The History of Helm of Sun Valley in San Jose and Capitola.

It all started in 1940.

Helm of Sun Valley on Saratoga Ave in San Jose

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.

For almost 40 years, Helm of Sun Valley continues to bring you the very best in snowsports. Top brands and products are sold for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Helm of Sun Valley offers the best modern technology in a full-service tuning and repair shop for snow sports equipment.
At Helm, you will find the very best in boot fitting experts with many years of specialty experience.
Helm of Sun Valley’s impressive ski and snowboard rental department is stocked with up-to-date ski and snowboard gear for rent at very reasonable and competitive rates.
Although Helm sells snow sports gear and outdoor furniture 365 days a year, during the summer months the focus and emphasis is shifted to the high-quality offering of outdoor furniture and accessories for your home and business. In addition, Helm offers beach accessories, lifestyle and disc golf products.

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!