Art in tech support saved my vacation!!! He, and and every associate I spoke with, were most helpful, but Art needs a shout out. I came in on MLK day. The place is kind of non-descript on the outside, but when you walk in, it's a super store for everything Ski and Snowboard and it was busy. I needed a repair, same day, as I leaving for the mountain on Tuesday. Even on a super busy day, he was determined to get it done and done right, and he did. I can't say enough good things. I would buy anything and everything from Viking as their Service is amazing. read more

Viking is the best shop in IL and for me the best one in the country. They have a wide range of gear, they almost always have the latest and greatest boards, boots and bindings on the shelf. Craig the has always remembered me even when I'm not in for years, he has an extremely wide range of knowledge of snowboards and snowboarding itself. Craig is the only guy I'll buy boards from at this point. The value I get for my dollar here is so high, my gear is never over priced and I always know I'm walking out with the right thing. Thank you Craig and everyone else at Viking! read more

Viking Ski Shop - Riding the Mega Death at Sierra in Tahoe - Ski & Snowboard Shops Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

Great attentive service from knowledgeable staff. They really take the time to make sure that your ski equipment is right for you in all ways. It's worth the drive. Nice restaurants nearby too. read more

The absolute best ski shop in Chicagoland. Expert boot fitting a curated selection of the top brands of skis, boots, bindings and clothing. The particular value they provide lies in their ability to share their expertise and experience. Viking also matches internet pricing on skis and bindings. read more

Second time taking a pair of skis to be mounted and second time bindings were off - this time they were off center by 1.5mm (more to left of ski) on a new pair of $850 skis!! These guys are supposed to be the pros when it comes to this stuff .. so disappointed and frustrated/angry .. hope it doesn't make a difference when skiing them but still irks me when seeing the bindings off on what I wanted to be perfect .. never taking my gear there again - gonna drive an add'l 10miles further to REI!! read more

I went in to buy new boots and truly appreciated Todd's excellent recommendations. He took the time, asked a lot of questions and I am extremely satisfied with the set up I ended up with. Everyone there seemed knowledgeable and friendly and although it's a long drive for me I'll be back. One note, due to demand for their service you do need to make a reservation for boot fittings. read more

Great ski shop. Know their stuff and are great at fitting boots. Also really nice people.

First time there, was helped by one of the techs (skinny shorter gentleman, forgot his name), who was good as he knew what he was talking about. Had a favorable experience getting custom fitting (more on this) and bought middle of the road skis, total package under $1300. I did not shop around and used them as he was very informative. [Addendum: I was told Vikings was known for the custom boot fittings, which I had done. Unless you're trying out for the Olympics, I would say skip as the fittings seem to force you into size that compresses your toes and after about 4 runs, I had enough due to throbbing toes.] Second time here was when I brought my wife. We were helped by another salesman. Even though we had informed him she is a beginners level and wanted basic gear, you can tell immediately he is trying to up sell, starting boots at $500- you see where this is going. The front desk/cashier is not friendly- they don't greet and feel bit disassociated both times I was there. They give you a vibe that they don't need your business- something I assume they think they are wildly successful without the support of customers. We ended up getting her skis at Erik's Bike and Ski Shop at fraction of the price, and much better, non upsell service, complimentary 2 sessions of wax (waxing not included in Vikings), included binding installation (Vikings charge $30 even when you buy all gear from them!). I regret not getting my skis here as well as I would've saved about $400, but can't cry over spilled water. Even if at same price, I'd prefer this business as it's run better and has a positive vibe. Shop around and compare- choose a business where the basics service (binding install and initial wax) should come with your ski purchase and where they appreciate your business. read more

I don't know jack about snowboarding. Frankly, "extreme" sports aren't my thing. I'm a fragile, delicate flower. Not really, but I'm clumsy as hell, so staying balanced on a board or two sticks on my feet isn't going to end well. In fact, the one time I tried it didn't end well. So why was I here? Well, my fiance loves snowboarding and is pretty good at it. However, he didn't have a snowboard of his own but finally got one from Viking last year and loves it but hadn't had a chance to ride it yet. We were about to take a trip to upper Wisconsin so he could do some snowboarding, so we came to Viking to get him some gear. (Bear with me as I don't know the terminology) They have everything you would probably need: helmets, boots, boards, snowpants, jackets, goggles, etc. They even have an Ugg boots section where you'll find a preppy teenage girl trying on some expensive absorbent boots while her boyfriend sobs quietly in the corner, telling her the boots really make her leggings stand out. Anyway, my dude needed snowboard boots, so a young lady helped him out. She really knew what she was talking about. She showed him all the different options and why some might be better than others. I really liked that she was more about trying to help him find what was right for him than trying to sell him the most expensive thing out there. That's when you know they really care. She fitted him for his boots and then gave him options for the bracket thingys that go on the board (see what I mean?). Once we had his stuff, we paid and were good to go. Yes, Barrington isn't the closest location to us, but it's probably the best snow shop you're gonna find in a state that doesn't have any snowboarding options. Oh and apparently in the summer, this turns into a patio shop, so there's that. read more

