Anchorage Welcomes Ermine Skate’s First Retail Shop and New Skate Blade

Ermine Skate debuted its first retail storefront in Anchorage on Tuesday, with owner Paxson Woelber participating in a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Woelber expressed enthusiasm for the new space, which features both a customer area and a workshop. This enhanced production facility is designed to streamline operations and support various employee stations.

Alongside in-person sales, the store will offer skate sharpening services, skate rentals, and classes focused on sharpening skills to address the unique challenges posed by Alaska’s glacial silt ice. During the launch, the company introduced a prototype Nordic skate equipped with MagnaCut stainless steel, touted by Woelber as superior for its hardness and resilience against chipping. Woelber’s vision for these specialized skates stems from his passion for the sport, which he believes is accessible to newcomers and offers expansive outdoor experiences.