HEADLINES

• COLD IS COOL -- 4th and 5th Graders Ski ALL WINTER LONG with our App!
• WHAT'S NEW AT BOYNE MOUNTAIN FOR 2022/23
• SCOTT'S SKIERS HONORS STILLINGS
• what's new at the highlands for 2022/23
• U.S. SKI AND SNOWBOARD HALL OF FAME AWARDED GRANTS
• BOYNE HIGHLANDS TO INSTALL FIRST SIX-PERSON CHAIRLIFT IN THE MIDWEST
• BOYNE MOUNTAIN TO REPLACE TWO MORE LIFTS IN 2023
• MICHIGAN'S BIG SNOW RESORT SOLD
• ONE-PIECE NORDIC WALKING POLES

COLD IS COOL -- 4th and 5th Graders Ski ALL WINTER LONG with our App!

MSIA Cold is Cool Passport allows Fourth and Fifth Graders to Ski All Winter Long in Michigan! Families can obtain a Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport App for their 4th and/or 5th graders that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 29 participating ski areas, plus additional discounts on the slopes and in Michigan ski shops. MSIA charges $30 for the passport; $25 covers operating expenses and $5 goes to MIsnow, a new charitable organization that helps get underprivileged kids out on our slopes & trails in the winter.  MIsnow also works to preserve the strong cultural past of Michigan skiing and protect its future with sustainability education.

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, Cold is Cool Passport also includes a coupon for 20% off a helmet purchase and $20 off the purchase of $100 at participating ski shops across the state. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons.

The Passport is an app to download on your phone, making it contactless at the lift ticket window.

Once the application is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download the app.

To get a lift ticket, you will bring your child and your phone (or other device that you have loaded the app on) to the ski area. Show the offer you want to redeem to the ticket attendant and press the redeem button to receive your child’s lift ticket or other offer in the Cold is Cool App.  It’s that simple!

CHECK YOUR PASSPORT APP FOR EXCLUSION DATES AND THE SKI AREA’S WEBSITE before heading to the slopes.  Know before you go!

You can also show proof of grade at a participating ski shop and gain instant access to the Cold is Cool App. No need to wait for MSIA’s approval or upload proof of grade!

Register now and get more information...

WHAT'S NEW AT BOYNE MOUNTAIN FOR 2022/23

Here’s a look at new highlights for the winter season!

The Midwest's First D-Line, Eight-Passenger Chairlift. Among the biggest and most exciting news for skiers and snowboarders is Disciples 8, aka D8, the Midwest’s first Doppelmayr D-Line, high-speed, eight-person chairlift opening this winter.  This mega new lift brings the latest in lift evolution and technology, and is revolutionizing access to the Disciples Ridge area with a super speedy 3-minute ride to the top, plus a slew of other features like auto-locking safety bars, a child-friendly rising loading carpet, and whisper quiet ride.  D8 is the latest in a list of firsts for the resort already known for introducing the world’s first four-place in 1964, and opening America’s first high-speed six-person chairlift in 1992.  Disciples 8 is targeting a December 16 opening.

Expanded Night Skiing

With the addition of D8, Boyne Mountain has added lights and is expanding night skiing terrain to include the Disciples Ridge area.  The new terrain adds 30 acres and increases total acreage by 25% to a total of 165 acres of night skiing terrain.  The resort offers night skiing tickets, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with expanded hours during the holidays.  There’s also an all-ages season pass dedicated to night skiing called Under The Lights for $299.  

On The Slopes

Boyne Mountain has added 53 new low-energy HKD Impulse tower guns featuring patented Variable Airflow Technology to deliver top quality snow at higher temperatures, and big production with minimal air consumption.  The resort has also laid 20,000 feet of water and air snowmaking pipe increasing capacity for the season.

SkyBridge Michigan

Opening to rave reviews this past fall, SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, can also be experienced this winter season.  In addition to taking in the sights of the snowy landscape, the winter season also adds the thrill of seeing skiers and snowboarders swooshing down the slopes under the bridge as well as doing tricks in the nearby terrain park.  Upon crossing the bridge, fire pits and a food trailer offer the chance to extend the experience.  The Hemlock chairlift will exclusively serve pedestrian foot traffic heading to the bridge with pricing available for adults, seniors, and juniors (kids ages two and under are free).  Lodging guests of Boyne Mountain Resort can save 10% off tickets, and skiers and passholders have the option to auto-charge SkyBridge Michigan access for just $10 per ticket anytime they are on the slopes. SkyBridge Michigan tickets are RFID compatible, and guests can load or reload a Go Card, the same media used for resort lift tickets, for direct-to-bridge access. 

