Snowshoeing Curing Winter Inactivity Snow or No Snow Mary Jo Tarallo, Director of Education...

Snowshoeing Curing Winter Inactivity

Snow or No Snow

Mary Jo Tarallo, Director of Education SnowSports Industries America

Kathy Murphy, Director of MarketingVermont Ski Areas Association

AAHPERD ConferenceApril 2, 2009

A Winter Feels Good Initiativefrom SnowSports Industries America

• National Non Profit Trade Association

• McLean, VA (snow belt capital)

• Founded in 1954

• 500 + Members (snow sports suppliers)

• Annual Trade Show

SnowSports Industries America

Vermont Ski Areas Association

• Private, non-profit trade association

• Montpelier, VT (Green Mt. state; # 3 nationally for skier visits)

• Members - 20 Alpine resorts; 39 Nordic

• Serves membership in:

– Government Affairs

– Public Affairs

– Marketing

Vision for Winter ActivitySIA and VSAA

• Find ways to connect children and families via snow sports

• Offer innovative, affordable and accessible options

• Increase physical activity in winter

What We Will Cover

• How to Build a Snowshoe Program

• Anatomy of Snowshoes - Plus

• Available Resources

• Hands-On Experience

• Snow Sports - fun For everyone

• Get Outside – with family & friends

• Great Exercise - all snow sports

Snowshoeing 101

Modern snowshoes – Get the FACTs

Flotation – a function of a snowshoe’s size and surface area, user weight (w/gear) and snow conditions

Articulation – allows the snowshoe to rotate freely and naturally in an efficient manner

Control – patented binding systems now designed for men, women and children to optimize stability

Traction – ball of foot and heel crampons grip the surface and prevent sliding, slipping on packed trails and steep slopes

Snowshoeing 101

Tips for Choosing the Right Snowshoes

– Smaller sizes generally improve, ease of use, maneuverability in packed snow, on broken trails

– Round, western style enhance stability, balance

– Bindings with molded base and/or sides generally provide more control and stability; webbing straps custom fit a wide variety of boot styles and sizes

– Crampons - located under the toe and heel assure optimal penetration when ‘loaded’ by the user’s weight

– Aluminum and/or molded snowshoes require no maintenance; wood snowshoes should be annually varnished to protect lacing and treat wood.

Snowshoeing 101

Tips for Choosing the Right Snowshoes– Snowshoe sizing guidelines

• 7” x 18” – up to 50 lbs.• 7” x 19” – 40-90 lbs.• 8” x 21” – 80-120 lbs.• 8” x 25” – 120-200 lbs.• 9” x 30” – 170-250 lbs.• 10” x 36” – 220-300 lbs.

Note: heavier people on smaller sized snowshoes will not result in breakage of the ‘shoes – just more “sink”

Energy Expenditure Snowshoeing and Other Activities

Activity Speed Snow Condition Terrain Energy Cost

Snowshoeing 2.4 mph Packed snow Flat Trail 420 cal/hr

Snowshoeing 3.0 mph Packed snow Flat Trail 510 cal/hr

Snowshoeing 3.5 mph Packed snow Flat Trail 740 cal/hr

Snowshoeing 3.3 mph Powder snow Flat Trail 744-984 cal/hr

Snowshoeing 2.9 mph Powder snow Hilly 744-1046 cal/hr

Walking 3.0 mph N/A Flat 335 cal/hr

Running 5.2 mph N/A Flat 570 cal/hr

Running 7.5 mph N/A Flat 890 cal/hr

Cross Country Skiing 3.5 mph Packed snow Flat Trail 600 cal/hr

Industry Challenge - Conversion

• Only 15% of First Timers Become Life Timers

– Model for Growth NSAA

– Model for Success SIA

Winter Feels Good

Public Awareness Campaign – “celebrates” the health, fitness and social benefits of snow sports

“Official” Launch –

September, 2003 in D.C.

Snowshoe Pilot Program –

Fairfax County Public Schools

Snowshoe Pilot Program Fairfax County Public Schools - 2004

• 13th largest school system in U.S.

