Thursday, December 27, 2012

THE BEST FRIENDS TO MAKE!

We at Fontana Sports are thrilled that you’re getting into downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, and/or snowshoeing. The place to go before you go is your local shop and we are it! We can show you the latest tech, fit you for boots and skis or a snowboard, or just answer your general questions! The best friends to make when you’re getting started on the hill are those at your local ski shop. We’ll get you set up, refer you to local clubs, get you outfitted at the best prices and best prep you for your formidable days on the mountain. Stop by and see us first! :)

Thursday, December 20, 2012

We're OPEN today at both locations!

Good morning! Well, the buses may not be going today and the schools and malls may be closed, but we wanted to let you know that both Fontana Sports locations are OPEN today & ready to get you out & playing in this beautiful snow! We've got the skis, snowboards, snowshoes & sleds you need, plus the apparel & footwear to keep you warm & dry. Come see us & let's celebrate Madison finally getting some real snow! We're open regular hours at both locations. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions before you head out - West 608.833.9191 or Downtown 608.257.5043. Have a great SNOW DAY!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Accessory Trees!


On Sunday, Dec. 9th, John & Judith Hutchinson, Owners of Fontana Sports Specialties donated 72 pairs of gloves to their church, First United Methodist Church in Madison for the homeless and less fortunate. They have been donating hats, gloves and mittens, plus any thing else they can come up with or that's needed, to this organization as well as many others, for decades. They feel particularly called to help those that need assistance and feel blessed that Fontana helps them to be able to do this. Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 07, 2012

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!


Hurry in for the Holiday Extravaganza Sale at Fontana Sports before Santa’s elves clean us out! Now through Christmas Eve, we’re discounting things all over the store so you can score great deals for everyone on your list. Save on outerwear, accessories, footwear, skis, snowboards, snowshoes and more! Buy 3 pairs of SmartWool, Wigwam, Point6 or Icebreaker socks and get the 4th pair FREE! Happy Holidays from Fontana Sports!

Monday, December 03, 2012

Ski & Snowboard Spa Day!

Your skis are chattery. Your snowboard is sluggish. You know what that means… ski and snowboard spa day! Bring your sticks in to Fontana Sports for a wax and a tune-up and take ‘em home happy. For just $45 we’ll detune the edges, coat your skis or board with the appropriate wax for your upcoming adventure, and tighten and adjust your bindings. Your ride will feel safer, smoother and up to speed. No need to make an appointment, just bring in your gear and we’ll have it ready for you in a few days. Stop by either of our Madison locations, downtown or west.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Ski and Snowboard Resale!

Sunday, October 28th, Fontana led the charge to Tyrol Basin’s Ski and Snowboard Resale! The day was beautiful. Frost covered pine trees, fresh man-made snow for the snowboarders and skiers, blue skies, and 15% of sales went to support Tyrol Basin’s National Ski Patrol!


The huge canopies sheltered the truck loads of colorful downhill and x-country skis, snowboards, boots, poles, and bindings. Another station was set up with underwear, ski coats, sweaters, and ski pants, while the porch was lined with adult and children’s ski helmets. Inside the tables were filled with ski accessories: goggles, gloves, mittens, and hats, to mention a few of the items.


Fontana Sport Specialties supports Madison’s communities, the  ski patrol, and the family friendly Tyrol Basin with knowledge, great winter products, and friendly service.

Watch for future Fontana events!


Judith J. Hutchinson
Vice President, Fontana Sports Specialties

Friday, November 02, 2012

Warren Miller - Flow State


Last week we sponsored the premiere of Warren Miller’s 2012 film Flow State. Fontana Sports has been sponsoring this film coming to Madison for as long as I can remember, which is 15+ years. We all look forward to the event because we know when we walk towards the Barrymore Theatre’s front doors we will see a line of people waiting outside, usually in the cold, for their tickets and they don’t mind… they can’t wait to see what Warren Miller’s new film will be this year. Once inside the front doors there are hundreds of people happy to be in the presence of other fellow snow lovers. You can feel that everyone’s been waiting to start the winter off by seeing the new Warren Miller film celebrating what we all love the most – fresh white snow powder!

