Backdoor Sports Continues Legacy in Steamboat Springs

On the banks of the Yampa River, at 841 Yampa St, Backdoor Sports stands as a continuation of the legacy built over 40 years. It's been a year since his passing, and the store he built continues to thrive, driven by the mission to ensure every customer "has the best day ever." This philosophy, instilled by Van De Carr, remains at the core of the business, even as new owners Dominique and Michael Welch, along with master boot fitter Amanda Brotman, navigate the challenges of keeping his spirit alive while forging a new path forward.

Backdoor Sports was founded in 1986, and after operating out of various garages, it eventually moved to its current location. The Welches completed their purchase of the business in May 2025, following Van De Carr's tragic skiing accident in February of the same year. Van De Carr was 70 years old at the time of his passing. The community he built around Backdoor Sports is a reflection of his dedication to promoting access, reviving Telemark skiing, and developing a hockey community. His impact extends beyond the business, as he helped young individuals learn valuable life skills that transcend monetary gain.

The new owners are keenly aware of the legacy they've inherited. "Backdoor Sports exists because of Pete and his family," Dominique Welch said. "He and Gretchen have done exceptional work in spreading awareness, promoting access, reviving Telemark, developing a hockey community and creating a place where young individuals have learned how to work, learn and explore values that have set them up for a lifetime of success in ways that transcend monetary gain." Amanda Brotman, who was brought in as the master boot fitter, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I think his legacy will always reverberate through Backdoor Sports. He touched our community with generosity, kindness and connection that we hope to keep up and continue to develop over time, while bringing in our own flair."

Despite facing an anemic low-snow winter, with only 171 inches of snowfall in Steamboat, down from the 10-year average of 289 inches, Backdoor Sports has managed to expand its offerings. The store now carries Alpine boots and bindings, splitboards, and provides ski tuning and custom-insole and ski-boot fitting services. This expansion marks a significant shift, as the store delves into the Alpine skiing world, a move that Michael Welch describes as "the natural progression of the ski shop." It's a decision that has helped the business navigate the challenges of a difficult winter.

His passion for Telemark skiing is well-documented. He spent years in the Telemark world, and his enthusiasm for the sport is still palpable. "He was a pretty hardcore Telemark guy," Michael Welch said. "He spent years in the Telemark world and that was his passion. You can see why, it's where skiing started and it's alive through modern technology." The store's continued support for Telemark and Alpine touring lines is a testament to the enduring influence of the founder.

As Backdoor Sports looks to the future, it's clear that the new owners are committed to honoring the legacy while forging their own path. The store's expansion into new areas, such as Alpine skiing, is a significant development, and one that will likely have a lasting impact on the community. For locals, the continued presence of Backdoor Sports on Yampa Street is a reassuring constant, a reminder of the power of community and the enduring spirit of Pete Van De Carr. The practical implication of this expansion is that locals will have access to a broader range of skiing equipment and services, which will likely have a positive impact on the local skiing community.