• Introduced snowshoeing to K-12 physical education teacher in-service

• Teachers requested to apply

• Partnership with SIA, Tubbs, other snowshoe companies

• George Mason University – Head of PE Dept. prepared snowshoe curriculum outline

Incentives for Snowshoeing

• Exercise OUTDOORS in winter

• Activity for ALL skill levels

• New curriculum Idea – creative and innovative

• Students, staff and families appreciated new type of exercise

• Snow not required

In Service Training

Great Falls ElementaryGreat, Falls, VA

Snowshoe Program

5th and 6th Grade

- Combines indoor and outdoor activity

- Engages parents & staff

- Involves outside resources

Lesson Plans– where it all begins

• Multi Unit

• Developed by Jeannie Trautman

• Adhere to NASPE and VA standards

• Flexible

• On-line at winterfeelsgood.com

• FREE

Lesson Plan Samples

Getting Started

Equipment

Storage

Distribution

Equipment

Snowshoe Brands

– Tubbs

– Atlas

– Mountain Safety Research (MSR)

– Yukon Charlie

– Whitewoods

Storage When Not in Use

Organization

Student Assistance - Indoors

Distribution – indoors or outdoors

Warm Up Activity

Introduction to Snowshoeing

Terminology, etc.

– Folders

– Note pages

– Vocabulary

– Games

– Assessment

Folders for Tracking Information

Vocabulary

Enrichment to Snowshoeing

Winter safety rules

Enrichment to Snowshoeing

• How to dress for winter activity

– Wicking layer

– Insulating layer

– Protective layer

• Gore-Tex demonstration

Enrichment : Gore–Tex learning activity

Enrichment to Snowshoeing

Visit from a local weatherman

Computer Lab Session

….more from the Lab

Class Management

• Caring for snowshoes– with snow– without snow

• Putting snowshoes on

• Replacing snowshoes at end of lesson

Student Assistance – outdoors

Outdoor Games - Amoeba Tag

Outdoor Games - Circle Relay

No Snow Snowshoeing

Outdoor Games - Snowball Throw

Post - Cleaning/Organization

Snow Fun – The “Real Thing”

U.S. Fitness FestivalPresident’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Award – Jeannie Trautman

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

10. Snowshoeing is high impact.

Snowshoeing results in less impact than road running. Snow adsorbs impact, giving joints a rest. Many summer athletes use snowshoes to recover and/or maintain fitness levels in winter months.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

9. Snowshoeing builds too much muscle; it will make me gain weight.

Snowshoeing provides an amazing aerobic workout to burn fat and build strength and fitness.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

8. It’s too cold to exercise outdoors in the winter.

Your body generates a great deal of heat when you snowshoe. If it’s not too cold to go outside, it’s not too cold to snowshoe for a terrific workout and a welcome dose of fresh air.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

7. Snowshoeing requires special terrain and facilities.

Snowshoeing isn’t confined to an established trail system. If there are several inches of snow on the ground you can snowshoe on school track and field, community park, golf course or backyard.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

6. Snowshoeing is only for runners.

Snowshoeing is fun and effective for all types of athletes, including runners, walkers, hikers and cyclists as well as team sport participants.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

5. Snowshoe only works your lower body.

Add poles and head for hilly terrain. In addition to an unbeatable lower body workout, you’ll increase both upper body strength and endurance.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

4. Snowshoeing won’t keep students in shape.

Students of all ages will be in better shape. Snowshoeing provides superior aerobic benefits, plus adds strength training, all in one workout. The resistance provided by the ‘shoes and snow will actually help build on students’ current fitness levels.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

3. Cross country skiing is a better winter alternative.

Skis, poles, and equipment maintenance add time and complexity to a fitness routine and program. Skiing is often confined to certain terrain and conditions. All you need for snowshoeing is snow – about 6-8”.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

2. Snowshoeing throws off your natural stride.

Modern snowshoes are ergonomically designed to work with a natural stride and improve efficiency and strength.

Top 10 Snowshoeing Fitness Myths

1. Snowshoeing Requires Special Skills.

Anyone can snowshoe. No awkward learning curve, no tenuous equipment upkeep. Step in and go.

Resources for YOU!

• Industry Programs

– Winter Kids

– Winter Fit

– Winter Wildlands Alliance

– Passport Programs/State Programs

– Winter Trails®/Learn-A-Snow Sport Month

Winter Feels Good - a One Stop Shop

Ski Vermont 5th Grade Passport Program

• Introduces 5th graders to alpine and cross country skiing and snowboarding at VT Alpine/Nordic resorts

• $10 “processing fee” = (3) FREE lift tickets/trail passes each at 19 alpine resorts/22 Nordic areas

• Nearly 2000 tickets redeemed

• Students averaged 5-10 days on slopes with group of at least 4 ppl; 7% of students in a group larger than 7 ppl.

