Learn to stand up paddleboard (SUP) this summer with Solstice Outdoors. Register for one of our four week class sessions. Classes begin in June and are offered each month. Each class includes one hour of instruction and one hour of open paddle plus the opportunity to paddle different boards. Stand up paddleboards. Paddleboarding is a great way to improve balance, cross train and enjoy our waterways. All equipment is included. Space is limited. Check out the classes and register online...
We want to hear from you...Training Team Survey
Let's hope the great meltdown, mud season, clearer roads and trails is near. With warmer temps and the arrival of spring comes the opportunity to get outside and start running again for those of us who trade our running shoes for ski boots. In preparation for our 2013 10K and Half Marathon Training Program we want your feedback. Please take a minute to tell us what you think about this year's training program: Take the survey...
Book Across the Bay...A Winter Must Do!
There's really only one event that becons locals and visitors to Ashland and Washburn in February during what is inevitably one of the coldest nights of the year...the one and the only, Book Across the Bay!
This year, we are psyched to once again sponsor this fun an
d active community in the Chequamegon Bay and sponsor a children's fun ski race.
Start your morning off with some Delta Diner pancakes then register the kiddos (12 and under) for the new BOOK IT Fun Race A FREE 2K untimed loop that will start near the Book Across the Bay Tent on the Ashland waterfront. Volunteers will be on the course to assist skiers in getting to the finish line. All participants will receive a commemorative medal along with hot chocolate and cookies. Stop by the Book Across the Bay tent and register your children for the fun race at the Solstice Outdoors table. We'll see you at the tent!
Go To Gifts for Travelers and Skiers...
A true adventurer will thank you for the new CamelBak All Clear Bottle ($99) which turns tap or clear natural water source into potable drinking water in just 60 seconds. Nothing beats reliable purification, whatever the destination. 
Pack tolietries and all your traveler essentials dry in The North Face Base CampTravel Canister $34
Keep passports clean and try with the SealLine ID pouch $11.99
Keep in touch with in any conditions with the SealLine iPhone and iPad cases... submergable, weather proof and fully functional cases that fit in your pocket $24.99-$34.99
Got a skier or snowboarder on your list? Here's a couple go to affordable gifts for the snow lover!
Smartwool PhD Ski, Nordic and Snowboard Socks $22
A Basic or Deluxe Nordic, Alpine or Snowboard Wax and Tune $20-$30
Outdoorsy Gift Ideas for Men, Adventurers, Skiers and more...
Solstice Outdoors has practical and affordable gift ideas for the men in your life at Solstice Outdoors. Here's a 
few of our staff favorites all available downtown Ashland.
Olukai (Olu=Comfort Kai=Ocean) Moloa: Stylish, and functional leather slip on fully equipped with the Drop in Heel $120
Goodhew Lite Hiker 2 Pack Socks: Made in the USA, ultra comfy merino socks will keep toes warm and cozy $21.99
The North Face Men's Half Dome Hoody keep 'em warm and comfy in style $45
Seal Line iSeries cases for iPhone/iPod or tablets: Waterproof, dirt proof, protective cases that protect mobile devices while on land or at sea. Use the device through the case. $24.99
The North Face ETIP gloves: Light gloves that work with your Smartphone $44.99
Stanley Drink Thru Mug, Camp Mug or Thermoses are iconic and rugged…perfect for the manly man who wants his coffee hot for 6 hours. $24.99
Patagonia Tech Web Belts: Made from durable webbing that can be cut to fit any size guy $29
Did you know...shopping local is where it's at!
Did you know…Solstice does layaway; gift wraps any item for free and ships anywhere? Shopping local is where it’s at for easy, affordable gift giving this holiday. 
Small Business Saturday Nov 24
Since opening Solstice Outdoors in 2011 we’ve gotten great feedback from the community that it’s nice and convenient to have another place to shop locally for quality outdoor clothing and gear. However, we are still surprised by the perception that shopping locally is more expensive. We want you to know it isn’t. Shopping locally isn’t always more expensive. Why? Well, as a consumer ourselves we want to get the best price we can and not feel like we overpaid. You have options and we know that, but sometimes the best price isn’t online or at a big box store. More often than not, the best price, unique selection, customer service and shopping experience are on a corner of Main Street in downtown Ashland. As an independent retailer we never want to overcharge you our customers. We value your patronage and your continued business. If we overcharge you, you won’t be back and we know that.
Want more options? Yes, we can’t stock everything, so if we don’t have it just ask. We’d be happy to order and item for you and cover the cost of shipping for you. If we can’t get a particular item we usually point you in the right direction. In addition, to good service, easy returns and added bonuses like gift wrapping and layaway shopping locally is good for you and good for our community!
