Gear Up For Ski Season...Scary good deals!

If you're like many people your alpine and nordic skis probably got put away without a good wax and tune before being stored for the season. Scary thought! Never fear... Solstice Outdoors can help get your skis in good condition and ready for the first snowfall with a wax and tune up. 

Now until November 15th SAVE 20% on all Wax and Tuning Services for alpine and nordic skis and snowboards. Check out our list of services...

Plus don't miss a great opportunity to get into a new pair of Fischer cross-country or skate skis. Our first big EARLY BIRD SKI SALE starts Thursday, November 8th through Sunday, November 11th. SAVE 20% on all nordic and skate ski packages next weekend only!

It's a scary good deal. Stop by the store and get geared up for ski season at Solstice.

WhistleStop Marathon Madness

With only days until the 15th Annual WhistleStop Marathon and Half Marathon we're gearing up for a busy race weekend. Solstice Outdoors is really excited to be a major sponsor this active community event that finishes just a block from our store on Main Street.

Come see us at the EXPO on Friday at the Bay Area Civic Center for all your last minute race day gear and nutrition. New this year are Big Expo Specials on The North Face, Salomon and Moving Comfort performance apparel, Smartwool socks buy three, get one free and more! Plus we'll have a large selection of race day nutrition from GU, Clif and Hammer all conveniently located in the Expo. 

Be sure to check the WhistleStop event guide for your discount coupon good for in-store purchases this weekend.

Race Weekend Store Hours

Friday 10AM-9PM

Saturday 9AM-5PM

Sunday 11AM-3PM

Happy running!

The North Country Trail...Hike the Northwoods

The North Country National Scenic Trail is America’s longest National Scenic Trail stretching from New York to North Dakota, linking 7 states and 10 National Forests and 150 Public Lands. Did you know there’s 110 miles of continuous North Country Scenic Trail in Northern Wisconsin? That's a lot of great fall hiking and leaf spotting right in our backyard. 

Strap on your hikers and hit the trail for a day trip or multi-day adventure. For a detailed trail map and everything you need to know about the trail check out http://northcountrytrail.org/trail/states/wisconsin/

Before you head out make sure you have the essentials: A Camelbak or Osprey hydration pack or day pack, water bottle  trekking poles, hiking socks, head protection, such as a Buff or Stormy Kromer cap and snacks. Stop by Solstice Outdoors to pick up any of these essentials and don't forget your camera!

If you get out on the trail, tell us! Share a photo with us on Facebook. 

What's up with SUP?

Solstice Outdoors is your stand up paddleboard rental headquarters serving Ashland, Washburn and the Chequamegon Bay region. Stand up paddle boarding or SUP for short is an old sport that is now one of the fastest growing watersports.  Join the revolution and experience gliding across the water and ride a wave or two!

Five reasons why you must try it:

It’s quick and easy to learn. Anyone can do it.

It’s super fun to do solo or grab a board and have the whole family give it a try

It’s a great cross training workout for bikers, skiers, runners…

It requires a minimal amount of equipment to get on the water whether that’s an inland lake or the Lake Superior.

You can’t lay on the beach all day!

Here are a few basics to get you started with your new Rogue Stand Up Paddle board or one of our rental boards.

How to get on the board:

Start by laying your paddle across the top of the board on the foot pad. Kneel on the board and find your center. Pick up the paddle and start to paddle.  If you paddle on the right side your right hand will be lower on the shaft of the paddle. Paddle until you find your balance.

How to stand up:

Once you feel stable place your paddle across the front of the board, position your hands on the pad parallel to your knees, grab your paddle and stand up. The front of the board shouldn’t be out of the water. If it is reposition yourself further forward.

How to paddle:

Put a little bend in your knee and place the paddle elbow out and dig into the water using your whole body, not just your arms. Start paddling at the front of the board and move to your feet. The shorter the strokes and the faster you go the easier it is to balance. To paddle in a line you’ll need to switch sides every few strokes. To turn do a standard sweep stroke.

Where to go:

It’s easiest to start on calm water. Many of our area inland lakes such as Long Lake or Lake Owen are perfect for paddling along the shoreline. On a calm day, Chequamegon Bay is also a great place to practice gliding across the water.  Lake Superior can is easily accessed from Main Street via the Pearson Plaza Park to the 6^th Street Beach. Our picks include Maslowski Beach in Ashland and Bayview Beach outside of Washburn, WI.

New Mountain Bike Trail Building Project in Bayfield

Come help build the bike trail and get a $10 Solstice Outdoors Gift Certificate this Sunday!

Have you heard what’s happening in our backyard? A group of dedicated mountain bikers and community members have begun building a 2 mile single-track loop at Mt. Ashwabay in Bayfield. Check out the work that’s already underway…

Volunteers are needed to help with a trail building session this Sunday, July 15^th. Anyone interested in helping move some dirt should meet at the mountain bike trailhead at 1:00 PM, which is located on the left of Ski Hill Road about 200 yards before the entrance to Mt. Ashwabay. Work will be done at the top of the tubing hill to the south of the Pines XC trail.

As an incentive Solstice Outdoors is offering a $10 Gift Certificate to everyone who comes out to move some dirt. Volunteers should bring gloves, water, bug dope, and an energy source for yourself. We hope to see you on out there!