SNOW!

Who loves the white, fluffy stuff? WE DO! We have felt so fortunate to get so much snow so far this winter. We're hoping the trend continues and we get plenty more days of powder for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding and snowball fighting! We hope you've had a chance to get out and play in it too!

Check out this cool photo captured by one of our employees when they got in their car to head home from work the other day. Pretty sweet!

Wishing you the happiest of Holidays!

Thank you for your business and friendship. We hope everyone had a very, Merry Christmas and that ringing in the New Year is a good time had by all! We love being your local outdoor shop!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Snowboarder

By Karlen Balgord

Ultimate Gift For The Snowboarder
A technical hoodie is a great gift idea for any snowboarder on your list. The Burton Bonded Hoodie for men or the Burton Heron Pullover Hoodie for women will keep them looking good on the hill and off, plus it will keep them warm and dry with its highly breathable, quick-drying and weather-resistant DRYRIDE Thermex bonded fleece. For snowboarders, you can’t go wrong with a Burton technical hoodie.

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

CXC CHALLENGE GRANT

Here is a note from Yuri Gusev, who we work with for our CXC Nordic Program, who is also working with the Community Olympic Development Program. Please consider donating to this great cause!

'In this note, I would like to share with you an update about our CXC Adaptive Program. The CXC Adaptive Program provides opportunities to participate in the sport and offer equipment to individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairment or blindness of all ages and abilities. Just last year CXC introduced over 300 individuals (children, adults and veterans) to Nordic skiing and provided over 700 hours in programming. There is a huge need, now.

Thanks to all of you we are half way through our fundraising campaign and with your support we have raised to date $21,341 towards our goal of $40,000! All of us at CXC are deeply appreciative.

"Brenden has really enjoyed his first year of cross country skiing thanks to Dr. Nemeth, Yuriy, Duncan and all of the volunteers of CXC. CXC has helped Brenden to achieve a consistent fitness program, socialization and introduction to a sport that can be done throughout his lifetime. Over the last year we have seen improvements in his skiing abilities and his desire to better himself. He has and continues to gain advice from a variety of elite coaches and athletes. Best of all, Brenden is having fun!" - commented Jenn and Kerry Ojibway, parents of 13 year-old sit-ski participant.'

Click here for more info!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Runner

Runner’s World Wrist Wallet is what the runner on your list needs for the next run. It’s small, convenient, soft material, it just slides on the wrist and there’s enough room to hold a key, credit card, ID, money while out running, riding a bicycle, or walking through the city. Makes a great stocking stuffer too!

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

Now that we have snow...

Who's ready to take a snow day? We sure are after getting our 6 inches of snow this week! It sounds like we may get another 1-3 inches tomorrow too! We love that our customers and employees are all over those ski hills, back trails and groomed trails. Enjoy the snow and sunshine!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Snowshoer

By Karlen Balgord

Ultimate Gift For The Snowshoer
Whether they’re just starting out or they’re already an avid snowshoer, the Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe from Icebreaker is the ultimate gift for the snowshoer on your list. (And it comes in both Men’s and Women’s). The Oasis Crewe is perfect for activities like snowshoeing because it wicks moisture away from the body and doesn't get all cold and clammy when you stop moving, keeping you comfortable longer. This super soft merino wool top won’t itch, it won’t stink, and it won’t leave you out in the cold.

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Cross Country Skier

Toko Nordic Klister Ski Wax makes a great gift for all Cross Country Skiers. The Ski Wax comes in a variety of snow temperature ranges to get the right grip to match any trail conditions. It will improve sliding properties as well as care for the ski base. Easy rub-on application.

Also check out (print out) Toko Waxing Manual

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

Events & Clinics - December 2013

LEARN TO NORDIC SKATE SKI
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 at 6:30pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI 53717
Would you like to be active outdoors during the winter months? Or have you been cross country skiing for years and would like to take it to the next level? Nordic Skate skiing is a great option! We’ll explain how it’s done, show you how to select your equipment, give tips on the best local places to go and answer any questions you may have. This is a free event.

INTRO TO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Wednesday, December 11th, 2013 at 6:30pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI 53703
Learn the classic kick and glide ski style. There’s a reason this sport has been around for so many years. It’s an easy way to enjoy the winter and get out for some activity during the cold months. We’ll get you prepared for the upcoming snow season, answer any questions you may have and give tips on the best local places to cross country ski. This is a free event.

15 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WITH CHANNEL 15 & FONTANA SPORTS
Through December 15th, 2013
All Locations
Stop in to both Fontana Sports locations starting Dec. 1st to sign up to win a sweet Tubbs Snowshoe Package valued at $600!
Package includes:
TUBBS Men’s Wilderness Snowshoes - size 30
TUBBS Women’s Wilderness Snowshoes - size 25
2 of TUBBS 3 Piece Poles
2 of TUBBS Snowshoe Bags

INTRO TO SNOWSHOEING
Wednesday, December 18th, 2013 at 6:30pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI 53717
If you’ve thought about getting into snowshoeing, this is a great introduction to the sport! We’ll show you how to get started with gear and apparel choices as well as the best places to actually snowshoe and answer any questions you may have. This is a free event.