• 72% skied or snowboarded more this year vs. last

• 4% of the participants were first time skiers/riders

Ski Vermont Fifth Grade Passport“What a GREAT program!!!! Thank you for the great organization and promotion. We had so much fun skiing as a family along with other families that also benefited from the program. Our entire experience was nothing but exceptional customer service at the Ski Vermont Office, the mountains and by Kombi....exceeding our expectations and living up to the quality product and service that Vermont is known to provide with great pride. Always a fan and see you next season!” - The Johnson's of Granville, MA

“We leased gear; that cost more than we felt we could afford but the passport brought father and only son together which is priceless. We got to Killington, Sugarbush, Bolton, Stowe, and Smugglers’. We plan to go to Jay and Pico next season in addition. Thank you!” - Monroe Moore

Ski Vermont VP of Winter FunFifth Grade Ambassadors for Snowsports

Ski Vermont Nordic Quest

On this Nordic adventure you’ll ski and hunt for letters. If you solve our-puzzle then you’ll find our treasure! Leave the Center behind you, heading uphill on your skis. As you climb, look left to see Chittenden Reservoir with ease. Did you know that this land we ski was once a turnip farm? Transformed into a year-round resort with lots of charm? Ski up this meadow all the way to the tippy-top. Bear left until you arrive at Mr. Wolfe’s resting spot. Mr. Wolfe is the man who worked to build this resort To create a place for this cross country winter sport.

An Excerpt from Mountain Top Inn’s Nordic Quest:

One of Bolton Valley’s Nordic Quest Maps.

Adventure. History. Art. Geography.Fitness. Riddles and a Scavenger Hunt.

Winter Trails® Day FREE Snowshoeing and/or Cross Country Skiing

• Annual Event – Saturday Before MLK

• Organized by SIA with CCSAA and AHS

• 70+ Locations – Alpine Resorts, Nordic Centers, NPS, USFS

• Supplier/Retailer Support

• wintertrails.org

Winter Trails® Day is…..

• Family/Friend Oriented

• A “gateway” to snow sports – easy to learn/non-threatening

• Attracts wide range – young children to older adults (2-72)

• Promoted via media, schools, scout troops, community & youth groups

Liberty Mountain, PA

President’s Challenge Clinic

Learn a Snow Sport Month

Learn A Snow Sport Month

• “National” in Scope • Resorts in 22 States • Affordable Learning Programs• Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding • Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing• Started in 2009• Annual Event

Winter Feels Good

• Addresses Winter inactivity/proficiency

• Offers Resources

• Focuses on Adult Providers of Recreation Programs

• FOR YOUTH

WinterFeelsGood.com

Educators/Recreation Professionals Tab

• Lessons

• Photos

• Resources

• Grant info

• Links

• Winter Trails®

Product Accessibility

Suggestions from the Field

Learning Modules: On-line & CD

Distribution:4K - resorts

450 - PSIA/AASI

1K - schools & community groups

Retailers/Suppliers

Snow Monsters

Applications K-12

How To Dress Module

Lesson Enhancement

Exercise /Warm-up Module

Quizzables – Fun Tests

E-Newsletters – 3X Winter

Brochures

Baltimore AAHPERD

SLC AAHPERD Demo

WFG Leadership Club - NEW

• Recognize Leaders

• Share Best Practices/Learn New Ideas

• Develop Better Communication

• Create Community - Snow Sports Industry and Physical Activity/Education World

WFG Leadership Club

“Get Out” Winter Conference

“Get Out” Winter Conference

• Developed by AAPAR

• Gunstock/Margate Resorts – Laconia, NH

• December 3-5, 2009

• All Aspects of Incorporating Snow Sports in PE and Recreation Programs

• PE/PA instructors; recreation professionals; snow sports instructors and other industry representatives

• WFG – Black Diamond Sponsor

SnowshoeingCuring Winter InactivitySnow or No Snow

Mary Jo Tarallo Director of Education SnowSports Industries America mjtarallo@snowsports.org

Kathy Murphy Director of Marketing Vermont Ski Areas Association kathy@skivermont.com

www.winterfeelsgood.com/aahperd2009.zip