Fly-In Service With Airport Enhancements

Boyne Mountain offers one of the most unique ways to access a Michigan ski resort – by private jet.  Guests with private plane access can fly straight to the slopes, saving time and providing added convenience with a 5,200-foot runway.  The resort has invested in a number of enhancements to make the fly-in / fly-out experience soar. The runway has been striped, grooved, and repaved, and lights have been upgraded.  The airport also offers tie-down space and Jet A and 100LL fueling.  

In Other News

WIth the widespread use of digital payment, Boyne Mountain Resort is moving to a cashless resort for the winter season.  The Adventure Center is adding a guided MoonBike offering.  New fans have been installed in Avalanche Bay to improve upon heating efficiencies and consistency throughout the park zones.  And new music, lighting, and theme nights are enhancing the experience in the Tubing Park this winter.

For lodging reservations, lift tickets, passes, and more, visit boynemountain.com or call 866.759.1472. 

SCOTT'S SKIERS HONORS STILLINGS

Scott’s Skiers is a fund established in the memory of Scott Stillings, who was a local fixture for decades as, among many other things, the longtime owner of the Nub’s Nob Winter Sports School. This program was established to fund ski outings for disadvantaged school groups. Scott’s Skiers is not a non-profit or charity. It is funded through private gifts, notably proceeds from the sale of 33 Shades of Grey Matter, a collection of articles by Brad Miller, Scott’s successor as Director of the Winter Sports School. If you would like to apply for funding for your school group, please contact --  https://www.nubsnob.com/scotts-skiers/.

WHAT'S NEW AT THE HIGHLANDS FOR 2022/23

The winter season offers plenty of new highlights including 66 HKD Impulse snowmaking guns, a new Sunkid Covered Conveyor, expanded children’s youth instruction programs, a women’s clinic, and pop-up Italian restaurant.

66 New HKD Impulse Tower Guns

The HKD Impulse is a low energy, high performance workhorse.  Featuring patented Variable Airflow Technology to deliver top quality snow at higher temperatures, and big production with minimal air consumption at cold temperatures. The new tower guns are gracing the slopes of Lois Lane, Floradora, The Couloir, Black Diamond Glade, Amy’s, and Amy’s Escape, allowing for earlier opening of some terrain, and more convenient snowmaking access on others.  Five HKD Impulse snowmakers are sled mounted allowing for increased mobility and placement around the slopes.

New Sunkid Covered Conveyor

For beginners and those returning to skiing and snowboarding, a new 300’ Sunkid Covered Conveyor is replacing the Wonder Carpet on North Camelot.  Features include an enclosed tunnel called a Gallery that protects from the elements while progressing up the slopes and a wider conveyor track.  The Sunkid has been named Renate’s Express in honor of beloved SnowSports Academy instructor, Renate Schan, who retired last winter, and shared her passion and love for skiing with children throughout her 34 years teaching at The Highlands.

Children’s Ski & Snowboard Programs

The Highlands’ SnowSports Academy is excited to expand youth group lessons for ages 4 to 12 who are first time, beginner, and intermediate skiers and riders.  Parents can enroll children in either a morning session, or all-day program including both a morning and afternoon session with a break for lunch.  Lessons start at $79 for the morning session, or $107 for the all-day program.  For the littlest member of the family, The Highlands is introducing Small Fry Try, a private lesson specially designed for first-time three- and four-year olds.  This one-on-one session provides 45-minutes of focus on fun and safety to make the first experience on snow extra special.  Small Fry Try lessons are $55.  Reservations are required.

The Highlands’ Adventure Series for Women

Experience the latest in contemporary coaching with The Highlands’ Adventure Series for Women! This women’s ski clinic featuring special guest coach, Heidi Ettlinger of PSIA, takes place January 28-29, 2023 and pairs one- or two-day days of skiing with indoor presentations to create the ultimate ski enhancement program.  Coached by women who value camaraderie over competition, this clinic offers a comfortable setting to energize skiing skills and future adventures.  Ettlinger is a two-term PSIA National Alpine Team Alumna with over twenty years of national and international expertise producing training opportunities for women in snowsports.  The two-day clinic is $368; one-day program is $199.  

