On the way to where you play

Jim Wickham was a true skiing pioneer, traveling from his home in Detroit to Caberfae and Boyne Mountain and west to Sun Valley in the 1940s. He was bitten hard by the joy of sliding on snow and became a ski instructor. He and his dad JP moved north to Cadillac and created the Sun N Snow Hotel and Restaurant. This allowed Jim to feed his passion for skiing. While instructing it became clear to him his students needed quality equipment in order to reach their potential.  

In 1952, Jim and his wife, Gwen opened Sun n Snow Ski Shop in the hotel office. Jim brought in the newest ski equipment to a community, which sparked an entire area's passion for snowsports. In 1968 the shop was moved to its present location in what is now known as Cadillac West. This expansion allowed Jim to continue his passion and also helped to provide a specialty niche in Northern Michigan. In his time he also continued his career in instructing, by becoming a certified PSIA examiner. He also was a manufactures rep for many ski companies.

Cancer took Jim's life in 1976. The store and his legacy were carried on by his wife Gwen. She guided the store until her death in 1988. At that time, Jim and Gwen's children, Cheri and Pat Wickham assumed control of the store and their father's legacy.

It was at this time they hired Joe Host to manage and guide the store. Joe came with a strong background in ski retail and ski coaching. He started working the shop in 1978 waxing rental skis. Moving west to Colorado working at Keystone as a ski instructor and also spent time in Breckenridge as a rental manager. Over the years he moved through the ski and snowboard industry, which provided him with the knowledge and experience he has today. From Colorado to Vermont and finally moving back to Cadillac. When he began coaching the Cadillac ski team in 1985, which he still continues to coach today. In 2014 he was inducted into the Michigan ski coaches' hall of fame.

In 1988 Joe landed back where he started. This time not just waxing rental skis, but managing the store all while continuing Jim’s legacy. Joe brought that same love and commitment for the sport through his experiences, by providing quality ski and snowboard equipment to the local area.

This continued until 2012 when Joe purchased the store. With a wealth of experience, he will move the store forward with what Jim taught him in his youth. Your experience matters, on the snow and in the store. Joe and his staff are committed to Jim’s vision and commitment to excellence, by helping you get what you need to enjoy your time on the snow.