Go Adventure Magazine Winter 2017

GO ADVENTURE MAGAZINE WINTER

2017

20 UNIQUE

365 MILE CHALLENGE THE NEW YEAR'S FITNESS MOTIVATOR

WINTER DATES

ENJOY WINTER THE SCANDINAVIAN WAY

LEARN TO SKI TIPS TO SKI ON A BUDGET

GOADVENTUREMAGAZINE.COM

Editor's Note Winter brings sweaters , woolen socks and hot drinks . Snow sports and indoor naps . And for some , cabin fever .

In this issue , the Go Adventure Mom team encourages you to get out and move AND stay inside and be cozy . You ' ll learn how to save money skiing from lift tickets to food . We have tips to help kids ( and you ) overcome cabin fever .

We all know relationships take a bit more work in the winter , it ' s easy to get in the " watch Netflix " rut . We ' ve come up with 20 winter date ideas for you to consider .

We want to help you to feel healthy and happy we know we feel better when we get outdoors .

Mary E.

IN THIS ISSUE 03 05 05

Learn to Ski

07

Kurgo Loft Jacket Review : Hiking Dogs

09

Enjoy Winter the Scandinavian Way

12

Midway Utah : An Icy Wonderland

14

How to Ski on a Budget

16 19

Downhill to Cross Country

22 27 30

Winter Travel : Alaska

Escape to the Mountains Eat Like a King on the Slopes

365 Mile Challenge 20 Winter Dates How to Cure Kids Cabin Fever

"WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD MOM NEW TRICKS? "

LEARN TO SKI

BY KRISTIN SOKOL Who says you can’t teach an old mom new tricks? Some bad advice in fourth grade led me to believe I could never learn to ski as an adult. Some good advice changed my way of thinking. Turns out, the only one holding me back was me.

When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher, whom I greatly admired, was an avid skier. She talked about it all the time and encouraged us to learn to ski as children. It always sounded fun and exciting.

Mrs. Wagstaff gave us this piece of advice: “Learn to ski as a child because you’ll never be able to learn as an adult.” That might not be an exact quote, but that’s how my fourth-grade brain remembers it.

I wasn’t exactly in charge of my own destiny as a child, and I never had the opportunity to ski.

After growing into my teens, then 20s, then 30s, I never forgot what my teacher told me.

“You’ll never learn to ski as an adult,” echoed in my mind.

I married a man who was an avid skier in his childhood, teens and 20s. After college, he moved to Southern California and quit skiing for the decade of his life when we met and married. One day he proposed that we go skiing together. That’s when I told him why I could never ski.

My fourth-grade teacher told me that if we didn’t ski as children we could never learn as adults,” I told him.

“That’s the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard,” my husband said. “Anyone can learn to ski at any age.” “

After hearing him say it, I thought it might be true. Maybe I could learn to ski. Then I thought of how expensive skiing is and told him that was the real reason I couldn’t learn to ski. “I can’t spend hundreds of dollars on a sport I know I’ll never be good at,” I said.

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He quickly replied, “The rope tows at Alta are always free. You can learn there. And you can ski free after 3 p.m. at Alta on the beginner lifts.”

So I thought about it. Could this 30-something mother of two learn to ski after all these years, even though someone important from my past told me I couldn’t? My sweet, reasonable husband seemed to think I could. After his encouragement, I thought that I might be able to try.

That was six years ago. I’ll be honest: The first time was no cake walk. As it turns out, skis are

"YOU CAN’T LET SILLY NOTIONS FROM YOUR PAST HOLD BACK PROGRESS FOR YOUR FUTURE.”

very slippery. I had a hard time staying up, but it also turns out that falling into the snow makes for a soft landing. My husband gave me some good instruction, and, after an hour or so, I was falling less and less.

I consider myself an avid skier now. I even own my own equipment, thanks to BYU’s annual April blow-out sale on their old rentals. Now we ski at Alta for their after 3 program almost once a week. m not running any black diamond slopes, but I’m enjoying Utah in the winter in a way I never have before. You can’t beat being in the canyon in the winter. It’s so fun to be part of the fuss surrounding the greatest snow on earth. ’

The moral of the story is this: You can’t let silly notions from your past hold back progress for your future. When you stop to think about it, the only one holding you back from things you’d like to do is you. Give yourself permission to try something new this Winter.

Kristin Sokol authors TheVocalSokol.com, a blog dedicated to helping women stay happy mostly by doing fun things.

