In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Ian Prichard, CEO and co-founder of Black Tie Ski Rentals & Delivery, to explore how a small-town idea sparked by an Alan Jackson VIP fitting turned into North America’s leading ski and bike delivery network.
From maxing out credit cards to launch a two-van operation in Steamboat Springs, to growing into 20 licensed locations across the U.S. and Canada, Black Tie has rewritten the ski rental experience—making it less about lines and logistics and more about lifestyle and leisure.
Ian unpacks how Black Tie is:
- Turning the most dreaded part of skiing—rentals—into a concierge-level, in-room experience
- Balancing affordability with luxury, proving “black tie” doesn’t have to mean overpriced
- Expanding into summer with bike rentals, giving operators year-round sustainability
- Scaling through a unique licensing model that empowers local entrepreneurs
- Building authentic community relationships with resorts, hotels, and concierges
- Keeping customer service at the core—hiring personalities first, ski techs second
Whether you’re a skier, a snowboarder, or just curious about how hospitality meets entrepreneurship on the slopes, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Black Tie is blending high-touch service with smart growth to change the way we gear up for adventure.
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