Snowshoes Industry Daily Noise News

SIA & REI Snowshoe Park and Winter Feels Good Pavilion a Success

2005-11-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

SnowSports Industries America reports that it has successfully partnered with REI stores in Northern Virginia and Maryland in hosting the Winter Feels Good Pavilion and Snowshoe Park, an interactive public demo held November 11-13 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. SIA states that this was the second year that the Expo has presented the Pavilion and Snowshoe Park and the first time that REI hosted the attraction.

Atlas, Tubbs, MSR and Redfeather snowshoes all were represented at the park, and show participants got to try snowshoeing on an indoor surface. The four snowshoe manufacturers are also founding sponsors of Winter Trails, an annual event that will again be scheduled for January 7, 2006. Winter Trails allows children and adults new to snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing at nearly 100 venues in the U.S. and Canada to try out equipment. Winter Trails has become one of the largest "introduction to snow sports" programs in the snow sports industry.

Also featured in the Winter Feels Good Pavilion were additional sponsors for Winter Trails including W.L. Gore and Associates, Columbia Sportswear, Manzella gloves, Sorel, Nature Valley granola bars, Alpina, Atomic, Exel, Karhu, Fischer, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix, Whitewoods, Cross Country Skier magazine, Snowshoe magazine, Ski Trax magazine and XCSkiresorts.com. Winter Trails is organized by SIA through a partnership with the American Hiking Society and the Cross Country Ski Areas Association.

Camelbak Honcho Redesigned for Snowshoers

2005-11-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

A company spokesman for Camelbak Hydration Systems has announced the release of the newly revised Camelbak Honcho for snowshoeing. With a suggested retail price of $125, the pack is reported to be nearly half the price of competitors' backpacks. The Honcho includes several innovative features made especially for cold-weather use.

The integrated-hydration system keeps water flowing despite outside temperatures well below freezing. The Honcho reservoir is 100 ounces inside an insulated and padded pocket, with an insulated drinking tube that fits within a zippered sleeve on the pack's shoulder strap when not in use. Around that system is a 1,900-cubic-inch back pack featuring a padded MP3/CD pocket, a modest shove-it panel, and attachment straps for hanging snowshoes from the backpack. The Honcho weighs 3 pounds, 10 ounces.

C3 Verts " Snowshoes " Defined

2005-11-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

Outdoor gear manufacturer C3 has publicly released explanatory information on their Verts " snowshoes " foot wear. The company explains that the C3 Verts have been available since the late 1990s.

The Verts description is a rigid, compact snow shoe, made from nylon, that straps firmly to a boot and creates a footprint maybe three times as large as the boot sole. The design is intended to provide good float. The rigidity of the Verts, along with their firm attachment means users have a lot more leverage, users can even climb knobby rock with them, something that normally cannot be accomplished with traditional snowshoes. Users can ascend along the sides of steep gullies or even up the crest of adjacent ridges, rather than slogging up the center of the gully with snowshoes, fully exposed to avalanches.

Annual REI Holiday Gift-Pick Includes Snowshoes in Two Categories

2005-11-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

REI has just released its annual favorite hot-for-holiday gift picks in each of the popular Christmas Gift categories: Gear, Family Oriented, Tech Gadgets, Apparel and Stocking Stuffers. The Family and Gear categories each include snowshoe selections for 2005 holiday shopping.

The snowshoe Expert Gift Pick in the Gear category includes Atlas Snowshoes ($169.95-$179.95), featuring durable, stainless-steel 8-Trac toe crampons to make each step more secure and efficient, while molded arch supports offer comfort for longer snowshoeing hikes. REI has also selected the Atlas 8 Elektra Snowshoes ($169.95) because women's snowshoeing has increased 163 percent in the last five years.

And the Family category includes the childrens' Little Bear Spiderman Snowshoes ($24.95), which are built so kids can join their parents in venturing deep into snowy excursions. REI explains these are more than just a toy, these kids snowshoes offer exceptional durability and an adjustable fit that will see them through several winter seasons.

Atlas Snow Shoes Partners with Breast Cancer Fund for 2005-2006 Season

2005-10-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Atlas Snowshoes has announced that for the upcoming 2005-2006 winter season, 100% of proceeds from the company organised Explore Winter series of women's regional snow shoe hikes will go towards the benefit of the Breast Cancer Fund. A company spokesman explained that there will be no minimum or maximum donation amount necessary. In response to the current public health crisis of breast cancer, the Breast Cancer Fund exists to identify and advocate for the elimination of the environmental and other preventable causes of the disease.

Snowshoe Industry Releases Bulletin on Selecting Snowshoes

2005-10-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Snowshoeing industry has issued a press release educating consumers on the current most popular types of snowshoes on the market today, as well as best practices for selecting a pair of snowshoes that is best suited for an individual's particular needs. The release begins by explaining that there are plenty of good reasons to snowshoe. Snowshoeing has a faster learning curve than cross-country skiing. And snowshoes are less expensive and easier to transport than cross country skis.

The three general classes of snow shoes include:
Traditional wooden snowshoes, which have rawhide lacing and are large and relatively heavy. They are not as maneuverable as more modern snowshoes, and they require some maintenance each season. Some snowshoers prefer them because they are attractive and nostalgic, but most outdoor enthusiasts use modern high-tech snowshoes. Injection-molded snowshoes are inexpensive and utilitarian but lack any type of design aesthetic. They are strong and dependable but tend to be heavy. Finally, high-tech snowshoes generally have tubing frames made of the type of aluminum used in aircraft, and they have synthetic decking material across the broad surface instead of lacing. These are lighter in weight than the other kinds, and they are the type of snowshoe that most users choose today.

When selecting snow shoes, in particular the high-tech styles, consumers will be confronted with a series of decisions based primarily on intended activity. Racing snowshoes are light and small and are designed for running over groomed trails as a competitive sport. They are not large enough to use on unpacked snow, nor are they sturdy enough for backcountry use. Some high-tech racing snowshoes have titanium or carbon-fiber frames which are strong but light. They are great for getting into shape, but they are not designed or recommended for hiking.
Recreational snowshoes are designed for casual walking over trails or gently rolling terrain for a few miles or a few hours. Backcountry snowshoes are sturdy, dependable snowshoes designed for steep slopes, deep snow, off-trail travel, mountaineering, and mountain rescue.

Minnesota Women's Press Highlights Snowshoeing

2005-10-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Women's Press recently highlighted snowshoeing as one of the hottest growing trends in the outdoor market. Bob Aldrich, sales and training coordinator at Midwest Mountaineering, explained that “Snowshoeing just exploded about five years ago. All of a sudden it was the hot new thing. Maybe people just got tired of looking at those skis sitting in their garage and thought, ‘There’s gotta be another way to do this without that huss and fuss.’”

The article conveyed how current snowshoes have aluminum frames and solid plastic decks, instead of the wooden frames and rawhide webbing of traditional snowshoes. The new models are supposed to give “better floatation” because the snow doesn’t come through the webbing, but Aldrich says that wooden shoes are arguably better in very deep snow. The top manufacturers listed include Crescent Moon, Atlas, MSR, RedFeather and Tubbs. Most also produce snowshoes specifically engineered for women, although Aldrich said the issue is really weight and not gender. “The only difference in women’s shoes is that they are a little narrower at their widest point,” he explained. “A lot of women can wear the so-called men’s.”

Atlas Snow-Shoe Company Launches New Kids Snowshoes Line

2005-10-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

Atlas Snow-Shoe Company has announced the introduction of a new Junior Series of snowshoes created for younger snowshoers who want to explore the outdoors during winter. The series is comprised of two models: the Mini for children up to 80 pounds and the Junior for kids up to 120 pounds.

With national focus turned toward increased physical activity for combating the growing population of obese children, more programming is being developed to get kids active in Winter Sports. For example, the trade association SnowSports Industries of America’s “Winter Feels Good” outreach program helps connect school PE teachers with snowshoeing curriculum and equipment.

The new Atlas Junior Series snowshoes will accommodate a wide age and weight range of kids. They both feature a new soft molded binding with a heel cup that tells kids exactly where to place their foot. The one-buckle closure is easily operated by kids, giving them freedom and independence. The binding also features an adjustable footbed that allows a macro adjustment for different size feet to accommodate multiple users and passing along to siblings. As with all Atlas snowshoes there is a dual-cleat system to ensure stability and traction. The Junior Series snowshoes are authentic versions of adult models. Fun colors will make these snowshoes a hit with kids of all ages. The Mini and Junior carry a suggested retail of $ 49 and $59 respectively.

Atlas Snow-Shoe Company Sponsors Athlete in 'Climb Against the Odds'

2005-10-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Atlas announced recently that it is sponsoring Leigh Henman, an enduance athlete that trains for a living, running and mountain biking the hills of Marin County, California. In September of 2003, the mother of five teenagers was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to begin chemotherapy immediately. A fitness buff with boundless energy, Leigh says that during her painful radiation treatments, she was itching to get back to the mountains, “because that’s where I’d go in my head.” She says that the cancer drugs made her nauseous and her body temperature explode. “My body felt like it was getting burned.” Leigh suffered severe dehydration during treatment and her body stopped sweating; it had lost its ability to self-cool. Between radiation sessions, Leigh would make the three-hour drive up to Lake Tahoe, and upon reaching the mountains and fresh, cool air, she’d feel better.

“Part of it was getting away,” she says. “Part of it was being in the mountains, and part was getting on my feet again.” Leigh would step into snowshoes and head out for a walk in the snow, then eventually, longer hikes, which she says was both mental and physical therapy. The Sierras received record snowstorms that winter, and Leigh loved it. “If you’re out in a white snowstorm — even a total whiteout — and there’s no noise, the air is fresh, the snow fluffy … I don’t think I could have picked anything else to make me feel so good. It was amazing.”

Leigh maintains that anybody can get out and snowshoe, and at a time when she couldn’t run seven feet, much less seven miles, she could put on her snowshoes and walk in the woods. “At first it was 10 minutes, then an hour… pretty soon I was out there all day.” While the fitness benefits of snowshoeing sometimes double that of walking (snowshoeing burns 680 calories/hour while hiking burns only 340) it is a remarkably easy sport to do. Stepping into snowshoes allows access to the serenity of the backcountry, a walk in the woods, time with friends and family, time for yourself.

Today, Leigh is healthy and was chosen by the Breast Cancer Fund to join a team called “Climb Against the Odds,” which is slated to summit Mount Rainier to raise money for research and prevention. She spent the spring gaining altitude exposure and training steadily, and healthily, on her Atlas Elektra snowshoes. Leigh says that snowshoeing, and tackling mountains of all sort, “has been the saving grace to my cancer recovery.”

Online Women's Magazine Posts Suggestions on Snowshoeing

2005-09-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bella Online, an online magazine for women, recently posted an article recommending snowshoeing as an excellent activity for children during winter. They also included creative ways of engaging in the activity and trying something new. They suggest renting shoes or even creating your own by strapping old tennis rackets to childrens' feet. Old tennis and racquetball rackets can be found at thrift stores and snowshoes are also available at most outdoor gear stores and ski & snowboard rental shops. Suggested activities for creating immediate excitement include playing hide-and-go seek and tag on snowshoes. These activities are both challenging and a lot of fun, the article states.

All-New 36 Inch Snowshoes Available from Atlas Snowshoes

2005-09-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Atlas Snow-Shoe Company has developed and released two new 36-inch snowshoe models – the Frontier and Trailbreaker – targeted for carrying heavy loads through waist-deep powder off trails and in the deep woods or high country. The 36 Series snowshoes are similarly constructed to the snowshoes Atlas manufactured for U.S. military operations. They are an excellent gear choice for backcountry trekking, camping or hunting during winter.

The 2005-2006 Atlas Frontier and Trailbreaker are more than a pound lighter than previous Atlas 36 Series snowshoes due to the introduction of a high-end Easton 7075 aluminum frame construction that provides long-term durability without the extra weight. Both models feature the Atlas patented Spring-Loaded Suspension providing the most natural foot movement, maneuverability and stability a snowshoe can offer for navigating challenging terrain or deep snow. The Frontier has a premium, ultra-durable Duratek™ decking and the best traction system Atlas offers: All-Trac™ toe crampon, heel crampon and Traverse Trac™ side traction rail combination. The Trail Breaker features a lightweight aluminum toe crampon and stainless heel cleat system and durable Nytex™ decking material. Suggested retail for the Trail Breaker is $199 and the Frontier $269.

Atlas Snowshoes Releases 2005-2006 'QuickGuide of Facts'

2005-09-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Atlas Snowshoes has released their annual 'QuickGuide of Facts' on the current state of the snow shoe industry. Excerpted highlights are included below:

Number of United States Snowshoeing Participants: 5.9 million

Growth of Snowshoeing: Almost 93% since 1998

Snowshoer Demographics: Snowshoeing appeals to every age. 59% are between the ages of 16 and 34; 44% are women.

Average Snowshoe Cost: $150 Retail

Most Popular Places to Snowshoe: Alpine and Nordic resorts, national parks/forests, local hiking trail systems, golf courses

Popular Trail Access Resources: AtlasSnowshoe.com featuring Trails.com; XCSki.org

Most Common Uses for Snowshoeing: Fitness, Cross-training, Recreation, Hiking, Running, Racing, Backcountry Trekking, Mountaineering

Caloric Burning Rate: 420-1,000 calories per hour, 45% more than walking or running at the
same speed

Average Weight of a Snowshoe: 1.8 pounds per average 25” snowshoe

Snowshoes Industry Defines Snowshoe Bindings

2005-09-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Snowshoes Industry has issued a press release that explains the state of current snowshoe bindings. Bindings are necessary to keep snowshoes firmly fixed to the footwear, and they should be easy to operate even when wearing mittens. The type of bindings a snowshoe has affects the way it works. Many snowshoers pay more attention to larger, more obvious parts of the snowshoe and give little consideration to the two main binding types, fixed and pivoting.

Fixed bindings, also called spring-loaded bindings, have a spring that lifts the snowshoe's tail up away from the snow with every step. This makes backing up possible, but it also throws snow from the decking against the back of the legs, so users are advised to wear high gaiters with fixed bindings. Fixed bindings are best on packed trails and in brushy areas where their good maneuverability is an asset. Pivoting-hinge bindings, also called freely-rotating bindings, allow the boot to rotate freely around a pivot, and they allow the tail of the snowshoe to drop to the ground when the snowshoe is raised to take a step. This sheds snow that has accumulated on the decking. This type of binding does not allow the user to back up, because the snowshoe's tails will dig into the snow. It is the strongest type of binding, and it is best when doing a lot of climbing.