Viking Ski Shop - Snowboards and boots for sale - Ski & Snowboard Shops Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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Wow! Fresh start custom painting in palatine painted our 20+ year old patio furniture set that looked just terrible. I was Cautious about the project and the cost but between Fresh Start doing the painting and Viking Ski and Patio doing the strapping we saved money from a new set and didn't touch a landfill for a great set. Both fresh start and Viking did a great job. Pictures are after both and they look brand new versus 20+ years old read more

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Waited half hour for sales guy shooting the shit with customer already who was sold products But was ignored while they chatted about things of 20 years ago read more

We love Viking Ski Shop! The owner always remembers us. We've purchased many many lovely Jensen Jarra wood furniture. Great selection of umbrellas. read more

We use this shop whenever we are buying snow aport equipment or maintaining our own. Viking has an excellent friendly staff, good selection of equipment, and reasonable(flexible) prices. I just recently got my skis tuned up at Viking. I went all our for them and I was surprised at the low price. You can't beat Viking for snow sports equipment in the area! read more

Employees were condescending and dumb. I asked for snowboard bindings and the guy clearly didn't understand what I was saying. They require you to sign a long legal document with all your personal information just to buy something. Not doing that. There are many other places to buy gear and not that far. read more

Lady at front desk was rude as can be when after driving 4o miles only to find out that boot fittings were by appointment only. Since I only wanted the new version of the Tecnica Mach 1 (I current have an older version) I went online and bought it at Evo.com for $200.00 below MSRP. I guess I should thank Viking for forcing me to save money! read more

Would be really helpful if your hours of operation were accurate. Drove out of my way on a Wednesday only to find the store closed.

Another incredible experience today from the staff at Viking. They spent lots of time with us on a ski boot issue and made sure it was done right. Sold us skis about a month ago and they are perfect. Every time we go there, we are so happy with their knowledge and expertise, but also with their cheerful service. Vince and Paul are true professionals. They clearly want you to love the sport and they want you to have the right gear, no matter what your level. read more

Experience fitting and getting new bindings was good. Had an issue with a boot and needed new ones from the manufacturer... Was told my boots were lost... Then they found them? The buckle straight up SNAPPED off when i was SKIING... Okay... Then I show up to get fitted for my new boots and I'm told I need an appointment. When the owner called me to tell me the boots were in, nothing was communicated about an appointment. I even played the voicemail for him stating that he had my boots and he never said anything for an appointment, he still shooed me away. Why do you treat people who spend thousands of dollars at your shop like crap? If something is broken or defective, it's up to YOUR shop to handle the communication with the manufacturer... You sold the defective product. It would be nice if you updated your hours too to reflect the times you're actually open. I've driven here multiple times where it says it's "Open" online to find out it's closed. Mention on your site and social media that you need an appointment. The communication is horrible, next time I need new equipment, I'll just get fitted in Colorado or Utah. I wouldn't waste my time or money again with how many times I've gone back and forth to this store. read more

Don't know what planet one of the other reviewers lives on, but after four decades of skiing (most places out west and all of the Midwest) I can assure you that Viking is a no contest hands down leader in equipment sales and rental. Worth every penny in terms of expertise and outstanding customer service. Won't purchase equipment for myself or my family any where else (including both the American and Canadian Rockies). Yes, they are that good. read more

We have been coming here for a few years now. They rent skis for the season for my children. Their selection has been very good and the prices are more than reasonable for a whole season. read more

The staff is great. Knowledgeable friendly and professional. Experienced fitters to really help you. We bought head to toe gear in October of 2020 and are super happy. The service is great, the people are great, the selection is great. Shop local! read more

Purchased boots and skiis at Viking last year. Spent several hours being fitted and "balanced" however the equipment never semed quite right. I WENT FROM ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE TO BEGINNER. Went to their store in Barrington recently and was told I needed shims on both skiis. Cost? Nearly $200 ... $150 for two small pieces of plastic and $30 to remove 3 screws per ski! Poor quality, poor service, outrageous costs! read more

This is a fantastic ski shop, one you would expect to see on the mountain in Colorado or Vermont. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful too. I got myself completely outfitted from head to toe, helmet, goggles, hat, jacket, boots, bindings, ski's and poles! I would easily recommend this team if you need anything for this ski season! read more

Agreeable and personalized service while being fitted for ski boots. Todd took the time to explain nuances of the process and we located a better best fit in Dalbello Lotus. Grateful for assistance! Have a super season! read more

Great little ski / snowboard shop! They even have 100cm snowboards for very young kids! Best of all: their staff is very patient when your kid is trying to win "Brattiest Munchkin" award. read more

