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CRYSTAL ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION EXPANSION
COAL BURNING PLANT SHORTENS MICHIGAN'S SKI SEASON BY ONE WEEK
WILL SUGAR LOAF REOPEN?
SKI WALKING IS A GREAT WAY TO GET READY FOR SKI SEASON

For news about the Cold Is Cool program, Deals for Seniors, the Michigan Learn to Ski Program and more, click on the MSIA website:

Michigan Snowsports Industries Association

CRYSTAL ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION EXPANSION

THOMPSONVILLE, MICH. – Crystal Mountain is about to embark on a $10 million expansion that will include three new projects: a full-service destination spa, new slope-side residences named the Bungalows at Crystal Glen and Michigan’s only alpine slide. These three new projects represent the latest steps in Crystal Mountain’s master plan, Emergent Directions. Upon completion of the spa, Bungalows, and alpine slide, Crystal will have invested over $50 million in resort expansion and improvements in the last decade. “We are excited to undertake these new projects that will not only enhance our guests’ experience, but further sustain Crystal as a year-round destination resort,“ said Jim MacInnes, president and general manager of Crystal Mountain.

The Crystal Spa
The Crystal Spa, with construction scheduled to begin this spring and completion scheduled for winter 2008/09, will include a 13,000 square-foot expansion to Crystal’s existing indoor pool and fitness area. The project includes the addition of a full-service spa featuring 12 treatment rooms, private locker rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, and an outdoor meditation garden with a hot tub. The facility will also include indoor and outdoor motion studios for yoga, Pilates, stretching and aerobics classes as well as additional state-of-the-art fitness and weight training equipment. The Crystal Spa will be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified project that incorporates green building practices throughout. The design will celebrate the art and natural beauty of northern Michigan in a setting that encourages relaxation, renewal, and rejuvenation. This $4 million addition will position Crystal as the Midwest’s leading destination resort for the promotion of healthy lifestyles. An array of spa services, extensive fitness programming and healthy cuisine from Crystal’s Peak Performance menu will offer guests the opportunity to enhance their health and wellness.

The Bungalows at Crystal Glen
Crystal is now accepting purchase agreements for the first phase of its newest ski-in, ski-out residential neighborhood, The Bungalows at Crystal Glen. Design of these quaint three- and four-bedroom dwellings is influenced by early 1900s era Michigan vacation bungalows in an arts and crafts motif. Nestled in the heart of the resort village, at the base of the slopes and just steps away from Kinlochen and the Betsie Valley golf course, the Bungalows offer flexible summer, winter, and year-round ownership plans, and will also be available through Crystal’s vacation rental program.

Loki Alpine Slide
Crystal Mountain will add to its reputation as a premier year-round playground when it adds Michigan’s only alpine slide this summer. Riders will take the Loki triple chairlift to the top, hop on a sled, and cruise down one of two parallel 250-foot-high, 1,600-foot-long curved tracks. “From top to bottom, the rider controls the speed,” explains Jim MacInnes. “’Whether it be a slow and easy ride through the beautiful terrain or action-packed excitement through the dips and high-banked turns, it’s a ride that will delight people of all ages.” For more information visit Alpine Slide, LLC at: http://www.alpineslide.com/

Crystal Mountain officials have worked in partnership with the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation in packaging $1.1 million in local, state and federal non-traditional low-interest financing, the majority coming from Benzie County Economic Development Corporation’s Revolving Loan Fund. As a result of this expansion project, Crystal expects to create 32 new jobs. www.crystalmountain.com
 

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ENVIRONMENTALISTS CLAIM COAL BURNING PLANT SHORTENS MICHIGAN'S SKI SEASON BY ONE WEEK
Read the article in the Grand Rapids Press...Click Here.

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WILL SUGAR LOAF REOPEN?
The Traverse City Record Eagle is reporting that Sugar Loaf is being purchased and the new owner plans to reopen the ski hill... Read the article.

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SKI WALKING IS SUPERB FITNESS TREND FOR ALL
(From SkiWalking.com's Pete Edwards) -- Ski Walking really is the best. It may look kinda funny (cross-country skiing without the skis and without the snow), but the results speak for themselves. Hundreds of successful Ski Walking Clinics have been held all across the USA and the results have always been the same – all participants have been extremely surprised at just how easy, fun, low impact and yet highly effective Ski Walking really is.

World class cross-country skiers (the most aerobically fit athletes on the planet) have been seriously Ski Walking for years as a proven off-season cross trainer. And now Americans of all ages and athletic abilities have the opportunity to unlock the calorie burning and aerobic benefits of SKI WALKING.  The "VIP’s" (Very Important Poles) are Ski Walking Poles custom made in Lillihammer, Norway, exclusively for SKIWALKING.COM.

Ski Walking is the best! Have FUN! Here is some info about putting on the comfortable, patented straps + basic technique tips:

The Super Straps: Please note that your new straps are marked "left" and "right". There are three strap holes. The medium sized hole is the one to slide your entire hand into. The "Swix" logo and buckle should be on the top of the hand and the thumb in the thumb opening. These straps are patented and extremely comfortable. Keep the fingers loose! Don’t statically grip the poles – let the cool straps do the work.