People mingle, grab a beer and check out what the vendors have brought to hand out and give away this year. Lots of Midwest ski hills(Lutsen Mountains, Granite Peak, Indianhead) are there as well as some national sponsors and our booth of course. We had some great stuff to hand out this year, my favorite being the Salomon Magic Eight balls. When the shows about to start everyone grabs their seats with a beer and maybe some popcorn, but definitely with a smile. The MC gets everyone pumped up about the coming winter, the huge drawing during intermission and the sweet film that’s in store. And then it begins! The films always have a way of drawing you in with the beautiful camera work, incredible athletes and the sick tunes. When you walk out after the film, you can feel everyone is hoping there will be snow waiting for us outside the Barrymore’s front doors. In some past years there actually has been! If you didn’t get to make the premiere this year, we hope you’ll join us next year and then we know you’ll be hooked, just like we are!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Nordic Walking


Nordic walking, simply put, is walking with specially designed poles. It engages the upper body and core as well as the legs when walking for a more comprehensive workout.  Nordic walking can increase the number of calories burned over the same amount of time by up to 46% compared to walking without poles. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get fit. So why wouldn't you want to try it?
Fontana Sports is offering FREE Nordic Walking classes and "Nordic Walkabouts" for people who have taken the class.


NORDIC WALKING INTRO CLASS

Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, will show you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to sign up. This is a free event.

Wednesday, September 19th, 6:00 pm - Downtown Store
Tuesday, October 2nd, 9:00 am - West-side Store
Thursday, October 18th, 6:00 pm - Downtown Store

NORDIC WALKABOUT

Once you've taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, you can meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith, for a total-body workout and pleasant Nordic walk. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel and/or trails. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed for $5.00. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to sign up.

Wednesday, September 12th at 6:00pm - Token Creek County Park, Deforest, WI
Use 6200 Highway 51 entrance. Meet at the first shelter (on right)

Thursday, September 20th at 9:00am - Picnic Point, Madison, WI
Park and meet at Lot 129 at the stone wall entrance to Picnic Point

Tuesday, October 2nd, at 6:00pm - Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton WI
Meet at County Lot (3rd parking lot on right coming from Century Ave) on Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton WI

Thursday, October 18th, 2012 at 9:00am - Token Creek County Park, Deforest, WI
Use 6200 Highway 51 entrance. Meet at the first shelter (on right).

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Beginner Running Group


Want to get into better shape, meet new people, or just get out and enjoy the crisp morning air in beautiful downtown Madison? Join us for an easy run every Monday morning at 8:00 am from now until the end of October.  We will meet at the downtown store (216 N. Henry St.) and go for a 30-45 minute run from there. Pace and distance will be determined based on who shows up but this group is geared for beginners.

The group is led by Crystal who is a vet of several marathons, and numerous halves and other races; pick her brain for training tips and race advise. This is a free event but space is limited.  Contact Elizabeth at 608-662-9706 to reserve your spot.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Tent Sale - Savings for all seasons!


Whether you are still in full-on summer mode or are looking ahead to winter you don't want to miss our tent sale!  It starts this Thursday, August 16th and runs through Sunday, August 26th.

Look for the big top tent in the parking lot of Fontana's west side location (231 Junction Rd.) You'll find awesome deals on summer and winter clothing and footwear as well as TONS of gear.

Save up to 75% on last year's skis and snowboards (boots bindings etc) helmets and goggles.  There are also great deals on camping gear, water sports gear, and packs for back to school!

Don't forget to stop in the store for more sale items that wouldn't fit in the tent as well as to check out the new fall merchandise we have arriving daily.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

TNF Speaker Series - Hilaree O'Neill

Join Fontana Sports on Thursday, September 13th at 7:00 pm at Barrymore Theatre (2090 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704) as The North Face athlete Hilaree O'Neill will be presenting The Road Not Taken


In 2012, Hilaree climbed Everest and its neighbor, Lhotse, within 24 hours. In doing so, she joined an elite group of alpinists who possess the endurance to link two 8000-meter peaks in a single push and became sole the woman to accomplish this feat. Hilaree is the mother of two young boys, whom she and her husband raise in the high mountains of Telluride, Colorado. Named by Outside Magazine as one of the most adventurous women in sports, she has skied from the 8000-meter Himalayan summit of Cho Oyu in Tibet, throughout the Andes, on volcanoes in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia, and in the tight couloirs of Baffin Island. Through mountain exploration and skiing, Hilaree has truly lived the dream.

Event Schedule/Ticket Information:

5:30pm-6:30pm - VIP Reception with Athlete
7:00pm-8:00pm - Athlete Presentation followed by Q & A
8:00pm-9:00pm - Book/Poster signing by athlete

Ticket for VIP Reception & Preferred Seating at Presentation: $20 (ALL PROCEEDS FROM VIP TICKET SALES WILL BENEFIT THE ICE AGE TRAIL FOUNDATION)
Ticket for Preferred Seating at Presentation: $8
General Admission Ticket: FREE*

*DUE TO LIMITED SEATING YOU STILL NEED TO GO TO WEBSITE BELOW AND PRINT OUT A FREE TICKET

Visit http://thenorthface.inticketing.com/events/241376 to order tickets.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Dawn Glanc - Montenegro Rock Climbing Adventures


The Madison climbing community is lucky enough to be getting a world class climber coming to Boulders Climbing Gym to share her experiences. Dawn Glanc is a sponsored rock and ice climber.  She travels the world in pursuit of climbing.  She is an AMGA certified rock and alpine guide, guiding for San Juan mountain guides, Chicks Climbing, and Chicks Rock!

On Thursday, July 26th, 8:00 PM at Boulders Climbing Gym (3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI 53714) Dawn will be presenting: Montenegro Rock Climbing Adventures

In October of 2010 Dawn Glanc and two other American climbers traveled to Montenegro, a small country in Southeastern Europe to climb. The name Montenegro literally translates to "black mountain" which is very descriptive of the country that is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, but has only a very narrow coastal plain (only one to four miles wide) before hitting the various ranges, considered by some to be the most rugged terrain in Europe.  Dawn and her companions were the first American party to climb in Montenegro and were accompanied by a local team of eight climbers.  The local climbers' knowledge and experience helped the team put up multiple first ascents.

Dawn will be presenting a slide show that tells the story of this expedition between two cultures that was made successful through a genuine shared love of rock climbing.

Monday, April 09, 2012

Scout Week featuring Andrew Skurka


Fontana sports owners John and Judith Hutchinson are an Eagle Scout and a lifelong Girl Scout.  Their children John and Elizabeth also achieved Eagle Scout and Silver Scout respectively.  Many other Fontana employees are/were active in the scouts and we all appreciate the wonderful work that local troops do and the opportunities afforded to the youth in our community through scouting. Because of this we have planned Scout week April 9 - April 15, 2012

Fontana Sports will recognize all Scouts with their Boy Scout or Girl Scout card by giving them 20% off all non sale purchases this week. We will also be offering FREE clinics to scouts during the week.

Downtown Location Schedule
216 North Henry Street, Madison, 53703
(608) 257 5043

Wednesday April 11th - 6:30 pm - "Circling Alaska & Yukon" with Andrew Skurka
Join us as we welcome Andrew Skurka, an accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer.  The 30 year old is most well known for his solo long distance backpacking trips and is the author of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools & Tips to Hit the Trail.  He will be discussing and sharing a slide show of his first ultra long distance adventure - a 4700 mile, six month journey by foot, skis, and pack raft through Big Wilderness.