Snowshoers must be able to walk up, down, and across hills. High-tech snowshoes provide traction with toothed cleats called crampons. These are usually found on the toe or under the ball of the foot and also near the heel, and they grip the ground on ascents and descents. Additional crampons which run parallel to the snowshoe's sides are found on heavy-duty climbing snowshoes and provide additional lateral stability for traversing slopes.

Atlas Snowshoes Introduces New Lightweight, Adjustable Poles

2005-09-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

A spokesman from the Atlas Snow-Shoe company recently announced that with approximately six million snowshoeing enthusiasts, snowshoeing poles have emerged as essential, standard operating equipment for this popular winter sport. The spokesman explained snowshoe poles enhance the snowshoeing experience by offering improved balance, stability and an increased upper body, cardio workout.

To support this demand, Atlas Snow-Shoe Company has produced lightweight, versatile snowshoe poles for both men and women. With a weight of slightly above one pound per pair, the compact, telescoping poles by Atlas can be adjusted quickly and easily in order to fit a wide variety of users or snowshoeing terrain. The three-piece telescoping system collapses compactly for storing when not in use and can be adjusted shorter for climbing or longer for descending steep terrain. The material make-up is 7075-T7 aluminum for lightweight strength, the poles feature men and women specific grips made of EVA foam, anotomically contoured for comfort and equipped with adjustable neoprene straps. They also contain flexible tungsten carbide tips and large snow baskets for powder.

Traditional Wooden Snowshoe Classes Again Offered for 2005

2005-08-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Chuck Nelson, the director of the Sarett Nature Center, located in Benton Harbor Indiana, will once again be offering classes on building traditional wooden snowshoes in the style of the Ojibwa tribe. Mr. Nelson has been teaching how to handcraft snowshoes for 25 years. His class, held on four consecutive Tuesdays, will begin the first week of November at the center.

Unlike the first oval snowshoes, commonly known as the bear paw, and the teardrop shape of the Maine or Michigan snowshoe, the Ojibwa design has a tail, and a tip which rises up like a boat's bow through a wave. "In the Midwest, you get melting and freezing conditions and the snow is awful," Nelson explains. "There was nothing to keep the snowshoe from going under the ice and blam! You would be thrown to the ground."

The building process starts with two pieces of white ash, each 55 inches long. After the wood is plucked from the boiler, the pieces are placed in a bending jig. This wood contraption holds the pieces in place, creating the shape that becomes the frame. Rivets in front and back and two cross-pieces of support wood in the middle complete the framework. Participants will then take this home for sanding and staining before starting the intricate weaving of the babiche, or webbing. The toe and heel take 16 feet of flat white nylon tubing, while the body takes another 60 feet. While the Ojibwa used rawhide for the babiche, Nelson uses nylon, which shrinks in water. Nelson explains that, "If you take it in the shower with you, that nylon tightens right up." After it is tightened, the nylon is varnished to seal it from moisture. Bindings are then created from the rubber of inner tubes.

Outdoor Gear Industry Publisher Issues Advice for Proper Snowshoe Clothing and Apparel

2005-08-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

A leading outdoor gear industry publication has recently issued advice for choosing the proper clothing to wear when snowshoeing. Of central importance is selecting suitable footwear. Snowshoe runners and racers wear lightweight sports shoes for racing and training, but if users are adventuring into the backcountry, they will want to use sturdy, waterproof boots with snowshoes. Mountaineers and snowboarders can wear their specialized snowboard boots or climbing boots with their snowshoes, as long as the bindings fit. Many styles of hiking boots also work well.

Snowshoe gaiters are useful for keeping the lower legs dry and comfortable. They are especially practical if a user's bindings are the fixed type, which otherwise throw snow onto the backs of the legs and into boots.

Snowshoeing racers don't use poles, however many backcountry snowshoers use at least one and more often two snowshoe poles. Poles can push interfering branches out of the path and can also improve balance on unlevel terrain. Either collapsible trekking poles with snow baskets or one-piece ski poles work well. Some snowshoers prefer poles that come up to the elbow, while others prefer poles that come up about to the armpit the way they would for cross-country skiing.

Atlas Snowshoes Announces 2005-2006 Team Atlas Roster

2005-08-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Atlas Snow-Shoe Company is sponsoring some of the world’s top snowshoe athletes who use the sport to train, race and pursue their athletic lifestyle in the winter season. The company believes these athletes are excellent resources who can offer first-hand training advice, tips and testimonials for editorial about the benefits of snowshoeing.

Team Atlas, is comprised of a collection of internationally-ranked competitive snowshoe racers who also excel in adventure racing, trail/ultra running, mountain biking, triathlon and cycling. The team has more than 40 men and women located throughout the United States. They will compete in more than 30 sanctioned races throughout the U.S. and Canada including this year’s U.S. National Snowshoe Championships. The United States Snowshoe Racing Association (USSSA) located in Corinth, New York, acts as national governing body for the sport of snowshoe racing in this country. There are a growing number of nations around globe with organized snowshoe racing programs including Italy, Finland, France, Japan, and Canada.

2005-2006 Team Atlas athletes include:

• Dave Mackey: Trail running, mountain biking, ultra running, rock climbing and adventure racing make up this busy athlete’s lifestyle. Not only has he found the aerobic benefits important, but also cites the core strengthening workout from snowshoeing as key for climbing. “Let’s not forget the fun factor – the best snowshoer out there is the one having the most fun.”

• Nikki Kimball: Physical therapist by profession and world-class ultra runner by design, you can catch Nikki at any number of major 50 to 100 mile distance races around the globe. Commented Nikki, “Runners and cyclists don't often venture into each other's realms. But we meet in snowshoe racing. By December our joints and muscles need a break. Snowshoeing allows our joints and specific soft tissue structures a reprieve while we maintain, and perhaps even enhance our fitness.”

• Syl Corbett: Residing in Boulder, Colorado, this 34 year-old business entrepreneur is a dedicated mountain runner and professional triathlete/duathlete. She is a member of many elite teams including the Canadian Elite Mountain Running Team and the Salomon Adventure Racing Team. “Mountain running are snowshoe racing are obvious crisscross sports – they provide the synergistic benefit of increasing both strength as well as cardio capacity.”

• Greg Krause: National snowshoe champion, Greg is a professional triathlete, who competes in both off-road and traditional triathlons and was in the top 15 of American finishes at this year’s Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. “My training on snowshoes is what got me my top triathlon results today.”

• Peter Fain: Considered the top snowshoe racer west of the Rockies and one of the top mountain runners in America, this 31-year old Renaissance man isn’t your ordinary athlete. A former collegiate 800-meter track champion, Peter regularly runs on hard packed snow at clips of 6-1/2 minutes a mile often with outings that last four to six hours. During the off-season he’s a trail marathoner, climbing the 7,000 to 14,000 foot peaks before plunging back down again.

• Karen Melliar-Smith: Professional triathlete and nurse anesthetist, Karen espouses the virtues of snowshoe racing as strength and endurance training for cycling and running. She is currently ranked 9th at the National level, and was also an All-American in the 200 and 500 meter freestyle and an All-Academic American. “Snowshoeing provides a relaxing mental diversion while maintaining aerobic capacity – it is the only sport that I don’t notice my heart beating away at 190 beats a minute.”

• Adam Chase: Long-time athlete and author of “The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running”, Adam is an experienced endurance and adventure athlete who has competed in dozens of world class competitions including the Boston and New York Marathons, World’s Toughest Triathlon and the Eco-Challenge.

Leading Outdoor Gear Industry Publisher Issues Tips for Beginner Snowshoeing

2005-08-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

Leading outdoor industry publisher Backpacking Light, recently issued several tips for individuals just beginning in the sport of snowshoeing. These tips include renting your snow shoes the first few times. This will familiarize you with snowshoeing and will allow you to use several different brands to see which you prefer. Use hiking poles for added stability. Go on daytrips with a group. Snowshoe on well-packed trails over gently rolling terrain. Don't get too far away from your starting point. And finally, familiarize yourself with safety aspects of winter recreation, such as minimizing avalanche danger and avoiding or if necessary treating hypothermia or frostbite.

Atlas Snowshoes Joins Coalition to Lobby for California Wilderness Protection

2005-08-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

A company spokesman for Atlas Snowshoe Company has announced that, alongside other outdoor industry partners, it has secured a Congressional hearing in Washington DC for legislation that would protect 300,000 acres of public land. Karen Righthand of Atlas Snowshoes, along with Lisa Myers of Patagonia, Alex Kutches from Marmot, Laura Keresty of Wilderness Press and Devaki Murch from prAna, recently traveled to the nation's capitol alongside representatives from The Conservation Alliance to lobby in support of legislation that would protect 300,000 acres of public land on California’s North Coast.

The legislation received a Congressional hearing in July, bringing the bill one step closer to final passage. The outdoor business delegation met with eleven congressional representatives and delivered the message that new wilderness designations on California’s north coast benefits outdoor businesses and California’s tourist economy. “There is a growing consensus that wilderness has real economic value,” stated John Sterling, Director of the Conservation Alliance Program. “As California’s rural economies shift from resource extraction to tourism and recreation, protected public lands become a community’s most valuable natural asset.”

The legislation (H.R. 233/S. 128) is championed by Representative Mike Thompson (D-Napa), and Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), would permanently protect 300,000 acres of land, including the King Range and Lost Coast, the longest undeveloped stretch of coastline in the lower 48. The bill would also secure Wild and Scenic River status for 21 miles of the Black Butte River. Karen Righthand, Marketing Director for Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, added that “Outdoor businesses need protected wild places for our customers to recreate and enjoy our products."

Homemade Snowshoes Advocate Issues Additional Tips

2005-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Long-time industry snowshoe building advocate, Carl Heilman, has released an addendum to his widely publicized article on making your own homemade snowshoes. The additional points of clarification follow:

It is possible to split two bows from each quarter-log if you lay them out as in the accompanying illustration. After a bow is split off (either by using a circular saw to rip the length of the log at a point 1 inch from the hand-split edge, or by gradually tapping an axe along a line parallel to the hand-split edge), excess wood can be removed from the heartwood side with a power saw . . . to produce the roughly 1 " X 1-1/8" X 8' bow, which is then shaved into shape. (If you don't have access to a shaving bench, the bow can be clamped to a solid surface while you work it with a drawknife.) Snowshoe builders are also cautioned when choosing copper nails to connect the two halves of a shoe's tail not to drive the fasteners through the wood. Instead, drill the bow first, then cut the nail to a bit longer than the width of the tail and washer, slip it through, and gradually peen the end of the nail over the washer with many light taps from a ball-peen hammer. (By the way, the tail of the snowshoe aids in "tracking" . . . that is, it helps keep the shoes pointed straight ahead as you walk through the woods.) When choosing lacing material—either rawhide or neoprene—keep in mind that the former will prove best for dry snow, while the latter is a better "all condition" lacing. (Rawhide will become stretchy and soak up water in wet weather, but not so badly that it can't be used under such conditions.) And when lacing rawhide, do stretch the material, but use common sense and don't apply too much force. As you walk in your snowshoes (you'll probably want to wear them with high-top moccasins and wool socks in dry snow . . . felt pack or good leather hiking boots will serve under most conditions), be careful not to allow one shoe to step on the other, and remember never to let a snowshoe "bridge" between two high points.

Snowshoe Parent Company Launches New Web Portal

2005-07-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

K2 Corporation of Canada, parent company of Atlas Snowshoes, Tubbs Snowshoes and Little Bear Kid Snow Shoes, announced that the company has chosen Port City Web, an e-commerce and Web site development company, to develop five e-commerce Web sites for its multiple product lines, all tied into one central administration system. A representative of Port City Web stated the e-commerce Web site portals would be for the use of ,snowshoe, ski and snowboard industry professionals, replacing the current paper-based system, known as the "pro form," where industry employees use to make purchases of all K2 equipment as well as Ride Snowboards, Atlas Snowshoes and Tubbs Snowshoes. "By transitioning to the Web for order processing, we can reduce loss while improving efficiencies in order handling and time to ship," Peter Edelberg of K2 explained in a press statement. "These improvements will mean better service to our loyal customer base and help our staff process orders."

Atlas Snowshoes General Manager Holds Open Forum on Snowshoe Technology

2005-07-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

The General Manager of Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, Daniel Emerson, a graduate of Stanford University and holder of ten snowshoe patents, recently held an open question and answer forum with outdoor industry journalists to discuss the current state of technology in snowshoes and how Atlas is contributing. Below is a transcript of the question and answer period:

QUESTION: Snowshoeing has been around for hundreds of years, what makes it so popular today?

ANSWER: From an equipment perspective, snowshoeing has never been easier or more fun to use. Technology and innovations during the last 15 years has been key to its growing participation, much in the same way the mountain bike revitalized cycling. Since its inception in 1990, Atlas has produced 15 distinctive patents specific to the improvement of performance snowshoeing.

QUESTION: What have been some of the most significant changes in product design and/or technology?

ANSWER: A) The “Spring-Loaded” Suspension by Atlas was the first snowshoe patent in over 40 years. Atlas Spring-Loaded Suspension gives your foot freedom to move naturally by allowing lateral flex. It is the only snowshoe that offers a true suspension system absorbing the variation in terrain and engaging the traction system for greater control.

B) Lighter Weight materials including Easton’s proprietary 7075-T7 aluminum and advanced molding technology has affected overall weight considerably. Less weight significantly reduces the strain on the knees and will allow one to hike or run longer on their snowshoes with less fatigue. Saving one pound on your feet is equivalent to taking 6.4 pounds off of your back.

C) Women-specific snowshoes have helped transform what was once a male-dominated sport into one now almost equally participated in by women. The Atlas Elektra, introduced in 2003, was designed from the ground up in order to fully address the specific biomechanical needs of women snowshoers.

D) Bindings are injection molded around actual boot lasts or molds and padded for great fit and performance. They’ve come a long way from the hide straps that one used to use to lash the snowshoes to your feet.

QUESTION: What should one look for when choosing a quality snowshoe?

