Birkie Wax Clinic tomorrow night!

Reminder to all that we have our annual Birkie Wax Clinic tomorrow evening with our wonderful, very fun Swix and Fischer Rep, John Theis. He's making the trek down from Minneapolis so we'd love to have a crowd for him. He'll have all the latest on conditions and how to best prepare for the American Birkebeiner so it's well worth your time!

Birkie Wax ClinicTuesday, Feb. 10th at 6:00 pm at Westside LocationJoin us and get the most up-to-date waxing recommendations and tips for this year’s American Birkebeiner Race straight from Swix and Fischer Representative, John Theis. This is a free event.

Best of luck to all our Birkie participants out there! We're wishing you the best in conditions and a safe, fun trip up to Hayward!

For more Fontana Sports events and clinics visit our EVENTS PAGE >>

Events & Clinics - February 2015

SALTWATER FLY FISHING 101
Monday, February 2nd, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI
Gear, Rigging, Places to fish, and how to choose a lodge for your first trip. This is a free event.

NORDIC WAX CLINIC
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
Learn how to apply glide and/or kick wax on classic and skate skis. We will have a demo. You do not need to bring your skis. This is a free event.

SHOE THE ZOO
Sunday, February 8th, 2015 at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison WI
Join us for some fun on the snow at Vilas Park as we support the Henry Vilas Zoo! If you can walk, you can snowshoe and half of every $20 1 hour lesson fee will go towards the new Arctic Passage Exhibit coming to the Henry Vilas Zoo next year. Lessons include rental snowshoes. We have both children's and adults. We hope to see you there! MORE INFO

SNOWSHOEING BASICS
Monday, February 9th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
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.

BIRKIE WAX CLINIC
Tuesday, February 10th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI
Join us and get the most up-to-date waxing recommendations and tips for this year’s American Birkebeiner Race straight from Swix and Fischer Representative, John Theis. This is a free event.

MADISON WINTER FESTIVAL
Saturday & Sunday, February 14th & 15th, 2015
Capital Square, Madison WI
Join us at the Capital Square as it’s transformed into a winter wonderland. We will be holding free Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski demos both days. There will also be a Snowshoe Scurry Race as well as many other events going on. Visit Winter-Fest.com for more info.

SALTWATER FLY TYING 101
Monday, February 16th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI
How to tie the flies that best imitate saltwater fish’s food, and introduction to hooks and materials needed for saltwater fly fishing. This is a free event.

INTRO TO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
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.

SNOWSHOE SCURRY SERIES PARTY
Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
One Barrel Brewing Company, Madison WI
We’ll be celebrating another successful Snowshoe Scurry season with some light bites and refreshments. We’ll also have some drawings and this will be where you can pick up your fleece if you completed a 3 or 5 race series. We hope to see you!

CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSON
Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI
Give Cross Country skiing a try! We’ll have our rentals ready for you to take for a short spin. Cross Country skiing also known as Nordic skiing allows you to enjoy the winter while being active. It’s a quiet sport so you really get an opportunity be one with nature. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Similar to what you’d wear for snowshoeing or winter running. If you have questions just ask and we’re happy to give suggestions. There will be a $5 fee that goes directly to UW Carbone Cancer Center. Park in the Visitor Center Parking lot and look for the red Fontana canopy. Please RSVP for this event to Elizabeth at 608.662-9706.

FONTANA SPORTS' ICE AGE TRAIL SNOWSHOE TRACK KICKOFF
Saturday, February 28th, 2015 at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Springfield Hill, Cross Plains, WI
Join us in support of the Ice Age Trail Alliance as we christen the new 1.8 mile Snowshoe specific portion of the Ice Age Trail! If you have snowshoes bring them and in case you don’t, there will be $10 snowshoe rentals available with $5 from each rental going directly to the IATA. There will be invasive plant species burning going on at the same time which means bonfires! Cross Roads Coffee House will be there with Coffee and Hot Chocolate and you are welcome to carry in hot dogs and s’more ingredients that can be cooked over the bonfires going along the trail. Parking will be available in snow plowed areas. Please join us!


Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.

