Driven by his love for skiing, his commitment to his family and community, Andrey Yunusov founded the 4SeasonAlpine Indoor Ski Snowboard Simulator Studio in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. His journey is one of passion, resilience, and innovation, offering year-round ski training to athletes and enthusiasts.
Andrey Yunusov is not only an entrepreneur but also a devoted husband and father of five. Balancing a full-time career and the demands of a large family left little time for personal aspirations, but Andrey couldn’t shake his passion for skiing and a commitment to assisting others.
A lifelong athlete with a background in endurance sports like Ironman triathlons and marathons, Andrey also loves teaching his kids new activities, from cycling to skiing. He searched for a business idea that would let him merge his love of fitness, sports, and mentorship.
Then, one evening, while researching innovative fitness trends, Andrey came across SkyTechSport’s ski simulators—a discovery that changed everything.
“When I saw the SkyTechSport ski simulator, it was like a lightbulb went off. I imagined creating a space where families and athletes could experience the thrill of skiing year-round,” he recalls. “It was the perfect blend of fitness, fun, and community.”
Determined to bring his idea to life, Andrey faced significant hurdles, including the financial risks of starting a new business and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, his determination never wavered.
“I knew this was a bold move, but I believed in the idea,” Andrey says. “I wanted to create a place where people of all ages could train, learn, and grow, no matter the season.”
On October 28, 2022, Andrey opened the doors to the 4SeasonAlpine Indoor Ski Snowboard Simulator Studio, equipped with two state-of-the-art SkyTechSport simulators and a full gym.
He could not achieve this milestone without the support of his family. His high school sweetheart and wife, Natalya Yunusova, was aware of the challenges involved in starting the business, yet she has been a steadfast supporter.
In addition to her existing degrees, fashion designer and physician, she took on the role as the director of operations for the studio. He remarked, “I told her that I needed help, especially on the admin side of the business. So, she has been the brain of the operation. She designed the whole layout [of the facility].”
Furthermore, his son Vladimir plays a significant role in the studio, helping with all the tasks and contributing as a knowledgeable coach. “I could not do this without my family,” He states.
SkyTechSport simulators are cutting-edge machines designed to replicate the real G-forces of skiing and snowboarding. With a virtual reality system and precise biomechanics, these simulators are the go-to training tool for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.
Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine ski racer of all time, praises the technology in a SkyTechSport interview: “This is a great way to get that time on snow and improve a lot faster because you get more repetition.”
Initially, Andrey started his studio with just one simulator, but demand quickly grew. “Within the first year, I realized one simulator wasn’t enough,” he explains. “Adding a second machine was a bold but necessary step to meet the needs of our athletes and community.”
Unlike traditional gyms, indoor ski studios provide sport-specific training in a controlled environment. Athletes can maintain their skills and fitness levels year-round without relying on unpredictable weather or access to mountain slopes.
At the 4SeasonAlpine Indoor Ski Snowboard Simulator Studio, athletes also benefit from immediate, personalized feedback. Andrey highlights several advantages of training on a simulator:
“Some of my top athletes, aged 15 and 16, are completing 1,600 turns in just half an hour,” Andrey explains. “By comparison, on a six-hour day at Killington, I tracked only 1,100 turns. The efficiency of the simulator is unmatched.”
For Andrey, coaching on the simulator isn’t just about operating the machine—it’s about teaching the art of skiing.
“You need a coach, not just an operator,” he says. “The simulator is 95% transferable to on-snow training, but it’s crucial to explain certain nuances, like the phases of a turn, to help athletes connect the experience.”
Andrey continues to learn from some of the best in the industry, including Sasha Rearick, former head men’s coach for the U.S. Ski Team and Alpine Performance Director at Apex2100 Academy.
Andrey states, “Coaching on the simulators is not very different from on-snow. The repetition and immediate feedback make it an incredibly powerful tool.”
Andrey is passionate about making SkyTechSport’s technology more accessible to athletes, clubs, and schools across the U.S. He’s inspired by Europe’s success in integrating similar technologies into sports training facilities.
“There are hundreds of schools like mine across Europe,” he explains. “With repetition and close one-on-one coaching, this technology could revolutionize training for so many athletes.”
He encourages others to invest in the technology or start their own indoor ski studios, ensuring more athletes and young learners can benefit from this innovative approach.
The 4SeasonAlpine Indoor Ski Snowboard Simulator Studio is more than just a business for Andrey Yunusov. It’s a place where athletes, families, and beginners can discover the joy of skiing, build their skills, and connect with a passionate community.
“This studio has been a dream come true,” Andrey reflects. “It’s not just about training; it’s about helping people achieve their goals and fall in love with the sport.”
The indoor ski industry in the U.S. still has massive room for growth, and now is the ideal time to start your own business. Be the pioneer in your hometown or city, and offer athletes, families, and enthusiasts a year-round space to train and experience skiing. With SkyTechSport simulators, you can bring cutting-edge ski training technology to your community.
To learn more about how you can open your own ski studio, visit skytechsport.com to explore SkyTechSport simulators, view pricing, and connect with an Account Manager who will guide you through the process of bringing this innovative business to life. The opportunity to make a lasting impact in the indoor ski industry is here—are you ready to take the first step?
