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.

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...

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.

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/.

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.



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.

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!

Downtown Holiday Open House

SHOP DOWNTOWN MADISON TODAY!

State Street and Capital Square business invite you to enjoy sales, specials, food, free trolly rides, and holiday cheer. 

Don't forget to visit Santa and get a candy cane at Fontana Sports!

For more info visit: http://visitdowntownmadison.com/events/index.php?category_id=4578

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing holiday with family and friends. 

While you are digesting dinner don't forget to check out http://www.fontanasports.com/ for our brown Thursday specials (50%-80% off select items) available online only and today only.

Turkey Daze!

Shop Fontana Sports Turkey Daze Sale this Friday to gear up for winter and the holidays.

Both locations opem at 8:00 am with special in-store only deals until 2:00 pm!  Don't miss:

60% off select Smartwool and Wigwam Socks

25% off all Daypacks (The North Face, Burton, Dakine, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, etc)

75% off select Bula Hats

50%-65% off Select Men's Women's and Kid's Snow Pants

50% off Handwarmers

40-50% off select Ski and Snowboards Helmets

60% + off select Goggles

50% off select gloves including some from The North Face

And many more great deals!

Plus the first 50 customers to make a $50 or more purchase will recieve a free pass to Tyrol Basin (limit one per person.)

Can't make it before 2:00?  It's still worth the trip, our Holiday Sale starts Friday and goes through December 4th, there are sales in all departments including:

Cross country skis - everything is on sale!  Plus take an additional 10% off already reduced prices and get free binding installation when you buy a package.
Snowboards - 10% off with purchase of board and bindings (also get 10% off boots if you buy them at the same time)
Downhill skis* - All skis and boots on sale up to 50% off
Snowshoes - select mens, womens, and kids models on sale

Socks, jackets, base layers, boots, hats, gloves, and everything else you need to stay warm and have fun this winter is on sale.

*Please note: Our downhill ski department is at our Junction Rd. location only.

The North Face - Technology Summit

Last week I had the opportunity to head to Chicago to The North Face's technology summit.  This was an event to introduce some exciting new technologies that will be coming out in the Fall 2012 line.

The great thing about The North Face is that they have an amazing team of athletes who are constantly pushing the limits of their gear then coming back to the design team and asking for something better.

Mountaineer Conrad Anker was on hand (fresh from Himalayan triumph) to give a talk about his time on Meru, an extremely remote peak in the Garhwal Himalayas of India.   In 2008 Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk visited Meru but were force to turn back 100 meters short of the summit after 19 gruelling days of punishing weather conditions and technical terrain.  Based on the feedback The North Face received from these three athletes they produced a line of gear called the "Meru Kit" using new and innovative technologies to make a lightweight warm, durable layering system to keep the athletes warm and dry from base layer to shell.  In their new "kit" Anker, Chin, and Ozturk returned to Meru and successfully summited the "sharks fin" on October 12th, 2011.

Some of the new gear to keep an eye out for are: 
"Flashdry" baselayers and jackets which disperse moisture and dry faster than any comparable product on the market.
"Thermoball" Jackets - a new innovation in synthetic insulation where instead of continuous filaments, clusters of small balls of insulation mimic the clusters of down outperforming the warmth to weight ratio of PrimaLoft.
"Shaffle Jacket" - an extremely lightweight down jacket with innovative baffling and thermo mapping to maximize warmth and flexibility.
ABS Backpacks - Ski/Snowboarding backcountry packs with built in ABS avalanche airbag system.

Bottom line, there is always a lot to look forward to in this awesome, ever evolving industry.



Left to Right Chin, Anker, and Ozturk on the Summit of Meru.  The orange jacket is the Shaffle Jacket, I got to try on the one Anker is wearing in the photo...pretty Awesome!

Winter Adventure Sale

The first snow of the year has come...and gone...but more is on the way.  The timing couldn't be better!  We are in the middle of our Winter Adventure Sale.

From head to toe, baselayer to outerwear everything you need to be warm and enjoy winter is on sale!

Smartwool, Wigwam, or Icebreaker Socks - Buy 2 get 1 Free!

Terramar Baselayers - Silk, Merino Wool, or Synthetic - 20% off

Sierra Designs Gnar Hoody (800 Fill Down Sweater) - $169.99 (Reg $208.99)

All Columbia Outerwear on Sale

Get a $10 Gift Card with any Insulated Footwear Purchase - We have a great selection of UGG,

The North Face, Sorel, Keen, Merrell, Kamik and more

All the gear for your favorite winter activities is on sale as well!  Sleds, snowshoes, downhill and cross country ski, snowboards, wax, poles, goggles, and helmets are all on sale. 

Classic cross country ski packages - from $249.99

Skate cross country ski packages - From $499.99

Adult Snowshoes - From $79.99

Junior Snowshoes - From $49.99

Free Poles with any Atlas Snowshoe Purchase

Ski Goggles - From $19.99

Helmets - From $49.99

Adult Snowboard and Bindings - From $199.99

All Downhill skis and boots on sale (Fontana West Only) - Up to 50% off

The sale runs through  November 20th. Stop in now for the best selection and be ready to go the next time snow flies!