Woman Rule this Weekend
If you’re a woman in the Chequamegon Bay Area this weekend you’ll want to stop by and see Solstice Outdoors; Ashland's premiere outdoor store at the Bay Area Woman’s Expo on Saturday, November 10th from 9-4:00p.m Here’s a sneak peak at a couple of our favorite things that will be on sale at the Woman’s Expo…
Goodhew merino and bamboo socks. Super cute, durable and made in the USA! Buy 2, Get 1 Free
50% Off prAna yoga mats, accessories and Zumba Slip On Dancers
At 10a.m. grab your running gear and join in the Chick-uamegon 5K and 10K Race sponsored by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. Shopping, learning and running….what could be better!
Gear Up For Ski Season...Scary good deals!
If you're like many people your alpine and nordic skis probably got put away without a good wax and tune before being stored for the season. Scary thought! Never fear... Solstice Outdoors can help get your skis in good condition and ready for the first snowfall with a wax and tune up.
Now until November 15th SAVE 20% on all Wax and Tuning Services for alpine and nordic skis and snowboards. Check out our list of services...
Plus don't miss a great opportunity to get into a new pair of Fischer cross-country or skate skis. Our first big EARLY BIRD SKI SALE starts Thursday, November 8th through Sunday, November 11th. SAVE 20% on all nordic and skate ski packages next weekend only!
It's a scary good deal. Stop by the store and get geared up for ski season at Solstice.
WhistleStop Marathon Madness
With only days until the 15th Annual WhistleStop Marathon and Half Marathon we're gearing up for a busy race weekend. Solstice Outdoors is really excited to be a major sponsor this active community event that finishes just a block from our store on Main Street. 
Come see us at the EXPO on Friday at the Bay Area Civic Center for all your last minute race day gear and nutrition. New this year are Big Expo Specials on The North Face, Salomon and Moving Comfort performance apparel, Smartwool socks buy three, get one free and more! Plus we'll have a large selection of race day nutrition from GU, Clif and Hammer all conveniently located in the Expo.
Be sure to check the WhistleStop event guide for your discount coupon good for in-store purchases this weekend.
Race Weekend Store Hours
Friday 10AM-9PM
Saturday 9AM-5PM
Sunday 11AM-3PM
Happy running!
The North Country Trail...Hike the Northwoods
The North Country National Scenic Trail is America’s longest National Scenic Trail stretching from New York to North Dakota, linking 7 states and 10 National Forests and 150 Public Lands. Did you know there’s 110 miles of continuous North Country Scenic Trail in Northern Wisconsin? That's a lot of great fall hiking and leaf spotting right in our backyard. 
Strap on your hikers and hit the trail for a day trip or multi-day adventure. For a detailed trail map and everything you need to know about the trail check out http://northcountrytrail.org/trail/states/wisconsin/
Before you head out make sure you have the essentials: A Camelbak or Osprey hydration pack or day pack, water bottle trekking poles, hiking socks, head protection, such as a Buff or Stormy Kromer cap and snacks. Stop by Solstice Outdoors to pick up any of these essentials and don't forget your camera!
If you get out on the trail, tell us! Share a photo with us on Facebook.
What's up with SUP?
Solstice Outdoors is your stand up paddleboard rental headquarters serving Ashland, Washburn and the Chequamegon Bay region. Stand up paddle boarding or SUP for short is an old sport that is now one of the fastest growing watersports. Join the revolution and experience gliding across the water and ride a wave or two!
Five reasons why you must try it:
It’s quick and easy to learn. Anyone can do it.
It’s super fun to do solo or grab a board and have the whole family give it a try
It’s a great cross training workout for bikers, skiers, runners…
It requires a minimal amount of equipment to get on the water whether that’s an inland lake or the Lake Superior.
You can’t lay on the beach all day!
Here are a few basics to get you started with your new Rogue Stand Up Paddle board or one of our rental boards.
How to get on the board:
Start by laying your paddle across the top of the board on the foot pad. Kneel on the board and find your center. Pick up the paddle and start to paddle. If you paddle on the right side your right hand will be lower on the shaft of the paddle. Paddle until you find your balance.
How to stand up:
Once you feel stable place your paddle across the front of the board, position your hands on the pad parallel to your knees, grab your paddle and stand up. The front of the board shouldn’t be out of the water. If it is reposition yourself further forward.
How to paddle:
Put a little bend in your knee and place the paddle elbow out and dig into the water using your whole body, not just your arms. Start paddling at the front of the board and move to your feet. The shorter the strokes and the faster you go the easier it is to balance. To paddle in a line you’ll need to switch sides every few strokes. To turn do a standard sweep stroke.
