Interested in picking up a new snow sport this winter? Nordic skiing is something you can do to suit yourself – if you want a good workout, get your blood pumping; if you want a peaceful afternoon in the woods, slow down and enjoy the silence.
Check out this recent write-up by the Wausau Daily Herald and get a few perspectives from local athletes.
Every child of the North should enjoy the quintessential winter experience; tobogganing! 
American Traders’ beautiful hand made toboggans are not a typical hardware store toy. Made from select hardwoods they are designed after an antique toboggan model that graced the pages of a popular 1920s mail order catalogue in Brattleboro, Vermont. Manufactured to superior standards out of 5/16″ thick steam-bent local hardwoods. The edge and center slats are stained with contrasting mahogany or red stain to provide a classic look. A generous coating of gloss finish ensures excellent durability and a lifetime of fun in the snow. The American Traders Toboggans we stock at Shepherd & Schaller have sculpted breast-plates and come with non-manila side and tow ropes.
Toboggans are available in 3 lengths, 5ft, 6ft and 8ft. American Traders Premium 6 and 8ft toboggans have Extended Center & Edge Slats. Red buttoned vinyl cushions are available for all sizes. Make timeless memories this winter.
Hand made baby sleds and child sleds. Ready for memory-making. 
Snowshoeing is a great way to make an adventure of your daily walk by adding aerobic benefits and perhaps a change of scenery. According to SIA-Snow Sports Industries of America-snow shoeing burns 45% more calories than walking at the same speed. And you’ll be able to walk where you usually couldn’t before! It is also a great way to make light of woodsy work, like getting to your hunting stand or wood-making location. Snow Shoes are highly maneuverable, allowing you to go places cross country skiers and snowmobilers can’t.
All modern snow shoes have a strong aluminum frame, durable material for flotation, a stainless steel crampon or cleat and bindings that accept all types of boots. All of the manufacturer’s we stock at Shepherd & Schaller offer bindings that are flexible enough to accommodate most any footwear. We like to recommend a light-weight hiking boot or shoe (which we have for sale in the store, if you’re without a pair). While you can generally use any winter boot you have in the closet, your super-heavy hunting boots would likely spoil the advantages your show shoes provide. The lighter you are on your feet, the better.
What kinds of snowshoes do you need? That depends on your goals. There are three types of snowshoes available: Recreational Hiking, Aerobic/Fitness and Hiking/Backpacking. Snowshoes are fit to your weight. Remember to consider if you’ll be carrying something heavy, like a chainsaw.
Recreational hiking snowshoes are a basic selection and are perfect for first-timers. Usually, these snowshoes work best on simple terrain that doesn’t require a lot of steep climbing or descents. These are best for most of our customers who want to enjoy winter casually and recreationally.
Snowshoes for aerobic/fitness are best suited for those who are active snowshoers – like runners and cross-trainers. This type of snowshoe has a very sleek design and is generally tougher and lighter than most available.
If you’re shoeing in powder and are more experienced, purchasing a pair of hiking/backpacking snowshoes is your ticket. These are as tough as they come.
Do you need anything else? Yes. 1. Poles (adjustable trekking poles are probably the best, but you can use your cross country poles too.) 2. Appropriate apparel. Wear the same thing you would for cross country skiing or running. This is an aerobic activity and you will work up a sweat so moisture moving light or mid-weight base layers under a softshell jacket or other light jacket work works well for most people. Your ski or snowboard pants will work, but they will be “noisy” and warm compared to the pants runners and x-c skiers wear. Lighter gloves or mittens and hat are good choices too. Don’t forget lip balm and sunscreen.
Where to go? In central Wisconsin mother nature provides a wonderful variety of locations suitable for snowshoeing. Start at your local park, visit a bike trail (rail trails are great, they are flat and wide!), call and check with golf courses, or head to state parks like Rib Mountain in Wausau. You can even check out the river’s edge for a beautiful setting (keeping safety in mind of course). Only a few inches of snow on the ground make for a great outing.
Put a granola bar in your pocket, strap on a hydration pack or water bottle and have fun!
Shepherd & Schaller has every snowshoe in stock on sale. Adult prices start at $79.99. Kids start at $59.99. Call for more information 715/845-5432.
So what is involved in the “Tune” that makes such a difference in how your skis look, feel and perform? Read on:
1. Inspection: The top, base and edges are wiped clean of any dirt, solvents, and excess wax. Then the ski / board is inspected for any damage.
2. Base Repair: Any nicks, gouges, or core shots are repaired and filled with base repair material. (This service is an extra charge- not everyone needs it.)
3. Base Grinding: The ski/board is then run across the stone grinder to remove any minor damage and make the base flat and true. In doing so, tiny cuts are ground off and the base becomes true and flat. The base becomes able to absorb wax and the structures created aid in gliding. This new structure also helps prevent suction and friction between base and snow. Your ski / board glides better and accomplishes the transition from edge to edge more easily. In addition, different temperatures and snow conditions require different structures – only the technician knows the right formula.
4. Edge Grinding: Most ski and board edges are “bevelled” between 0 and 2 degrees and a continuous smooth surface is created. The WINTERSTEIGER machine is able to reproduce this exact edge for ultimate carving performance on the hill.
5. Waxing: The last step in tuning is hot waxing. Hot wax impregnates the base, protects against damage and improves the gliding and turning properties of skis and boards. Professional level waxing is a 4-step process in itself. Shep’s offers a full line of Swix waxes from rub-on Universal F4 to Cera F (which World Cup racers know is not actually a wax, but 100% fluorinated carbons) as well as brushes, files, stones, vices, tables and everything you need for at-home touch-ups in between your professional services.
6. Hot Box: Shep’s Swix Hot Box is used by top level competitors and serious recreational skiers and riders to prepare equipment for top level performance. Warm air at a constant temperature allows wax to penetrate and saturate base material for the ultimate in base protection and glide capabilities. Hot Box wax service can be added to any Tune purchase for an additional fee. Visit our Repair page for current pricing.
Ski or board tuning should only be carried out by a WINTERSTEIGER trained technician who understands your requirements. Unprofessional tuning can have negative effects and spoil your fun in skiing or snowboarding. Although manual tuning is possible, WINTERSTEIGER guarantees perfect bases and exact edges.
Regular ski / board tuning keeps your equipment in top shape and guarantees each run you take down the hill brings more enjoyment for you!
Check it out, friends…. your first chance to scope out deals for Black Friday. We’ll be here at 8am to set you up with everything you need for winter!
Take a peek, enjoy Thanksgiving feasts, then stop in Friday for the best deals of the winter!
Flier prices valid starting 11/23/12. Not all sales are available on Shepssports.com.
