We're Ready for the Snow!

Workers at local outdoor store Fontana Sports in downtown Madison are saying ‘Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.’

“People definitely get really excited as soon as there is cold or there's snow we get calls that say, ‘Hey are you renting skis? Do you have snowshoes yet?’ So there's a lot of enthusiasm,” Manager Adam Remus said.

Check out the great interview from our Manager Adam about snow arriving for the season!

Stormy Kromer made in the U.S.A.!

We've gotten in a lot of beautiful pieces ranging from caps, mittens, flannels, vests and more from Stormy Kromer this fall. We enjoy supporting made in the U.S.A. companies like this one. These items are well made and awesome for Wisconsin weather. What's even better is they're made near Wisconsin in Michigan's UP (upper peninsula)! Come visit us and shop local while supporting great made in the U.S.A. companies like Stormy Kromer! If you'd like to see a variety of what we carry from Stormy Kromer click here. More SK items found in-stores.

Tyrol Basin Ski Patrol Donation

We are happy to report that we donated over $4,600 to the Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area Ski Patrol through their Ski & Snowboard Resale last month! Looking forward to seeing the Ski Patrol on the hill this winter! Thank you for all your hard work. Now we just need some fresh powder to get it feeling like a white winter in Wisconsin!

Winter Adventure Sale is Going On Now!

Save big during our Winter Adventure Sale! Going on at both locations and our website through this weekend! Click here to check out the site for great deals!

Here are a few of the offers we've got going on now. Many more in-stores and online!

 - Buy 2, get the 3rd Sock FREE
 - Make any The North Face purchase over $95 & receive a $20 Fontana Sports Gift Card!
 - 20% or more off all Giro Helmets & Goggles!
 - 20% off all Hotfingers Kid's &Toddler Gloves & Mittens
 - Purchase any 2015/16 Burton Board &Binding package, get 10% off!
 - Free pair of Wigwam All Weather socks with any Sorel boot purchase!
 - 15% off all SmartWool Sweaters!
 -  20% off all Bula & Screamer Winter Hats!
 - 20% off all Swix, Toko & Fastwax waxes!

Click here to check out the site for MORE great deals!

Snowshoe Scurry Registration is up!

We are happy to announce that we will once again be sponsoring the Snowshoe Scurry. This January marks our third annual series featuring races in the Madison area on Saturdays in January and February with a variety of race options, including a 5K and 10K snowshoe at every event. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!

NEW in 2016!  Fatbike races are taking place at our 2 events at Pleasant View Golf Course.  These races will be following the snowshoe running, giving you the option to do both the run and the bike events!

Jan. 2nd - Donald Park: 5K/10K/5K Dog Jog
Jan. 16th - Pleasant View Golf Course (Middleton): 5K/10K/Fat Bike Race
Jan. 30th - Donald Park: 5K/10K/5K Dog Jog
Feb. 6th - Pleasant View Golf Course (Middleton): 5K/10K/Fat Bike Race
Feb. 13th - Donald Park: 5K/10K/Half Marathon
Feb. 14th - Madison's Winterfest (Capitol Square): 3k snowshoe individual and relay

To check out more info about the event please click here.
To register for a race or the series please click here.

CXC Nordic Superfit Program is this Weekend!

"Super Fit" is a weekend program filled with cross country ski seminars, presentations & store specials. You can even have your equipment fitted by CXC Team professional athletes & coaches using a state of the art 3D ski pressure mat and ski flex light table. Bring your old skis in to test if they have a good fit for you & get an independent opinion. It’s a great chance to mingle with others that love Nordic skiing or learn about why you would love Nordic skiing too! We'll also have the MadNorSki Resale going on this Fri and Sat! Check out some of the weekend’s events:

Fontana Sports Specialties west side location - 231 Junction Road

Friday, Nov. 6th:

10 am - 8 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing & Flex Light Table ...Testing
10 am - 8 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on the “CXC NORDIC SKI ERGOMETER"
(simple double pole test will give you an idea where you will finish at the 2015 Birkie)
10 am - 8 pm: MadNorSki Resale
5 pm – 6 pm: Intro to Cross Country Skiing
6 pm – 7 pm: Nordic Ski Waxing Basics

Saturday, Nov. 7th:
8 am: Free "Taste of Nordic" Dryland & Rollerski Technique Clinic (Meet outside Fontana Sports' west side location)
10 am – 11 am: Intro to Cross Country Skiing
10 am - 8 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing & Flex Light Table Testing
10 am - 8 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on the “CXC NORDIC SKI ERGOMETER"
10 am - 8 pm: MadNorSki Resale
11 am – 12 pm: Learn to Nordic Skate Ski
1 pm – 2 pm: Nordic Wax Base Preparation
2 pm – 3 pm: Nordic Ski Waxing Basics

Sunday, Nov. 8th:
11 am – 12 pm: Intro to Cross Country Skiing
11 am - 6 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing & Flex Light Table Testing
11 am - 6 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on the “CXC NORDIC SKI ERGOMETER"
3 pm – 4 pm: Learn to Nordic Skate Ski
4 pm – 5 pm: Nordic Wax Base Preparation
5 pm – 6 pm: Nordic Ski Waxing Basics

 

To keep up to date with the event please click here.