Escape to the Mountains on Snow Shoes Wintertime inversions are a common event in Salt Lake City, Utah.Those with asthma, like my daughter and me, are limited on inversion days.

We’ve learned to head to the mountains to escape the bad air quality. We rise above the haze in the mountains and we have access to amazing places to ski, sled, and snowshoe.

Since we follow trails on snowshoes and stay away from the back country, we have pretty basic snowshoes that offer good value.

There’s a variety of snowshoes you can choose from depending

on your ability and frequency of getting out. Check out REIs recommendation for how to choose the right snowshoe and then search the internet or look for secondhand shoes for better deals.

My favorite aggressive snowshoe for women are the MSR Lightening Ascent Snowshoes. They are ultralight and engineered for women with a narrower gait than men.

They retail around $289.

By Mary Edwards

Eat like a King on the Slopes Our Camp Chef has become a new family ski tradition. It's a portable propane stove & oven helping us avoid expensive lodge food and stay on budget.

When we were kids, we would meet at Park City Mountain Resorts’ Snow Hut at 1 pm for lunch. We’d meet up with family and friends and check in. If we were skiing without our parents, we’d pack a Powerbar and load up on saltine crackers spread with mustard and drink water (lunch of ski champions).

Now that we are older, we need real food to fuel us.

However, resort food is marked up 2-3 times compared to what you would pay off the resort.

For example, to feed our family of four (two adults and two kids) we will easily pay $50 at the resort for a few hot dogs, fries and hamburgers. While some may argue the lodge experience is worth the price tag, we prefer to save the money while still creating a family experience.

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Camp Chef

We purchased a Camp Chef and using it has become a new family ski tradition. Our Camp Chef is a portable stove & oven powered by propane that allows us to cook food in the mountains. Jon has created the perfect set up: we cook mini corn dogs and nuggets in the oven and boil hot water for hot chocolate on the burner above.

It’s fun, easy and the kids can participate. The Camp Chef stove with oven cost around $350, but we found ours at Costco for about half that price.

Look at it from a cost per use standpoint, it pays for itself after a few uses.

We’ve used the Camp Chef for family outings in the mountains for dinner and Jon has used it on fishing trips. Using the Camp Chef has been a fun way for our family to connect during lunch, check-in with each other and save money. Because we love our Camp Chef so much, we have awarded them with the “Best Tailgate” Award.

By Kathy Dalton

Our kids love to cook mini corn dogs and nuggets in the oven and boil hot water for hot chocolate on the burner above.

KURGO LOFT JACKET REVIEW

HIKING DOGS

When our dog wears her red loft jacket

, heads turn,

, and people stop. The Kurgo loft jacket is definitely a stylish addition to our dog ’ s natural fur coat .

Not only is the Kurgo jacket stylish , it adds warmth and B y Tprotection r i c i a C o o k from the outdoor elements . faces smile

"

T

he jacket definitely

offers protection from

cold temperatures and protects her from bushes and branches on a particular walk my son likes to take

."

The past few weeks have been cold here in Salt Lake

, Utah. The jacket appears to keep our dog warm and comfortable . After a few outdoor outings , the City

jacket has become a signal that we were going on a

, so of course she was super excited to put it on.

The Velcro closure made it very easy to attach . walk

We did end up with some dog hair in the Velcro

(our

), but I feel like this was still a great choice for attaching the coat to your dog . dog has lots of hair

, I noticed how dirty the jacket was where it attached underneath her belly . By having the jacket on it actually helped our dog stay cleaner , which was a huge bonus for me , “ a clean freak ”. I never After our first walk

realized how much dirty water splashed up from the street

. I used a wet cloth and was easily able to clean .

the jacket

’

It s a very stylish jacket and will put huge smiles a

’

people s faces and make your dog happy too

.

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ENJOY WINTER THE SCANDINAVIAN WAY Scandinavians embrace the long winters and they are some of the happiest people on earth.

By Mary Cook Edwards I used to dread winter. The cold, the darkness, the slush. It was a season I simply endured.

warm atmosphere, enjoying simple pleasures, having a good time with friends and family, and relaxing. It’s the mindset of allowing oneself to enjoy the indoors.

Can one find JOY during the bleak winter months?

You would think Scandinavians would fear the long winters, but in reality, they are some of the happiest people on earth. Many look forward to the long winters because their mindset is different. Hygee is the time to indulge, slow down and take time to connect with themselves and others.

