Pioneer Midwest

Cathy Wright

2024-02

These guys are awesome! I needed a ski bag shipped to Anchorage that I couldn't find anywhere else, and I needed it soon. Other retailers were going to wait a week to put it in the mail. So I called Pioneer Midwest and they answered the phone promptly and said they might be able to get it in the mail before post office closed in 30 min. I submitted the order and they did indeed get it in the mail that same day. Great service.

Deborah Ralston-Wolfe

2024-02

Incredibly helpful staff. We were in a bit of a bind, and the owner and staff went above and beyond to help us out. Prompt, helpful, and kind--you can tell this store is owned and run by nordic skiers! As an added bonus, they carry everything you can imagine and their prices always seem to be just a touch lower than anywhere else. Awesome!

Luke Schulz

2024-02

Easiest 5 star I’ve ever given. The team here is incredibly knowledgeable and will talk with you at the level you’re at. Always felt respected and valued. They take the time to find the skis and boots that are right for you and your goals. I came here with my family based on their reputation and I’ll never go anywhere else for anything Nordic related after this experience.

Aaron

2023-12

Great company. First experience with them was during their 2023 Ski Swap event. Despite the event being very hectic I was able to find multiple employees willing to take time to help me. Purchased a great skate ski setup based on their advice. I will go back again to them for my future ski needs.

Maureen Mulvaney Gilbertson

2023-11

My husband and I visited Pioneer Midwest to get fitted for cross country skis as we are getting into the sport. The staff, especially Jim, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, guiding us through the selection process. They provided valuable insights into the sport while creating a customized solution for our experience levels, budget, and physicality. The prices were fair and the experience was positive and educational. We now feel well-equipped and excited to delve into cross country skiing. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get into the sport!

Jenny Ness

2023-12

When my son joined the Nordic ski team, I had no idea what to expect. His coaches suggested Pioneer Midwest to get outfitted. They did an excellent job explaining everything to both of us, and when his feet grew an entire size before the first workout on skis, they were able to swap those unworn boots no questions asked. This year, we sold a few things back during their annual ski swap, and I was shocked they only take a 5% cut of the sale price. We now have a large credit we can spend on some new stuff. Every time we go in, we are greeted with plenty of knowledge staff. They will continue to get our business year after year.

Paul Domer

2024-01

I’m a total newbie to XC skiing, so I was really looking for some help with all the choices while staying within a budget. I learned a lot and am very happy with my purchases. Really friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Atsuko Ohtake

2024-03

Vert impressed with attentive, friendly and expedient service by Matt Liebsch, owner. He set me up with an incredible set of skate skis, going above and beyond all expectations!!!!

Jake Gilbertson

2023-11

New to the sport and found Pioneer Midwest on Google and was also referred to by someone. Hands down, one of the most incredible buying experiences I’ve ever had. Jim and Max helped us out and they both were so friendly and knowledgeable about the sport. They listened to our budget and desires for the sport and lead us down the perfect path of getting what we needed. My wife and I left the store even more excited to start XC skiing than when we entered the store. Bring on the snow!

YOU GOT PAINT? 123

2022-05

I came here to look at a new pair of race skis. Left with a new pair of race skis. My comfort level on the competency of the fitting was above and beyond my expectations! State of the art flex tester, very friendly and thorough customer service! I'm 30 mins away but this will be a destination ski shop from here on out! Highly recommended!

Marc Asch

2024-01

Great selection of outdoor equipment. Really helpful on cross country ski outfitting. Easy returns and exchanges.

Casey Palmer

2024-04

Purchased a Northstar canoe and the staff was extremely helpful and very nice. Definitely would recommend for canoe purchases.

Shawn Levendusky

2024-01

Been shopping at this place for probably a couple of decades now, both downhill skis, and now Nordic skis. Top-notch service, exactly what you would expect from a locally owned shop!

Corinne Nygren

2023-05

This is my go to business for all things cross country skiing. Super staff, all very knowledgeable and very friendly. I’ve purchased 2 sets of skis from Pioneer Midwest & they always give such great advice to get me the right gear. The fact the sales associates are experienced skiers is what sets them apart from some other places that sell skis. The always friendly sales staff is an added bonus. I highly recommend them.

Blanca Fox

2024-01

Employee that attended us was very nice and helpful helped us find boots, skis and poles for my daughter definitely recommend Pioneer Midwest!

Tony Mantovani

2023-09

Bought my second Northstar Canoe from Matt and the guys over at Pioneer the other day and couldn't be happier with the experience. These guys are great to work with, knowledgeable about the product line and carry a great selection. Hopefully I'm done buying canoes for awhile now, but when the time does come, PM is the place. Thanks again, guys!

