Chalet Updates and Improvements
We are excited to share some great updates and improvements to our chalet space, just in time for the 2023-24 winter season. We think these updates will make your next visit to WinMan more comfortable, a little bit easier and maybe even introduce you and your family to a new sport!
FREE to Borrow Snowshoe Program
You read that right. Located in the chalet are 3 different sizes of Quicksilver Northern Lites snowshoes that are completely FREE for anyone to borrow.
These snowshoes are some of the lightest available on the market and are incredibly easy to put on thanks to their Speed Binding system. Simply tighten the rear buckle above your heel and then pull the elastic cord and you are good to go. These snowshoes are even designed to run in if you want.
If you remember, last year we launched our free Nordic Rocks ski program. Allowing kids an opportunity to try classic cross-country skiing. We had 100+ kids take advantage of this program in 2022/23.
We hope this new offering allows everyone to share our winter trails with more family and friends and possibly even introduces you to an entirely new activity.
A few quick guidelines we ask that you follow:
- Snowshoes are first come, first serve. No reservations.
- When you are done with your adventure, please knock off any excess snow outside and return them to the wall.
- Please be respectful of the equipment and if a buckle breaks or something else goes wrong, please let us know so we can get them repaired.
- HAVE FUN!
New Waxing Room and Supplies
We made room for our new snowshoe program by first relocating and improving our waxing bench and tools.
We took over one of the changing rooms and now have a dedicated space for you to wax and prepare your skis. Gone are the days of working in the hallway and trying to stay out of the way as people moved in and out of the Bar and Apparel Shop.
There is now a dedicated space for you to properly prepare your skis for the day. And if you need to restock on any supplies like wax or cleaners, we have several different products from Toko available to purchase this season in the Shop. The Shop is open Friday through Sunday from 10-4 all season long.
Thanks to our new retail partnership with Toko, we went ahead and upgraded our brushes and scraping tools and even installed a scraping tool sharpener. Having the right tools, in the right condition, will make sure your skis are at their best.
We hope these improvement makes it a little easier to keep your gear in the best possible condition so you can focus on what really matters – enjoying a day out on the trails.
Increased Storage and Hooks
We shared earlier this year, expanded storage options we added during the spring season. We continued the efforts by adding even more large bag storage options as well as doubling the amount of hooks available to hang coats, hats and other gear.
These new larger shelves are intentionally positioned next to our masonry fireplace. The stones from our fireplace emit heat throughout the days as the fire burns inside; warming the chalet and providing a great place to warm your gear.
PRO TIP: Place your gloves or hat on the shelf near the stones and they will be toasty warm when you are ready to venture back outside.
In the chalet you will now have access to:
- 24 small cubbies
- 8 large cubbies
- 4 open shelves for oversized bags
- 30+ hooks to hang your gear
This will help you keep your gear organized, while giving yourself and other visitors more space to gather and relax in the chalet.
Expanded Seating
In an effort to continue to maximize the available footprint of the chalet, we made some changes and upgrades to our furniture.
There is now space for more than 30 people to comfortably sit in the chalet. Whether in our new chairs by the fire, at the bar top looking out to the trailhead, or our new tables and chairs. With more options and more flexibility in seating, we can now accommodate more people comfortably on a busy day in the chalet.
New Game Cabinet
While you’re relaxing in those new chairs, consider grabbing a game from our game and puzzle cabinet.
We have started to gather fun, family games that everyone will enjoy. If you have a game or puzzle that you would like to donate, just make sure all the game pieces are intact and feel free to add it to the collection.
So let your friends take another lap while you relax in the comfort of the chalet.
New Fat Tire Bike Tool Station
Our final new addition to the chalet are some new tools for our bikers.
You will find a bike pump and a few other necessary tools for any quick fixes or adjustments. Please just be respectful of the tools and be sure to return them for the next person as soon as you are done.
One of those new tools is a digital pressure gauge so you can make sure your tire pressure is dialed in. We recommend the following guidelines based on the conditions.
Soft conditions are typical after new snow, when temperatures warm or on very sunny days. Firm conditions are typical on those colder, cloudier days or when conditions have been really packed in after several days of no new snow.
We are excited for the 2023/24 winter season to get into full swing. We hope to see you all soon out on the trails and enjoying the new improvements to the chalet.