Clinician - Adam Remus

Saturday April 14th - 11:00 am - "Indoor & Outdoor Rock Climbing, Rappelling, & Bouldering"
Fontana Sports climbing buyer and seasoned climber Adam Remus will be giving an intro course on how to get started climbing in Wisconsin.  With his many years of climbing experience on all types of terrain, Adam has plenty of information and tips to share. 

Westside Location Clinic Schedule
231 Junction Road, Madison, 53717
(608) 833-9191


Clinician Jon Jugenheimer

Monday April 9th - 6:30 pm - "Choosing & Fitting the Right Backpack"
Osprey Representative and avid outdoorsman Jon Jugenheimer will be giving an intro course on how to properly choose, fit, and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure.  Come and learn how to get started - no experience necessary.

Thursday, April 12th - 6:30 pm - "Ultimate Hiking Gear & Skills" with Andrew Skurka
Again we welcome Andrew Skurka, accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer. In this instructional clinic Andrew will discuss the gear, supplies, and skills necessary to make hiking more fun and less work, without compromising your safety or comfort.

Andrew Skurka's Book - Available for purchase at his clinics.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Winter Clearance - Staff Picks

I know that with temperatures in the 70's it is hard to be thinking about winter anymore but our winter clearance prices are worth the thought!  All winter outerwear is on sale...most at  40% off!  Snowshoes are 40% off, downhill and cross country skis are up to 50% off, snowboards, boots, and bindings are 30% off or more, Smartwool base layers are 30% off just to name a few.  Stop in and stock up for next year!  Here are a few choice items that staff are eyeing up.

Meg's Pick - Atlas Elektra 10 Series Snowshoes
Reg Price $199.95 Now $119.99

Next winter be ready to explore the hills with the rugged Elektra 10 series snowshoe.  Features include a climb bar to ease calf strain on more demanding terrain, Spring Loaded Suspension for maneuverability, and Wrapp Swift bindings for technical but easy fit.  

Crystal's Pick - Mountain Hardwear Callisto Jacket
Reg Price $129.99 Now $77.99

Great deal and perfect for spring!  This lightweight softshell jacket delivers wind and water resistance in a breathable stylish package.

Ryan's Pick - Marmot Baffin 1/2 Zip Jacket
Reg Price $149.99 Now $89.99

The ultimate in lightweight warmth, insulation to keep you warm, stretch fleece under the arms for breathability and mobility.  Great on it's own or as a layer under a shell.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Facebook Contest

We have reached 800 fans on our Facebook page.  To show our appreciation for those of you who "like" us we are having a contest to win a new Icebreaker Pace or Sprint Crewe ($100 value.)

Starting Mon. Feb 27th go to Fontana Sports Facebook contest page to sign up for your chance to win. Contest ends March 26th.

Cheers and good luck.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Inventory Sale

Help!  We are doing physical inventory at the end of the month and don't want to have to count too much, so everything in the store is at least 20% off.  EVERYTHING. In addition we still have our winter clearance going on with savings up to 50% on winter gear.  Stock up and save us some counting.  By the way...Smartwool socks make great valentines gifts...

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Winter Clearance!


If you have been waiting to replace your old winter gear...wait no longer!  All winter clothing and accessories are on sale 20-40% off!  Smartwool baselayers are buy one get one 25% off.

All snowboards, downhill and cross country skis (and boots) snowshoes, and sleds are 20-50% off.

Stop in either location or visit www.fontanasports.com  for great deals and a great selection!  Keep in mind we have in store sales that are not available online.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Learn to Snowshoe Workshop

Now that we finally have some snow it is a great time to pick up a new winter sport. Here is an awesome opportunity. 

Learn to Snowshoe Workshop
Schumacher Farm Park  (Hwy 19 Waunakee)
Sunday, February 19 from 2-4 pm

Want to try snowshoeing but don’t have snowshoes? Then this workshop is for you.  Learn how to snowshoe at this FREE (donations accepted) family friendly event.