The answer is yes! It’s called Hygee (pronounced hooga). There’s no word that truly translates into English. It’s a Danish word defined by a feeling. It essentially means “coziness”...but not just curling up in a blanket type cozy.

It’s the type of coziness created by a reading.

HYGGE WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE TRANSLATED , IT WAS MEANT TO BE FELT " - TOVEMAREN STAKKESTAD

You may not have heard the term but my guess is you’ve experienced it.

For example, when it snows, my kids bundle up and go outside with us to make snowmen and forts. It's cold, but we look forward to returning inside to wrap our cold fingers around a steaming mug of hot cocoa amid a candlelit counter-top.

Change to a Positive Winter Mindset Scandinavians look forward to the long winters because their mindset is different. Hygee is the time to indulge, slow down and take time to connect with themselves and others.

Celebrate winter by consciously creating more simplicity. Truly take time to unwind and slow

down the pace of your life.

Creating a hygee experience doesn’t have to be time consuming - it just takes a little thought to create a warm atmosphere in your home and work space.

Everyone has favorite lounge wear, pillows, slippers and throw blankets. Light the fireplace or candles and turn down the lights.

Create an atmosphere in which you and your friends feel calm, and comfortable. Whether it’s cozying up next the the fireplace or going on a starlit snowshoe excursion, the mindset of hygee might just bring you more JOY this winter.

3 WAYS TO CREATE HYGEE EXPERIENCES DURING WINTER

GET OUTDOORS FOR SMALL EXCURSIONS

Woodland walks, bonfires, stargazing and snow shoes fill your soul with joy. It's getting out that's the hard part.

Schedule a time to get out with friends and actually do it.

CREATE AN INTIMATE SETTING

Light the fireplace or candles and turn down the lights, Use string lights in corners to create a cozy reading nook.

Scent your home with candles, or an oil infuser.

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Hygee is about indulging and being kind to yourself. Eat your favorite comfort foods. Sip a hot drink and eat homemade cinnamon pastries.

Soak in a luxurious bath surrounded by candles.

Find a cozy nook for reading and drink.

Eat fondue and sit by the fire.

Make fireplace s'mores.

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HYGEE INSPIRATION

Here are just a few examples to help you "feel" the hygee. Don't you just want to step into these images?

At this point, you may have thought of some excellent ideas to bring more hygge into your life but you might also want to check out HelloHygee.com.

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Midway Utah: An Icy Wonderland THE ICE CASTLES ARE A SCENE STRAIGHT FROM A FAIRY TALE COMPLETE WITH ICE PRINCESSES , SLIDES , NIGHT LIGHTS AND FIRE PERFORMERS .

When Brent Christensen, an artistic and dedicated dad, moved his family from California to Utah, he wanted to make the cold more bearable.

He created an icy wonderland for his kids complete with slide, ice cave, skate rink, and castle reaching 20 feet. People drove miles and miles just to get a glimpse. That's when the "Ice Castle" idea was born.

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Ice Castles are located in Utah, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Canada.

MIDWAY , UTAH

We make a yearly visit to the Ice Castles. We spend the afternoon and early evening exploring (they stamp your hand so you can return in the evening).

In the afternoon, the natural daylight illuminates the ice formations resembling

MAGICAL … T WINKLING AND SENSE DEFYING . ” “

–

OPRAH . COM

stalactites and stalagmites with eerie deep blues.

Then we grab a bite to eat at a local eatery and get warm.

In the evening, while waiting to get in, we watch the lights concealed within the ice begin to shine blue, green, purple, orange and pink while Fire Performers keep us entertained.

When inside we explore and squeeze through spaces similar to Utah’s slot canyons.

RECOMMENDATIONS To get the most bang-for-your-buck spend the afternoon in Midway/Heber Valley.

Pack your snow boots, coats, snow pants and snow gear (snowshoes, cross country skis, or sleds) and hot cocoa.

First, visit the ice castles, explore, ask questions and marvel at how everything is made from water and snow.

Then take to the hills for sledding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing and refuel with snacks or dinner.

Finish the day with one final visit to the Ice Castles for an illuminating evening.

TICKETS AND BEST TIMES TO VISIT You purchase a time slot so it's better to buy tickets online to avoid long wait times.

Keep in mind the weekends and holidays can be quite busy with 20 to 30 minute waits to get in. If you don’t like crowds go during the week around 2 – 5 pm.

