BRECKENRIDGE – Skiing is fine for some, but a new Breckenridge business wants nothing to do with the double-plank method.

Powder Tools opened at Main Street Station this season with the intent of focusing solely on the snowboard community in Breckenridge. The store claims to offer the largest selection of demo snowboards in Summit County and boasts a staff focused only on snowboard gear.

“We have the most amazingly knowledgeable staff,” said store manager Jenna Kardoes. “They are what make this store what it is.”

Powder Tools is an offshoot of Christy Sports, and the success of the company’s first two Powder Tools ventures in Winter Park and Steamboat Springs convinced it to open shops in Breckenridge and Vail this season, according to spokesman Brian Sullivan.

“We really felt like Breckenridge needed a snowboard shop that was approachable for anyone, from tourists to locals,” Sullivan said.

The store maintains a small shop feel combined with the support of a major retail chain. And the concept of Powder Tools isn’t simply a matter of reformatting existing stock from Christy’s Stores into a new package – the store offers a full range of gear previously not available at Christy’s locations, including Breckenridge’s only full line of kid’s hardware, according to Kardoes. Powder Tools stores can also share inventory with other Powder Tools stores and order items for customers.

“There’s a lot more to the store than what you see when you walk in,” said employee Zack Landen.

Besides appealing to tourists of all ages and skill levels, Powder Tools aims to become a community snowboard shop. The local store will host an official grand opening on Dec. 17 including giveaways and music by the Skullcandy DJ.

For more information about Powder Tools visit http://www.powder

tools.com.

SDN reporter Drew Andersen can be contacted at (970) 668-4633 or drewa@summitdaily.com.