CXC SUPERFIT PROGRAM

Northern WI has already seen some snow...ski season is right around the corner.  At Fontana we want to make sure you have the right gear to make your winter as enjoyable as possible.  That's why this year we are again hosting the CXC Nordic super fit program this Friday November 4th-Sunday November 6th at our west side location (231 Junction Rd, Madison)

"Super Fit" is a weekend sale program filled with seminars, presentations and store specials.
Get your equipment fit by the professional athletes and coaches of the CXC Elite Team using a state of the art 3D ski pressure mat. Bring your old skis to test if they have a good fit for you, and get an independent opinion.


The Agenda for the weekend is as follows:

Friday, Nov. 4:
10am-8pm CXC 3D Ski Flex Mat and Salomon Flex Table Testing
10am-8pm Measure yourself against other skiers on “SKI ERG” (simple double pole test will give you an idea where you will finish at the 2012 Birkie)
6pm Glide & Kick Waxing Seminar / CXC Wax Room DVD Presentation

Saturday, Nov. 5:
8am-9:30am Free "Get your Nordic On!" Dryland and Rollerski Technique Clinic for Intermediate and Advanced Skiers
8am-9:30am Free "Taste of Nordic" Dryland & Rollerski Technique Clinic
8am-9:30am USSA Level 100 Coaches Certification Technique Clinic
Note: Demo Salomon boots and Sweenor Classic and Skate rollerksis (some rollerksis will be available to use for a clinic)
10am-8pm CXC 3D Ski Flex Mat and Salomon Flex Table Testing
10am-8pm Measure yourself against other skiers on “SKI ERG” (simple double pole test will give you an idea where you will finish at the 2012 Birkie)

Sunday, Nov. 6:
11am-6pm CXC 3D Ski Flex Mat and Salomon Flex Table Testing
11am-6pm Measure yourself against other skiers on “SKI ERG” (simple double pole test will give you an idea where you will finish at the 2012 Birkie)

Whether you are just looking to start recreational skiing or are a seasoned racer there will be plenty to learn, plus special deals on gear! 

...Like There's No Tomorrow

One Night Only! 

Barrymore Theatre

 Thursday, October 27, 7:30 PM

$19

"The pressure's off. No one's watching. It's just you, your boards, and the mountain. The weather has broken and the snow is untracked. The only sound is that of your breath crystalizing in the winter air. There's only one place to go, but there's an infinite number of ways to get there. Adjust your gear, take a deep breath, and . . . like there’s no tomorrow.

For the sixty second year in a row, Warren Miller Entertainment brings you to this moment, and each moment that follows, from peaks as far flung as India and as nearby as New Hampshire. The common themes are snow, steeps, and the skiers and snowboarders who throw themselves into both with an abandon that amazes and inspires us all.

. . . Like There’s No Tomorrow is a celebration of these moments, the ones that make up the winter for people who live for it. Join Chris Davenport, Daron Rahlves, Colby West, Andy Mahre, Seth Wescott, Julia Mancuso, and more as they drop into the runs we see in our dreams as we wait for the seasons to change.

Hosted by Jonny Moseley and shot on location in Colorado, Utah, California, New Zealand, Chile, Alaska and British Columbia, . . . Like There’s No Tomorrow is your annual reminder that Winter is on its way and, with it, months of an adrenaline-fueled dance with gravity. Welcome it with everything you've got, because there's always a tomorrow, but only so many dawn with fresh snow. So what are you waiting for? Drop in ..."

For more info check out our events webpage:

http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/index.cfm?title=7F43E4CA-1EC9-4F51-A51075C7FA074685&sec=1

Dean Karnazes - Life in Motion

We are excited to announce that Ultramararthon runner Dean Karnazes will be our guest athlete/speaker this year! Dean has been dubbed "The Ultramarathon Man" and is ranked among TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. His feat of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days can only be described as "superhuman." Dean's message to us all is "get of the couch, get healthy, hit the trails, and go the extra mile." With that mantra in mind, and with physiology adapted for endless running, he has run 350 miles nonstop, and completed ultramarathons across the world's five greatest deserts: the Atacama, Gobi, Death Valley, Sahara, and Antarctic. This year Dean brought fitness home to millions with his 3000 mile 75 day coast to coast run across America, televised on Live! with Regis and Kelly.

Event Details:

Thursday, September 15th

5:30 - 7:00 pm VIP Reception with Dean benefitting the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Fontana's downtown location - 216 N. Henry St.

7:00-8:00 pm Dean Presents - Life in Motion followed by Q & A

The Orpheum Theater - 216 State St. Madison

8:00-9:00pm Book/Poster signing by Dean at the Orpheum Theater

FREE - General Attendance but please reserve your space at the website below

http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/get-outdoors/speaker_series/

$8 - Reserved Seating
$20 - Reserved seating and VIP reception benefiting the Ice Age Trail Alliance

Tent Sale!

