By Kate Bartlett
Mud Sweat n’ Gears is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the village of Ellicottville. Husband and wife Kimberly Reading and Miguel Azcarate have owned the shop since 2000, and have enjoyed being a part of the Ellicottville business community. The reputable shop carries everything ski and snowboard related, a carefully curated selection of apparel, and offers a variety of snow sport related services.
Before Kim and Miguel took ownership, the shop originally sold bikes and a small selection of ski equipment. After purchasing the business, the couple moved the shop to 21 Washington in September of 2000, where Kazoo II is now located. Mud, Sweat n’ Gears called 21 Washington Street home until 2012. The couple purchased the Marketplace Building, on the corner of Washington and Monroe Street. After a complete renovation of the historic building, Mud, Sweat n’ Gears moved to its current location at 18 Monroe Street in the fall of 2012.
October, and both shops are loaded with full racks and fresh
arrivals. In celebration they will also be providing giveaway
opportunities to their customers. With any purchase over
$500 in store during the month of October, customers will be
entered in a drawing for lift passes to Holiday Valley, HoliMont
and Kissing Bridge.
Over time, Kim and Miguel gradually phased out bike sales, expanding their inventory to include more ski and snowboarding equipment each year—an evolution that aligned with the town’s seasonal needs and outdoor culture. In 2018, Mud Sweat n’ Gears expanded with a second location in East Aurora—a smaller shop, but one that carried the same core values and commitment to the community “East Aurora offers the same great customer service, but carries a slightly different selection of merchandise,” explains Kim. “Each store is unique to it’s customer base.”
Having served the Ellicottville area for over 25 years, Kim has witnessed the town grow and evolve—while still holding on to its small-town charm. “Some things have changed, but Ellicottville remains a very tight knit community. We’re proud to be a part of a strong and supportive business community.”
Kim and Miguel are deeply grateful for their loyal customer base and have cherished being part of the local business community year after year. “Our customers continue to fuel everything we do,” says Kim. “We listen to their needs and make changes along the way.”
Husband and wife Kimberly Reading and Miguel Azcarate have owned
the shop since 2000, and have enjoyed being a part of the Ellicottville business
community.
They are equally appreciative of each shop’s dedicated team—some of whom have been with Mud, Sweat n’ Gears for over 20 years. “We are so thankful for the heart and hustle of our staff,” Kim adds. “Their experience and expertise ensure our customers receive the highest level of service.
Mud Sweat n’ Gears carries all things snowboarding and skiing, including helmets, goggles, outerwear and accessories, as well as a carefully curated selection of lifestyle apparel and footwear. They offer advanced ski and snowboard tuning, custom boot fitting, and daily/seasonal equipment rentals. “Everything in our shop has been carefully selected for a reason,” explains Kim. “While online shopping can be convenient, our staff can help guide customers through the store and assist in selecting the best items to fit your needs.”
Throughout the year, Mud Sweat n’ Gears hosts a variety of ski and snowboard related events. Every February, they host the Women 2 Women Ski Event at HoliMont gathering women in the community together for two days of comradery and learning on the slopes. In November (upcoming this November 23), Mud Sweat n’ Gears hosts a fundraiser for adaptive ski programs in Western New York at 42 North Brewery in East Aurora. “It’s important for us to give back to the community,” remarks Kim.
In celebration of 25 years in business, Mud Sweat n’ Gears will be providing giveaway opportunities to their customers. With any purchase over $500 in store during the month of October, customers will be entered in a drawing for lift passes to Holiday Valley, HoliMont and Kissing Bridge. Kim reports they will likely be doing more giveaways at the end of the month, follow on social media for updates.
For more information, visit mudsweatgears.com, follow on social media @mudsweatgears or, call (716) 699-8300 or stop into their Ellicottville location at 18 Monroe Street, or East Aurora at 669 Main Street.