Lahout’s started from humble beginnings. In 1898, Herbert Lahout emigrated from Lebanon at just fourteen-years-old. He and his wife, Anne, started peddling goods from a horse and wagon as well as out of the old Grange Hall in Littleton, New Hampshire in 1920. They had three children, Gladys, Joe, and Mary. In 1935, during the Great Depression, Herbert died suddenly of appendicitis leaving the family business to twelve-year-old Joe.

While running the store as a teenager with his mother, Joe developed a passion for skiing and began practicing at Remich Park. He quickly moved on to Cannon Mountain and participated in several of the first organized ski races in New England, including the Taft Slalom.

After serving in World War II, Joe returned home to keep his family and business together. Joe’s love for the sport continued to grow, winning the Golden Cannon Medal at the Cannon Mountain annual downhill in 1947. Meanwhile, enthusiasm for skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation in the White Mountains drastically increased during the 50’s ad 60’s. Both locals and visitors alike hit the slopes of Cannon Mountain, Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Waterville Valley during that time.

However, the booming interest of skiing soon made the sport very expensive, especially for children. Outfitting the children of the North Country became Joe’s mission, as he wanted it to become a sport they carried with them for the rest of their lives. Joe continued to build a shop that was affordable to families twelve months a year. In the early-80’s, his sons Joe Jr, Ron, and Herb came home to expand the business. Today, we have 8-locations in Littleton and Lincoln, New Hampshire including specialty concept stores with North Face®, Patagonia®, Under Armour®, Columbia®, and Life Is Good®. Our shops are on the doorstep of the White Mountain National Forest and Pemigewasset Wilderness as well as just a few miles from Loon, Cannon, and Bretton Woods alpine resorts.

We strive to prepare your family for all the elements of New England and our values embody those of core skiers, hikers, and outdoorsman. We are deeply rooted in our tradition and community, always looking forward to the next sibling, parent or distant cousin you bring through our doors.

See you on the hill, at the trailhead, or somewhere out in the woods.