Any SSL member will tell you that one of the greatest perks of membership is becoming part of a close-knit nationwide community sharing the same passions, struggles and fun. We’re excited to have so many great members on our European Factory Tour with us, each bringing unique talents and knowledge to the table.

Among these members are Dean and Patty Hovdey of Hometown Sports, located in McCall, Idaho. Founded in 1979, Hometown Sports is known for its enthusiasm and passion for the central Idaho mountains and nostalgic atmosphere. While visiting the shop, patrons enjoy proudly displayed local mementos and equipment of skiing days-gone-by.

Even before the days of Hometown Sports, Dean and Patty have always been active in outdoor sports. Upon completing college at the University of Montana where he shined as a football and basketball athlete, Dean spent time as a certified ski instructor and coach in the ski school at Sun Valley and Brundage Mountain. Dean first moved to McCall in 1970 as a smokejumper after working as Pro Patrolman at Big Mountain in Montana.

Patty is a true local star. A 5th generation Long Valley native, Patty was a member of the U.S.A. Women’s Alpine Ski Team from 1968-1973 where she placed 8th in the Olympic Slalom in Sapporro, Japan in 1972 and was named Senior National Slalom Champion that same year. After retiring, Patty went on to coach ski racing for 7 years.

Together, Dean and Patty have taken their shared love of Idaho’s outdoor sports and lifestyle and turned it into a local sports shop with contagious energy and excitement.

To learn more about Dean and Patty, check out Home-Town-Sports.com