ICE CASTLES.COM

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HOW TO SKI ON A BUDGET

BY KRISTIN SOKOL

Skiing has turned into such an expensive sport, but with a some tenacity, know-how, and a little online searching, you’ll be schussing across the groomers bargain-basement-style in no time.

January is typically a very cold, slow month for most ski resorts.The holiday crowd has left and it’s not Spring bluebird days yet, so now is the perfect time to hit the slopes and save a bundle.

January is Learn to ski and snowboard month. There are plenty of participating resorts throughout the United States.

Check them out at: skiandsnowboardmonth.org As they say, “Humans Were Not Meant to Hibernate.”

So get out there and ski… and if it’s free, then you’re tops in my coupon book!

“January is typically a very slow month...it's the perfect time to hit the slopes and save a bundle.”

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5 Ways to Save 1. SOCIAL MEDIA This one is easy. Like your favorite ski resorts on Facebook and sign up for email notifications to learn about special offers and discounts.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEARN TO SKI MONTH January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

There are discounts to be had people. Read all about it at skiandsnowboardmonth.org

3. ONLINE CLEARING HOUSE SITES Got to love those online clearinghouse sites like GetSkiTickets and Liftopia. You can save up to 80% at more than 250 ski resorts worldwide. And don’t forget sites like Groupon or even Craig’s List.

4. SHELL FUEL PURCHASES I’m not sure when Shell decided to drop Utah from the list of states that offer BOGO free lift tickets with Shell fuel purchases, but I believe I need to file a complaint, pronto. Right now those lucky duck skiers in California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington can receive their voucher for participating ski resorts with the purchase of 10 gallons of gasoline or more at Shell stations.

5. SKI UTAH 5 & 6 GRADERS PASSPORT PROGRAM 5th graders receive three FREE days at each of Utah's 14 resorts. 6th graders receive one FREE day at each of Utah's 14 resorts. Available to all visitors, not just Utah residents. Small application fee and processing take a couple weeks, so plan accordingly.

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D O W N H I L L

T O

CROSS COUNTRY

BY TRICIA COOK

Tricia Cook recently made the transition from downhill skiing to Nordic skiing.

G

increasingly expensive and overpopulated, I have found myself less and less interested in the sport I once loved. I knew it was time to try something new.

rowing up in Utah I have spent

many days downhill skiing on our

Living in a climate with 4 months of

beautiful mountain slopes. Fresh

winter, you need to have a winter

powder on a warm sunny day, is

activity to pass the time and stay

there anything better? Over the

active. I recently made the

years, as I continue to age, and the

transition from downhill skiing to

commercial ski resorts become

Nordic skiing for multiple reasons.

"I transitioned for cost, convenience, exercise, peaceful environment and a sport my husband and I can enjoy doing together."

Page 17

"There's a tight knit community of Nordic skiers in Utah."

My personality is to just "go for it", but my husband prefers to read, research and pay the experts,so we ended up having a “couples” lesson from a retired Olympic athlete. We met her at Mountain Dell on a quiet Saturday morning (yes, the golf course, turned cross country ski resort in the winter). The cost to ski at Mountain Dell was only a $7.00 donation, and to our amazement, we only saw a total of 6 other people the entire hour. We had previously purchased “classical” Nordic ski gear from Kirkham’s Outdoor Products at 40% off.

We love finding a great deal and being able to buy local.

During our lesson we realized there is another type of Nordic skiing, “skating”, which requires skate gear instead of classical gear. We watched a few skaters on our Mountain Dell outing and were intrigued. We plan to purchase gear this winter and give it a try.

There is a tight knit community of Nordic skiers here in Utah, who are part of a group called TUNA (The Utah Nordic Alliance).

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TUNA offers programs for both kids and adults to improve their skills and develop a life-long love of Nordic skiing. TUNA has many volunteers, who donate their time to groom trails so people can enjoy this beautiful sport.

In recent conversations we have discovered many more beautiful locations in the Salt Lake Valley to go Nordic skiing: Soldier Hollow, Millcreek Canyon, Solitude Nordic Center, Mirror Lake Highway, Big Canyon, and Round Valley to name a few. Many of these places are free or request a small monetary donation. Anyone can rent gear and give this sport a try, you won’t regret it. If you’re like my husband, you can sign up for lessons through TUNA. If your like me, you can watch some You Tube videos and hit the trails. This is a sport the whole family can enjoy.

