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Outdoor Tips

Plan a fall hike to get some great exercise while enjoying the changing of the leaves.
Fall is a time of change, as the season’s transition from summer into winter. This is a great time for you to plan a hike and to get outside to enjoy the beauty of changing colors. Find the best hiking trails near you at gorp.away.com. Before heading out on the trail remember to pack light. It’s simple: carry less, go further. A minimalist approach is suggested to food, clothing, and other items such as a compass watch. Check out the Timex Expedition WS4 and also visit outside.away.com for Outside’s suggestions for the best hiking gear.

Hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard after the first snowfall.
Take advantage of the fresh powder that the first snowfall provides and race to the slopes.  If the lifts aren’t running yet you can skin up or snowshoe to make fresh tracks.  For new gear check out Outside’s picks for the best ski gear for 2009. Before heading out make sure to check your local ski report at www.snow-forecast.com.

If you can walk, you can snowshoe.  Buy the family these webbed feet and experience adventure all winter long.
It’s easy. You put on the snowshoes and you….walk. Snowshoes work by distributing your weight over a large area so that your foot doesn't sink completely into the snow, a quality called "flotation.”  It makes sense, considering the fact that snowshoes were originally created to mimic the large wide paws of caribou, who maneuvered easily in snowy passageways. This is a great activity for your family to get outside for some great low-impact exercise or to just enjoy the peaceful snow covered scenery.  Two tips: adjustable poles can be VERY handy, and be careful when you fall—those snowshoes have spikes, and they’re not the kind of thing you want tearing into your shell (or your skin). Visit www.trails.com to find the best snowshoeing trails in your area.

Grab some friends for a weekend of ice fishing and hut living.
Ice fishing is a fantastic way to cut out the wintertime ho-hums.. Anyone can participate; go out with fishing buddies for a friendly competition or as a family unit – just out to enjoy some of our finest North American heritage. Your ice-fishing instructions: Head to the nearest ice-fishing lodge, accept guided ride to your ice shack. Place bait in predrilled hole. Then wait and enjoy.

Use cross-country skiing to get in shape for the Spring.
Get the family out of the house for some fun and some exercise. Cross-country skiing works your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.  These are the same muscles you need to push pedals, run trails, and stomp up mountains for the upcoming spring season. If you need to find the most accessible cross country skiing trail for you and your family visit www.xcski.org.