6 More Weeks of Winter??

We don't know about you, but we're excited to hear from Jimmy the groundhog about whether or not he sees his shadow and therefore we get 6 more weeks of winter (could we get some fresh powder then Jimmy?) or an early spring! Therefore we came up with a Facebook contest in honor of Jimmy! It starts tomorrow so get ready to let us know if you think we'll be getting more winter or an early spring and then be entered to win some prizes! Check out our Fontana Sports Facebook page for more info!

Snowshoe city!

Lots of snowshoeing events coming up! This weekend we are offering Snowshoe Demos at the Mount Horeb Scandihoovian Festival as well as our Shoe the Zoo snowshoe lessons that support the Henry Vilas Zoo! Hopefully you can make it to one or the other and try your hand at snowshoeing! Plus it's finally snowing here in Wisconsin so we should have some snow to play on! Wahoo!

For more info on these and other events we've got going on please visit 

Fontana Sports Events page >>

Inventory SALE - 10-50% OFF almost EVERYTHING!

Don't miss our Inventory Sale which begins today! Seriously almost everything in the store is ON SALE! Great opportunity to buy those things you've been waiting on or things you'll need for spring or a new warmer, prettier winter jacket for the rest of the season!
Don't miss it!

NEW Fly Fishing Event Dates!

We've got some great Fly Fishing specific events coming up in the next few months we wanted to make sure everyone gets on their calendars!

Saltwater Fly Fishing 101

Saturday, February 2 at 6:00 PM – Fontana Sports Westside location (231 Junction Rd, Madison WI)

Gear, Rigging, Places to fish, and how to choose a lodge for your first trip. This is a free event.

Saltwater Fly Tying 101

Saturday, February 16 at 6:00 PM – Fontana Sports Westside location (231 Junction Rd, Madison WI)

How to tie the flies that best imitate saltwater fish’s food, and introduction to hooks and materials needed for saltwater fly fishing. This is a free event.

Fly Fishing Film Tour
Thursday, March 4 at 7:00 PM at the Barrymore Theater, Madison WI

The original and preeminent exhibition of fly fishing cinema, The F3T is a one of a kind experience. Each year fishy folk of all ages gather at premieres to soak up films from around the world, spin a few yarns amongst friends and dream about casts still unmade. If you’ve been, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t, we hope to see you! For more information about the tour visit: www.flyfilmtour.com. Tickets can be purchased at both Fontana Sports locations for $14 in advance (cash only) and $16 day of show.

9th Annual Fly Fishing Rendezvous 
Thursday, April 9 from 4:00 -8:00 PM – Fontana Sports Westside location (231 Junction Rd, Madison WI) 
We’ll have the latest greatest in fly fishing gear, factory reps on hand, snacks & beverages. Get once a year special pricing that day only! Put your casting skills to the test in the Rio Gold Distance Shoot Out. Enter to win cool door prizes. We hope you’ll join us!

For more info on events we've got going on please visit Fontana Sports Events Page

Shoe the Zoo THIS WEEKEND!

Location: Vilas Park, 702 S. Randall Ave., Madison, WI 53715 (next to the Zoo)

Dates: Sunday, January 18th, Saturday, January 31st & Sunday, February 8th

Time: 11:00 am & 1:00 pm lessons

The Second Annual "Shoe the Zoo" sponsored by Fontana Sports Specialties 
Come out and support your Henry Vilas Zoo, and its Arctic Passage Project and take a walk on the wild side with Fontana Sports! Join us for fun in the snow with a one hour introductory lesson in the fast-growing sport of snowshoeing. Madison, Wisconsin’s Vilas Park will be the site for a series of three introductory lesson sessions which will take place on Sunday, January 18th, Saturday, January 31st & Sunday, February 8th, 2015.

This is the second year for Fontana Sports “Shoe the Zoo” event, which will raise funds for the Henry Vilas Zoo’s state-of-the-art Arctic Passage Exhibit. The exhibit, which will bring the bears back to Madison, will be home to polar bears, grizzly bears, and seals. The Arctic Passage is expected to open in late Spring of 2015, and it will give all zoo guests the opportunity to learn more about these amazing creatures. “Shoe the Zoo”, hosted by Fontana Sports, is all about having a great time while engaging in a fast-growing, simple-to-learn snow sport.

“If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s easy, fun and a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise during the winter months,” says Elizabeth Hutchinson, event organizer and Operations Manager of local outdoor store, Fontana Sports. “The gear required is minimal: comfortable, warm outerwear, boots and snowshoes … and you’re off!”

