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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!