Bella Sopresa

A new pop-up Italian dining experience is opening for guests of the resort and public this winter inside the Country Club of Boyne.  Featuring cozy charm and home-cooked meals, Bella Sopresa, meaning beautiful surprise, will offer antipasti, entrees, and specialty pastas, along with daily food and wine features.  Embracing the Italian meal as a ritual, gathering together food, wine, and family, Bella Sopresa is a mix of classic, Italian recipes and exciting modern dishes.  Diners are welcomed to a true experience, complete with an aperitif and digestif.  Shuttle service is available for resort lodging guests, and reservations can be made online via OpenTable.  Bella Sopresa will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, beginning December 14 through early March from 5 to 9 p.m. 

For the latest on snow conditions, live web cams, lodging reservations, lift tickets, and more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com or call 888.436.2296.

U.S. SKI AND SNOWBOARD HALL OF FAME AWARDED GRANTS

The U.S Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame has been awarded two grants!  On September 19th, our organization was awarded two grants totaling $73,500 from the State of Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as The National Endowment for the Arts to be used for operational costs and the repair of the roof on our Ski Hall Museum. The grant was awarded through the MACC peer review process and was one of 639 applications to compete for MACC fiscal year 2023 funding. 

Organizations receiving a MACC grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars. 

BOYNE HIGHLANDS TO INSTALL FIRST SIX-PERSON CHAIRLIFT IN THE MIDWEST

HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. (September 20, 2022) – The Highlands located in Harbor Springs in northern Michigan, today announced plans to install a six-person, high-speed Doppelmayr D-Line bubble chairlift to open for the 2023/24 winter season.  This is the first lift of its kind in the Midwest. 

“We’re coming full circle in lift innovation from the world’s first bubble chairlift in 1963, to the Midwest’s first modern bubble lift with unrivaled guest comfort, speed, energy efficiency, and safety in 2023,” said Mike Chumbler, president and general manager of The Highlands.  “This will be the most kid-friendly and safest lift ever built,” he added.  “The addition of Camelot 6 will transform the guest experience on the southern end of our slopes for all levels of skiers and riders.”

Riders will be treated to ultra-comfort with the D-Line’s heated, extra wide seats that are ergonomically designed, plus individual footrests.  A tinted, weatherproof bubble keeps passengers warm and protected from elements while being whisked on a whisper-quiet three-minute ride up the slopes, the fastest in the Midwest at 6m/s.

Equipped with the most advanced safety features in North America, Camelot 6 features the first fully automatic safety bar system in the U.S., including auto closing and auto opening mechanisms, in addition to auto locking and a height-adjustable loading carpet conveyor.

Camelot 6 is replacing three existing triple-place lifts – Camelot, Valley, and MacGully – and will extend to the top of Upper Camelot slope.  This new D-Line six-person bubble chairlift allows for quicker access to a variety of scenic and popular terrain, more convenient access for day and evening visitors with its proximity to the resort’s Day Lodge portal, and will also serve as the primary lift for summer chairlift rides and expanding mountain biking operations. The Camelot run itself will also be extensively regraded to allow progressing beginners to confidently utilize this transformative lift.

Construction and dismantling is expected to begin in spring 2023. 

Camelot 6 is one of a number of significant investments outlined in The Highlands’ Transformational Journey, a vision plan guiding resort growth with an array of dramatic new offerings and amenity enhancements through the year 2030. For additional information on Camelot 6 and the 2030 Transformational Journey, visit highlandsfuture.com.

BOYNE MOUNTAIN TO REPLACE TWO MORE LIFTS IN 2023

BOYNE FALLS, Mich. (December 14, 2022) – Boyne Mountain Resort today announced plans to replace two more chairlifts in 2023 - Boyneland and Superbowl – creating the most modern lift infrastructure in the Midwest.  The announcements come on the heels of several significant investments at the resort, including the highly anticipated Disciples 8 lift, all part of Renaissance 2.0, an impressive resort growth plan guiding guest enhancements through the year 2030.

Boyneland, a triple located in the resort’s beginner area, is being replaced with a four-person Dopplemayr fixed grip chairlift that will expand capacity and transport riders in nearly half the current ride time – under four minutes.  The new lift is being realigned for easier access within the base area starting about 120-feet uphill of the current Waffle Cabin location and unloading with a smoother turn to access the Boyneland slope.  Once open, the new lift will become the gateway to the Disciples 8 lift, providing the quickest and most convenient route to all of the family-friendly terrain within the Disciples Ridge area.  The new lift also features a child- and adaptive-friendly height-adjustable loading carpet, and increased load time, helpful for kids and beginners, and providing a more continuous ride for all passengers.