ANSWER: Atlas coined the acronym “FACT”, in an effort to help educate consumers on what makes a snowshoe a “perfect fit”. F-Flotation: This refers to the surface area of the snowshoe. Users pick a snowshoe large enough to support their loaded weight. Also consider how light the materials are and the shape of the frame for efficient stride. A-Articulation: The suspension system regulates how the foot moves. Ideally, the foot moves naturally toe to heel and laterally side to side while keeping the foot centered on the snowshoe. C-Comfort: The fit, security, ease of use and support of the binding are essential. Atlas snow shoe bindings cradle the arch and ball of your foot and are the only snowshoe bindings molded separately for right and left feet. The switchback webbing design eliminates pressure points ensuring even blood flow and warmer feet. Easy on and off buckles like our Fast-loc™, SureClick™ and new ratchet buckles make our snowshoes glove friendly. T-Traction: Stainless steel crampons on the bottom of the snowshoe provide security for climbing, traversing, and braking downhill. Atlas invented the dual crampon system and now it’s the modern standard. We have also added Traverse Trac™, side traction rails for ultimate side hill traction.

QUESTION: Aren’t all snowshoes on the market pretty much the same?

ANSWER: At Atlas we like to remind consumers that you can’t get “too much snowshoe”. The higher the quality of product, the more “FACT” and the better the experience. But price point is not the only gauge and don’t assume all brands will share the same technology. Check out the technical features to make sure you are buying the right shoe for your specific performance needs. And if you haven’t bought a pair of snowshoes in while, you might want to take another look. New models with the latest technology can make a tremendous difference in how well you perform. As with all sports, as your skills progress, it may be time to upgrade your equipment in order to take your sport to that next level.

QUESTION: So what’s next in snowshoe innovation?

ANSWER: Atlas is developing some revolutionary snowshoe designs that will take advantage of technological innovations pioneered in products ranging from fishing poles to ergonomic chairs to the latest America’s Cup state-of-the art sailboats. We are excited to lead the push for the next generation snowshoe in an effort to enable our customers to hike farther, faster, and more comfortably. More specifically, Atlas engineers will continue to seek ways to reduce the weight of performance snowshoes as well as connect to footwear in ways that will transform the whole experience. Although encouraged by initial prototype testing, Atlas maintains a very strict practice of field-testing by professionals around the globe before any new innovation is brought to the consumer marketplace.

Atlas Snowshoes Announces Partnership with Winter Wildlands Alliance

2005-07-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Atlas Snow-Shoe Company recently announced its partnership with Winter Wildlands Alliance. The not-for-profit organisation supports the preservation of healthy winter ecosystems and pristine snowshoeing environments. In supporting the Winter Wild lands Alliance, Atlas Snowshoes will be coordinating and providing funding to the national organization in efforts to promote and preserve winter recreation areas and quality human-powered snowsports experiences. A spokesman for Atlas states that every purchase of Atlas snowshoes includes a free membership to the WWA, a value of $35.

K2 Inc Presents at 34th Annual SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Institutional Investor Conference

2005-06-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

Dudley Mendenhall, Chief Financial Officer of Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes parent company, K2 Inc., recently presented at the 34th Annual SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Institutional Investor Conference held at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta Georgia. The K2 Inc. investor presentation was webcast live and is currently archived online at the Investor Relations section of the company's website.

K2 Inc. is a premier, branded consumer products company with a portfolio of leading brands including Rawlings, Shakespeare, Worth, Pflueger, Brass Eagle, Stearns, K2, Volkl, Ride, Ex Officio, Marmot and Marker. K2's line of products is used primarily in team and individual sports activities such as baseball, softball, fishing, paintball, watersports activities, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, in-line skating and mountain biking. Among K2's other branded products are Planet Earth apparel, Adio and Hawk skateboard shoes, Tubbs and Atlas snowshoes, JT and Worr Games paintball products and Dana Design backpacks.

National Trails Day & Snowshoe Tours Expected again for 2006 Shinneyboo Creek Cabin Resort Schedule

2005-06-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

Shinneyboo Creek Cabin Resort, located in the Tahoe National Forest, announced that it hosted a Winter Trails Day sponsored by Winter Feels Good, a program developed by SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and has been endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA/AASI). It is supported by the United States Ski/Snowboard Association (USSA), Sports Specialists, LTD. (SSL), Ski Merchandising Corporation (SMC) and a number of Rep Associations and Regional Ski Area Associations.

Winter Feels Good is a program developed by SnowSports Industries America to demonstrate how non-motorized winter sports such as snowshoeing, snowboarding, alpine skiing and cross country skiing can benefit adults and children, helping them to achieve health and fitness through the winter months, no matter what their current fitness level is.

Participants at the 2005 Winter Trails Day explored the 160 acre resort and surrounding Tahoe National Forest on snowshoes. Shinneyboo Creek Cabin Resort stated that it expects to host a 2006 Winter Trails Day and offer ongoing Tahoe National Forest snowshoe tours.

Murphy of Tubbs Snowshoes Speaks at Snow Industry Summit

2005-06-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

The snowshoes industry was represented at the second annual, two day Snow Industry Summit, which took place at Copper Mountain Colorado, by Kathy Murphy of Tubbs Snowshoes. She was a member of a three person panel which focused on leveraging new business segments. Specifically, Murphy explained how Tubbs Snowshoes cause marketing has proved successful for brand recognition for the company.

Recent SIA Audit Report Indicates Flat Sales in Snow Sports Industry

2005-06-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

A recent SnowSports Industries America (SIA) retail audit report of overall sales for the entire winter sport market discloses results that were flat, up only 0.5% in dollars to $2.06 billion compared to $2.05 billion the same period last year. Unit sales were reported to be down 9.4%. Sales at specialty snowshoe, ski and snowboard shops were also flat, down 0.4% compared to the previous season, translating in dollars to $1.59 billion in sales compared to $1.6 billion for the same time last season.

The report specifies that unit sales were down from last season by 5.7%. Christine Martinez, market research manager for SIA, the not-for-profit industry trade group that represents manufacturers and distributors of snow sports products, stated “US consumer confidence rose only 0.5% as inflation ticked up and oil prices started to soar. Equipment felt the effects of shrinking consumer budgets while apparel was able to gain respectable dollar increases." The SIA Retail Audit tracks and reports sales in all snow sports product categories including skis, snowboards, snowshoes and apparel.

Thirty Pairs of Atlas Snowshoes to be Purchased by Lassen Land & Trails Trust

2005-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

A spokesman for the Lassen County California Board of Supervisors recently announced the Lassen Land and Trails Trust received funding of more than $3,000 to purchase 30 pairs of snowshoes for after-school education purposes. The snowshoes are allocated for use by the residents of Lassen County on snow shoe hikes that are planned to be led by experts from the Lassen National Forest. Local merchants have agreed to provide Atlas Snowshoes at a cost of $120 a pair, with a total price tag of $3,600 for all 30 pairs of Atlas Snowshoes.

The spokesman added that recreational planners and Lassen County school district officials intend to inspire residents and students with hands-on experience of what working in the outdoors is all about. Programs are scheduled to promote exercise by leading hikes along with experts from the Bureau of Land Management and the city of Susanville during the day and at night to view star constellations. Education programs for children will teach them about winter survival skills. Title III funds were used for the purchase of the snowshoes. The spokesman said the snowshoes will be used in several locations, including the Bizz Johnson Trail, Eagle Lake Basin and groomed trails in the National Forest. Forest Service officials are planning to publish a schedule of snowshoe walks for the winter 2005-2006 season.

Supervisor Lloyd Keefer stated that after-school education meets the criteria of the Title III funding program, which sets aside money for after-school environmental education programs and other county projects such as fire prevention, planning and emergency services. The funding comes from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000, written to compensate counties and schools for declining timber revenues.

MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoes & Northern Lites 30 Snowshoes Awarded Top Honors

2005-05-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

The MSR Denali Ascent snowshoe by MSR Snowshoes and the Quicksilver 30 by Northern Lites Snowshoes have earned 'Best Snowshoe for Steep and Icy Terrain' and 'Best All-Around Backcountry Snow Shoe' respectively from Backpacking Lite magazine, a publication of lightweight hiking and backcountry travel.

The process involved reviewing and testing close to 20 snow shoe models of 25-33 inch long backcountry snowshoes from Northern Lites, Atlas, MSR, Red Feather, Little Bear, Grivel, Tubbs, and Crescent Moon. All snowshoes were tested for the entire winter season and were used on all types of terrain including deep backcountry powder, windblown hardpack and hard ice. Additionally, the review criteria included an assessment of the decking flotation design, binding ease of use and durability, crampon effectiveness in hard conditions and durability and also carry weight.

Atlas Snow Shoe & Tubbs Snowshoes Parent Company K2 Inc Reports First Quarter Decrease in Profits

2005-05-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snow Shoe parent company, K2 Inc., recently reported a decrease in first quarter profits, with significant losses in the action sports segment. Sales in the first quarter rose 15% according to company officials. A profit of $10 million was reported, or 5 cents per share, compared with $19.5 million, or 27 cents per share, for the same period in 2004. Sales were $318.3 million, compared with $277.4 million for 2004.

K2 Inc. company officials also reported gains in apparel and footwear but were offset by sliding sales in action sports gear, which include snowshoes skis, snowboards, bikes, in-line skates and paintball products. "First quarter results are not directly comparable to last year due to the acquisitions of Volkl, Marker and Marmot completed midyear 2004," K2 Inc. CEO Dick Heckmann stated. "These seasonal businesses incur losses in the first half of the year."

Northern Ontario Snow Shoe Trail to Remain Open Another Year

2005-05-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Spokesmen for the Voyageur Trail Association, overseers of the Voyaguer Snowshoe Trail, which recently faced impending closure due to high insurance premiums, has announced that it will remain open another year due to the outstanding efforts of volunteers. Specifically, the association stated that members of Hike Ontario lended tremendous support. Insurance for the Northern Ontario Canada snow shoe trail ran out on May 1st, 2005, however an alternative affordable insurance plan was reported to have been found, allowing operations to continue through next year.

Additionally, spokesmen reported that a Communities In Action grant will allow for the purchase of children’s snowshoes. The Voyageur Trail Association and Hike Ontario are encouraging the public to contact their local MPP and request that provincial legislation be enacted to protect volunteer trail workers and property owners, preventing this situation from occurring each year as insurance premiums are due. The VTA stated, "We are fortunate to have a multitude of wonderful snowshoe trails in Ontario, many of which were built by dedicated volunteers. Let’s keep them alive!"

State of Snowshoeing Report Issued by Outdoor Industry Association

2005-05-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Outdoor Industry Association recently reported on the state of snowshoeing. Participation has jumped 200% for female participants since 1998, and the association now counts a total of over 5.9 million snowshoers. Among the factors that have brought more participants to the sport include lighter, easier-to-maneuver equipment, a sense of adventure beyond groomed ski trails and a growing trend of combining snowshoes with other sports such as snowboarding and sledding. The snowshoes enable users to access more sled and backcountry snowboard possibilities. The simplicity and low maintenance of snowshoes is also reported to be a factor. Snowshoe bindings now work with more types of boots and footwear than ever.

Boston Township Winter Sports Center Reports Successful 2005 Season

2005-04-28T11:43:00.002-07:00

A Spokesman from Ohio's Boston Township Winter Sports Center, which opened December 26th of 2004 in the Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park, reported an excellent attandence rate during the 2005 winter season. The Winter Sports Center offered rentals of snowshoes for children and adults of all ages and abilities. The Center also provided snowshoe lessons and instruction when there was at least 2 inches of snow on the trails.

The 2005 fee was $5. Snowshoe rentals were also available at the associated Happy Days Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the winter months. The Ohio Boston Township Winter Sports Center expects to offer a similar schedule and programs for the 2006 season as well.

MSR Snowshoes Offered at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge

2005-04-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

During the 2004-2005 winter tourist season MSR Snowshoes were available to guests at the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, located at just over 6,500 feet above Bow Lake in the Lake Louise and Banff National Park district of Canada. A Num-Ti-Jah spokesman expects the equipment to be available to guests again in 2006. The MSR Snowshoes are offered to access the remote and untravelled stretches of snow covered forests, ridges and peaks. Besides snowshoers, the Num-Ti-Jah lodge also receives a mixture of guests that are cross country ski tourers, telemarkers, mountaineers and downhill skiers who ski the trails at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Massachusetts Snowshoe Tour Reports Successful 2005 Season

2005-04-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Organizers of the "Take a Winter Walk" snowshoe tours at Gore Estate, a 45-acre house museum on the Waltham and Watertown line Massachusetts reported a successful 2005 series and plan to again host the event in 2006. The event was funded in part by a grant from Crossroads Community Foundation, and the "Take a Winter Walk" tours were scheduled this past winter beginning on Monday March 7 through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, March 12, from noon to 3 p.m., through March 31.

One-hour snowshoe rentals were offered for $5. Backpacks containing binoculars, a magnifying glass and activities appropriate for children age 3 to 9 were also available for a $5 rental fee.

Organizers explained the snowshoeing tours explored the open spaces and hidden places at Gore Estate. Children and accompanying adults could also search for animal tracks, identify trees by their shapes, needles or pine cones and visit the sheep, llama, goats, chickens and rabbits residing at the farm.

Tubbs Snowshoes & Atlas Snowshoes Parent Company K2 Inc. Chooses NYLIM Retirement Plan Services

2005-04-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

Atlas Snowshoes and Tubbs Snowshoes parent company K2 Inc. recently appointed NYLIM Retirement Plan Services, a division of New York Life Investment Management LLC to manage the sports equipment maker's $48 million, 2200 employee participant defined contribution plan. As defined by the arrangement, NYLIM Retirement Plan Services will be providing K2 with recordkeeping, participant communications, investment management services, trust and investment consulting for its 401(k) plan.

"We chose NYLIM because we like their open architecture and the fact that they can customize communications to our plan participants," Robert Moynan, director of corporate human resources at K2 Inc. stated. "We were also very impressed that they have a background in ERISA consulting. This will be beneficial to us in fulfilling our fiduciary duties to the plan. The great culture fit between our two companies also counts for a lot."

