Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada

01.08.2025

Hailing from just outside of Placerville, California, Max now makes his home in Reno, Nevada. He's the VP of Moment Skis, aka, the Biggest Little Ski Company in the World (Moment is in fact the largest ski manufacturer in the US).

Growing up, Max and his dad built skis in their garage, so it was only fitting that when he moved to Reno he found Moment skis, and an industry philosophy he could embrace. Moment Skis is all about keeping things independent and visionary, building high quality skis for all variety of terrain, from off-trail to deep powder. Moment Skis is also famous for the artistic graphics on their gear.

See how the skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employees' dogs who do quality control. Get gear tips and ski resort advice while strolling the showroom. There might even be some local beer to share as you talk shop....

TIP: Many of the craftspeople at Moment also really like mountain biking, so be sure to get the beta on local trails at places like Peavine Mountain. 

Way to meet the Moment! 

Listen to Weekend Sherpa's podcast Take It Outside, episode 63, "Holiday Edition: The Moment is Now" to hear our interview with Max Smith.

Reno Tahoe Care Package, by Weekend Sherpa

Photos by Moment Skis.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View