URBAN LEGENDS Eric Gerrmann and George Michaelsen, owners of Ski Monster in Boston, Massachusetts. SNOW JOBS Ian MacLellan In an industry that lives and dies on the whims of an unguaranteed commodity-snowfall-it helps to have an equalizer, a stabilizing force to tilt the numbers toward the black even in drought years. Every ski shop owner knows a strong employee roster is the key to keeping the doors open. Here are five shops that are thriving because of their dedicated staffs. BY DEVON O'NEIL 48 OUTDOOR RETAILER / Winter 2018