December 24, 2012 – Louis Garneau is launching a new snowshoe, featuring a Boa closure system. The Yeti snowshoe is a high-performance snowshoe designed for steep ascents and access to summits and utilizes the Contact Pro Harness System, a revolutionary binding with a Boa Closure System-customized fit, lightweight, comfortable, on-the-fly adjustment that pushes performance to the limit.

The Contact Harness Pro System with Boa Closure System is:

LIGHTWEIGHT: Lightweight is essential in the backcountry. Climbers often have added gear, backpacks skis/snowboards. Developed by Boa Technology, the dial retention system alone weighs up to 80% less than traditional strapping systems. Constructed of stainless steel, the system will not absorb water which reduces the overall weight in use.

SECURE FIT: With retention at the forefoot as well as the heel and toes, the 360-degree adjustable harness system offers a secure and stable fit with no slippage during descents or ascents. Lateral stability makes for ideal climbing and the micro-adjustment dial evenly disperses pressure for a comfortable fit.

DURABILITY: Knowing that backcountry adepts often tread the most difficult terrains and the longest treks, the Boa Closure System uses a dial to wind the aircraft-grade stainless steel laces, and the entire system is backed by a “Boa Dialed In for Life Guarantee.”

QUICK-RELEASE: The releasable guide near the ankle offers a quick hassle-free harness entry and exit. The Contact Pro Harness fits any climbing or ski/snowboard boot.

The 7075-T6 Aluminum frame is made of aircraft grade aluminum that ensures toughness and is lightweight. V-Rail crampons provide maximum traction uphill, traverse, and downhill. HyperDeck decking is lightweight, sturdy, and extremely resistant material that withstands temperatures up to -40 degrees Celsius. Traxion Stainless Steel front crampons are designed for multi-directional traction on all terrains and snow conditions. The FREEFLEX pivot provides shock absorption and fore foot rotation on axle for an efficient stride. Step-Up heel riser reduces calf fatigue while climbing.

The Yeti Snowshoe will retail for $249.99

November 09, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – The Toronto Bicycling Network (TBN) Cross Country Ski program is aimed at the recreational skier, so come on out and participate in this wonderfully invigorating winter activity. Some of the trips offer a snowshoe option as well.

You will travel in a warm and comfortable coach in which you can relax, forget about the driving, and meet other skiers. Whether you are a long-time TBN member, or a newcomer, come out and join us!

– Sun., Dec. 30, 2012 – Hardwood Hills
– Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 – Horseshoe Valley Resort
– Sun., Jan. 13 – Wasaga Nordic, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
– Sun., Jan. 20 – Mansfield Outdoor Centre
– Sat., Jan. 26 – Highland Nordic
– Sat., Feb. 2 – Horseshoe Valley Resort
– Sun., Feb. 10 – Wasaga Nordic, Wasaga Provincial Park
– Sun., Feb. 24 – Mansfield Outdoor Center
– Sat., Mar. 2 – Horseshoe Valley Resort
– Sun., Mar. 10 – Hardwood Hills
– Sat., Mar. 18 – Highlands Nordic

Sat. Pickups: Victoria Park 8:00 AM; Yonge/York Mills 8:20 AM; Hwy 400/Major MacKenzie Carpool 8:40 AM.
Sun. Pickups: Victoria Park TTC lot on Victoria Park at Denton Ave. 8:00 AM; Yonge and Asquith Ave, Metro Library 8:20 AM; Yonge/Eglinton in front of Tim Hortons 8:30 AM; Yonge/York Mills TTC 8:40 AM, Hwy 400/Major Mac Carpool 9:00 AM.

Two special geteway weekend trips are also planned, with transportation arranged via car pool
– Feb. 8-10 – Wanakita Resort Ski Weekend
– Feb. 15-18 – Arrowhead Provincial Park Ski Weekend

Go to www.tbn.ca for details or contact xcski@tbn.ca

December 27, 2011 (Chama, NM) – Come out and play in the snow at the Chama Chile Ski Classic, January 14-16, 2012 over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in Chama, NM! There will be 3 days of fun for everyone and 7 cross-country ski and snowshoe races! This winter event is held in the charming, quaint Village of Chama and the races are held on the Rio Grande National Forest between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. There’s everything from Freestyle and Classic style cross-country ski races and a snowshoe race to family events and a chile/chili contest, where you can taste some of Northern New Mexico’s best family recipes.

Families can take advantage of the Classic Cross-country Ski Techniques Clinic (there will be 4 instructors for beginner to advanced), broom hockey and Frisbee golf for the kids, and some of the ski/snowshoe/yurt tours being offered over the weekend. For even more fun, there will be a costume contest and snow sculptures at the ski race site.

In the evenings, there will be live music and beer tasting at the High Country Restaurant in Chama. Gary Gorrence from Pecos, NM will be playing on Friday, January 13th with his own style of country and southwestern rock. The Muddy Mountain Orchestra from Taos, NM will be playing Irish, rock-n-roll blues and bluegrass on Saturday, January 14th and the Porchlights from Dolores, CO will be returning with their original, “rocking acoustical mayhem”. Both the Saturday and Sunday bands will be playing before and after the Awards Ceremonies each evening.

For more information, on the weekend schedule and registration go to www.chamaski.com or call 575-756-2294 or email chiliskiclassic@yahoo.com.

For athletes, there are 2 days of cross-country ski and snowshoe races. On Saturday, January 14th there will be both a 7.5K and 15K Freestyle Cross-Country Ski race. On Sunday, January 15th, there will be 5K and 10K Classic Style Cross-Country Ski races and a 5 K Snowshoe race. Those who need more of a challenge can enter the combined 5K Ski/5K Snowshoe Race or the 10K Ski/5K Snowshoe Race. Skiers can also “go retro” in the wooden ski category or enter a team in the 5K Classic XC ski race.

More advanced skiers and racers, can take advantage of the Telemark Skiing Clinic, Classic Style XC Skiing Techniques Clinic and Ski Waxing Clinic.

A Restorative Yoga class is being offered by Steve Ilg with High Performance Yoga on Saturday afternoon to help all skiers unwind from the day’s activities and prepare for the next day of races.

For the skier or snowshoer who doesn’t want to compete, there will be a guided XC ski/snowshoe tour to the Sargent’s Wildlife Area (now groomed for XC skiing & snowshoeing) and tours to a couple of the yurts located in the South San Juan Mountains near Chama. After the races on Sunday, everyone is welcome to ski the race course.

An Avalanche Rescue Techniques Clinic offered on Saturday, January 14th in the afternoon, is a must for skiers and snowmobilers who venture onto snowy, mountainous terrain.

The races and many of the events are held on the Rio Grande National Forest through a special use permit.
For more information go to www.chamaski.com or call 575-756

Thank you for supporting the CCSC.

March 10, 2011 (Oro Medonte, ON) – Hardwood Ski and Bike is introducing a fun new event on March 19 called the Pole, Pedal and Pound – an unconventional triathlon consisting of cross country skiing, biking and snowshoeing. This event can be done solo or as a team of three.

Race breakdown:
– 5km cross country ski
– 3km snowshoe
– 5km bike

Race Start Time: 9:00 am

For more information and registration information click here.

www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca