About Us

We get to know you—your skill level, your skiing style, and what you need to get the most out of your time on the mountain.

We focus 100% on alpine skiing. No snowboards, no backcountry skis—just deep expertise in gear for the sport we know and love.

From precision tuning to expert binding setup, your gear is in the hands of techs who do this every day—and do it right.

Serving Sacramento skiers since 1956, we’ve built generations of trust by standing behind every product and every tune.

Chad blends decades of family know-how with modern gear knowledge. He’s dedicated to making sure every skier finds exactly what they need.

Erik represents the next generation of shop leadership. He’s passionate about keeping the family tradition alive—and keeping customers on the mountain.

Brad brings years of hands-on experience with ski equipment and services. His attention to detail ensures every tune and fit is top-tier.

In 1936, Charles Helm Sr. laid the foundation for a family legacy rooted in both passion and community. A man of the outdoors, he balanced his love of nature with a life as a traveling jazz musician and gifted dancer. His wife, a talented dance teacher who later worked with Shirley Temple, shared his creative spirit. That same year, Charles opened his first store, beginning a tradition of excellence that continues today

Chuck Helm Sr. passed his passion down to his son, Chuck Jr. Inspired by California’s proximity to Tahoe resorts and the upcoming 1960 Olympics, Chuck Jr. moved to Sacramento in 1956 to start something new. That year, he opened Helm of Sun Valley in Sacramento, California, planting the roots of a family-run shop that would span four generations. What started as a small, passionate business quickly became Sacramento’s go-to destination for skiers.

With the Sacramento shop thriving, Chuck Sr. sold his Sun Valley store and joined the family effort in California, opening new locations in San Mateo and San Jose. This marked the beginning of Helm becoming a well-known name across Northern California ski communities. Even as the business expanded, the focus remained the same: provide honest advice, quality gear, and exceptional service—just like you’d give to a friend.

After decades of dedication, Chuck Jr. passed the torch to his children: Chad, Brad, and Angela. Having grown up on the slopes—and in the shop—the third generation brought fresh energy and deep expertise. Brad and Chad had both raced competitively, and all three siblings shared a hands-on knowledge of gear and customer needs. Under their leadership, the shop continued to win national recognition, including Gold Medal awards from Ski Magazine.

As we approach our 70th year in 2026, Helm of Sun Valley continues to evolve while staying true to our roots. Four generations of the Helm family have helped build a trusted, ski-only shop in Sacramento, California known for its expertise, service, and love of the sport. Whether it’s dialing in the perfect boot fit, finding the right skis, or just sharing a good powder-day story, our team is here for it. The gear has changed—but our commitment to skiers hasn’t. We’re proud to be part of Sacramento’s ski community, and we’re just getting started.