KICK OFF YOUR 2017 FITNESS GOAL WITH OUR

365 MILE CHALLENGE FINDING A COMMUNITY WITH LIKE-MINDED GOALS HELPS US SUCCEED. WHEN WE LACK MOTIVATION, WE TEND TO LEAN ON OUR COMMUNITY. The 365 Mile Challenge is a way to encourage our audience to complete 1 self -propelled mile per day. This includes any activity that gets their legs moving and their heart pumping. For example, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing count. But snowmobiling doesn’t.

Running, hiking, and mountain biking count, 4-wheeling doesn’t. Sledding counts but rope tow sledding doesn't.

We’ve created a community of over 1,000 people with the like-minded goal to get outdoors 1 mile a day everyday for 365 days. We’ve partnered with The Kid Project, Currently Wandering, Hike Like a Woman, and Tales of a Mountain Mama.

Here’s the thing. Some days, most days, I feel like a complete fraud. I’m an outdoor blogger but I don’t always like going outdoors. Especially when it is winter and freezing. Why couldn’t I have been an indoorsy blogger? That way I could stay at home in my very warm house.

Time and time again, I’m learning the more time I spend outdoors, the happier I am. The more I disconnect the better I feel about myself and in turn become a more engaged mother.

I’m thankful for a husband and kids who enjoy getting outdoors and push me to get off the couch and explore together. So when Rebecca Walsh, from Hike Like a Woman, had this wild and crazy idea to help get us outdoors 365 miles in 2017, I thought it rocked.

What is the 365 Challenge?

The challenge runs for all 52 weeks of 2017. It’s not too late to participate. The 365 Mile Challenge is a means to inspire others to get involved in a fitness program that can be beneficial to your health.

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HOW IT WORKS

365

MILE

BY

CHALLENGE

KATHY

DALTON

Win Gear

As a member of our exclusive Facebook group, participants will also be entered to win gear and receive discount codes from our sponsors.

Sign Up

Participants pay a small entry fee to be part of an exclusive Facebook group. Each week we post encouragement, inspiration, and gear recommendations to help participants achieve their goals.

365

MileChallenge.org

Share Photos

If you have 2017 fitness goals and want to be a part of an awesome community, then it’s time to join the over 1,000 people trying to complete 365 self-propelled miles in 2017. I can’t think of a better way to reach your (and my) fitness goals.

We encourage participants to share photos of their experiences on social media using the hashtag #365milechallenge.

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WINTER TRAVEL: ALASKA

Why would anyone choose to go to Alaska in the dead of winter?..Bears Hibernate.

I’m terrified of bears. When I was in Alaska it was autumn. I saw several bear warning signs, and my anxiety levels hampered my ability to enjoy nature...ok, only slightly, the glacial view was magnificent, bear or no bear.

Here are several reasons to head to Alaska during Winter: World Ice sculpting Championship Ice Sculpting Classes Kids Ice Park Dog Sledding Iditarod Dog Sled Race Northern Lights

BP WORLD ICE ART CHAMPIONSHIP Fairbanks provides the largest natural ice blocks in the world. The winter temperatures are so intensely cold, the ice forms quick and dense and allows for the crystal clear glacial blue color.

Artists magically transform HUGE blocks of ice into imaginative sculptures within days.

When the competitions are complete, the sculptures are put on display and lit colorfully. The awards and lighting ceremonies are held from March 1 - 23.

Ice Sculpting Classes

A unique experience of what it’s like living in interior Alaska. Learn how to operate and use ice sculpting tools and walk away having created something from the “world’s best ice" (too bad it won't last). Classes are limited to 10 people.

Check out icealaska.com Page 23

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ANNUAL KIDS ICE PARK Kids Ice Park Opens: February 20, 2017 Park hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Hands on sculptures for children to interact with every year, from slippery slides to staircases to trains. With temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to below 20 degrees you’ll want to dress appropriately.

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MUSH LIKE A PRO Dog Sledding is a unique Alaskan tradition. You can experience mushing like an Iditarod racer, without the 1,150 mile race from Anchorage to Nome.

IDITAROD DOG SLED RACE Be one of thousands of spectators in downtown Anchorage to see the ceremonial start of the world famous sled dog race on the first Saturday in March (real race starts the next day).

Then get a hearty meal at the Historic Talkeetna Roadhouse featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network..

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NORTHERN LIGHTS If you wonder how Alaskans survive the long winters, the aurora borealis is one of the many perks. Plan an overnight trip to see the northern lights through Salmon Berry Tours in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Whether you’re afraid of bears or you want to have a unique winter experience, Alaska is the place for you.