Managing director of NYLIM Retirement Plan Services, Tom Clough, said "K2 is a trusted name in sporting equipment and we are glad that they have chosen NYLIM Retirement Plan Services, a trusted name in financial services, to manage their defined contribution plan. We look forward to many years of working together toward the mutual goal of a successful retirement for K2's employees."

Besides Atas Snowshoes and Tubbs Snowshoes brands, K2 Inc. also includes a portfolio of leading sports equipment and apparel brands including Rawlings, Worth, Shakespeare, Pflueger, Brass Eagle, Stearns, K2, Volkl, Ride, Marmot, ExOfficio, Marker, Planet Earth apparel, Adio and Hawk skateboard shoes, JT and Worr Games paintball products and Dana Design backpacks.

First Annual French Snowshoe & Ski Mountaineering Event Held

2005-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Event organizers recently reported that the first edition of the Rallye des Crêtes was successful. Conditions were held under what the organizers described as superb, if slightly warm weather. The event combines snowshoes and mountaineering skis. Race director Bruno Javerzac stated that the event is not a race, and is instead an event that brings together ski mountaineers and snowshoers in a spirit of conviviality and sharing of effort.

The Rallye des Crêtes is organized by the Club Alpin Français of la Mure and by the l’Alpe du Grand Serre Tourist office and has assistance from the soldiers of the seventh regiment de materiel du Lyon. They have a base located close to the resort.

Emmanuel Boscher completed the course with the fastest time of 2 hours 16 minutes. Mr. Boscher currently is ranked 246th in France for the 2005 season of ski mountaineering competition.

Intense Traditional Wooden Snowshoes Study Conducted by Canadian Students

2005-04-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Recently Thunder Bay, Ontario students conducted an intensive weeklong class researching the different types of wood snowshoes and their specific uses. The result of their efforts was a slide show they created for educating people about snowshoeing.

The first assignment was taught on how to make snowshoes. The discussion began with which trees to use and how to find the right tree. The birch and black ash were the woods of choice for traditional wood snowshoes that were made in eastern Canada. Moose or caribou rawhide were used for the lacing which make up the intricately woven mesh pattern of the traditional wooden snowshoes.

Students were then presented several methods of tying the harnesses or bindings. Afterwards students learned several tips and guidelines before moving to the outdoors and using the snowshoes. Firstly, they learned to always make sure to have the proper snowshoe for the conditions, the proper shape and size for each user's weight and the task that the user intends to accomplish. Also it is important to make sure to have a comfortable and sturdy binding or harness system for the feet.

Finally, students learned that wood snow shoes are a First Nation technology that the west's first European settlers of the Americas relied on for winter survival.

Junior 2005 U.S. Snowshoe Racing Champion Jason Ayr Interviewed

2005-04-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

The 2005 Junior United States National Snowshoe Racing Champion, Jason Ayr of Westfield Massachusetts, was recently interviewed by The Republican, a MA newspaper. Below are excerpts of the interview. Jason Ayr recently won the championship title at the Nike ACG National Snowshoe Championship in Anchorage, Alaska after being a snowshoe racer with only two months of racing experience.

"My uncle is a rep for Atlas Snowshoes, so he sent me a pair, and said if I could qualify for the national race, he'd send me out there," stated Ayr, a Westfield High School junior standout on the cross-country and track teams. "I thought it might be interesting, so I gave it a try." Two months later Ayr finished in first place in the Junior men's 5K race at the Nike ACG National Snowshoe Championship in Anchorage, Alaska. "It was pretty cool," Ayr said, who completed the event in 23 minutes, 14 seconds. "It's a lot slower than running, and the courses are a lot harder."

Before Ayr's uncle, David Egan, suggested the sport to him, Ayr had never trained on snowshoes before. He got his first experience by training at Westfield's Stanley Park with Kyle Pierce, a high school teammate . "I did snowshoes every now and then to get a feel for it," Ayr stated. "I never did any really hard workouts on snow shoes. It was still indoor track season, so I was concentrating on that." The Atlas racing snowshoes, which weigh approximately 14 ounces apiece, didn't take that much getting used to. "The shoes I have are real light, so I don't even know I'm wearing them," Ayr added. "The first day was a real shock. I thought it would be pretty easy, but it was a lot different. You're up on your toes a little bit more to try and get your cleats to dig into the snow. So your quads burn a little more."

He qualified for the national championship by winning the 4.5 mile northeast qualifier at Northfield Mountain. In Alaska, Ayr discovered the steep terrain and his relative inexperience forced him to throw traditional racing strategy out the window. "It's not as consistent of a race," Ayr remarked. "You could be going very fast, and the next thing you know, you're near walking pace. I didn't run the whole course before the race, so when I got to the steep parts, it threw me back. During the hill climb, you just feel like you want to drop. At the beginning, I led up the whole race, seniors and all. On the hills, I dropped to fifth or sixth. At the split, where the seniors split off for the 10K, I could still see the leaders, but they had definitely run the beginning a lot smarter than I did."

The next day at the 10K relay race, Ayr also competed with three members of the Atlas Snowshoes racing team to place third. "I ran the first leg on the relay, and I won my leg," Ayr explained.

Jason Ayr concluded by saying that he is planning to compete in next year's 2006 National Snowshoe Racing Championship in Vermont.

RedFeather Snowshoes Raises Money for the Disabled

2005-04-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Redfeather Snowshoes recently announced that it has successfully concluded its year-long charitable program, which raised money for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). For the 2004-05 winter seasons, Redfeather Snowshoes sold a featured snow shoe model called the Freedom to benefit the NSCD as well as celebrate the company's fifteenth anniversary. 5% of its total sales went to the NSCD.

An exclusive hangtag included on the Redfeather Freedom Snowshoes was also created to highlight this contribution to consumers. The company also donated a percentage of sales profits from the entire line of Red Feather snowshoes this past year, helping the National Sports Center for the Disabled provide quality outdoor sports and therapeutic recreation programs.

Beth Fox, Operations Manager of NSCD, stated "I would like to extend my most ardent thanks to the Redfeather Snowshoes team for continuing their relationship so faithfully with the NSCD. Their support has allowed us to extend therapeutic recreation services through snowshoeing to many people who may never have been able to participate in our other winter sports programs. We feel it extremely important that diverse programming is available so that people of all interests and abilities can participate in recreation for enjoyment and to meet their therapeutic goals. I wish that I could accurately portray on paper the sense of accomplishment that is in the air when I see the beaming face of a participant or hear them call out 'I did it!' as they finish an adventure on their Red Feather snowshoes through the quiet woods. Redfeather Snowshoes is a company to be admired for their community awareness and partnerships."

President of Redfeather, Allan Kettlehut, added "We were thrilled to provide snowshoes to the NSCD to help positively impact the lives of people with physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges. We look forward to continuing this relationship into the future."

Reminders for Snowshoeing Beginners Issued

2005-03-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

Industry experts recently posted new reminders for beginners and those considering purchasing snowshoes for the first time. The cautionary list includes bothing fitment and physiological advice.

- A proper snow shoe fit is essential. Prior to purchasing a pair, borrow or rent snowshoes that can be thoroughly tested before buying to own.

- Snowshoeing has been rated by exercise physiologists as a difficult activity that requires a 175-pound individual to burn 675 calories per hour during each session.

- It is very important to remain hydrated by drinking lots of fluids including water and keeping body energy levels elevated by eating high-energy foods, enabling beginner snowshoers to acclimatize their bodies to the increased demands of the sport.

Industry Experts Release Snowshoe Facts, Past and Present

2005-03-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

Industry experts from snowshoeracing.com and rei.com recently released several historical and recent facts regarding the progression and advancement of snowshoeing throughout history. Featured facts include:

- It is commonly thought that a type of winter walking aid similar to snowshoes was used in the central Asian region around 4000 B.C.

- The earliest forms of snowshoes were essentially wood snowshoes made of branches tied together using rawhide.

- Originally used for hunting and other forms of survival, snow shoes eventually became more of a recreational activity by the late 1880s.

- Beginning in the 1900s, snowshoe design was altered by the use of wooden frames with a waved deck constructed of caribou gut or cow skin combined with rawhide bindings.

- A major innovation, the invention of neoprene style lacing in the 1960s significantly eliminated the problem of stretched out bindings.

- Features that include aerospace-grade aluminum frames, spring-loaded bindings, toe and heel crampons and urethane deckings are now standard on most snowshoes manufactured in modern times.

Tubbs' Romp To Stomp Out Breast Cancer Event At Stratton Mountain Resort Raises Over $17,000

2005-03-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Stratton Mountain Resort has released a report on the Tubbs Snowshoes Romp To Stomp Out Breast Cancer Event to support the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation that took place at the ski area earlier this winter. A spokesman stated that over 200 attended the 2005 event, helping to raise over $17,000 for local affiliates of the Susan G. Koman foundation. Along with Tubbs Snowshoes, sponsors included Columbia Sportswear, EMS and Green Mountain Coffee.

Kathy Murphy, general manager of Tubbs Snowshoes, said “We’re thrilled with the turnout, especially when you consider that the high temperature for the day was -3 degrees. I'm proud of the contribution that the snowshoeing community is making to help find a cure for this disease that is so near and dear to all of us."

Event coordinator for Tubbs Snowshoes, Paul Adams, added "Snowshoeing's health and fitness message is a perfect match for this sort of fundraiser. It's always fun to see the familiar faces that participate as well as the newcomers who are learning about the health, social, and spiritual benefits of snowshoeing for the first time."

Tubbs Snow Shoes also has a program that contributes a percentage of sales from its women’s products to the foundation. Winners of the Fun Run snowshoe race, which is included at all 'Romp to Stomp' events, was Tubbs sponsored athlete Stephen Judice with a time of 8:27, and is from Keene, NH and Sara Dorsey, clocking a time of 12:45, and is from Manchester, VT.

United States Snowshoe Association Offers Tips for Introducing Snowshoeing to Kids

2005-03-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

The United States Snowshoe Association recently provided a list of tips for introducing snowshoeing to children. They explained that kids love being with their friends, so put together a group of parents and children and head to a mountain, park or trail network. Families with older children may be able to join a local outdoor organization in their area for upcoming snow shoe trips.

Other advice includes making some advance planning. When going out with younger children, have a destination in mind. The kids are going to want to play once you get there, so be sure the adults have enough clothing to keep warm. Keep it fun and interesting. You want your children to like snowshoeing enough to do it again. Keep it real. Set appropriate expectations based on your children's ages and outdoor experience. For young children, just getting them out for an hour may be enough. With your older children, plan an adventure.

Innovative and high-tech materials have made modern snowshoes less cumbersome than their traditional wooden snowshoes predecessors. Get snowshoes that fit. Whether you rent, borrow or buy snowshoes, have someone experienced explain them to you. Show your children how to put them on and take them off before you go. There is no other gear necessary, although snow shoe trekking poles can be useful for balance and when climbing up slopes. Children are almost always into gear so take advantage of this by playing it up. Whether you borrow or rent snowshoes for your first excursion, let the kids participate in the process. They will surprise you with their enthusiasm and interest.

Attendance Up At 2005 Taste the Passion Snowshoe Tour

2005-03-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association reported attendence was up once again for their annual Taste the Passion Snowshoe Tour, an annual weekend event organized by the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association. For several years, the 11-member wineries have held the February celebration of “wine, chocolate and love”. Participants use snowshoes to hike from one wine cellar to the next, sampling a selection of wine, chocolate desserts, and socializing along the way. The association stated that most of the wineries are perched on high ridges along the peninsula and offer panoramic views of the surrounding winter Michigan countryside and Lake Michigan.

Snowshoe Clinic Hosted by Natick Eastern Mountain Sports and Massachusetts Regional Trustees

2005-03-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

Sudbury Valley Massachusetts Trustees reports a successful attendence at the snowshoe clinic at Memorial Forest Reservation in Sudbury on Saturday, February 26, 2005. Natick Eastern Mountain Sports representative Larry Bliss was on hand for instruction, guidance and tips for snowshoers of all ages and abilities. Several pairs of snowshoes from various manufacturers were available for participants to try out.

Tubbs & Atlas Snow Shoes Parent Company, K2 Inc., Files Fourth Quarter Earnings Report

2005-03-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

Parent company of Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snow Shoes, K2 Inc., recently reported net sales for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004 of $338.9 million, an increase of 75% from $193.8 million in the prior year, and diluted earnings per share of $0.18, a 157% increase over the fourth quarter of 2003. Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2004 was $21.5 million, a 294% increase from the 2003 comparable period, and net income was $8.8 million, a 310% increase from the fourth quarter of 2003.

Net sales for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2004 were $1.2 billion, an increase of 67% over the 2003 comparable period, and diluted earnings per share of $0.86, an increase of 95% over the 2003 comparable period. Operating income for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2004 was $81.0 million, a 153% increase over the 2003 comparable period, and net income was $38.9 million, a 241% increase over the 2003 comparable period.

Chairman and CEO, Richard Heckmann, stated, "2004 was an excellent year for K2 as evidenced by organic sales growth of approximately 9%, excluding the previously forecast decline in in-line skate sales, and dramatic growth in margins and profitability. Our acquisitions of Volkl and Marker have significantly strengthened our global winter products business, and Marmot and Ex Officio are the cornerstones of our technical apparel platform. For our 2005 guidance, comparability with the first and second quarters of 2004 is complicated by two key factors. The first is the timing of the acquisitions of Volkl, Marker and Marmot at mid-year. They are highly seasonal businesses and normally generate losses in the first six months of the year, which are not reflected in our full year 2004 GAAP financial figures. Secondly, we are incurring non-cash amortization charges related to recent acquisitions, non-cash stock compensation expense, and significant expenses associated with compliance under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. While we believe we have just begun to realize the revenue and operational synergies available as a result of our recent transactions, we remain cautious about the timing of their impact. We have seen our EBITDA grow from $41.2 million in 2002 to $50.6 million in 2003 and $114.1 million in 2004, and we project over $120 million in 2005. Given the complexity of the industry's seasonal business, we operate with particular attention to EBITDA and free cash flow. In 2004, K2 generated approximately $53 million in free cash flow, defined as net income plus non-cash taxes before acquisitions and growth in working capital."

K2's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of the Company's common stock as a means to enhance shareholder value. Depending on market conditions, K2 may repurchase up to $50 million of the Company's common stock periodically in open market or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable laws. The Company will use its available cash resources to fund the stock repurchase program.