The staff is so knowledgeable. They helped me fit my lil guy for a snowboard, boots, bindings and a helmet. The guy that helped us was giving me tips so he could get the most use out of his gear! We've been in several times since. read more

The team at Viking is the best. I just purchase a new set of skis and boots. They took the time espeacially with boots to find the pair the fit perfect. Asked great questions on were they felt good or bad and made the proper adjustments. Viking also has a great anuual rental program we use ever year for our kids. This is a good option for famiies so you are not buying everythime the kids grow out of something. Incredible selection and even better customer service. read more

I went with my son who had been shopping for snowboards on-line. So glad we went to Viking where Craig was so nice and knowledgable. He asked lots of about his experience, likes and dislikes and helped us pick out a great board and bindings (on sale). So much better than trying to figure it out from websites! read more

Recently bought skis and boots here. Overall happy with my purchase, I got the skis and boots best for me. The seller was trying hard to up sell me but that's understandable. As for the other reviews commenting about not the best customer service, I would agree. The guy selling me the skis made a couple off color comments but in the end I got what I needed with a price that I felt was fair. read more

They might be more geared to the higher end, performance crowd. My wife is a senior, non-athlete, will never in her life ski anything but greens and is pretty good at understanding and communicating that. More than one Instructor at top ski schools out west said the skis they sold her were not suited for her level and needs. Frankly, I think they pawned something off on her that they just wanted to get out of their inventory. read more

Walked into the Barrington Viking on a Saturday in February, looking for a new pair of ski boots. There were several people already being helped. I looked at the display of new models for about 10 minutes and was approached by no one, so I asked one of the fitters how long he estimated the wait to be. He told me he had no idea. I asked him to ballpark it, 30 minutes or more like 2 hours? He arrogantly told me they were really busy, which was obvious, and he had no idea how long it would take. I decided to check out Alpine Accessories at Lake in the Hills, experienced great customer service and knowledge (without attitude) and bought the new K2 Spyne 130s. Your loss Viking, I'll never set foot in any of your stores again, Alpine Accessories earned my business. read more

Top notch boot fitting and consultation. I'v referred novice, intermedia or expert level skiers who've also used Viking for superior advice and service. Seasonal rentals are excellent quality, tuned and clean. I'd never be tempted to buy online or a big box sporting goods stores for such a dangerous sport like skiing or snowboarding. Experience makes the difference. read more

I have never written a yelp review, but felt compelled to call out the excellent service Viking Ski Shop gave me when picking out my first set of skis last March. I have been skiing off and on for 40 years, but always rented. After several years of out-west ski trips, I decided it was time to own my own pair. I did lots of research, carefully taking notes as I rented skis and demoed several pairs. I made my selection and walked into Viking at the end of the 2015-16 season to make my purchase. The gentlemen who assisted me took a long time, asked lots of questions about my current ski habits, abilities and future plans. When I told him that I already knew what I wanted, he took that into account, but then recommend against those skis. Sure, they would be fine, but they wouldn't take me much further than I had already come. He recommended another pair of skis and told me they would be much more responsive and versatile and make me into a much more accomplished skier. I was skeptical, having spent some days on the slopes with skis that weren't right. Ultimately I went ahead based on his commitment to make it right should I dislike these skis. I didn't use the skis until December, 2016 on a trip to Vail. I skied "ok" the first day, but struggled to keep these more responsive skis under control. By noon on the 2nd day, I was exhausted from the struggles and miserable. I felt I had made a mistake on this selection, but decided to slow down, practice and go back to basics. I abandoned my ski buddy and went off to the green runs by myself to regroup. In the process of doing some green runs, I recalled the advice of the salesman - "don't over-ski these new skis. They will steer themselves if you just relax and gently guide them". I practiced down several runs and it eventually clicked. I was now able to steer the skis and as promised they were much more responsive. Once I got control, I jumped over to the back-bowls and had some great runs. Days 3 and 4 of this trip were fantastic. I took two more trips out west in the 2016-17 ski season and made great progress advancing from a sold blue skier to skiing blacks with confidence. A very important element of this progress is the skis I own which took me further than I ever imagined in one season. I am very grateful to that Viking salesman who convinced me to ignore my own instincts and pick a set of skis I could grow into. It would have been easy to sell me what I originally wanted and I would have been happy with their service. But now, I am an enthusiastic fan of Viking Ski Shop and forever grateful for helping me advance my skiing. read more

Let me say I was having a great experience buying a custom fit pair of Salmon boots. I was very happy with customer service and the boot fitter was great. I was fine with paying $600 for a great pair of fitting boots and great customer service until I got to the cash register and found out they charged me $50 to adjust my bindings to fit the new boots. I found this absolutely ridiculous price and they never mentioned the cost until after the service was complete. read more

These people are absolute geniuses when it comes to fitting alpine ski boots.