The History of Helm of Sun Valley in San Jose and Capitola.
It all started in 1940.

It was 1940 when Chuck Helm opened his first ski shop in Sun Valley, Idaho. Mr. Helm pioneered the ski business out west . He came to San Jose in the early 70′s where Eric Plane, current owner and operator, took over the San Jose Helm of Sun Valley location on Bascom Avenue in 1975. Eric Plane has grown the business to include several locations over the past 35 years. The Plane family operates their 2 current locations in San Jose and Capitola, California.
Helm is here for you all year round.
Helm of Sun Valley is a unique business model with two seasonal product offerings.
At Helm of Sun Valley in San Jose and Capitola you can often see the Plane family on-hand and working with customers. This good ol’ fashioned and personalized way of doing business is a rare find in today’s retail environment. Come in and say hello! We would love to introduce ourselves and thank you personally for supporting your local shop!