Fire on the Mountain: A New Chapter in a Dover Legacy
By Reid Bickley,
Business Development Specialist
Originally published in Down to Business
There’s a sense of comfort in knowing that some things remain rooted in tradition, especially when it comes to beloved local businesses. For more than three decades, Fire on the Mountain has been just that: a trusted retailer for ski and snowboard enthusiasts throughout the Seacoast and beyond. First opened in 1989 by Bob Siener, the shop became synonymous with personalized service, deep product knowledge, and a passionate outdoor community.
Today, that legacy lives on and expands under new ownership and a bold new vision. Chris Dupont, a lifelong Dover resident and former Boot Club kid at Fire on the Mountain, purchased the business in 2024 with a clear goal: honor the heritage, but evolve the model to serve outdoor adventurers all year long.
Fire on the Mountain moved to 264 Central Ave.
Chris didn’t stumble into this opportunity; it felt more like destiny.
“I’ve been skiing since I was four, and Fire on the Mountain always had a special place in my heart,” he shared. “My dad and Bob were golfing one day, and Bob mentioned wanting to pass the torch. Everything just aligned.”
And with that, Chris took over, not just a storefront, but a community institution. He and his dedicated team have worked tirelessly to maintain the reputation Fire on the Mountain earned over 35 years. “Bob always believed great service and product knowledge were non-negotiable. We’ve continued to make those our top priorities,” Chris said.
A New Home, A Bigger Mission
The store recently moved to a new, more prominent downtown Dover location at 264 Central Avenue, and with it came a major expansion of the shop’s offerings. No longer just a seasonal ski and snowboard shop, they now serve outdoor lovers of all types, year-round.
“We knew we had to evolve to stay sustainable, but also to better serve our customers,” Chris explained. “Our staff recreate twelve months out of the year, so we asked ourselves, how can we stay relevant every season? That’s how the idea for hiking, camping, and fly-fishing gear came to life.”
With the move, Fire on the Mountain also benefits from increased foot traffic.
“We’ve had people walk in who’ve lived in Dover for years and never knew we were here before,” Chrissaid. “Now, they discover us by walking downtown, and that’s been a game-changer.”
Chris is quick to reassure loyal customers that nothing about the ski and snowboard side is going away. In fact, it’s better than ever. From top-tier brands like Scarpa, Lowa, and Blizzard to expert boot-fitting services and stone grind tunes, the winter offerings remain world-class.
Chris Dupont continues the Fire on the Mountain legacy with the help of his pup Manny.
What’s new is a carefully curated collection of gear for every other season, from NEMO Equipment tents and sleeping bags, made right across the street, to fly-fishing lines from Simms, Sage, and Rio, and even gourmet backcountry meals from Good To-Go, a local Kittery company.
The team’s dedication to product knowledge remains unmatched, whether it’s fitting a ski boot, trail runner, or setting up a fly reel on the shop’s state-of-the-art line winder. "We know our stuff, and we’ll walk you through every step. From fly casting basics to hiking spot recommendations, we’re here to guide you," Chris said.
For Chris, keeping Fire on the Mountain in Dover wasn’t just a business decision; it was personal. “I was born and raised here, and I’ve never lived anywhere else. Dover will always be home.”
The shop’s new model leans heavily on community relationships. Many of the brands they carry have deep local ties, and even deeper friendships. “Nemo’s team comes in here, we go over there, it’s an amazing collaboration. We get to give feedback directly to engineers and even test gear before it hits the market,” he shared.
There’s also a four-legged fixture in the shop these days, Manny the dog, who Chrisswears is the best shop dog in New England. “He’ll pose for pictures if you tell him he’s working,” Chris laughed. Looking ahead, Fire on the Mountain plans to host more workshops and clinics to help locals build confidence in outdoor adventures, from fly casting to gear care. The team is especially excited about the upcoming Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, July 31, from 5-8 pm, officially announcing their expanded vision and fresh start.
You can visit Fire on the Mountain at 264 Central Ave., Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by and say hello!
Some of the non-ski offerings at Fire on the Mountain.