For more info on the event through CXC please click here. We hope to see you this weekend!

Successful Wisconsin Fall Colors Run!

Thanks so much to all 147 participants who came out to join us for the Wisconsin Fall Colors Run in Lodi on October 24th! You helped us raise $1,571.00 for the Ice Age Trail Alliance! That's awesome!

We've picked out the date for next year and we hope to see you again next year on Saturday, October 22nd! More pictures can be found on our Facebook page. Thanks again and keep on running!

Looking for Some Passionate Outdoor Enthusiasts!

It's that time of year again when we need some more hands on deck. If you or anyone you know enjoys the outdoors or outdoor fashion we could use your help this holiday season! Come join us for an adventure this holiday season! Visit our website for an application.

Charley Harper SmartWool has arrived!

Charley Harper fall 2015 SmartWool products have arrived and they are beautiful! We've been so excited to see them in person since ordering them last fall. If you're not familiar with the Artist Charley Harper google him. Amazing work especially in our opinion with his animal artwork. SmartWool has partnered to make gorgeous socks, sweaters, hats and Christmas stockings using his artwork. Come check them out before they're gone! Limited quantities!

Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Resale this Sunday!

Join us at Tyrol Basin's Ski and Snowboard Resale this Sunday, Oct. 25th. 15% of proceeds support the Tyrol Basin Ski Patrol. We'll see you at the hill!

Vote to donate $25k to the Ice Age Trail!

The Ice Age Trail Alliance needs your vote! In partnership with the American Hiking Society, Michelob ULTRA is donating $25,000 grants to two deserving trails. Let's support WI and our Ice Age Trail system! Click here to cast your vote!

Fall Ladies Night next Wednesday!

Get excited for Fontana Sports Fall Ladies Night which is already coming up next week on Wednesday, October 21st from 5 - 7 pm! Enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded outdoor friends, brand representatives and Fontana Sports staff while enjoying free wine, cheese and great deals on the best apparel and gear. Learn how to get involved with local organizations as well as upcoming events and lessons from Fontana Sports. Event is being held at our Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI.

Event Highlights:
- The North Face Thermoball Fashion Show & Try On Event
- Birkenstock Trunk Show
- Patagonia Enviro Talk by Tech Rep Sara Nelson
- Meet & Greet with local organizations (Ice Age Trail Alliance, River Alliance of WI, Friends of the Henry Vilas Zoo)
- Door prize drawings every 15 minutes including one lucky lady winning a (ski) wax job!
- Gift for each lady in attendance (SmartWool socks for the first 50 ladies!)
Kristin from Humble Yoga will be there as well instructing a 10 minute yoga demo. One lucky participant will win a prAna Eco Yoga Mat valued at $60.00! All you have to do for a chance to win is participate!

Whether you've only got 10 minutes or all the time in the world, yoga can help you slow down and appreciate your journey. By lengthening your inhalation and exhalation you bring yourself into the present moment. Establishing a regular yoga practice will help reduce stress, lubricate joints, lengthen muscles, and so much more. So whether you're brand new to yoga or and old yogi, join me in taking 10 minutes to explore what your mind and body have to offer.

We hope you'll join us and if you'd like to learn more about our Fall Ladies Night please click here.

Reel Rock 10 Tour coming to Madison!

Reel Rock 10 Tour
Wednesday, November 4^th at 7:00 PM
Marquee at Union South, 1308 West Dayton, Madison WI 53715

Fontana Sports is sponsoring a FREE showing of the Reel Rock 10 Tour. Founded in 2006, the REEL ROCK Film Tour brings the best climbing and adventure films of the year to live audiences throughout the world. The film tour is the definitive annual event for climbing communities globally. REEL ROCK shows are high energy, community events that go beyond mere film screenings to include prize giveaways, athlete and filmmaker appearances, non-profit fundraising, and a party atmosphere.  In its landmark 10th year, from big walls to big moves, REEL ROCK 10 features athletes Tommy Caldwell, Kevin Jorgeson, Alex Honnold, Jimmy Webb, Daniel Woods and a special tribute to the late Dean Potter. Music: It's On by Teen Girl Scientist Monthly. This year's tour boasts an eclectic program that will get you psyched! Click here to view the trailer!