“Friends of the Henry Vilas Zoo, and the Henry Vilas Zoo are so excited to be the beneficiaries of Shoe the Zoo. We thank Fontana Sports for their efforts to Bring the Bears Back to Madison,” says Alison Prange, Executive Director of Friends of Henry Vilas Zoo.

Fontana Sports is donating fifty percent of the $20 lesson to the Henry Vilas Zoo. Pre-registration is required. For ticket information or to register, visit http://www.fontanasports.com/shoe-the-zoo-36604. Please visit our Facebook page for more info on the event.

Fischer Vacuum Fit Downhill Ski Boots

Fischer Vacuum Fit Downhill Ski boots on SALE now! 

View Fischer Vacuum Fit Ski Boots >>

& stop by Fontana Sports to get your new downhill ski boots fitted!!

What is vacuum fit?
Unique ski boot technology thanks to revolutionary vacu-plast material - The technology which makes it possible for the first time to adapt the shell of the ski boot completely to the anatomy of any foot. VACU-PLAST material and a special process achieves a fit which is also used successfully by top athletes in the Alpine Ski World Cup.

A special Fischer High-Tech Polymer is used for the Fischer VACUUM boots.It was developed exclusively for the ski boot sector and stands out through superior material properties: thermoformable at 80°C, high temperature stability, lower weight and better vibration dampening.

Events & Clinics - January 2015

SNOWSHOE SCURRY - 1 mile, 5k, 10k and 5k Dog Jog
Saturday, January 3rd, 2015
Donald Park, Mount Horeb, WI
Join us for our Second Annual snowshoe race series! This is a 5 event series with races every Saturday in January each including a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k options. Plus a 5k dog jog for the 3 dates at Donald Park. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!
Don't have snowshoes? That's OK!! As our main sponsor, Fontana Sports is offering a discount on the purchase of running snowshoes with race entry as well as offering snowshoe rentals! Get the whole family involved in a fun winter activity.
For more info please visit - www.snowshoewi.com

INTRO TO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Wednesday, January 7th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St, Madison, WI
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.

SNOWSHOE SCURRY - 1 mile, 5k, 10k 
Saturday, January 10th, 2015
Table Bluff, Cross Plains, WI
Join us for our Second Annual snowshoe race series! This is a 5 event series with races every Saturday in January each including a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k options. Plus a 5k dog jog for the 3 dates at Donald Park. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!
Don't have snowshoes? That's OK!! As our main sponsor, Fontana Sports is offering a discount on the purchase of running snowshoes with race entry as well as offering snowshoe rentals! Get the whole family involved in a fun winter activity.
For more info please visit - www.snowshoewi.com

SNOWSHOEING BASICS 
Tuesday, January 13th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St, Madison, WI
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.

INTRO TO SNOWBOARDING 
Tuesday, January 13th, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI
Join us as we teach you how to select the proper equipment to get started snowboarding. The right equipment can make all the difference of enjoying your experience on the snow. We’ll be happy to share our favorite local places to hit the slopes, the best times to go for the deals and answer any questions you may have. This is a free event.

SNOWSHOE SCURRY - 1 mile, 5k, 10k and 5k Dog Jog
Saturday, January 17th, 2015
Donald Park, Mount Horeb, WI
Join us for our Second Annual snowshoe race series! This is a 5 event series with races every Saturday in January each including a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k options. Plus a 5k dog jog for the 3 dates at Donald Park. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!
Don't have snowshoes? That's OK!! As our main sponsor, Fontana Sports is offering a discount on the purchase of running snowshoes with race entry as well as offering snowshoe rentals! Get the whole family involved in a fun winter activity.
For more info please visit - www.snowshoewi.com

SHOE THE ZOO
Sunday, January 18th at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison WI
Join us for some fun on the snow at Vilas Park as we support the Henry Vilas Zoo! If you can walk, you can snowshoe and half of every $20 1 hour lesson fee will go towards the new Arctic Passage Exhibit coming to the Henry Vilas Zoo next year. Lessons include rental snowshoes. We have both children's and adults. We hope to see you there! MORE INFO


INTRO TO NORDIC SKATE SKI
Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI
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.

