of it. Couldn't find a nicer more helpful place to go to for all our outdoor needs. read more

I have to agree with another negative customer. Just spoke with woman on phone. Seeking a fishing report and road conditions to Alpine Lake. Very short and kinda rude. Told her I was visiting up here again, had been in their store last year. Bought two rod/reel combos , net. Misc lures Was excited to go back this trip. Spend some more money Might have to pass !! read more

Rented a cabin up in the area and thought we would take our 3 year old up to the snow. We stopped here to see if they had any boots in her size. We were surprised they had some to rent for $5. The owner was very friendly and showed my wife where the boots and snow gear was. We were able to outfit my daughter with boots and ski pants for $10 and he even gave us a map and made some suggestions on where to go sledding. I was able to find some nice ski gloves for myself without a ridiculous markup. There are a few sporting good places in Arnold, but I definitely got a great feeling from this place. read more

Best Around. Bill is Awesome and so helpful - especially with the Fishing tips in the Summer. Great prices on everything - can't be beat for miles around! --Jerry read more

Was nice to meet Bill ten years ago. They have always been helpful and hard working kind people. Best and only place to buy sporting goods in Arnold read more

My family and I stopped here after driving past many times on prior trips to Arnold and Bear Valley. Many of the Yelp reviews were very good referencing the helpful owner and we needed a Sno Park pass to hike lake Alpine, so why not give this shop a try? This looked exactly like the kind of small business we'd prefer to support. Our 7 year old daughter had an empty plastic cup she had brought in from outside the store and asked if she might be able to throw away the cup in the shop's trash. She was told "No, we don't have a trash can for you...sorry." Fortunately they did have the Sno Park pass that we paid for at the front cash register right next to their wastebasket. So, thanks a lot Ebbett's Pass Sporting Goods for showing a 7 year old, who was trying to do the right thing by throwing away some litter and asking the shop staff for some help, what it means to choose where to spend her money wisely. She won't be back and neither will we. read more

Was camping at Big Trees with my family and a few other families. I went into the store on Friday morning to buy some fishing tackle and some knowledge on the best chances for fish. I followed the advice given and my four year old son caught his first fish. He is now stoked on fishing. Prices were fair for the location and people were friendly. read more

I popped in with two of my friends to rent snowshoes on our way to Big Trees. Bill was extremely friendly and helpful. He took the time to make sure we all proper footwear as well as great snowshoes. He gave us the amazing recommendation of snowshoeing the North Grove trail in Big Trees State Park. Will be coming back the next time we need gear for any outdoor activity. read more