THINK LOCAL FIRST 2013
Through December 31st, 2013
Dane Buy Local businesses reward you when you Think Local First. Visit and appreciate the unique, locally owned businesses in our area this holiday season and you could be a big winner! Enter to Win a Luxury Local Get-Away and Over $8,000 in Merchant Prizes. From November 1st – December 31st, register to win prizes at 70+ participating Dane Buy Local businesses.
Over $8,000 in additional merchant prizes will be given away, including gift certificates and merchandise! Look for the drawing boxes in locally owned businesses, and enter each time you visit. Increase your chances! Visit more participating businesses to enter more often. We All Win When You Think Local First.
Think Local First contest details:
Deadline to enter is December 31, 2013. No purchase necessary. Winners will be drawn at the individual participating business on January 7, 2014, and the grand prize winner will be drawn by the Dane Buy Local office on January 30, 2014. One entry per visit. No charge for entry. Must be 18 or older to win. Winner’s name and city may appear on our website. Odds of winning are based upon volume of entries. You may contact Dane Buy Local with other contest questions.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

Are you ready?!

Has anyone seen our billboards around town lately? We're ready for some serious snow and the chance at a Snow Day where we can get out and do all the winter sports we love - cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding and don't forget, snowball fights and snowman building! Did we mention snow angels and fort building! We can't wait! Hopefully we'll see the weather later this week. :)

BLACK FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK!

Check out our Black Friday Specials!

This year we are offering our Black Friday Specials on Thursday and Friday online, as well as in-stores starting at 8 AM on Friday. There are some promotions that are only offered in-stores, such as a FREE Tyrol Basin Ski Pass for the first 100 in-store purchases over $50! Awesome place to ski and snowboard, so get in early to earn your FREE Pass! We hope to see you and we hope you all have wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday! We are THANKFUL for you, our customers! :)

Making a difference!

Handmade quilts for the boys and girl's Madison Group Homes are being delivered this week by Fontana Sports' VP Judith Hutchinson. They were made by Gloria Bolden and friends. Each year Judith has delivered Christmas gifts given by friends, businesses, and the Hutchinson family since 1989. The boys and girls are 14 -18 years old. This year there are 8 girls and 16 boys. Christmas gifts will be delivered the 2nd week of Dec. The challenged youth would welcome Your gifts. If you'd like to drop any gifts off at either of our locations, just do so at our front counters and let them know the gift/s are for Judith's Group Home donations. Merry Christmas!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Backpacker Or Camper

By Karlen Balgord

Ultimate Gift for the Backpacker or Camper
The ENO Double Nest Hammock is a great choice for anyone on your list who enjoys backpacking or camping. After all the work of getting to and setting up camp, what could be better than relaxing in a hammock? Easily strung up between two trees, all you have to do next is relax and look up at the sky and the trees above your head. They pack down small too, so they’re easy to take with you on any trip.

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

Goose Down Supply Chain

Check out this great article on The North Face's Responsible Down Standards. We're happy to see they are taking the time to create a responsible plan regarding the Goose Down they use in their garments.

Sign up to WIN!

 We had mentioned last week that the Think Local First promotion is going on in-stores now. Here's the official poster for the event.  We found out that 25 local Madison businesses are offering the chance to win cool prizes. You just have to stop in and sign up for your chance to win! You can sign up more than once to increase your chances and you can sign up at both locations! We are giving away 4 $25 gift cards, so get in here and get signed up for your chance to win! THINK LOCAL FIRST! :)

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Downhill Skier

By Karlen Balgord

Ultimate Gift for the Downhill Skier
Functional + Stylish = Awesomely Versatile. That pretty much sums up why the Women’s Tamburello Jacket from The North Face makes a great gift for any lady skier on your list. It is an ideal warm mid-layer for while she’s out hitting the slopes. Plus she can wear it on its own, bumming around the lodge or around town. Bottom line, the Tamburello Jacket will keep her warm and lookin’ good!

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

Think Local First!

Did you know that Fontana Sports is a member of Dane Buy Local? We sure are! And we think buying local is incredibly important. The money you spend at Fontana Sports stays in the local community and helps to keep Madison thriving. There are hundreds of businesses that are members of Dane Buy Local. If you'd like to know more about the organization or want to consider joining - please click here. 

 

This was an advertisement we ran last week in the Capital Times showing our support. There's also a sweet event running right now where you stop into many of the Dane Buy Local member businesses and sign up for your chances to win prizes from that business as well as a grand prize which will be announced on Dane Buy Local's Facebook page on Dec. 13th. Stop into either of our locations and get signed up to win 1 of 4 $25 Fontana Sports Gift Cards. The promotion runs through Dec. 31st. Click here for a list of all the businesses participating. Good luck!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - A Gift For The Fly Fisherman

By Karlen Balgord

You can’t show off your pictures from your fishing adventure if your camera gets wet. The Fish Pond Westwater Pouch is the perfect gift for the avid fly fisherman or fisherwoman on your list. It is just the right size for a point and shoot camera, phone or other small accessories. The roll-top closure helps ensure that the contents are protected and dry. Help ensure their electronics are protected so they can capture the perfect picture, and save yourself from the infamous fish stories.

For more gift ideas for all outdoor sports fans visit Fontana Sports' Holiday Gift Guide

Congrats to our Facebook Contest Winners!

Congrats to Doug and Paige, our November Fjallraven Kanken daypack winners! Doug, shown here, said he never wins anything, so he was quite excited! We hope they both enjoy their sweet Swedish daypacks. Did you know that Fjallraven means Arctic Fox? Pretty cool!
If you'd like to join in the fun on our FB page and have your chance at contests we run on there - Click here to Like Us!

Isthmus Independent Business Awards

We had a great time at the Isthmus Indie Awards at the Madison Concourse the other night. What a great group of people and businesses! It was fun to watch the winning businesses be recognized for their awesome social and environmental contributions to Madison. There really are some great things going on in our community! One of our favorites was Farm to Vase. Click here to learn more about this cool company! We appreciate these local businesses and are proud to be one ourselves! Thanks for shopping local!