K2's net sales in the fourth quarter of 2004 were $210.9 million, excluding the net sales from businesses acquired by K2 during 2004 and the incremental net sales from the Brass Eagle acquisition which closed at the end of the 2003 fourth quarter. K2's net sales in the fourth quarter of 2003 were $193.8 million, which reflects a sales increase of 8.8% excluding the impact of acquisitions, for the 2004 fourth quarter.

Due to the acquisitions of Ex Officio and Marmot in the 2004 second and third quarters, respectively, K2 formed an Apparel and Footwear segment in the 2004 third quarter that also includes Earth Products. Earth Products was formerly included in the Action Sports segment.

Sales of skis, snowboards, in-line skates, bikes, snowshoes and paintball products totaled $178.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, an increase of 130.1% over the 2003 fourth quarter. Growth was driven by double digit increases in sales of K2 skis and Tubbs & Atlas snowshoes, improved sales of snowboards, and the acquisitions of Volkl and Marker at the beginning of the third quarter of 2004.

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Earn Design Distinction Award

2005-03-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Seattle-based manufacturer of snow shoes and backcountry gear, Mountain Safety Research, has been awarded a Design Distinction award in the consumer products category in I.D. Magazine’s 2005 Annual Design Review for its MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. The award will be featured in the magazine’s July/August 2005 issue.

The I.D. Magazine Annual Design review is one of the largest and most prestigious juried design-recognition programs in the United States. The Design Review showcases the best American and international designs in Consumer Product sectors including Equipment, Furniture, Environments, Graphics, Packaging, Concepts and Student Projects.

Cascade Designs (parent company of MSR) winter sports product specialist, Bill Forrest, stated “Innovation is what makes us come to work every day. We’re honored to receive this award, which validates the years of dedicated work that went into designing the next generation of snowshoes.”

The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoe took an innovative approach to frame design. The patent-pending design features an unparalleled 360-degree traction that is able to reduce over a half pound of weight off the average adventure and backcountry snowshoe. Available in both men's and women's versions, the MSR Lightning Ascent enables men and women to make snowshoeing more comfortable and natural.

Besides snow shoes, the MSR product line includes camping stoves, water filters and purifiers, cookware, tents, climbing gear, camping towels, fuel and related accessories.

2005 Nike/ACG U.S. Snowshoe National Championships Results

2005-03-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

Results of the top finishers at the 2005 Nike/ACG U.S. Snowshoe National Championships held March 5 at Kincaid Park in Anchorage Alaska have been released.

Seniors, 10 km
Men
1) Aaron Robertson, New York, 42 minutes, 19 seconds; 2) Charlie Wertheim, Colorado, 43:12; 3) Jesse Haynes, California, 43:40; 4) Mike McManus, Oregon, 43:55; 5) Mike Decker, Michigan, 44:11.

Women
1) Nikki Kimball, Montana, 49:33; 2) Karen Mellar-Smith, Colorado, time not available; 3) Lyann Lorenz, New York, 54:44; 4) Laurie Lambert, Texas, 54:47; 5) Cindy Brochman, Minnesota, 55:53.

Juniors, 5 km
Boys
1) Jason Ayr, Massachusetts, 23:15; 2) Zachary Rivers, New York, 23:46; 3) Nicholas Wujciak, New York, 27:08.

Girls
1) Anna Lieb, Colorado, 27:53; 2) Lindsay Dick, Colorado, 33:58; 3) Heidi Lovett, Alaska, 36:23.

The top five finishers among senior men and women, and the top two juniors, were named to the U.S. National Snowshoe Team.

Tuques Bleues Celebration & Snowshoe Event Held on Montreal's Mount Royal Snowshoe Trails

2005-03-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Event organisers of the 2005 Tuques Bleues celebration and snowshoe event, one of the more unusual winter events held, reported over 850 snowshoers turned out. Held on Mount Royal in Montreal, revelers wear blue tuques and officially celebrate the beginning of the Montreal High Lights Festival. The blue tuque tradition has a history as far back as 1840.

The event took place in three parts. First was the 2.5 km snowshoe race on Mount Royal's hiking paths, lit by torches only. More than 40 corporate teams competed to win gold, silver and bronze in men's and women's categories. The race started at the Smith House and ended at the Mount Royal Chalet. Olympic cross-country skier, Chris Blanchard, was official starter of the event. Next, 650 participants snowshoe walked in the evening on the Mount Royal trails. Lyne Bessette, world champion, Olympic cyclist, Jean- Luc Brassard, double world champion, Olympic gold medal winner in freestyle skiing and Nathalie Lambert, three-time world champion, Olympic gold medal winner all particated as well. And finally, the Celebration and Snowshoe Event concluded at the Montreal Mount Royal Chalet with a BBQ and awards ceremony.

Nike U.S. National Snowshoe Championships March 5-6, 2005

2005-03-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 5 the 2005 Nike ACG U.S. National Snowshoe Championships will be taking place in Anchorage, Alaska at Kincaid Park. Event organizers stated that registration will begin on Friday from 2pm to 6pm at the Kincaid Park - East Room. A pre-championship dinner is also scheduled to take place at the Sourdough Mining Company Restaurant. At 1pm on Saturday will be the start of the 5th Annual Nike ACG United States National Snowshoe Junior 5km & Senior 10km Championships. Immediately following, at 1:15pm, will be the start of the Atlas Snowshoe Citizen's 5km and 10km Snowshoe Run and Walk events. The awards presentation will be held at 3 pm.

Event planners also explained that events will also be held on Sunday March 6. From 11am-noon, the local Anchorage REI will conduct a snow shoe clinic to the public. And at 1 pm will be the start of the inaugural Tubbs Snowshoes 4 x 2.5km Snowshoe Team Relay Race. The awards ceremony for this event will be held at 3 pm.

Atlas Snowshoes, Beaver Creek Resort & A Snowshoe Racing Advocate Team Up In Colorado After School Program

2005-02-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

Along with partners Atlas Snowshoes and Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado snowshoe racing competitor, Rich Schmelzer recently provided 50 pairs of Atlas snow shoes to the Meadow Mountain Elementary School for an outdoors educational experience. Mr. Schmelzer coordinated the program as a healthy alternative to many unhealthy activities, such as video games, that kids today are interested in. "I read that kids today have a shorter life expectancy than their parents," explained Mr. Schmelzer. "That's the first time in 100 years that's happened. That's what got me going on this."

School principal Kim Walter indicated that she was enthusiastic about the after school program. "We're trying to run as many healthful programs as we can after school," Principal Walter stated. The students expressed much interest in the program as well. "It's fun going through the mountains," fifth grader Gonzalo Vizcaino said. "I want to do this some more."

Vermont Tubbs Snowshoes Factory Goes Silent

2005-02-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

Stowe, Vermont former snow shoe maker Tubbs Snowshoes, recently aquired by K2 Sports, has officially closed its manufacturing factory. All of the snowshoe manufacturing and assembly jobs are being relocated to China. Only a few workers remain temporarily to continue shutting machines down and packing up goods, all of which will be shipped overseas to the plant in Guangzhou China.

Factory manager and 15-year employee, Joel Foster, will be making a trip to China personally in order to instruct the Chinese how to properly make Tubbs Snowshoes on the same machines that once lived in Stowe Vermont. Mr. Foster, like those of several dozen assembly line workers, will no longer be needed. "There is nobody here to manage anymore," stated Mr.Foster. "We are victims of our own success."

Tubbs Snowshoes is using cheap China labor to try and match its competitors that are already outsourcing to the Chinese. Founded in Norway, Maine, in 1906, Tubbs Snowshoes has been manufacturing snow shoes and supplying them for decades to everyone from adventurers and the military to hunters and winter outdoor enthusiasts.

In 1987, Ed Kiniry purchased the company and changed its direction to one that marketed lightweight aluminum snowshoes with hi-tech bindings to a growing winter recreational market. In 2004, production reached 110,000. Interestingly, only 400 were traditional wood snowshoes. In 2003, the company was awarded "Exporter of the Year" by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. However, Mr. Kiniry sold the $20 million business to sports equipment maker, K2, who currently employs 8,000 workers at a factory in Guangzhou China. In keeping with its low cost manufacturing strategy, K2 immediately planned to move the manufacturing jobs to China and maintain a dozen administrative and sales positions in Stowe, Vermont.

Vermont's Congressman in the House of Representative's, Bernie Sanders, strongly opposes the recent wave of job losses from several business sectors in Vermont. Though facing heavy opposition from the Bush Administration, Bernie Sanders is currently legislating to impose restrictions on job migrations to China, due to China's low wage policy. "If you are an employer and you don't give a damn about your workers and you don't give a damn about your country, going to China makes perfect sense. They pay workers as low as 30 cents an hour, workers can't form unions, there is virtually no environmental protection and by and large workers can't stand up for their rights. That is their climate. You can't compete against that," stated Congressman Sanders in a recent interview.

Snowshoeing and Snowshoe Racing Tips Offered by Expert

2005-02-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

Avid snowshoer and snowshoe racing enthusiast, Laura Clark, recently offered advice on the sport. "Basically if you can walk, you can snow shoe. You can snow shoe run. You need to have some endurance," she stated. Adding that, "If you think you can walk a mile in ten minutes, well it's going to take you 15 or 20, depending on the snow conditions. Snow shoes have crampons which are little steel teeth, and they are to grip the snow."

Other advice included choosing the correct shoes, the bigger the person, the bigger the snow shoe. It is important to remember the entire premise is to keep the user above the snow. Snow shoes for racing are smaller and lighter than those for walking, and retail starting at about $150 and run about $250 for high end models made by snowshoe manufacturers such as Tubbs Snowshoes, who offers the Catalyst & Piranha, and Atlas Snowshoes, who fabricates the DualTrac and Dual Trac SL racing snow shoes.

Proper apparel includes clothing that one would wear to walk in. And it is important to include heavy socks and shoe covers or snowshoe gaiters, which are great for keeping snow out of boots.

Saratoga New York Snow Shoe Race Reports Record Participation

2005-02-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

Organizers of the Saratoga New York 5k Snowshoe race, held in conjection with the Saratoga Winterfest Celebration, reported participation at record levels with over 160 people competing in the event. The snow shoe race was hosted by the Saratoga Stryders. Race co-director Jeff Clark stated that, "We've got people who are top U.S. mountain runners on the mountain running team. They've competed internationally. And then we have people who are trying on snowshoes for the first time. So it's just a great spectrum of people doing the course."

The inventor of modern racing snowshoes, Bob Dion of Readsboro, Vermont, was present and competing. Mr. Dion's engineered racing snowshoes are plastic with modern bindings and metal clamp-ons on the underside.

Mr. Clark explained that snowshoe racing in the east has grown considerably, offering much of the credit to the Western Massachusetts Athletic Club. Most snow shoe races are run on trails that are packed down, instead of fresh untracked snow where larger adventure and backcountry snowshoes are necessary for flotation.

Colorado Snowshoe Races Grow in Number and Attendance

2005-02-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

On February 5 the second annual Cordilleria Moonlight 5K snowshoe running race in Edwards Colorado took place. It is the only moonlit Colorado snowshoe race, which is part of a growing trend in winter recreation and fitness. "Snowshoeing has come a long way since the tennis rackets they used to wear," remarked participant Jenn Gerard. "It's totally evolving into a sport of its own."

President of Altitude Racing Incorporated and the event organizer of the Cordilleria Moonlight 5K snowshoe race, Adam Lueck, detected an increase in popularity. "It is a very popular sport, because anyone who can walk can do the event," Mr. Lueck stated. Snowshoeing has taken winter recreation to a new level, requiring not only endurance, but also technique and agility. It has transformed traditional 5K/10K running races into a challenging event that is now popular throughout Colorado.

The Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure Series held 5K/10K snow shoe races on February 12 and will also be hosting an event March 5 that will be starting in the Beaver Creek Village. Other events on the 2005 Colorado schedule include The Screamin' Snowman 5K/10K snowshoe race, that took place February 13 in Nederland Colorado and the Tubbs Snowshoes 'Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer' Winter Walk & Snowshoe Challenge will take place February 26 at Keystone Resort and March 5 in Frisco Colorado.

Tubbs Snow Shoes 'Romp to Stomp' Event Date in Salt Lake City Utah Announced

2005-02-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Tubbs Snowshoes annual Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer snowshoe benefit will be held February 19th at the Mountain Dell Golf Course in the Mountain Dell Recreation Area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Co-Hosted by Tubbs Snow Shoes and the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the event includes 3 or 5 kilometer snowshoe walking tours on the Mountain Dell golf course to benefit breast cancer research, education, and screening.

100% of all the gathered pledges and proceeds will be going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the local Salt Lake City affiliate. Over 350 pairs of Tubbs snowshoes will be on hand to use for free on a first come, first served basis. Participants that have collected pre-event pledges will also receive tickets for chances to win outdoor gear including snowshoes, snowshoe hiking-trekking poles, headlamps, CamelBak hydration packs, footwear, fleece vests, jackets, cameras and more.

Couple Completes Snow Shoe Trip Again for Valentine's Day Anniversary

2005-02-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

After a trek on snowshoes that took them along the same route they followed on their honeymoon, Garrett and Alexandara Conover arrived in Maine's Allagash village Saturday. The Conovers, who own a guide service in Willimantic, left Greenville on Jan. 15. They hauled 200 pounds of equipment and food on toboggans. The Conovers used audio journals to record the snowshoe trip on their web site, hoping that their adventure would serve as inspiration for children. They also travelled with letters from school children that they delivered Saturday to students of the Wallagrass Elementary School in Maine.

Their chosen route included Moosehead Lake, portions of the Penobscot River, and a 90-mile stretch of the St. John. Faced with spectacular 50-foot-high ice jams at the confluence of the Allagash and St. John rivers, the Conovers were forced to seek help. They were hauled off the St. John on a snowmobile, about 6 miles from their destination. ''We needed to be here on a weekend so that the schoolchildren could come out," remarked Garrett Conover . ''It would have taken us until the middle of next week to get here" without the tow.

Mr. Conover added that the varying winter weather, with temperatures dipping to -30 degrees, was similar to what he and his wife encountered during their first snowshoeing trip. "However, there were many new wonders," Mrs. Conover stated, "such as the ice reefs and canyons at the end, a whole new population of coyotes, lynx and bobcat tracks, and a raven mating dance along the Penobscot River. Yet the sight of the children from the school meant the most. 'That's what this whole snow shoe trip was about, opening doors and windows. They were bright and really sharp kids."