SNOWSHOE SCURRY - 1 mile, 5k, 10k 
Saturday, January 24th, 2015
Table Bluff, Cross Plains, WI
Join us for our Second Annual snowshoe race series! This is a 5 event series with races every Saturday in January each including a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k options. Plus a 5k dog jog for the 3 dates at Donald Park. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!
Don't have snowshoes? That's OK!! As our main sponsor, Fontana Sports is offering a discount on the purchase of running snowshoes with race entry as well as offering snowshoe rentals! Get the whole family involved in a fun winter activity.
For more info please visit - www.snowshoewi.com

SNOWSHOEING BASICS 
Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI
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.

SHOE THE ZOO
Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison WI
Join us for some fun on the snow at Vilas Park as we support the Henry Vilas Zoo! If you can walk, you can snowshoe and half of every $20 1 hour lesson fee will go towards the new Arctic Passage Exhibit coming to the Henry Vilas Zoo next year. Lessons include rental snowshoes. We have both children's and adults. We hope to see you there! MORE INFO


SNOWSHOE SCURRY - 1 mile, 5k, 10k and 5k Dog Jog
Saturday, January 31st, 2015
Donald Park, Mount Horeb, WI
Join us for our Second Annual snowshoe race series! This is a 5 event series with races every Saturday in January each including a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k options. Plus a 5k dog jog for the 3 dates at Donald Park. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!
Don't have snowshoes? That's OK!! As our main sponsor, Fontana Sports is offering a discount on the purchase of running snowshoes with race entry as well as offering snowshoe rentals! Get the whole family involved in a fun winter activity.
For more info please visit - www.snowshoewi.com

SCANDIHOOVIAN WINTER FESTIVAL
Saturday, January 31st, 2015 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Norsk Golf Bowl, Mount Horeb
Join us for a free Snowshoe Demo at the Scandihoovian Winter Festival in Mount Horeb. We will provide snowshoes, basic instruction, tips and techniques for starting out and assist you in sizing so you can give it a try! If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s a great way to get outdoors in the winter. For more info visit http://scandiwinterfest.com


Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.

Happy New Year Snow Lovers!

We know our customers are true snow lovers so we wanted to share this Snow Report from TravelWisconsin.com. Happy almost New Year everyone! Be sure to plan some time to get out and play in 2015!

New Year’s resolutions are a tradition not to miss, so why not resolve to learn a new winter sport? January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and nearly all of Wisconsin ski areas offer discounts and specials to get first timers out on the slopes, no matter your age or ability. What are you waiting for? Here are some slopes in excellent condition this weekend to try out a new winter sport:

• Whitetail Ridge – Ski, snowboard, tube, cross country ski, and snowshoe fun is found here. 
• Christmas Mountain Village – Rent a Go Pro to catch each moment of your day on the slope. 
• Wilmot Mountain – Try out 25 runs from green to black diamond, including a Snocross course. 
• Little Switzerland – The trails are 100 percent open at one of the oldest resorts in the Midwest. 
• Keyes Peak – Check out the view from the top of the hill, blanketed in fresh snow. 

INSIDER TIP: Head to Northern Wisconsin for Best Trail Conditions

Snowfall and colder temps have hit the far northern parts of Wisconsin. Snowmobile trails are in good early riding condition in several northern counties.

• Iron County (Hurley or Mercer) 
• Vilas County (Presque Isle or Eagle River) 
• Florence County 

Check out Wisconsin's snow conditions by clicking here >>

New Year, New Gear Giveaway!

Let's start 2015 off right with another FREE giveaway! No better time than the new year to start fresh & we’d like to help you do that! 1 prize given away each Thurs in Jan! Get excited for another chance to win from Fontana Sports! First giveaway will be New Year's Day!

In order to be entered visit Fontana Sports' Facebook page and LIKE, SHARE &/or COMMENT on this picture each week during the month of January for up to 3 entries (1 per like, share or comment).

15 til the 25th Winners!

Congrats to our 15 til the 25th TUBBS Snowshoe Package winners! They've won 2 Flex RDG snowshoes, poles and snowshoe holsters valued at $539+! Wahoo! The picture of them at our westside's front counter turned out great too! Now we just need some snow so they can get out there and do some snowshoeing. Happy Holidays everybody!