Representatives from Fontana Sports will teach basic snowshoe skills and provide tips on what to wear. Snowshoes will be provided or you can bring your own. Members of the Madison Area Outdoor Meetup Group will also assist and lead short hikes on the prairie. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate around the bonfire.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the trails, whether attending the workshop or not.

Schumacher Farm Park is a 100 acre open-air museum and conservancy dedicated to preserving old-time rural farm ways of the 1920s and 1930s. It is run by the Friends of Schumacher Farm Park in cooperation with Dane County Parks and the Marcella Pendall Schumacher Trust.

Register at http://www.schumacherfarmpark.org/.
Schumacher Farm Park is located at 5682 Hwy 19 on the eastern edge of Waunakee. For more information contact 849-4559 or visit http://www.schumacherfarmpark.org/.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Parfrey's Glen

It has been awhile since I have been to Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area as it was closed for the summer and into the fall after being washed out by flooding.  I'm happy to announce that it had reopened and in my opinion is better than ever.  The boardwalk that previously was the trail through the gorge is gone leaving hikers to their own devises for stream crossings and scrambling over rocks. I definitely recommend waterproof boots and trekking poles, especially this time of year when the rocks have snow and ice on them.  The slick and rugged trail rewards you with spectacular with views through a narrow rocky ravine, with a stream running through the base.

It is located on County DL (off of 113 in Merrimac) just a few miles from Devil's Lake State Park.

I also recommend a stop at Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac on the way home!

Since pictures always tell a better story here are a few.


 
Watercress was abundant in the slower
moving offshoots of the stream.

Spectacular ice formations in the water.

View of the glen...the little red dot is my friend Em.
  
End of the trail.


Monday, January 09, 2012

Trout Unlimited Icebreaker Event


The Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding their annual Icebreaker event on Saturday January 14th.  Fontana Sports Manager/Fly Fishing Guru Craig Amaker will be presenting from 9:30-10:30am:

“Fly Fishing Southern Wisconsin”
The talk will cover all the fly fishing opportunities in the area.  From trout on our spring creeks, to small mouth bass and other warm water species on the Wisconsin River, and salmon and steelhead/lake-run brown trout on the Lake Michigan tributaries. Proceeds from the event support the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and help pay for stream restoration and purchase conservation easements in southern Wisconsin.

In addition to Craig's talk there will be other speakers, door prizes, raffles, fly tying demonstrations, entomology demonstration, and a kids room.  Doors open at 8:30 am.

The event will be held at the Promega Biotechnology Center, 5445 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg.

Visit http://www.swtu.org/ for more details.

Monday, January 02, 2012

New Years Resolutions

CHEERS TO 2012!

Anyone have a new years resolution to be more active or get in better shape?  Think about picking up a new outdoor sport!

Running is easy, fun,and doesn't require the snow that seems to be eluding us so far this winter.  We have many seasoned runners at Fontana that can help you pick out clothing and footwear, talk about training, and share experiences. 

Cross Country Skiing is a fantastic low impact activity that is also a great workout.  Although we don't have snow yet there is plenty of winter left.  We an help pick out the perfect skis for you as well as point you to the best trails in the area. 

Nordic Walking is not that well known but awesome exercise.  Simply put, it is walking with poles and can burn up to 40% more calories that just going for a walk.  Stop in and find out more.

Hiking/Walking is the most accessible of all activities.  We are lucky to be in an area with many beautiful parks very close.  Devils Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mounds, Governor Nelson, Governor Dodge, or simply the lake shores of Madison.

Whatever you need to stay more active this year: pedometers, watches, clothing and gear, information, or motivation stop in Fontana and let our staff help you with your goals!  We wish you a happy, healthy new year!

Also a big shout out to Fontana Sports owner Judith Hutchinson.  It was an early resolution but she completed her first 5K this year running the Thanksgiving Berbee Derby in under 40 minutes!  Way to go Judith!