10 Holiday Gifts for People Who Want to Stay Active This Winter
10 Holiday Gifts for People Who Want to Stay Active This Winter
This is a list for the adventurers. The snowflake surfers. Year-round movers. Fitness fanatics and exercise
enthusiasts. We all have these active folks on our holiday gift-buying list. Retail stores across Northern
Michigan helped us weigh in on 10 must-have local holiday gifts to keep everyone moving this winter.
First on our list is something obvious, yet essential. Long walks through mountains of snow are made
easier thanks to a solid pair of snowshoes. “Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside in the snow this
winter!” saysBackcountry North’s Rion Nunez. “TheMSR Lightning Ascents provide a lightweight
solution with 360 degrees of traction that is built right into the frame. They can also be adapted to all
conditions with the addition of 5-inch tails for more flotation.” Bonus: The $299.99 snowshoes are
available in different sizes for both men and women.
No matter how much snow comes our way this winter, we can expect there to be a fair amount of ice to
accompany it. A fairly inexpensive way to help you get outside and stay on your feet is a pair of ice cleats
that wrap around the base of your shoes. Backcountry North’s Rion Nunez recommendsKorkers Ultra
Ice Cleats for $24.99. “These adjustable, compact ice cleats are a must-have accessory for your running
or trail shoes when the snowy weather hits. Sixteen steel studs on the bottom give you the additional
traction that you need.”
Buy a pair of ice cleats for yourself and take your pup outside for a walk this winter. But don’t forget to
protect his paws, too!Ruff Life Pet Outfitters in Petoskey has a line of boots for man’s best friend,
including $75Ruffwear Grip Trex. These boots are made for a variety of terrains “for dogs who hike,
bike, run, or explore the great outdoors with their humans,” according to rufflifepet.com.
Looking for a gift for your bike-loving fitness friend? The fat tire bike trend continues to grow, and
“there is no doubt a fat bike would be a great gift for anyone who likes bikes or enjoys exploring
outdoors,” saysMcLain Cycle’s Kris McLain. Give the gift a “try before you buy” andrent a
bike first—you can rent a bike for 24 hours for just $25. (Renting a bike for a friend is also a great gift!
Rent two bikes andexplore these trails together.) Once you’re hooked on these tires that travel through
sand, dirt, and snow, McLain Cycle sells specialized fat tire bikes for the whole family.
Snag aNMMBA Fat Bike Grooming Bag atSuttons Bay Bikes. “$60 goes to support grooming of our
awesome winter trails,” says Nick Wierzba of Suttons Bay Bikes.
Keeping in mind the power of layers for venturing our Michigan outdoors, Rion Nunez at Backcountry
North recommends theArc’teryx Atom LT Hoody, $259, as it “layers nicely when the temperature really
drops.” Another way to give the gift of warmth is with aSuttons Bay Bikes Winter Jerseyfor $115.
And don’t forget it’s possible to stay active this winter without heading out into the snowy wonderland!
Invest in a one-year unlimitedyoga membership for $119 a month, or a 3-class package for $85 atYen
Yoga in downtown Traverse City.
By Courtney Jerome