It's almost here - SKI & SNOWBOARD SEASON!

We had a great group of our finest Ski and Snowboard Brand Representatives stop by today to clinic our staff. It's a long day for everybody as they sit through about 6 hours of classes. Well worth it though so we are as up to date as possible for our customers! Lows in the 30's this week in Wisconsin... we don't want to jinx it, but could snow be just around the corner?! We hope so! We're already looking forward to getting out on the slopes again this year!

We've got a new Downhill Ski lease program this year. For more info click here. 
We also have a full service Ski and Snowboard Shop located at our westside. Lots of information can be found here about services offered. Come visit us before the snow flies so you're ready to make the most of the season!

Support the IATA at the Wisconsin Fall Colors Run October 24th!

Who else loves the fall in Wisconsin? We think it's one of the most beautiful times of the year. Join us  on the Ice Age Trail on the Gibraltar Segment in Lodi on Saturday, October 24th. Enjoy the fall colors seen along the bluffs on this run! $10 from each registration will go directly to the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin Fall Colors on the scenic Ice Age Trail!

No, we will not be throwing any color powder on you...this is just a good old fashioned trail run on a beautiful (but challenging) segment of the Ice Age Trail. You will enjoy amazing views of Lake Wisconsin and Devils Lake from the top of the bluffs and finish in the valley right next to the Merrimac Ferry Landing. Three distances available so no matter your age or ability we've got an event for you: 2 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk (not timed), 4 Mile Run/Walk, or 8 Mile Run.

 

The event fee goes up in five days so now is the time to get signed up! This will be the second year of the event and we're excited for all the new things we've added! Please click here for more information and to get signed up. We look forward to seeing you!

Another Beyond PSIA L3 course in the books!

 Thanks to Bill Davis for teaching another informative PSIA course last night! Thanks to all in attendance as well. Bill is a great teacher and has a wealth of knowledge to share. We are already so excited to get some snow and get out on our skis this winter!

Earn your Girl Scout Brownie Hiking Badge with Fontana Sports!

  

We had such a great afternoon yesterday teaching a group of Girl Scouts about hiking. The program took place at Indian Lake County Park in Waunakee. We had a beautiful day and a great group of Brownies. If you know a Girl Scout interested in earning her Hiking Badge we have two more courses coming up this fall.  Click here for more info!

Fly Fishing Provides Great Health Benefits

Have you thought about the ways fly fishing provides great health benefits? We found a great article that helps us to realize why we enjoy fly fishing so much and all the different ways we should appreciate what it provides for us.

"It provides us with one of the funnest ways to exercise, and it has the ability to completely wash away the stress of everyday life, from its therapeutic entertainment. We really should be thankful that this passion of ours provides us with so much more than just the reward of catching fish. Each and everyday we fly fish, we should take a minute to sit back and reflect on this fact. What other exercise activity can you think of that allows you to burn tons of calories during the day, and not have the faintest clue your even working out?" Posted on July 8, 2015 / by Louis Cahill 

To read more of this article please click here. Thank you fly fishing for being an awesome way to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful places we live.

Keen Live Monumental RV is stopping in Madison, WI!

 

Keen is road-tripping across the USA with a 30' Live Monumental RV to celebrate the places we play & to advocate for new national monument designations. They are stopping in Madison at our downtown location on September 8th from 4-8 pm! Please join us as we celebrate the outdoors! They'll be freebies as well as some hula hooping competition going on & you'll have the chance to sign the new national monument designation petition.

30 Seconds Now, 3 Million Acres Forever! Sign the Live Monumental petition to help protect five spectacular places, for you & for our future generations. Two of the five places have already been protected! Let's help get the last three protected as well. Please join us!

You should be able to find us - just look for the 30' yellow RV! :)
216 N. Henry Street,
Madison, WI 53703
608-257-5043
Please visit here for more info! 

Your Chance to Win a Dream Bike!

A great opportunity to support a good cause has come up folks! As you know we work with CXC for our Nordic Superfit program every fall. They do great work with their adaptive program for children with physical disabilities and visual impairments and now is your chance to support them. Kent Eriksen Cycles is partnering with Central Cross Country Ski Association to support CXC's Adaptive Program by giving away a dream bike! The total manufacturer's suggested retail price of the bike and included components is $8,500.00!! There's great other prizes too!

How Do I Win?

Tickets are on sale now until they are sold out. The winner will be selected on October 3rd. Delivery of complete bike by April 1, 2016. Need NOT be present to win. Click here to learn more and for your chance to win!