Bringing skis from Aspen to Newport

Paul Clinton

MARINER’S MILE -- A former Swiss Olympian has said he will open a new

ski equipment and rental shop here by Oct. 1 to replace a longtime

retailer.

Stefan Kaelin Ski & Golf is set to open in the place of Peter

Glenn of Vermont, which closed in March. The shop is at 2700 W. Coast

Highway.

“We are presently remodeling the space,” the company said in a

press release on its Web site. “The remodel will bring the location

up to our standards and be able to accommodate full ski and golf

merchandise and services.”

It will be the only retailer specializing in skiing in Newport

Beach.

The shop will reflect the newest tends in ski, snowboard and golf

equipment, the Aspen, Colo.-based company said. It will also offer

apparel and extensive rentals.

The store will also feature a golf cage with a computerized swing

and performance analyzer. A Professional Golfers’ Assn. expert will

be on hand for professional service, custom fitting and advice.

Local business leaders welcomed the new retailer to a location

that has existed as a ski shop since the 1970s.

“I think it’s a terrific addition,” said Richard Luehrs, president

of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. “This enterprise will

continue to provide a much sought after recreational amenity to

Newport Beach. We have a fairly active population that takes in golf

and skiing avidly.”

The Newport Ski Co. opened at the location in 1976, after a fire

leveled the entire block. In 1998, chair retailer Peter Glenn took

over and ran it as a ski shop for five years.

In the 1960s, Kaelin was a two-time Olympian with the vaunted

Swiss team. In 1969, he left his native land for a sales job at a ski

apparel company in the U.S.

By 1972, Kaelin was the general manager of Raichle-Molitor USA, a

division of Raichle of Switzerland. Three years later, he and wife

Stascha founded Kaelin Enterprises and Kaelin Corporation Inc. to

open ski stores in Aspen.

In addition to the equipment and rentals, Kaelin’s shop will also

offer classes to children who want to learn how to ski or snowboard.