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

We wanted to take a moment to wish all our wonderful customers a Merry Christmas! Here is some of our westside staff sending Holiday Greetings! Hope everyone has a great holiday season and gets to spend lots of time with their loved ones and hopefully get outside a bit! We're wishing for SNOW! :)

Snowshoe Running

Check out this great talk on snowshoe running from Atlas Rep Bryan Kuhn at last night’s Snowshoe Scurry Kickoff. It was a great event! Thanks to all who attended and best of luck at the events this winter!

If you’d like more Snowshoe Scurry info please visit - http://snowshoewi.com/ or if you’re interested in trying snowshoeing we offer Snowshoe lessons that benefit our Madison Henry Vilas Zoo. More info on Shoe the Zoo >>

Snowshoe Scurry Kickoff Tomorrow Night!

Join us tomorrow evening at 6 pm at our westside location to kick off our 2nd annual snowshoe race series the Snowshoe Scurry! There will be snacks, drinks, and a chance to learn about a great sport as well as a chance to make new snowshoe friends. Our Atlas Rep and Newton Running Rep will also be on hand to answer questions. If you are thinking about trying it this is a great time to come ask questions and get excited!

Don't miss:

• One Barrel Beer!
• A Fontana freebie for all in attendance!
• A drawing for a free Snowshoe Scurry Race Entry as well as other great prizes (SmartWool socks anyone)?!
• A short talk about snowshoe running and gear.
• Discounts on series sign-up and snowshoe purchases!

 Invite your friends!! We hope to see you!

More info about Snowshoe Scurry Kickoff event >>

More info about the Snowshoe Scurry >>

More Fontana Sports Events  >>

12 Days of PRESENTS!

Don't miss our 12 Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway that starts tomorrow! For the next 12 days we will post this photo along with a present mentioned and you can LIKE, SHARE and/or COMMENT on it for up to 3 entries (1 per like, share or comment) each day. So that means 1 prize given away each day for 12 days straight until Christmas! We will announce the winner the next morning. Good luck!
Also in case you were wondering who the good looking Elf and Santa are - those are Fontana Sports owners John and Judith. :)

Like our Facebook page here and be sure to look for the Christmas present giveaway! >>

Happy Holidays from Fontana Sports!

Ski Wax Recommendations

Attention Ski Racers! We wanted to share Toko Race Wax Recommendations with you. The site features the upcoming weekends events by region. For more info on how Toko Race Wax Tips are created click here.

We hope you find this useful and best of luck at your event!

Wax recommendations in your area of the country >>

If you're in need of any Toko items - Fontana Sports selection of TOKO waxes >>

Intro to Cross Country Skiing is tomorrow!

Wednesday, Dec. 10th – Intro to Cross Country Skiing at 6:30 pm

Fontana Sports Downtown Location – 216 North Henry St., Madison WI, 608.257.5043

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 that is held in-stores so there will be no on snow time. We hope you'll join us!

Click here for more courses offered by Fontana Sports!

Gift Guide - Snowshoer

A Perfect Gift for the Snowshoer
What could be better than pouring you and your snowshoeing buddies a hot cup of cocoa or coffee after tromping around in the cold snow? Or better yet, take a break half way through your snowshoe excursion for a winter picnic and a hot drink! Either way, the Mountain Outdoor Vacuum Bottle from Stanley makes a perfect gift for any snowshoer. It will keep a quart of your favorite hot drink steaming until you’re ready to pour a cup and warm up. The lid features two cups which makes it great for sharing hot drinks with family and friends.

View more great gift ideas for the Snowshoer >>

Fontana Sports Gift Guide >>

Snowshoe Gear >>

Join us for a Snowshoe Demo this season!

We do lots of snowshoe demos each year and one that is always a good time is the Mountain Horeb Scandinahoovian Winter Festival. This year we'll be hosting a Snowshoe Demo on Saturday, January 31st from 12 - 2 pm. It's FREE! We'll be located at the Norsk Golf Bowl and we'll provide instruction, tips and techniques for starting out. As well as assist you in sizing and then we'll send you on your way for a test drive! If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Come see us and try it out!

The Winter Festival is a really fun weekend of events and there is plenty to do besides our snowshoe demo. There's a great line-up with several new events this year. For more info on the Scandinahoovian Winter Festival click here. We hope to see you!