Raymond Dodd

2023-05

Just can't say enough good things about Pioneer Midwest. I was shopping for Skate Skis. I had bought some entry level skis 4 years ago and needed an education to make the move to something more sophisticated. I did a lot research and calling several on-line retailers (and one local) I got a cornucopia of opinions. Matt Liebsch was professional and very knowledgeable ( has a great engineering video and how skate skis are made and perform.) I felt comfortable with his recommendation and it was a good one. Full -disclosure: The ski's came with some factory shipping damage and Pioneer Midwest made it right. I highly recommend them.

Bunker

2021-05

Love Pioneer! Purchased a new X-Country set-up this winter, love my Atomics, also brought in two friends to get out-fitted! Old school service model with knowledgable staff!

Britt B

2023-05

Wow. The people who work here are knowledgeable, passionate, helpful, empathetic, and have great gear on hand. It seems they all are experienced skiers excited to share their love for Nordic skiing. Every time I stop by with questions, they go above and beyond in providing great service. I got my classic Nordic skis here and have gone back for gear partially for the experience. Also went later on for my skate skis. They had a great setup for ensuring I got the right fit and felt confident as a beginner. When I came with a technically minded friend, they adapted the conversation to answer his very specific questions. Highly recommend.

Brett Marquard

2023-11

Easily the best nordic shop in Minnesota. Brought in skis I bought a year ago + pairs from 'another' store and they helped swap bindings with no wait.

Ashton Gilbert

2023-05

I ordered online through their website. Staff was very kind and knowledgeable of the products to the point where I was emailed and told of a better sized ski that would suit my weight. Clear, direct, and knowledgeable communication. Great store to deal with, hoping to do more business with them in the future!

Scott Millington

2023-12

Really excellent customer service. Extremely reachable and helpful via phone and email. Went the extra mile to help me out.

Lisa Camlek

2023-05

TestimonialMy daughter has been on a Nordic ski team for 2 years. In those years, we have consistently gone to Pioneer Midwest for guidance and supplies. From the start, never once have I ever felt pressured, or pushed to buy a product. The staff as a whole is well versed in the products, explains the ins and outs as I was a 2 year old, as well as incorporating their life experience in Nordic skiing to what I am inquiring about. The staff has always educated me on the pro's and cons of products from lower to highest level (I always felt supported and not shamed, when choosing to buy a lower end product).Initially I was hesitant to invest in high end equipment when my daughter started Nordic 2 years ago. The equipment I purchased from Pioneer Midwest worked well at the time for her needs. This past summer my daughter had competitive goals for her upcoming Nordic season. I went to Midwest Pioneer to inquire about a higher level ski for her. After speaking with staff, I was informed my daughter would notice a difference in time and speed. I did not realize the huge difference that was to come. After her first practice with the new skis, she told me she felt she went much faster. My daughter's time ended up increasing by a couple minutes, and being not far behind seasoned skiers. She ended up lettering and making it on the varsity conference team. With this difference we witnessed for the skate skis, I found myself back at Pioneer, sharing my daughters story. After speaking with staff, I found myself walking out with a new pair of classic skis for her (again no pressure was placed on me at all). I am so excited we found Pioneer Midwest and am sooooo excited for my daughters future in skiing.

Daniel Schreiner

2023-05

Just an amazing team of people and store. Options for a wide range of goals for cross country skiing. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful and they don’t try to sell you something you don’t need. They also are very fairy when it comes to standing behind the products they sell. I would highly recommend them.

Evan Kellogg

2022-05

Staff are extremely knowledgeable and willing to help both novice and expert level customers. As a customer, it was obvious that the staff members are very passionate in their line of work and willing to help others. They went above and beyond in helping me find my new skis/equipment.

Ed Atwood

2023-05

Just want to say thank you to Matt for showing me around the shop and assisting me with fitting my class skies. He is an innovator in the industry and I will be encouraging all my Athletes to visit Pioneer for advice and gear.Coach Atwood

Todd Craig

2022-05

Great ski shop with excellent staff. The skis Cory fit for me (classic and skate) are fantastic! I've bought a lot of skis from a lot of shops over the years, and these guys are top notch! They take the time to find the perfect fitting pair of skis for the customer.

Kiara Kaseman

2021-05

I've had such wonderful experiences with Pioneer Midwest. I've used them for waxing services previously and I recently had skis hand picked for me by the team and the entire experience was nothing short of excellent. They made my experience very personal and they were just as excited as I was to get the perfect ski. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful ski shop close by. Thank you Pioneer Midwest!!!

Scott Higgins

2021-05

I had a great experience with Pioneer Midwest. My wife and I decided to take up skate skiing and Brad patiently helped us over the phone to pick out the perfect skate ski packages that were within our budget, but quality enough that we would be happy as our abilities advanced. Their selection was very good compared to what we have in our area.

Alex Van

2023-05

I’m brand new to the activity and they accommodated me very well. We even had some laughs along the way as they gave me pointers.(I went to REI first and was really turned off by the whole thing since multiple staff were just talking down to me and unnecessarily upselling for my ability, I am really glad I tried this place.)