Spring is here! To celebrate (and clear out the last of the winter merchandise) we are having a tent sale!

When: Thurursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1stWhere: Fontana Sports West, 231 Junction Rd, In the parking lot under the BIG TENT.What: 20%-50% off WINTER and SPRING merchandise. Camping, clothing, outerwear, footwear, socks, PFD's, accessories, and more.
Don't forget to check out great deals INSIDE BOTH STORES as well.

SHOE DRIVE!

Do you have shoes laying around in the closet that just don't get worn?

Bring them into Fontana Sports Thursday, April 14th through Saturday, April 23rd and get rewarded.

We are collecting donations of GENTLY USED (seriously...if you find them gross we do too) shoes.
If you donate a pair of gently used footwear and buy a new pair of shoes you will receive a Fontana Sports gift card for use on a future purchase.

Here's the breakdown.
Receive a $5 gift card for footwear purchases from $25.00 - $50.00.
Receive a $10 gift card for footwear purchases from $50.01 - $100.00.
Receive a $20 gift card for footwear purchases over $100.00.

Fine Print...
Purchase price does not include tax. Offer not valid on sale items or special orders. Donations of multiple shoes will not increase your gift card amount but will increase your Karma.

Scout Week 2011

Did you know that Fontana Sports Specialties is owned by an Eagle Scout and a lifelong Girl Scout? Their son is also an Eagle Scout and daughter is a Silver Scout. Many of our past and current employees have been Scouts as well. We are an environmentally focused group of employees with combined, hundreds of hours spent enjoying and gaining experience in hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, backpacking, and scuba diving. Because of this wealth of experience and love for the outdoors Fontana Sports is planning a Scout Week to encourage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Saturday, April 9th through Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Fontana Sports will recognize all scouts WITH THEIR BOY SCOUT OR GIRL SCOUT CARD by giving them 15% off all non-sale purchases. Stop by one of our locations for details.

In addition to great savings we are offering FREE clinics during the week (listed below). There will be free prize drawings for the Scout clinic attendees at the end of each clinic. Your Troop, Scout individuals, and friends/parents of scouts are invited to attend, if your troop plans to attend please call ahead so we can make space. We hope to see you soon

Downtown Location Clinic Schedule

216 N. Henry Street, Madison 53703 608-257-5043

Monday, April 11th at 6:00 pm - Backpacking 101 - An intro course on how to properly choose, fit, and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure

Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 pm - Camp Cooking - Join us as we explain different kinds of stoves and back country cooking methods. We'll even do some demonstrations with samples!

Wednesday, April 13th at 6:00 pm - Local Expeditions - We'll Share some of the Midwest's greatest camping and hiking areas, and how best to prepare for them.

Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 pm - Wisconsin Wildlife - Learn more about the fun critters we share the woods with.

Westside Location Clinic Schedule

231 Junction Rd, Madison 53717 608-833-9191

Monday, April 11th at 6:00 pm - Camp Cooking - Join us as we explain different kinds of stoves and back country cooking methods. We'll even do some demonstrations with samples!

Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 pm - Hiking Boots 101 - What to look for and how to fit a hiking boot. Boots can make or break the enjoyment of a trip. Socks are important as well ans should supply comfort, support, and protection

Wednesday , April 13th at 6:00 pm - Clothing and Equipment - Learn how to best dress in order to ensure comfort and temperature control. Learn the meaning of the terms: UPF, windproof, breathable, water resistant, and waterproof. You'll be all set for the trail.

Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 pm - Backpacking 101 - An intro course on how to properly choose, fit, and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure.

Buy one get one TREE!

Spring is in the air! Time to dig out the sandals.

If you can't find yours, or if over winter they have developed a funny smell, we have great news for you.

For the month of April, Fontana Sports, Chaco, and the Arbor Day Foundation have teamed up and will plant a tree for EVERY pair of Chacos purchased in the month of April.

So stop by and check out all the great new styles and colors, do something great for your feet and the earth!

5th Annual Fly Fishing Rendezvous

It is once again time for Fontana Sports annual fly fishing rendezvous! Come help us kick off the 2011 season!

Join us: Saturday, March 19th

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fontana Sports West: 231 Junction Rd

Our 5th annual rendezvous will be a day of fly fishing education and fun! We will be celebrating fly fishing in the upper Midwest! Catch some fantastic seminars by knowledgeable fishers on great fishing right here in Wisconsin; as well as in exotic destinations. Check out the latest greatest products and test cast the newest rods. Demonstration fly tyers will be on hand , as well as factory reps from Simms, Sage, and Rio to show off the newest and best fly fishing gear. There will be door prizes, in store specials, and brats fresh off the grill. A percentage of sales will be donated to SWTU's Stream Easement Fund. Whether you are an old pro or totally new to the sport this is a day you don't want to miss!