Chase Gardaphe Acquires Colorado Based Ski Brand Romp

Chase Gardaphe has acquired the Colorado based ski brand, Romp Skis. Originally founded by Morgan and Caleb Weinberg in 2010, the brand has grown exponentially over the past decade. Gardaphe will continue to expand operations at the existing Romp factory located in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Founded in Crested Butte, Colorado in 2010 by brothers, Morgan and Caleb Weinberg, Romp Skis offers handcrafted custom skis tailored to each customer’s personal skills and needs. Using the latest technologies and materials in ski manufacturing, Romp carefully selects the wood mix, flex and shape for each individual ski depending on the individual's ski ability, terrain preference and style. Romp Skis are beautifully sculpted by hand and are some of the highest quality custom products in their space. Romp Skis are meticulously designed and crafted with one goal in mind, to make skiing more fun.

“I am extremely excited to take on the business of building premier skis for the Gunnison valley and beyond,” said Chase Gardaphe, new Owner of Romp. “We are thrilled to build upon the legacy that Caleb and Morgan started in their garage. The brand is a great representation of the Crested Butte mountain culture and we look forward to keeping that culture alive.”

Morgan Weinberg, Eligh Purvis, Andy Shabo, and Jordan Okes will remain core employees at Romp, continuing to build the high quality, handcrafted skis that are loved by so many. Gardaphe also plans to open a retail shop, in the spring of 2024, next door to the Romp ski factory in Crested Butte.

"I’m stoked to work with Chase in bringing Romp Skis to the next level, and I will continue to work with the Romp team to create fun and innovative skis,” said Morgan Weinberg, Founder of Romp Skis. “Caleb and I are grateful for the Crested Butte community for all the support Romp has received over the past 14 years. The current team at Romp has done an excellent job and will continue to strive to make the best skis possible here in Crested Butte.”

Today, Romp Skis builds tools for skiers who value handcrafted products, creative design, and an individualized ownership experience. Producing custom skis along with the new Romp Ready line, skis aimed to provide skiers with the tools to help them reach the Romp state. The intimate fitting process pairs skiers with the correct tools to transcend into a state of flow in the mountains.