Attendence Expected to Double at Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Event at Frisco Nordic Center

2005-02-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

Tubbs Snowshoes Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer event organizers report that the number of participants registered for the 2005 event, taking place on Saturday, March 5, at the Frisco Nordic Center, has doubled. Tubbs Snowshoes and the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have partnered to raise money for breast cancer research, education and screening through the event. 100% of all pledges and proceeds help the Komen Foundation.

"Last year's Tubbs Snow Shoes Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer event raised more than $40,000," stated Joan Davids, event coordinator. Adding that, "It's a warm, intimate kind of gathering. Everybody always has a great time. It's very upbeat."

Every participant that gathers pledges will receive raffle tickets for an opportunity to win lodging, shopping and restaurant certificates, to snowshoes from Tubbs and more.

MTU Bigfoot Snowshoe Event Most Successful to Date

2005-02-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

Michigan Technical University reports that their annual Bigfoot Snowshoe Event, held February 5th, was their most successful yet with a record setting turnout of 310 participants that included faculty, staff, students and community members from throughout the Michigan region. The 2005 event also featured more activities than previous years, with the largest number of prizes raffled off as well. The Michigan Snowshoe Event was also covered by Marquette-based television station TV6, which had crews on hand to document the day.

Organized by the Michigan Technical University student organization, Peers Offering Wellness Education Resources (POWER), the Bigfoot event was created for the purpose of encouraging students to stay active and involved during the long winter months by introducing them to the fast-growing sport of snowshoeing, as well as by providing a fun gathering and meeting place for those with snowshoeing experience. Event coordinators provided everything needed for first time snowshoers to get off to a quick start, including free rental of demo snowshoes provided by local retailers. Archita Sivakumar a POWER member stated, "To cater to avid enthusiasts as well as beginners we have snow shoe trails from the very simple to the fairly difficult, and for the adventurous they can make their own trails."

Nordic Walking Growing in Popularity in the U.S. & Canada

2005-02-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Part common sense and part marketing ploy, a new trend called Nordic walking is taking off in Europe and is beginning to take hold in North America as well. Nordic walking is cross-country skiing without the skis or snowshoeing without the snowshoes. Nordic walkers use hiking or ski poles in rhythm with a walking cadence for added stability on various surfaces to reduce impact on joints, and to increase the aerobic impact of a workout by engaging the muscles in the neck, arms and upper torso.

Nordic walking can be performed anywhere, such as sidewalks, frozen ponds, trails and even sandy beaches. All a nordic walker needs is a pair of ski or hiking poles and a pair of hiking boots, sneakers or ice cramp-ons (in winter) for stability and traction.

Winter Snowshoe Challenge Held at Keystone Resort in Colorado

2005-02-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

This February 26th, Keystone Resorts will be hosting the Winter Snowshoes Challenge, a complete schedule of events that includes participant choices of three snowshoe sessions on two different routes of various levels of ability. Portions of the event proceeds will be donated toward breast cancer prevention. The event will include rental of several different types of snowshoes, breakfast, lunch, LUNA bars provided by CLIF Bars, raffle give aways, with top fund raisers receiving gifts from Atlas Snowshoes and Tinbuk2 Bags.

Snow Shoe Tours Added to Bend WinterFest

2005-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Event officials report that snowshoeing tours will be part of the sixth annual Bend WinterFest celebration held February 11th through 13th. Other activities will include ice carving, wine tasting and fireworks. The Bend WinterFest headquarters are once again in downtown Bend, Oregon. Officials explained that free public snowshoe tours, led by a U.S. Forest Service naturalist, will be scheduled each day at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The snow shoe tours begin and end at the snowshoe hut outside the West Village Guest Services Building at Mount Bachelor and will last roughly an hour, with showshoes provided for free.

Wanderlust Tours will also be accepting reservations for paid snowshoe tours at the Wanderlust Tours booth in the Snow Gear Village tent at the Festival Center in downtown Bend. Information about snowshoeing as well as the sale of snowshoes will also be offered.

Alps Region Launches Winter Ecological Tours Marketing Campaign

2005-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:00

A combined initiative of many agencies and organizations of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region of the Italian Alps is working to promote a new ecological winter tourism marketing effort titled "Winter in Valle Strona". Between January 28 and February 6 the entire region will be hosting expeditions, ice climbing, snow shoes and cross country skiing. A television commercial has also launched to promote the event, which has been described by several outdoor industry publications as ground-breaking for new types of tourism in the Alps.

Tubbs Sponsors Subaru Women's Winter Tour

2005-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

The Tubbs Snowshoe Company announced it will be a contributing sponsor the 2005 Subaru Women’s Winter Tour; an all women’s tour on skis or snowshoes. Begun in Traverse City Michigan in 1999, the event started as a memorial fundraiser in honor of Madeleine Anne Thomas, an advocate for women and children. Proceeds from the first event went towards funding Madeleine's House, a transitional living program for homeless mothers and their children. Since then the event has continued to grow and the Subaru Women’s Winter Tour now provides women all over the U.S. the opportunity to enjoy a non-competitive tour, all helping to benefit women and children throughout each region.

“As the sport of snowshoeing continues to grow in popularity more and more women are trying the sport of snowshoeing," said Kathy Murphy, Tubbs Snowshoes General Manager. “And events like the Women’s Winter Tour, which introduces women to the fitness benefits of the sport while providing financial assistance to women’s charities is a perfect match with our company’s objectives.”

In addition to financial sponsorship, Tubbs will also be providing snow shoes and accessories to be raffled off or given as prizes, including snowshoes, snow shoe-hiking poles, baseball caps, ski hats, and t-shirts. Tubbs has been at the forefront of snowshoes specific to women's needs, addressing the unique style and specific anatomic needs for women. Over the last three years Tubbs has seen a 300% growth in its women’s snowshoes product lines.

2005 Women’s Winter Tour Schedule

Minneapolis, Minnesota January 23
Marquette, Michigan February 6
Tournee hivernale Diva, Mont Tremblant, Quebec February 6
Winter Park, Colorado February 6
Madeleine Thomas Memorial Tour, Traverse City, Michigan February 6
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire February 13
Sassy Lassies, Crystal Mountain, Michigan February 19
Charlevoix Ladies Tour, Charlevoix, Michigan February 27
Garland Gals Getaway, Lewiston, Michigan March 6

Tubbs Snowshoes Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Event Added to Outdoor Retailer Schedule

2005-01-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Tubbs Snowshoes recently announced it will be hosting a smaller version of its popular Romp To Stomp Out Breast Cancer event series to Outdoor Retailer Convention's Backcountry BaseCamp in Brighton Backcountry, UT, on January 28. Tubbs Snowshoes will be creating a 'Romp to Stomp Out Breat Cancer' event for buyers and outdoor industry publishing editors with a marked snowshoe course. For everyone who snow shoes the course, Tubbs has made a commitment to donate $5 to the Susan G. Koman Foundation. The first 100 participants that sign up for the snow shoe event will also receive a pink Nalgene water bottle with the event insignia on it.

Tubbs Snowshoes reports that it will be introducing, at the same time as the event, its first official women’s specific 'Romp' series pink ribbon snowshoe, which will be available next winter. The 'Romp to Stomp' snowshoes are intended to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer testing, screening and research.

Begun in 2003, The Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer series is a combined effort between Tubbs Snow Shoes and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The events have raised over $110,600 in the past two years. 100% of the proceeds from each location’s event goes to the local area Susan G. Komen Foundation to benefit breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. “We have been overwhelmed by both the corporate and the public response to our events over the past two years”, remarked Kathy Murphy, Tubbs Snowshoes General Manager. “This series would not be possible without the generous financial support from our sponsors and participants and we’re delighted to have this opportunity to showcase the event to the outdoor industry."

Traditional Wood Snowshoes Built by Native Americans to Display at Logan Museum of Anthropology

2005-01-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

The Logan Museum of Anthropology announced that several examples of Native American snowshoes are currently on exhibit. Titled "Floating on the Surface of the Softest Snow: Native American Snowshoes," the exhibit features snowshoes that originated from the Kutchin people of Alaska and the Mantagnais of northern Quebec, Canada. The museum also reports that later this winter, the exhibit will be supported by a video presentation showing Attikameg Cree people from northern Quebec making traditional snowshoes.

30 Pairs of Atlas Snowshoes Provided for California District Educational Purposes

2005-01-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

California's Lassen National Forest Recreation planners recently won approval from the county Board of Supervisors to purchase and have on hand 30 pairs of snowshoes for after-school education purposes including guided after-school and weekend snowshoe adventures. Local retailers have made commitments to providing Atlas Snowshoes for the program.

Former Little Bear, Atlas, Tubbs Snowshoes Factory Nears One Year Anniversary of Closing

2005-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Former employees of the closed Grand Junction snowshoe plant, the WinterQuest snowshoes factory, are reported to be planning an informal gathering to mark the closing of the factory in February 2004. The former Grand Junction plant manufactured Atlas Snow Shoes, Tubbs Snowshoes and Little Bear snowshoe models. Former plant managers said it produced 100,000 to 120,000 pairs of snowshoes annually, accounting for most of the snowshoes made in the United States.

K2 Inc., which purchased WinterQuest in 2003, outsourced the snowshoe manufacturing operations to an existing manufacturing facility in southern China, costing Grand Junction 20 year-round jobs and about 120 seasonal production jobs.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Virginia Reports Significant Increase in Snowshoers

2005-01-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Joe Stevens, public relations director for Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia, recently reported the resort has seen "quite an increase" in the number of people using snowshoes. "Modern snowshoes, which are lighter and more compact than the old-fashioned kind, seem to have sparked people's enthusiasm to try the winter activity."

Stevens said Snowshoe Mountain Resort began offering snowshoeing to its list of winter activities five years ago. "It's picked up, especially with folks who don't ski," Stevens stated. "We now offer guided trips on the resort's trail system, and on trails in the Monongahela National Forest."

Tubbs Snowshoes Hires BRM Representatives for Upper Midwest Region

2005-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Tubbs Snowshoes has announced that BRM Representatives, an independent rep agency, was selected as the upper Midwest agency for the Tubbs Snowshoes Brand, beginning January 1st, 2005.

“After meeting with many of the leading rep groups in the Midwest, Bruce Marsh [principal sales manager of BRM Representatives] proved himself to be the agency to carry on the leadership position for Tubbs in that territory. Our decision was based upon Bruce’s extensive knowledge of the outdoor market and his direct involvement at all levels of sales and service," said a Tubbs Snow Shoes spokesman.

Sources close to the matter stated that former Tubbs upper Midwest rep agency, Bing Associates, decided to accept an exclusive opportunity with industry footwear leader, Merrell. The transition is expected to be seamless in continuing to work with current dealers and building long-term relationships with future Tubbs Snowshoes dealers.

"Snowshoeing" Book Author Offers Tips and Recommendations

2005-01-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

Author of the book "Snowshoeing", Steve Griffin, of Michigan recently offered information about the winter activity. "The pastime's main appeal is its ease. If you can walk, you can snowshoe," he stated. "I've had six knee surgeries. I can't downhill ski, and I can only nordic ski a little bit. But I can snowshoe."

"Snowshoeing is more visible here than it ever was," Mr. Griffin added. "Twenty or 30 years ago, you only saw snow shoe tracks leading into and out of the woods. Now you see them on all kinds of trails, in city parks and on golf courses. Walking and jogging on snow shoes has become a fitness and recreation activity, not just a way to get from Point A to Point B."

He said that traditional wooden snowshoes are still are available, but most prefer the new smaller, lighter models with frames constructed of aluminum and webbed with synthetic fabrics. "The platforms of modern snow shoes are made of solid fabric, which gives you more support with less surface area," he said. "If I used old-style wooden and rawhide-laced shoes, they'd need to be 60 inches long to support my weight. I can get away with 36-inch shoes if they have the new fabric webbing."

Mr. Griffin also added that most people "like to look at traditional snowshoes, but they prefer to walk on modern snowshoes. Especially since modern snowshoe bindings are so much better. My first snow shoes were a cheap pair with horrible leather lace-up bindings that looked like some kind of bondage equipment," Mr. Griffin recalled. "I needed to stop every 20 minutes to take up the slack in the laces. Nowadays, you have bindings with one or two-buckles. You step into them, and snap you're off and snowshoeing."

He also reminds anyone thinking of taking up the activity that modern snowshoes are not that expensive. Most models from major manufacturers such as Atlas, Tubbs and MSR Snowshoes run in the $100 to $200 range. "It's difficult to buy a bad snow shoe now," Griffin stated. "The quality is much more uniform. I wouldn't hesitate to buy entry-level shoes to get started. Today's beginner models are better than most high-end shoes used to be. I don't know of anyone who's ever worn out a snowshoe, and no one is likely to," Griffin continued.

Snowshoe sizes also depend on the weight they're intended to support. Griffin recommended that a good rule is to buy a shoe that will allow the wearer to sink slightly into the snow rather than walking on top of it. "If you are using snowshoes that keep you from sinking into the snow, they are too big," he added. "You should sink in just a little bit. The idea is to control how far you sink."

He also has some recommendations when snowshoeing. They include using one or two snowshoe poles for balance and stability when hiking uphill, wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from glare off the snow and wearing nonabsorbing synthetic clothing to stay warm during a typical snowshoe outing that includes really heating up on uphills and cooling down on downhills. "Cotton kills," he stated. "I cringe every time I see someone wearing jeans. Clothing that gets soaked with sweat can rob you of body heat as soon as you stop or slow down. If it's cold enough, you can get a nasty case of hypothermia."

Winter Sport Specialist Discusses Basics of Snowshoes

2005-01-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

REI winter sports specialist, Jen Kohl, recently publicly discussed the basics of snowshoeing for consumers considering taking up the winter activity. Some of the points highlighted include the fact that snowshoes are constantly getting lighter, even without compromising their durability and stability. She also stessed that it is one of the few winter activities that virtually anyone can take up without much experience needed.