The Superbowl lift, servicing expert-rated terrain on the south end of the slopes, is being replaced with a three-person Dopplemayr fixed grip chairlift – the fastest in the Midwest at 2.5m/s - for more fun-filled laps in this popular area.  The new lift offers a loading carpet, and is being shifted downward to provide easier loading access and additional space at the top for an improved unloading experience.  

For more information on future Renaissance 2.0 resort plans, visit 2030.boynemountain.com.

MICHIGAN'S BIG SNOW RESORT SOLD

Owner of Lutsen Mountains & Granite Peak to Purchase Michigan’s Big Snow Resort

Charles Skinner to acquire the largest ski area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  

Lutsen, MN, and Wausau, WI (May 25, 2022) – Charles Skinner, the owner of Minnesota’s Lutsen Mountains Ski Area and Wisconsin’s Granite Peak Ski Area, has a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Big Snow Resort, which consists of Indianhead and Blackjack ski areas, from Art Dumke. Skinner’s family has owned and operated vacation destination ski areas catering to Midwest families for 60 years.

All the resorts in the Skinner ownership portfolio are accessible to Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and Minneapolis/St. Paul markets, offering customers outstanding affordability and the luxury of travel flexibility.

Big Snow Resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, known as “Big Snow Country,” so named thanks to the lake effect snowfall of Lake Superior, delivering 200-inch averages annually. Indianhead was the first ski resort built in this region of Michigan, while Blackjack is the most recent ski area built in 1977.

“We are thrilled that these two historical, Upper Michigan ski areas, known for their prodigious powder snow, will be joining our legendary family of resorts in Minnesota and Wisconsin,” stated Charles Skinner. “The current owner and his excellent staff have done a terrific job honoring the legacy of Indianhead and Blackjack and combining them into the largest ski area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We intend to build upon this work by investing in new lifts, snowmaking and base area infrastructure at Big Snow soon.”

Big Snow will join the tradition of its sister resorts providing Midwest families with diverse and high-quality alpine ski vacations in some of the most picturesque areas in the Midwest.

“I would first like to say how grateful we are to the many awesome employees, skiers, and community members who we’ve had the privilege of serving and working with the past many years,” stated Art Dumke, owner of Big Snow Resorts. “I’m also pleased that the new ownership has so much expertise in operating premium Midwest ski areas and is vested in improving the ski area for skiers, employees, and the community.”

“We’re committed to providing Midwest families with great destinations close to home that offer the best snow, great customer service, and fast, modern ski lifts,” added Charlotte Skinner, VP of Finance and Resource Management. “We are planning major investments at Big Snow that we know everyone will be very excited about when details are announced later this summer.”

The Skinner Family plans to retain all Big Snow Resort’s current employees. “Art has told us great things about the current staff, and we look forward to working with the entire team on this exciting new chapter for this legendary resort,” explained Charlotte Skinner.  “The current management team will enjoy support from our management teams at Lutsen and Granite Peak, and our goal is always to be the best employer in the region.”

“This transaction will strengthen all three areas. We will continue our pace of investments at both Lutsen and Granite Peak,” emphasized Charles Skinner.  “At Lutsen, we are pleased to announce that we will be installing a new, high-speed, 6-place chairlift from Leitner Poma on Eagle Mountain next summer to replace the ‘Bridge Lift.’ This summer, major investments are also taking place in snowmaking and a host of building improvements at both Lutsen and Granite Peak.”

BOYNE HIGHLANDS ANNOUNCES FUTURE PLANS

Boyne Highlands Resort Announces its 2030 Transformational Journey

Unveils Brand Refresh - The Highlands at Harbor Springs

HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. (December 13, 2021) – Back in the early 1960s, when founder Everett Kircher first set his eyes on the defunct Harbor Highlands ski area known today as Boyne Highlands, he knew it was a special place worthy of a grand vision.  His dream was for a large year-round resort with all the accompaniments.  Kircher got to work creating a place with attention to detail worthy of Walt Disney himself and an escape from the everyday with the charm of northern hospitality and the thrills of the Midwest’s best skiing, Lower Michigan’s highest vertical drop, and the world’s first triple chairlifts.  In those early years, Kircher would settle for nothing less than the best skiing experience, golf course design, elevated dining, and accommodations.

Now the resort’s leadership team is reinvigorating this original vision of four-season grandeur with enrichments for the twenty-first century guest with an array of dramatic new enhancements to the resort’s amenities.   