20 WINTER DATES

Relationships need attention. It's easy to go to dinner and a movie but you may not have connected. Check out these ideas to get conversation flowing.

20 Date Ideas

01

02

03

04

05

06

Hit the sauna or hot tub

07

Winter horseback ride

08

Snow mobile

09

Sleigh Rides

10

Gourmet deli lunch and sledding

11

Snow shoe

12

Check out the performing arts: Ballet, Theatre, Opera, Symphony

Art Gallery Stroll

Ice skate

Attend a Hockey game

Game night with friends

Fondue by firelight

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13

TAKE A COOKING CLASS

14

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING

15

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

16

COUPLES SPA DAY

17

LOG CABIN WEEKEND GETAWAY

18

VISIT AN AQUARIUM

19

RESERVE A YURT

20

CARVE ICE SCULPTURES WITH A CHEF

Page 29

HOW TO CURE KIDS CABIN FEVER

1 2

3

BUILD A FORT Yes, there will be a mess, but it's worth the hours and hours of entertainment.

INDOOR S'MORES Roast marshmellows over the fireplace or a non-scented candle. Smoosh between chocolate and graham crackers.

INDOOR THEATER

5

6

MAKE A FAMILY BUCKET LIST Write about places to go and things to do together. Then make a plan to go do them.

Plan a simple menu based on another culture or country and cook dinner together.

INDOOR GOLF Create a indoor golf course with cups and golf balls. Throw in some obstacles as they get better.

7

Let the kids have free reign making costumes and using your old clothing and scarves. Make popcorn and watch the play.

4

INTERNATIONAL DINNER

8

PLAY POWER OUTAGE Kids love to pretend. Turn out all the lights and use glow sticks, flashlights and candles. This may be a time to make s'mores!

SCAVENGER HUNT Have the kids create the treasure map while you hide the clues. Leave a "treasure" for them to find at the end of the hunt.

Page 30

FEATURE

:

WOMEN

IN

THE

OUTDOOR

INDUSTRY

Kelly Patterson's Polar Stroller '

The outdoor industry s making strides to design

’

gear for women s unique needs

Go Adventure Mom supports women making their mark in the outdoor industry

,

many of whom are parents designing gear for parents

.

.

It

changes

mall

a

your

stroller

first

baby

into

class

sled.

KELLY PATTERSON

POLAR STROLLER'S BEGINNINGS

Kelly Patterson lives in Alberta Canada’s Fish Creek Provincial Park directly on the ridge. It’s ideal terrain for her family’s lifestyle allowing them to get their daily dose of the outdoors.

When Kelly had her first baby boy in late-September he was colicky and daily walks on the ridge were essential to her mental and physical health. But as winter arrived, it became brutally impossible for her to take the stroller. The bumpy ride wasn’t helping her baby or her steaming cups of coffee.

She thought to herself “walking outside is meant to decrease, not increase my stress levels”. She knew something had to change.

Fortunately, Kelly’s husband is an engineer. They bought some skis and he came up with a prototype for her to use. It was life-changing. An entirely new lifestyle opened up for Kelly. She went EVERYWHERE with her baby bundled up and stoller on skis. The ride was smooth and safe. She went walking, on snowshoes, cross country skiing, biking and ice skating.

“Walking outside is meant to decrease, not increase stress levels.”

The idea of Polar Stroller was born and they’ve never looked back. One grateful mom told her the stroller skis have “Changed the mall stroller into a first class baby sled.”

These skis and are interchangeable between strollers with various wheel sizes. They attach and detach to your existing wheels in seconds (a necessity when kids have a meltdown). No special tools are needed. The custom-made bag allows parents to easily carry and store the skis. The skis provide sound ergonomics allowing parents to use core muscles.

The Patterson’s manufacture the skis. Kelly thinks they’re over engineered and prefers it that way because “nothing’s worse for a parent to spend money on gear that breaks or can’t withstand the constant wear and tear of winter (and children)”.

Polar Stroller supports it's community by donating skis to local charities and auctions. In 2016, they provided 200 warm meals for Mission Hook Calvary.

Kelly's solution to involve her two young children in the outdoors adventures when it’s cold and snowy turned into a marketable product which allows likeminded parents to get outside every day during winter to make life more bearable.

POLAR STROLLER SPONSORS OUR 356-MILE CHALLENGE ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO GET OUTSIDE FOR ONE SELF-PROPELLED MILE DAILY.