* the little loop at the top of the pole is for adjusting to hand size and  providing a little extra room for gloves/mittens on cold days.

If the above pictures are not showing up on your computer screen please try the link below (some browsers refuse to cooperate). If your e-mail reader does not support linking, simply copy the link/web site
address below and paste it into your browser's address window.          
http://www.swixnordicwalking.us/images/tech/sr2000.jpg

The Basic Technique: Keep the poles angled back. Ski walking is not a hand above your heart type of exercise. Your hands and feet work opposite – when you lead with your right foot be sure to lead with your left hand (just like cross-country skiing). Keep your fingers loose and relaxed. The pole plant isn't out in front of you - it is only as far forward as the heel of the opposing foot (plant the right pole tip inline with the heel of your left foot). Let the fancy straps do the work – don’t statically grip to poles. As you become more comfortable start to "push" off a little after every pole plant – put the pressure on the strap.

This is how I introduce new Ski Walkers to SKI WALKING during my clinics/lessons:

1. With the Ski Walking Poles strapped on, the fingers super loose (don’t even grab the pole grips), the arms relaxed and down at your side and the poles angled back – start walking without even moving your arms, just let them hang. Just let the rubber pole tips drag along the ground.

* Try this for 50-100 feet

2. Now, start to gradually swing your arms just like you would while casually walking. Continue to let the rubber pole tips drag. Keep the fingers super loose. When your right foot comes forward so does your left hand.

* Try this for 50-100 feet

3. Fantastic! Keep those fingers really, really loose, poles angled back and now start to push back on the poles entirely by using the strap – don’t grip the pole, let your hands push down through the straps to help push and propel you along. You should feel the pushing starting to really work your arms.

* Take as much time as you need with this one - 100 feet or around the block?

4. Great! You are now ready to gently grip the poles (don’t statically squeeze the poles – keep the fingers loose) and stop dragging the rubber tips on the ground. The lead pole never goes further ahead than the opposing lead foot’s heel. And the poles are slightly angled back. The motion isn’t out in front (except for balance when negotiating a log, the curb, ice patch, steep downhill or something). Have FUN!

* You should be on auto-pilot! Keep up the good work! Please call or email with any questions, suggestions and/or comments.

How to get started

Start on easy, flat terrain. Thirty minutes of walking with poles is equivalent to fifty minutes of walking without poles. Keep a constant speed. You should be able to conduct a conversation while you walk. If you cannot hold a conversation, then you are walking too fast. The poles are also excellent tools for stretching. After a few weeks you will notice the difference – more relaxed muscles, better conditioning and better health. Do not limit your exercising to streets and sidewalks. Nordic Walking is suitable for all types of terrain – trails, beaches, fields and sand dunes. With the poles, you get good support and better balance on any terrain while also increasing the intensity of the exercise.

Toll Free: 877-SKI-WALK (877-754-9255), Email: getfit@skiwalking.com, Website: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Ski Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe!

Over 760,000 Finns are Ski Walking at least once a week - no snow and no skis required.

SKIWALKING.COM fitness poles are modified trekking poles with patented comfortable straps, durable carbide tips for off-road Ski Walking and removable natural rubber tips for use on hard surfaces (pavement). These fitness poles are custom made in Lillihammer, Norway.

Ski Walking burns up to 40% more calories than walking without poles. Ski Walking also reduces knee and joint strain. Ski Walking naturally loosens & strengthens the neck, back and shoulders.

Unlike walking, running and biking, Ski Walking works the arms, shoulder and abs.

Ski Walking with the correct length poles automatically improves walking posture, puts a bounce in your step and lengthens your stride. Utilizing the correct length pole and proper technique gently and naturally brings the walker’s hips forward and improves efficiency. Biomechanically this is all a good thing.

Cross-Country Skiing provides the ultimate aerobic workout. World class cross-country skiers have been seriously Ski Walking for years as a proven off season cross trainer. Ski Walking provides the same great workout without snow and with minimal equipment (comfortable shoes & Ski Walking fitness poles).

Ski Walking produces up to a 46% increase in energy consumption (Cooper Institute, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)

Ski Walking has been used at the University of Wisconsin in the rehabilitation of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). In the MI study, the oxygen uptake increased on average 21% compared to walking without poles.

A study conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst showed that using poles lets hikers lengthen their strides, put less strain on their knees, and generally feel more comfortable. The hikers studied did not expend less energy, but the increase in stability made long treks easier.

According to the Surgeon General, moderate and regular exercise, such as walking 3-5 times a week, for 20 to 30 minutes, is needed to maintain and improve health without increasing the risk of adverse effects, such as musculoskeletal injuries that may be associated with more vigorous exercise forms, such as jogging or running.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, increased physical activity can help prevent risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer.

According to the Physical Activity and Health Report by the Surgeon General, moderate regular exercise has been found to be associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, some forms of cancer, and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Ski Walking provides ALL the low impact benefits of walking, while reducing knee and joint strain, burning more calories, working the upper body, increasing oxygen consumption and providing a more effective aerobic workout.

World Headquarters: Glen Arbor, Michigan & Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, SKIWALKING.COM, getfit@skiwalking.com, 877-SKI WALK (754-9255),  For More Information Please Contact: Pete Edwards 231-334-3080.

 

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 Updated: 03/24/08