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.

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  >>

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!

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

We're OPEN today at both locations!

Good morning! Well, the buses may not be going today and the schools and malls may be closed, but we wanted to let you know that both Fontana Sports locations are OPEN today & ready to get you out & playing in this beautiful snow! We've got the skis, snowboards, snowshoes & sleds you need, plus the apparel & footwear to keep you warm & dry. Come see us & let's celebrate Madison finally getting some real snow! We're open regular hours at both locations. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions before you head out - West 608.833.9191 or Downtown 608.257.5043. Have a great SNOW DAY!

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.

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/.

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!