Resort President and General Manager, Mike Chumbler, announced the resort’s impassioned 2030 Transformational Journey at a recent unveiling event, and laid out a series of projects defined under first steps, and short-, mid-, and long-term plans.

Among the first steps is the momentous rollout of a brand refresh with new name and logo design for the state’s largest ski resort. The beloved and commonly used moniker, The Highlands, was chosen to strengthen the resort’s individualized identity and a modifier of ‘At Harbor Springs’ to fortify its community connection.  

“This is a historic and monumental day in our resort’s history as Boyne Highlands becomes The Highlands and builds on our amazing foundation and embarks on this next chapter,” said Chumbler.

“We’re are also part of an extraordinary community, and we’re proud to showcase that in our new brand,” he added.

“The investments in the coming decade will assuredly set The Highlands apart in the Midwest and lure more widespread visitation to the resort and region throughout the year.”  

In mapping for the resort’s future, five pillars were identified to guide the Journey - distinction in hospitality, an environment of wellbeing, four-season innovation, community partnership, and a sustainable focus.

The resort has already completed a number of additional first steps throughout 2021, including opening northern Michigan’s only Trackman Range, a 30-bay set-up that enables golfers to practice distance control, shot-shaping and more using tour-proven swing and ball-flight tracking, analysis, and entertainment technology; as well as 87 new refined and elegant Main Lodge accommodations; RFID technology; continued snowmaking investments and advancements; and the makeover of Donald Ross Memorial’s Hole No. 1 to a very accurate facsimile of the famed No. 6 hole at Seminole Golf Club in Florida.  

Future Project Highlights Include:

The Main Lodge Elevation Continues -- Future phases of the hotel currently known as the Main Lodge will continue making over every aspect of the iconic slopeside hotel, including the modernization of additional guest rooms and the hotel’s Tower lobbies.  Plans also call for the addition of a uniquely European-inspired multi-level experiential spa and pool complex with indoor and outdoor elements connecting to the natural landscape; a refashioning of the lobby with expanded reception area and bar; expanded Café providing curated on-the-go food and drink refreshments, plus retail; gaming room featuring golf simulator, bowling alley, and arcade games; and a farm-to-table signature restaurant.

Enriched Culinary Experiences -- Several new culinary destinations are outlined in the Journey including a new restaurant situated idyllically between The Heather golf course and the Main Lodge.  The yet to be named restaurant features traditional English countryside architecture melded with modern style, and will serve a fusion of steakhouse and Asian in an environment designed to bring people together.  Also included is Slope 63, an après venue reimaged in the Day Lodge, and a Speakeasy, harkening to the bygone era of northern Michigan’s infamous clubs.

Latest in Lift and Snowmaking Technology -- Building on the legacy of innovations at The Highlands, major lift upgrades and continued snowmaking enhancements will be pivotal throughout the 2030 Journey.   The first lift priority will be a substantial upgrade to the southern end of the slopes and upgrading the day skier portal experience. 

Additional projects included in the full plan include a new Discovery Center arrival experience, the continued reinvention of the Donald Ross Memorial, a new short course located behind the Main Lodge, expanded hiking and biking trail systems, state-of-the-art conference center, and an equestrian facility.

“As we carry out our Transformational Journey, The Highlands will rise once again to become the Grande Dame of Midwest resorts with a nurtured sense of charm and place, elevated guest services, and four-seasons of curated experiences, all with an enduring commitment to protecting our environment,” said Stephen Kircher, president and CEO of Boyne Resorts.

For more details on the 2030 Transformational Journey, visit highlandsfuture.com.  For additional resort information, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.

ONE-PIECE NORDIC WALKING POLES by Pete Edwards

One-Piece Nordic Walking Poles Radically Improve Balance, Stability, And Gait -- NO Longer Just For Athletes, Backpackers & Expert Skiers Deprived Of Snow!

Over 12 million Europeans are walking with special Nordic Ski Walking Poles (ALL ages and ALL fitness levels). This amazing new fitness activity turbocharges the typical walking regimen. Nordic Walking burns up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Using the correct length poles automatically improves walking posture. The correct length poles trick us into standing taller and help to radically reduce the stress to the shins, knees, hips, and back. Nordic Walking is ideal for athletes, kids, adults of all ages, and even folks with balance issues.

