Barrington ski shop closes for good

After more than 30 years of gearing up her customers for winters filled with skiing, Barrington's Erika Hassenstein has decided to join the fun.

Hassenstein, owner of Aspen Ski and Patio at Northwest Highway and Hough Street in downtown Barrington, is closing the store for good Saturday to start in on her retirement.

"It was a good run," Hassenstein said. "We are closing on our own terms."

With her husband Don, Hassenstein opened the first Aspen Ski store in Arlington Heights in 1971. Four years later, the couple opened a second store in Barrington.

As a way to keep the business running in summer months, Hassenstein said they started selling patio furniture, including their own custom-made cushions.

The couple closed the Arlington Heights store in 1997, and now, a decade later, Hassenstein said the time is right for her to retire altogether.

"I have no regrets," she said, adding she's looking forward to spending time at her vacation home in Idaho.

Janet Meyer, president of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, said Aspen Ski and Patio will be missed.

"Certainly, the community benefited from their expert business services over the years," Meyer said.

An avid skier herself, Hassenstein, whose husband died in 2003, said she's definitely excited about getting to spend this winter on slopes instead of in the store.

"It helps keep you young," Hassenstein said of skiing.

She also plans to continue to make her custom cushions as a way to keep busy during her retirement.

When she closes up shop for good Saturday, Hassenstein said the hardest part will be leaving behind all the great customers.

"We have just had a tremendous customer base," she said.

While Aspen Ski and Patio will be closing, the village will not be left without a ski equipment shop.

Hassenstein said a new tenant is moving into their location and opening up a skiing and bicycle store.