Where to go:
It’s easiest to start on calm water. Many of our area inland lakes such as Long Lake or Lake Owen are perfect for paddling along the shoreline. On a calm day, Chequamegon Bay is also a great place to practice gliding across the water. Lake Superior can is easily accessed from Main Street via the Pearson Plaza Park to the 6th Street Beach. Our picks include Maslowski Beach in Ashland and Bayview Beach outside of Washburn, WI.
New Mountain Bike Trail Building Project in Bayfield
Come help build the bike trail and get a $10 Solstice Outdoors Gift Certificate this Sunday!
Have you heard what’s happening in our backyard? A group of dedicated mountain bikers and community members have begun building a 2 mile single-track loop at Mt. Ashwabay in Bayfield. Check out the work that’s already underway…
Volunteers are needed to help with a trail building session this Sunday, July 15th. Anyone interested in helping move some dirt should meet at the mountain bike trailhead at 1:00 PM, which is located on the left of Ski Hill Road about 200 yards before the entrance to Mt. Ashwabay. Work will be done at the top of the tubing hill to the south of the Pines XC trail.
As an incentive Solstice Outdoors is offering a $10 Gift Certificate to everyone who comes out to move some dirt. Volunteers should bring gloves, water, bug dope, and an energy source for yourself. We hope to see you on out there!
Gear up for the weekend
It’s time to gear up for the weekend…and the official start of summer. Here are a few of our favorites that you’ll find at Solstice Outdoors for a day in the park, a day on the water or a weekend camping trip with friends and family.
GSI cookware and kitchen sets
Swedish Fire Steel no matches required
Grandpa's Firefork, the coolest marshmallow stick ever!
Bugaboo Waffle Iron
Camp fuel and bottles
Whisperlite Universal stove and other MSR stoves
Therm-A-Rest sleeping pads
Seal Line dry bags
PackTowels
Stop by our store on Main Street downtown Ashland to check out our camping and paddling gear for your next adventure!
Ride the trails...Memorial Day Weekend
Looking for something fun to do Memorial Day weekend? Check out the CAMBA 4th Annual Festival of the Trails Event. A fun weekend event for mountain biking abilities to ride the trails in the Cable Hayward area, taste, learn, and play!
Live the Life you Love...
It's Mother's Day weekend and be sure to thank your mom for giving you life. 
And if you're still searching for a great gift idea...stop by Solstice to check out the new Life the Life you Love Bamboo and Organic Cotton t-shirts. Super fun inspired designs made in the USA. Plus bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, biodegradable and fully sustainable.
WhistleStop Marathon & Half-Marathon
It’s May 1st and today is the early bird registration deadline for the 15th Annual WhistleStop Marathon and Half Marathon. Register today and save a few bucks! This year Solstice Outdoors is excited to be one of the sponsors of this premiere race that starts in Iron River, Wisconsin and ends just 1 block from Solstice in Ashland, Wisconsin. There’s plenty of time to start training…Stay tuned for more information about our Solstice 10K and Half-Marathon Training Team which will start in June! More information will be available soon.
We've got sole
Solstice Outdoors has partnered with Dimmi Shoes to bring another great footwear option to our customers. Dimmi are shoes with the sole purpose of funding medical research and care. 
100% of the profits from Dimmi shoes are donated to medical causes including hospitals, research centers, and associations. Now that's something to feel good about!
Salomon XR Mission Rated Best Trail Running Shoe
Top Rated Kicks at Solstice...SHAPE Magazine recently rated the Salomon XR Mission ($110) the best
trail running shoe. Salomon known for superior door-to-trail running shoes kicked up the women’s specific design with a hard shell toe, grippy sole and great styling.
Solstice Sunny Spot of the Week...
You don’t always think green gear when you think rain shell, but check out the award winning North Face Venture Jacket. 
Inside the jacket is a castor oil blend coating, which is used on the fabric to make it waterproof and still breathable. By introducing this jacket last year, The North Face eliminated 50,000 lbs of petroleum-based production pollutants and we all know every little bit counts. Awarded Backpacker Magazine’s GREEN award the Venture Jacket is our pick for a waterproof rain shell at a nice price.
Solstice Outdoors Goes Global
From Ashland, Wisconsin to New Zealand our customers are on the move!
Thanks to Cyndy G. for sending us this beautiful photo with her Solstice clothing and gear in action while hiking on the Milford Track in New Zealand. Love the Osprey COMET day pack!
Want us to feature you on our blog? Email us a photo of your Solstice clothing and gear in use and where it's been. We'd love to see where your adventures take you.