She highlighted the three main categories of snowshoes as well, which include recreational, adventure and backcountry. Beginners will do fine with recreational snowshoes. Adventure snowshoes are aimed at those users planning to go snow shoe hiking, backpacking and off-trail exploration. Backcountry snow shoes are ideal for mountaineering and extreme backcountry activities. The running snowshoes category, while still relatively small, is growing as runners wanting to train in the snow can now strap on running snowshoes and go trail running. Snowshoe racing is becoming more popular as a result too.

Yowie Snowshoes Now Available for Purchase Direct from Australian Manufacturer

2005-01-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Yowie Snowshoes, manufactured in Australia, announced that it has recently added the ability to order Yowie snowshoe models directly from their website. They also indicated they have partnered with a distributor in the United States.

Yowie Snow Shoes began manufacturing products in 1991, developing a network of retailers in Australia. The company reports that currently it holds a 50 percent market share in Australia, with plans to increase market share overseas.

A Yowie spokesman describes the current line of products as versatile and able to withstand the variable conditions and extremes experienced around the globe. Extensive testing has also been performed in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Europe, Scandinavia, Antarctica and Japan.

Colorado Sees Snowshoes Holiday Sales Increase

2004-12-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Department of Commerce has confirmed increased holiday sales of winter outdoor gear, including snowshoes, over last year. The reports cites three major factors contributing to the uptick in sales.

- The length of the holiday season was two days longer than last year.

- Heavy post-Thanksgiving snowstorms boosted demand for winter outdoor gear equipment, such as alpine and nordic skis, snowboards and snowshoes.

- An overall holiday season feel throughout December due to the snow and prolonged chilly air.

Publicly Guided Snowshoe Tours Offered at Michigan's Ludington State Park

2004-12-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

Michigan's Ludington State Park has announced it will offer to the public guided snow shoe walks this January and February. The 1.5 hour guided programs will take participants out through the park's wooded, snow-covered sand dunes. In addition to the Saturday walks is a mid-week guided snow shoe walk Wednesday afternoons, park officials added.

"There will be two Saturday Snowshoe Walks at 3 p.m. and the 'Moonlight Walk' at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 through Feb. 19. The Wednesday series of walks will be Jan. 5 through Feb. 16, starting at 1 p.m. A limited number of snowshoes will be freely available for participants going on the guided walks. Dress warm, wear good winter walking shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight if you're going to attend the 'Moonlight Walk'," a Michigan state park official said.

Snowshoe Holiday Sales Stronger than Expected

2004-12-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

The Snowshoes Industry reports that figures for the 2004 holiday shopping season mark a significant increase in snowshoe sales over the same holiday period one year ago.

Particularly strong have been the sales of kids snowshoes. Major manufacturers and snow shoe retailers have also indicated the surge in childrens models from Tubbs, including the Storm and Flurry models, Atlas' Junior series and the Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Tyker model.

Anylysts' initial forecasts for sales during this year's holiday season were significantly more conservative, based on previous holiday sales trends and records.

New York DEC Requires Snowshoes or Skis in High Peaks Trail Region

2004-12-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has recently issued a bulletin concerning the use of snowshoes or cross country skis in the High Peaks Region. DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty made the announcement in light of recent snows that have covered the Adirondack Region.

"Winter offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation, but it also creates conditions that can be troublesome, and even dangerous, to the unprepared," Commissioner Crotty said. "The snow cover in the Adirondacks ranges from 1 foot in the lower elevations to 2 to 3 feet on mountain summits."

The use of snowshoes or skis is now required on all trails in the High Peaks and strongly encouraged on all other trails in the Adirondacks. The bulletin also stated that ice crampons should be carried for use on icy mountaintops and other exposed areas.

Tubbs Snowshoes Offers Discount Snowshoe Program for Families

2004-12-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Tubbs Snowshoes has rolled out a new promotional program. The mail-in rebate offer for a $25 discount applies to any consumer who purchases two pairs of adult Tubbs Snowshoes and at least one pair of kids Tubbs Snow Shoes, including both their Flurry and Storm models.

The offer is valid on Tubbs Snowshoe purchases until January 31, 2005, at which time the promotion will expire. Mail-in rebates must also be postmarked by March 1, 2005. Consumers have been instructed to contact dealers or the manufacturer directly to receive more information and the promotion form.

Tubbs Snowshoes Continues Successful Romp To Spomp Out Breast Cancer Series for 2005

2004-12-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

Tubbs Snowshoes announced that it will once again continue its successful event series Romp To Spomp Out Breast Cancer. The events are currently scheduled to take place at at Stratton, Vermont on January 22, Salt Lake City, Utah on February 19, Mt. Hood, Oregon February 26 and Frisco, Colorado March 5.

The events are designed to both raise money and awareness about breast cancer. The events are held in conjunction with the local affiliates of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Tubbs Snow Shoes explains the events are welcome to all ages and abilities of snowshoers, with several different snowshoeing events taking place throughout the day.

Events include a 3K and 5K fun snowshoe walk on local trails as well as a 3K Fun Snowshoe Race for those looking to be competive . Tubbs will be giving away snowshoes and other top industry prizes to the winners of the 3K snowshoe racing event. Free Tubbs Snowshoes demos will also be provided for use on a first-come-first-served basis.

Tubbs also states that all participants who collect pre-event pledges will be eligible for the free give-away of great outdoor gear from Tubbs and other series sponsors including Columbia Sportwear, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, EMS, Cabot Cheese and others. One grand prize package (valued at over $1,000) will also be awarded to the participant who raises the most in pre-event pledges.

The Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer reports that 75% of race proceeds fund grants for programs that focus on breast cancer screening, education and treatment, and 25% supports research and education projects nationwide through the Komen Foundation's national grant program.

CCSAA Issues Snow Shoes Guidelines for Snowshoeing on Cross Country Ski Trails

2004-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

CCSAA, the association representing nordic ski areas throughout North America, issues guidelines for snowshoeing safety and etiquette when using snowshoes on cross country ski area trails.

The Snowshoe Trail Etiquette and Safety guidelines include the following:

- Keep off groomed ski tracks.
- Give skiers the right of way.
- Obey posted signs.
- Grooming vehicles may be on the trails -use caution.
- Remove snowshoes at road crossings.
- Return to lodge by closing.
- Snowshoe in designated areas.
- Choose trails appropriate to your ability and fitness.
- Never snowshoe alone.

Tubbs Snowshoes Provides Trail Net Database as a Source for Snowshoe Trails Around the World

2004-12-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

Tubbs Snowshoes, of Stowe Vermont, has integrated a database, called TrailNet, for snowshoers to find snowshoeing trails thoughout the United States, Canada and beyond.

Tubbs Trail Net is currently considering by many winter outdoor experts to be the definitive resource for snowshoe trails around the world, with useful and comprehensive information about thousands of snowshoe trails for every snowshoe ability. The searchable database allows users to plan winter hikes and even walks during the warmer seasons.

The interface allows users to interact in several different ways, including submitting a snowshoe trail and becoming a TrailNet advisor within a particular region. Countries currently included in the index include Tunisia, U.S. Antarctica, Canada, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Finland, Japan, Italy, Lithuania, Poland and Norway snowshoe trails.

Tubbs Snowshoes Designs Less for Purists Looking for Wooden Traditional Snow Shoes

2004-12-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

The latest Winter Outdoor Industry survey suggests snow shoe purists and traditionalists are quickly declining in numbers. Manufacturers such as Tubbs Snowshoes still make some wooden snowshoes for purists who insist on the traditional snowshoes. But these types of users are outnumbered 99 to 1 by customers who prefer more modern footwear.

"You've still got hunters and trappers who prefer wooden snowshoes, because they're so quiet," said Dan Kiniry, Tubbs's product manager. However most consumers are leaning toward sleeker models made of stainless steel and aluminum. Tubbs hopes that the most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts will pay up to $289 for its latest snowshoe line, the Tubbs Elevation series.

The Elevation snowshoes are designed for snowshoers who like to trek in backcountry. The important feature is a newly designed snowshoe binding, called the Nexus, that can be fixed adjusted easily, even on the trail. "There are some bindings that, if they fail, it basically renders the snowshoe unusable," Mr. Kiniry said. "That can become a huge problem if you are miles from the nearest road and facing a blizzard."

The bottom of the Tubbs Elevation series shoes are lined with steel crampon teeth, each more than an inch long, critical for back-country hikers who hike over both icy mountain sides and deep powder.

"When designing the Elevations," said Mr. Kiniry, "the biggest challenge was balancing weight and strength. Snowshoeing is a grueling physical activity - it can burn more than 1,000 calories an hour - and heavy footwear makes it all the more exhausting."

Beginning in 2002, the Tubbs Snow Shoe design team came up with 12 two-dimensional designs; a focus group of snowshoers then reviewed them. That helped narrow the potential offerings to three, which were then turned into proto-types. The Elevations combine the best characteristics of all three finalists, from weight (the lightest women's model is 3.56 pounds per shoe) to base construction (using a puncture-resistant alloy that won't crack at temps of -40 below).

Tubbs, based in Stowe, Vt., was acquired by the sporting-goods maker K2 of Carlsbad, Calif., and Tubbs plans to move its manufacturing from Vermont over to China. Lately, Tubbs has emphasized snowshoeing's health benefits, sponsoring snowshoe races and snowshoe festivals.

One of the fastest-growing segments of the market has been older adults who want to keep fit during the winter but no longer wish to brave downhill skiing. Tubbs has tried to communicate that modern snowshoes don't force users to walk unnaturally like wooden traditional snowshoes do.

Mr. Kiniry did acknowledg that some longtime snowshoers would never make the switch from wood to modern materials, no matter how many fancy new bindings and crampons Tubbs invents.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Purchases Snowshoes

2004-12-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a member of the National Park System, and established in 1970, has purchased 50 pairs of snowshoes for rental this winter.

According to park ranger Bill Herd the fleet of snowshoes will be available from mid-December to Easter. Additionally he said, "In a typical winter at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, the trails become snow-covered paths and snowshoe hikes are a fantastic way to explore the wooded areas and otherwise unaccessable regions of the park during the winter months."

Redfeather Snowshoes Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary

2004-12-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

REDFEATHER SNOWSHOES PRESS RELEASE
Over the past 15 years, since 1989, Redfeather Snowshoes has manufactured hundreds of thousands of snow shoes and conducted more than 500 demo days, placing snowshoes on more than 15,000 people to give them a free opportunity to experience the snowshoeing adventure.

Mr. Allan Kettlehut, President of Redfeather said, “Throughout our 15 year history, we have been very proud to be a part of the Colorado community. The people we have employed from Colorado have become more than just employees to us, they are our valued friends.” Mr. Kettlehut goes on to say, “We credit the company’s ability to stay competitive because of the high quality of our work force. We have never had difficulty finding motivated people to work for us. From Leadville, the small mountain town where we first started to Denver, we could not have made it this far without their dedication.”

In the very competitive business world, Redfeather Snow Shoes has separated itself from its competitors by providing the best service possible to all of its customers. “After 15 years everything has changed except our service.” Mr. Kettlehut concluded.

REI Awarded Exclusive Holiday Sales of MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

2004-12-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

MSR Corp. has entered into an agreement with outdoor gear retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) allowing the retailer to be the exclusive provider of MSR Snowshoes' much anticipated men's and women's Lightning Ascent snowshoes, new for the 2004-2005 season.

The agreement reportedly stipulates that REI will be awarded the opportunity to be the exclusive retailer offering the MSR Lightning Ascents until Dec. 15th, after which, all other MSR dealers will then be allowed to sell the snow shoes.

The snowshoe industry is regarding the MSR-REI deal with controversy and will be closely watched by outdoor gear analysts. Sources suggest the move has soured many snowshoe retailer forecasts, as the holiday season traditionally accounts for a majority of retail sales of snowshoes. Retailers have further rebuffed the nature of the exclusive agreement, as pre-season orders were apparently placed without MSR Snowshoes disclosing it's exclusive agreement with REI beforehand. As a result, many retailers will be saddled with an overstock of MSR Lightning Ascent snow shoes as the season draws to a close.

One retailer remarked, "If I were a consumer considering purchasing these snow shoes, I'd wait until later in the season, as there will most certainly be a market glut, with resulting discounts, as retailers try and recover there substantial losses from MSR restricting everyone else's holiday sales while REI is given the exclusive sales rights. This is definitely new in the snowsports outdoor gear industry and deals like this are placing an even larger burden on smaller retailers. I can't help but think it's the type of deal Wal-Mart works out with its vendors on a regular basis. In this case where REI is Wal-Mart and MSR Corp is the vendor. Many more deals like this and I'll be dropping MSR Snowshoes without a doubt."

Colorado to Play Host to Several Snowshoe Races and Events

2004-12-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

This winter, Colorado snowshoe racers, athletes and enthusiasts will prove once again that their outdoor athletic activities don't slow when the snow piles up. Instead, they'll simply switch gears, pull out the snow shoes and keep on pumping.

"One of the great things about winter in Colorado is that athletes get to stay in great shape year-round," said Alma's Danelle Ballengee, a world-class adventure racer and the North American snowshoe racing champion.

Several snowshoe races are on tap starting in January, including Ballengee's Swift Skedaddle snowshoe series. The first race is Jan 15 at Silverthorne, followed by the March 19 event at the Frisco Nordic Center. Both offer a 10-kilometer and a 3K option. The Silverthorne race is one of two Colorado qualifiers for the U.S. National Snowshoe Championships on March 5 in Anchorage, Alaska.

"I try to make courses that are challenging and exciting, but not too hard or dangerous," Ballengee said. "A lot of people will just walk the 10K for fitness and to enjoy the scenery, which is spectacular. The 3K is good for snow shoe beginners, kids, older folks or those who are not in superhuman shape."

The Screamin' Snowman 5K and 10K snowshoe race Feb. 13 at the Eldora Mountain Resort is the other national qualifier. New this year, the race will have a high school division in the 5K. Demo snowshoes will be available in limited quantities for racing.

Longtime Colorado snowshoes adventurer Darrin Eisman, a sponsored racer, is offering two on-snow clinics in January but said first-timers shouldn't be intimidated. "The first time I ever put on a pair of snowshoes was about 5 minutes before a race," Eisman said. "You basically learn about 90 percent of what you need to know about snowshoe racing in the first race. It's a lot like running but you go anaerobic a whole lot faster and you have to deal with the snow conditions as well as the hills. It's a lot of fun."