Every day, here at SKIWALKING.COM LLC and The American Nordic Walking System, we receive thank you emails and wonderful reviews from happy customers - including folks with bad/new knees, bad/new hips, back problems, balance, and other issues. One of our first customers asked if our walking poles would help improve her balance problems stemming from an inner ear issue. At the time, I wasn’t sure, but I did share with her several impressive success stories from individuals with knee, hip and/or back problems. By using the correct length poles, she was able to navigate even the roughest terrain with balance and security provided by the poles. She has been successfully using our Swix VIP Nordic Walking Poles for years now.

Nordic Walking’s winning combination of improved posture, and unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action and shock absorbing benefits - helping many individuals to walk comfortably again. Nordic Walking Poles are helping individuals with balance issues, knee issues, hip issues, back issues (including those with rods in their back), weight issues, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),  diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, post polio, osteoporosis, stroke recovery, cancer recovery and other limitations to walking. Nordic Walking poles are helping thousands of Americans get off the couch, successfully get outside, start walking safely, and effectively launch much-needed walking campaigns.

While hosting Nordic Walking at The Fitness Center in Traverse City, Michigan, I was introduced to Michelle Honer. Michelle had signed up to participate in one of my Ski Walking Classes. When she walked up the handicap ramp prior to the class with her cane, it was apparent that she had some balance issues. Michelle informed her classmates that she had MS. Our 1st Ski Walk was only a few blocks down and back. Within several weeks we were covering about 2 miles in one hour.

For seven prior years, Michelle had ridden an electric scooter in the Traverse City MS Walk. Michelle’s Nordic Walking Poles helped to enable her to walk the 5K (3.1 miles). Local newspapers and TV stations have covered her remarkable story.

"My special Nordic Walking poles have allowed me to walk taller, faster, further and with much more stability than with my cane. Their one-piece design is so much better than my old adjustable poles that broke unexpectedly at an extremely inconvenient time," says Michelle.

Michelle became an official Ski Walking Ambassador for SKIWALKING.COM and proudly wore her Ski Walking Shirt made of organic cotton while assisting at many of my Nordic Walking Clinics. Michelle’s success with the walking poles encouraged me to host free Nordic Walking Clinics at MS Support Group meetings. She suggested that I also contact the Jimmie Heuga Center in Colorado. The Heuga Center is dedicated to helping those with MS lead healthier and happier lives.

A few summers back we hosted free Nordic Walking Clinics and donated our SWIX Nordic Walking Poles to Wounded Warriors at Fort Carson in Colorado. Many of these American heroes came to our clinics using canes and walkers. One Wounded Warrior had just been released from his wheelchair. ALL found that using the correct length poles really did radically improve balance, stability, and gait. Our one-piece poles are much more stable then collapsible poles. 32 different lengths ensure a perfect fit.

We receive thank you letters and emails every day from super happy customers. Here are a couple of wonderful examples:

I just returned from a 14-day trip to London and Ireland. I was able to do almost everything using my walking poles or "walking sticks" as they call them in England and Ireland. I could not have considered this trip without my "walking sticks," and I am grateful for them. I hope all Parkinson's patients will be able to make use of "walking sticks."

Again, thanks for making my once in a lifetime adventure a reality.

Jean

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We've been Ski Walking every day, and I am truly amazed watching Linda with her new walking poles. If I didn't know that Linda had MS and the related gate problems that most MS patients have, I would not have believed it! She walks "normal" whatever that is? Your poles are great!

Howard

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My husband bought me your poles for my birthday last week. I LOVE them. I have MS and walk with a slight limp, and my balance is off sometimes. I am now walking in the park at a brisk walk every day for about 1 1/2 miles. Thank you so much. They make a big difference in my walking. I told him they are the best birthday present he has ever bought me. Thanks again.

Peggy

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It may sound like magic, but it is just good physics. The key is using "perfect length" Nordic Walking Poles. The perfect length poles actually trick us into walking with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture, when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles, radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips, and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking. 

We recommend quality one-piece poles that won’t collapse unexpectedly. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles. Our one-piece poles are doctor recommended.  Adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles should NEVER be recommended to anyone with a balance issue. Hundreds of backpackers have tumbled when their telescoping poles unexpectedly collapsed, sometimes causing severe injuries. 

According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, the American Nordic Walking System and SKIWALKING.COM LLC's owner/found/coach, has single-handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his enthusiastic Nordic Walking clinics! I have no doubt that Edwards is the #1 retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA! You can quote me on that!"

For more information, pictures, info on how to get started, and how to buy – please contact:

The American Nordic Walking System 

Website: WWW.SKIWALKING.COM

Email: GETFIT@SKIWALKING.COM

Phone: 231-334-3080