Ski Skeller Sports reopens, new owners wish to keep store’s legacy

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Ski Skeller Sports, a much beloved outdoor sports retail mom-and-pop shop that closed over a year ago, is reopening its doors.

From 1969 to 2023, Ski Skeller Sports in Midland was a go-to retail spot for many outdoor and sports lovers, then in July of 2023, former owners of the family-owned business, Scott and Gina Ragan, decided to close up shop to move closer to their grandchildren. Now the business is reopening under new management, with new owners who wish to keep the store’s legacy.

Ty Caffey, one of the new managing partners for Ski Skeller Sports came to Midland from Lubbock after his partner, Phillip Howard- who also owns and operates Troy’s Ski Lubbock, reached out to Scott and Gina Ragan, a friend of his.

“We just kind of reached out a little while ago and tested the waters, saw that they were willing to let us come down and lease this place to keep,” Caffey said.

Caffey, who will be running the day-to-day business said he not only hopes to share his love for skiing and sports but also keep the store’s legacy.

“They created a legacy that was here for a long time. We’re going to have accents of what they did around the place,” Caffey said. “He had this place looking like an antique showcase all over the walls…Maybe in 40 years, I’ll have some of those type of things happening here as well.”

Caffey said that his love for snowboarding is what brought him into the sports-retail world.

“I started snowboarding at 19,” Caffey said. “It’s part of what brought me to this world. I’m passionate about it… Feeling a cool breeze on your face. Dodging trees out in the backcountry. I’m really not having fun unless I’m dodging something.”

Caffey said the store is currently in the process of being filled with inventory and hopes that by November 1st, it will be filled with products for its grand opening, however, sales can start being made starting Monday, September 30.

Caffey also said that despite the store’s just-recent reopening announcement, people are already coming to visit. “I mean, just me being here, I’ve put the open sign on and it seems like we’ve drawn a lot of traction already,” Caffey said. “There’s a lot of people that were regular customers with the family before… We hope to just continue to earn your trust and take care of your feet and your on-mountain needs.”

As the West Texas heat begins to die down and the winter season draws near, Caffey said the store will be open and ready to supply everyone’s sports needs.

“If you like being outdoors, you want to try something that’s exhilarating, manageable in increments where you’re learning…or even if you’re looking for something to keep warm with during the wintertime… when we get our once-every-couple of years snow here, then come on in. We’d love to outfit you.”

Ski Skeller Sports, located at 3327 Wadley Avenue in Midland is currently hiring and has several positions open. To apply, visit the store’s location and pick up an application.

For more information about Ski Skeller Sports visit their Facebook page which can be found here .

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