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Pine Mountain Sport Shop opens for the season Saturday

IRON MOUNTAIN — On Saturday, Joanie Bittinger will celebrate more than 40 years at the Pine Mountain Sport Shop.

She purchased the shop back when skis were so long they almost didn’t fit in the display area. Ski brakes were just being developed and snowboards were a novelty. Phil and Steve Mahre were the most famous U.S. ski racers.

Bittinger, a school teacher from Ohio State, became an expert in the ski industry and helped multiple generations of families enjoy snow sports.

A survivor of breast cancer, she stayed with the shop through good and poor snow years and several resort ownership changes.

She had to stay up on all the industry trends, including fashion. Remember the colorful ’80s?

“This time of year is always so exciting when all the new clothing and equipment arrives in the store and we open for business,” she said. “We hope to see you Saturday.”

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