Snowshoeing is also a staple in many winter multisport races. One of the most popular events in the region is the Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon, set for Feb. 19 in Grants, N.M. Colorado athletes descend on this grueling race in droves, including Ballengee, who has won the women's title the past five years. Participants bike, run, cross-country ski and snow shoe, and then reverse the order of events back to the start. Teams are welcome.

"I've done a lot of fun winter races, but the Mount Taylor Quadrathlon stands out as my favorite," Ballengee said. "The course is challenging, and the views atop Mount Taylor are stunning."
Closer to home in Colorado, Eisman said one of his favorites is the Steamboat Pentathlon, set for March 5. Participants climb Howelsen Hill on foot, then ski or snowboard down the mountain, snowshoe 3 miles, cross-country ski 4 1/2 miles, mountain bike 12 miles and run 5 miles. Team divisions and a short course option are available.

Breckenridge Resort hosts its own winter multisport adventure April 16. In the Imperial Challenge, participants bike from downtown Breckenridge to the base of Peak 8, followed by an ascent of Peak 8 on the equipment of choice (snowshoes or skis are popular). It ends with a descent of Peak 8 on skis or a snowboard snowboard.

Crescent Moon Snowshoes Engineers Products for Women

2004-11-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

Jake Thamm, president of Crescent Moon Snowshoes in Boulder, Colo., said his company has spent the past eight years working to perfect its snowshoes for women.

This year's women snowshoes models feature a new binding system that makes them easy to get on and off, even for beginners. "We designed the binding around women from the beginning, because women are smaller and lighter," Thamm said. "My wife is the designer. Her perspective is a woman's perspective to begin with. We felt like if the bindings work for a small, light person, it will certainly work for a larger, heavier person, so we have it on all of our snow shoes."

The snowshoe shape includes a front that is traditionally aligned, but the tail narrows to a near point. The teardrop shape is engineered to allow for a natural walking gait that eliminates the trips, skips and bumbles so common with other popular snowshoe designs.

"The teardrop shape is unique to Crescent Moon," Thamm said. "It is our signature. Women have more narrow strides than men, so this shape allows for one snow shoe to clear away from the other shoe."

"Also," Thamm said, "Because women have narrower strides, they are prone to hip-flexor irritation when forced to walk on shoes that are too wide. The teardrop shape of the womens Crescent moon Snowshoes allow for a much more natural gait."

Genesis Adventures Partners with Tubbs Snowshoes

2004-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Connecticut based event production company, Genesis Adventures, Inc. announced a partnership with the Vermont based Tubbs Snowshoes Company to act as title sponsor of GA's two event winter adventure racing series. The series, titled as the Tubbs Snowshoes Winter Adventure Race Series, will consist of two events in New York State and Massachusetts.

In it's third year, the winter adventure race series will consist of snowshoeing, trail running, cross country skiing and navigation. Teams comprised of two racers, from first time racers to elite level teams, will complete the course together and are required to remain within 100 yards of each other throughout the entire event. The races will cover up to 25 miles and will take teams between 3 and 5 hours from start to finish.

"We are excited to again sponsor Genesis Adventures," said Paul Adams of Tubbs Snowshoes. "The adventure race segment will only continue to grow and attract more athletes to snowshoeing as a great sport and off-season training tool." Tubbs Snowshoes will provide its Catalyst race snowshoe as prizes to the winning teams. In addition, Tubbs will provide snow shoes for racers to try. "Tubbs was a great partner in 2004, providing much needed support and prizes for the race, we are excited to have them on board as title sponsor for the 2005 races," said Jon Fontane, Sponsorship Director for Genesis Adventures, Inc. Additional sponsors include Clif Bar, Nike ACG and Rudy Project sunglasses.

Tubbs Snowshoes Winter Adventure Race Series Dates:
February 6 - Fahnestock State Park: Cold Spring, NY
March 6 - Northfield Mt. Recreation Area: Northfield, MA

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Included On REI Expert 2004 Holiday Gift List

2004-11-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

MSR's men's and women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoes ($249.95), newly developed for 2004-2005, have been included to the annual REI Expert Gift List. Gear-savvy experts partner with Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing to devise the list experts, themselves, would like to see given to them as gifts this holiday season. Their selections help provide a wish list for many outdoor enthusiasts. In an effort to integrate the list into REI stores more effectively, the selected products will be tagged as Expert Gift Picks at all REI stores and on REI.com.

Beaver Creek to Loan Snowshoes to Spectators at Alpine Ski World Cup Events

2004-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Beaver Creek Ski Resort announced the Beaver Creek Nordic Center will be loaning out snowshoes for the upcoming Men's and Women's Alpine Ski Racing World Cup Events to be held at the mountain December 2-5, 2004. The fleet of snowshoes loaned to spectators is the result of efforts to attract more veiwers and enable them to see more of the ski racing events.

Atlas SnowShoe Company Teams Up with the Winter Wildlands Alliance

2004-11-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

Atlas Snowshoes has entered a partnership with the Winter Wildlands Alliance. The WWA is the only national organization working to preserve winter wildlands that provide access and opportunities for quality human-powered snow sports experiences including snowshoeing. The Winter Wildlands Alliance is a coalition of activists who share ideas and resources, providing a national voice to public land use issues in order to preserve winter activity experiences.

National Park Service Provides Snowshoes for Hikers at Crater Lake

2004-10-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

The National Park Service of Oregon announced they will be providing snowshoes all winter long to enthusiasts 9 and older. Winter hikers can take advantage of the free snowshoe hikes at Crater Lake courtesy of the National Park Service beginning in December. The snow shoe hikes will begin at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and continue through March. Snow shoes of all sizes will be availalable. Details: 541-594-3100.

2004-2005 Atlas SnowShoe Racing Team Announced

2004-10-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Atlas Snowshoes Racing Team line-up has been announced for the 2004-2005 season. The calender of events the team will be competing at can be found at the Atlas Snowshoes corporate website.

The complete team roster:
Scott Gall, Colleen Ihnken, Helen Cospolich, Adam Chase, Teri Smith, Ethan Hemphill, Louisa Jenkins, Darcy Piceu, Tina Burghardt, Sara Tarkington, Lisa Goldsmith, Erik Skarvan, Kelvin Broad, Jimmy Archer, Richard Bolt, Sam Wilbur, Frank Mungeam, Bernie Boettcher, Jerry Junior Pullins, Rick Hellard, Dave Mackey, Chris Valenti, Peter Fain, Greg Hexum, Julie Hudetz, Syl Corbett, Chad Christensen, Dan Verrington, Nikki Kimball, Haley Beann, Eric Schwartz, Greg Krause, Lisa Jhung, Karen Melliar Smith, Dave Dunham, and Patty Jo Struve.

President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Partners with SIA to Celebrate Winter Trails Day

2004-10-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) will partner with SnowSports Industries America (SIA) to celebrate Winter Trails Day by sponsoring a free winter sports clinic (date and location TBD). SIA and its member companies will provide snowshoeing gear to participants.

Winter sports instructors and fitness professionals will teach families and school groups about the basic skills of snowshoeing, proper winter dress and the health and fitness benefits of exercising with snowshoes. Guided hikes, tours and seminars will be provided at no cost throughout the day to explain and promote the health and social benefits of physical activity and fitness.

Winter Trails is part of SIA's new initiative, 'Winter Feels Good', started in September to educate people of all ages and abilities about winter sports and equipment, offer guidance on nutrition and skills and promote resorts participating in the program. Various clinics will be offered including: conditioning exercises to help prepare for winter outdoor activities; choosing appropriate winter boots and snowshoes; nutrition tips for a day out in winter chills; and a general session about other winter sports, such as alpine and nordic skiing and snowboarding.

Winter Trails Day, an annual event organized by SIA and the American Hiking Society, is a national initiative providing a free day of snowshoeing to encourage Americans of all ages to try outdoor and winter sports.

The President's Challenge recently launched a web site that serves as a tool to help children, teens, and adults build a regular physical activity routine by tracking progress toward earning Presidential awards for active lifestyles and physical fitness. Many winter sports, including snowshoeing, may be counted toward a President's Challenge award.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, virtually all people can benefit from regular physical activity. It is estimated that inactive lifestyles are associated with 300,000 preventable deaths each year in the United States. Health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle - including overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes - cost the United States nearly $250 billion annually. "Winter sports provide a wonderful opportunity to have fun and stay healthy," said Melissa Johnson, executive director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "From snowshoeing to cross country touring to alpine skiing and snowboarding, the outdoors provides one of the best classrooms for staying active and fit. We are pleased to be working with SIA's Winter Feels Good program. We hope to educate more Americans about the joy of winter sports."

Sponsors of the clinic include: the American Hiking Society, Tubbs Snowshoes, Backpacker Magazine, Clif Bar, MSR Snow Shoes, Redfeather Snowshoes, Atlas Snowshoes, the United States Snowshoe Association and W.L. Gore & Associates.

"Winter Trails is designed to show how easy it is to go outside in winter, exercise and feel good about staying fit," said David Ingemie, president of SIA. "In particular, this event draws attention to snowshoeing, a low-impact, aerobic workout, that incorporates strength and endurance training. We look forward to working with the President's Council to make a difference in the health of the nation."

"Winter Feels Good" is a clearinghouse for information about the health, fitness and social aspects of winter sports. SIA is the national, nonprofit, member-owned trade association of more than 600 competing snowsports product manufacturers, suppliers and distributors working together to promote and develop the industry of snow sports.

MSR Snowshoes Issues Consumer Notification Regarding Denali Ascent and Red Denali Classic Snowshoes Built Between September and November 2001

2004-10-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

MSR Snow Shoes issued a consumer notification regarding all Denali Ascent and red Denali Classic snowshoes manufactured between September and November 2001. These snowshoes were made with a different plastic decking than previous and later model snow shoes, and have a tendency to crack under extreme flexing or hard impacts.

To identify the snowshoes in question, retail stores and consumers can look at two date code dials on the bottom of the snow shoes. The affected models are coded 9/01, X/01 and Y/01. Stores with these MSR snowshoes still in stock have been asked to contact MSR immediately to exchange them.

Consumers can also exchange their snow shoes through their local retailer or by contacting MSR directly. Erik Flink, snowshoe product group manager, noted, "The typical cracks we’ve seen include – a cracked toe area, small pieces breaking off the bottom, etc. – but won’t generally affect the function of the snowshoe. People will still be able to use the snowshoes to get back, but they will want to exchange them when they get home."

Since the discovery of the problem, MSR has returned to producing snowshoes using the original plastic material, which has proven reliably strong and durable over the last seven years. Since their debut in 1995, the MSR line of snowshoes has grown to include models designed for a variety of backcountry uses – the Denali Ascent, Denali Classic, Denali Hiker (no longer in production) and the kid snowshoes Denali Tyker.

The popularity and performance of MSR snowshoes can be attributed to the unique platform design and to the many features invented by MSR, including steel traction bars for stability while traversing and flotation tails, which created the first modular snowshoe system available to the public. Founded in 1969 as a supplier of expedition climbing gear, Mountain Safety Research currently manufactures for the outdoor industry snowshoes, stoves, cookware, water filters, tents, organic dehydrated food, hydration systems and ski-snowshoe poles. More information is available on the company’s web site.

Atlas Snow Shoe Company Partners with Women's Sports Foundation

2004-09-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Atlas announced that all a portion of all sales of the womens' Atlas Elektra snowshoes will benefit the Women's Sports Foundation. The Women's Sports Foundation was founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King and is a charitable educational organization dedicated to ensuring equal access to participation and leadership opportunities for all girls and women in fitness and sports.

International Snowshoe Association Issues Apparel Recommendations

2004-09-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

"The combination of snowshoeing categorized as an aerobic activity occurring in varying degrees of cold weather, makes it important to be prepared for a variety of temperatures. Layering is the best method of dressing for snowshoeing. It allows for the regulation of core body temperature.

The following is a recommended list of layers:

Base layer: moisture-wicking and lightweight, avoid cotton garments.

Second layer: insulating, lightweight fleece or wool is ideal.

Outer layer: windproof and waterproof/water-resistant, breathable.

Other highly recommended items include snowshoe gaiters, which protect the feet from getting wet, gloves, wool or fleece hat and a scarf. All these items help to further conserve body heat."

Tubbs Snowshoes Bear Hug Binding Wins Plastic Design Award

2004-09-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Designed and engineered by Helix Design Inc. for the Tubbs Snowshoe Company, the Bear Hug Binding has earned the Industrial Designers Society of America and Plastics News Design Award. Design judges noted the Tubbs Snow Shoe binding fit its intended use well and completely eliminates the mass of buckles and straps common to most bindings that connect snowshoes to boots.

Atlas Snowshoes Leads Innovation with 10 Patents

2004-09-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Snowshoes technology innovator, Atlas Snow-Shoe Company announced it has a total of ten patents issued to date with numerous pending. The most significant include the following:

HEEL CLEAT - PATENT No. 5,440,827
The first patent that revolutionized snowshoe performance and created an industry standard. The heel cleat adds stability and traction for climbing, descending and traversing various terrain. Found on all Atlas models.

CONTOURED FOOTBED No. 5,687,491
An innovation that significantly increases performance and adds comfort. The contoured footbed cradles the ball of the snowshoer's foot, locates optimum foot placement in the snow shoe binding and helps prevent slippage. Found on the Atlas 8, 10,12 and Dual-Trac models.

SWITCHBACK HARNESS - PATENT No. 5,918,387
Injection-molded from high-tensile polyurethane separately for the right and left foot, the snow shoe binding comfortably wraps the arch and ball of the foot while the switchback webbing eliminates pressure points for warmer feet. The switchback patent design is included on the 7,8,10 and Dual-Trac models.

SPRING-LOADED BINDINGS - PATENT No.5,699,630
A revolutionary binding that is the only snowshoe binding that allows natural footing on uneven terrain. The binding system limits snow shoe rotation and provides better maneuverability. This is the only binding that allows the ankle to rotate side to side while eliminating heel twist. Winner of the American Alpine Institute Guide’s Choice Award, it is featured on the 10,12 and Dual-Trac models.

HEEL CLEAT - PATENT No. 5,918,388
A redesign of the original patent to create greater transfer between the snowshoer's heel and the heel cleat, increasing stability and reduces snow build-up. Standard on all snowshoe models.