Berg's is a family owned and run business that was established in 1955. The strong Norwegian hospitality, service and work ethic instilled by founders, Paul and Dale Berg, still permeates today. Our staff is made up of ski bums, back country addicts and snowboard rippers who are passionate about helping every customer find just the right gear. If you have any questions at all, please don't hestiate to call or write, we'd love to help you out.
A Brief History of Berg's
Alfred “Al” Berge (left) the founder of Berg’s
Al immigrated to the United States, from Norway, in 1928. At the Age of 18, and in search of the American Dream, Al made stops in Montana, Alaska, and Klamath Falls, before settling in Eugene, Oregon. Dale Berg (right) remains as the shop’s owner, to this day.
Al opened Berg's (Nordic Ski Shop) adjacent to his service station in 1955
Al’s venture into the ski business began with "Berg’s; Nordic Ski Shop", which opened its doors, adjacent to the service station, in 1955. The service station remained in operation until 1975. The ski shop remains in business to this date, as Berg’s; Snow Sport Specialists.
Berg’s Snowboard Shop was added in 1987.
With snowboarding poised to revolutionize the winter sports industry, Berg’s Snowboard Shop was formally added to ski business in 1987
The family tradition continues at Berg’s
The tradition of independent family business continues, in the same location, to this day at Berg’s. Al’s son (Dale) and grandson (Svein) continue to contribute to the business on a daily basis.
Berg's; 60 Years of Family, Community, and Tradition.
Berg's remains a small, independent, family owned business. We’re a family of community minded snow sports enthusiasts dedicated to providing superior products and exceptional customer service. Berg’s maintains an exclusive focus on snow sports hardgoods, winter apparel, and related accessories. Our staff consists of community members who ski and snowboard themselves. The combined interests of Berg’s staff make available decades of ski, snowboard, backcountry, and mountaineering experience. Contact Berg’s and you’ll be attended to by someone who uses the gear under discussion. We love to help our customers find the equipment that will best suit their needs and aspirations.
The history of Berg's begins with Alfred (Al) Berge, whom in 1928 at the age of 18, departed Norway in search of the American Dream. After relatively short stints in Montana, Alaska, and Klamath Falls, Al settled in Eugene, Oregon.
In 1940, Al opened “Berg's Shell Station” on the corner of 13th & Lawrence in Eugene, and married Emma, a fellow hard-working North Dakota Norwegian. Dale, their first son, was born later that same year. Their second son, Paul followed in 1943. Dale and Paul were born into a strong Norwegian work ethic, constantly hearing, "Ya, ya, dat looks good; but do it again." Al was a stickler for detail, and taught his boys to take their time, do their very best, and to thoughtfully serve people like they would hope to be served.
Berg's Nordic Ski Shop opened its doors in January 1955, selling downhill & cross country ski equipment. Dale, Paul, and Emma ran the ski shop, while Al stayed in the background and continued to work at the gas station. Dale and Paul worked at the shop each day after school, and on weekends. They would sell the hardgoods (skis, boots, poles, etc.) while Emma would outfit customers with the latest ski clothing. The family's commitment to service made the shop a place where people knew they would receive personal attention, and be valued as a customer.
In 1975, the Bergs closed the gas station and devoted their full attention to the ski shop. Over the years, product selection was expanded. The shop experimented briefly with other types of sporting goods, but later refocused on snow sports, rationalizing that such specialization made Berg's unique.
With snowboarding revolutionizing the winter sports industry, “Berg’s Snowboard Shop” was added to the business in 1987. With this addition, Berg's officially changed its name to “Berg's Ski and Snowboard Shop”.
Berg's carries a wide range of snow sports hardgoods (including downhill, freestyle, cross country, backcountry, alpine touring, telemark, snowboard, skate, and snowshoes) along with a full line of clothing and accessories. The Internet Sales Department ships goods around the country, as well as making select international shipments. Our regional bus program serves multiple resorts, supported by a full rental department featuring downhill and backcountry skis, snowboards, & snowshoes.
After 60 years, Berg's remains a family affair. Al’s son Dale, and grandson Svein, continue to contribute to the shops daily operations. The Berg family remains committed to hard work and excellent customer service. Customers return to Berg’s, knowing they’ll receive honest and thoughtful attention. They rely on the fact that our employees understand snow sports, the industry, and the products available. We test them, ride them, and buy them ourselves. We stand behind our products, prices, and services.
Walking through our doors, time may seem to stand still. You’ll smell the melting ski wax, while standing upon our legendary red shag carpet. You'll see more product lines than we started with in 1955, but you'll receive the same friendly smile and thoughtful customer service our community members have come to expect. For over 60 years, Berg's has called the corner of 13th & Lawrence in Eugene Oregon home. Whether you’re shopping online, or in person, we look forward to serving our community and sharing our knowledge of the best products the industry has to offer. Stop in, call, or send us an email. You’ll be glad you did.