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Looking for a story idea?
Our most recent press releases are posted above (coming soon) but there are plenty of angles for writers to explore whether the piece centers on Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Ski Center or incorporates it within a feature.
Of course, professional staff members are available to writers seeking expert testimony on each facet of the sport or industry from “A day in the life of a professional snow groomer,” to the latest techniques and gear of the industry.
Writers from the trade press, travel and outdoor writers, journalists from each medium can find ideas below.
Skijoring – Skiing behind harnessed dogs or horses. Interest in this sport is on the rise. Former Managing Editor of Wisconsin Trails Magazine, Laura Kearney wrote about her first-hand experience with the sport calling it “a thousand times better than an amusement-park ride.” A sport relying on the connection between people and their pets ties in to the nationwide trend of the importance of pets in our lives.
Volunteerism- MWP and Nordic Center provide an excellent example of how effective grassroots planning and volunteering are in building successful operations and businesses.
A good sport for seniors- Cross country skiers are less prone to injuries or accidents than the more risky alpine version of the sport. In fact older skiers often report the easing of arthritic symptoms or nagging pain from an old injury after training on Nordic trails.
Kid Related- Where else can a family find so many programs and activities that revolve around kids. From toddlers to teens, MWP has a full agenda for kids who want to get outside in the winter. Especially unique is Minwinpa Land, a unique concept for play in the outdoor woods. Playground components include a ski-ter-totter, Nordic tee-pee, ski thru hoops, igloo, and more.
Other possible cross-country skiing story angles to consider include:
- Choosing a destination
- Getting started in cross-country skiing
- Fitness benefits
- Honeymoon getaways
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Many pros agree the most important resource for getting started in any sport is to take live lessons from a good instructor. MWP Ski School Director, Dan Clausen and his staff are all certified PSIA instructors. Dan is also a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America Nordic Demo team and is recognized among his peers as one of the best-
“Dan’s a great instructor...and phenomenal athlete, but more importantly, he knows how to communicate skills and confidence to pretty much any level of skier. I had a clinic from Dan maybe five years ago and still count it among the best ski lessons ever. ” Jonathan Weisel, widely-published writer and expert on Nordic skiing.
Clausen has developed his own effective style of teaching, a method involving observing several details allowing him to teach each student according to a set of existing criteria. He puts it like this:
"Teaching skiing for 25 years has given me the experience to watch literally thousands of skiers of all abilities. The dynamics of body types, physical ability, and equipment, terrain, and snow conditions dictates the skier's experience. It is finding the right balance of these dynamics that make skiing enjoyable. That is my job, helping people reach that balance." Dan Clausen, Professional Ski Instructor Association National Team Member, Owner MWP Ski Shop
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Studies show active kids grow to be active adults, a key element of a healthy lifestyle. The park is designed to both foster a healthy lifestyle in children and to instill in them an appreciation for the wondrous beauty of Wisconsin winters. Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center introduces toddlers to teens to the joys of winter outdoor sports by engaging them in several fun activities and programs. Below is a sampling of what they offer.
MINWINPA-LAND: An On-Snow Playground for Kids 8 & Under
A great place for winter play! Playground components include a ski-ter-totter, Nordic tee-pee, ski thru hoops, igloo, and more. Set up within easy view from the chalet, parents can supervise their kids from indoors.
THE COOKIE TRAIL
New in 08-09 season and a real hit with the kids. “The Cookie Trail Loop” encourages children to ski 5 km with stops at 5 stations to get a card punched. Cards with five punches are redeemed by kids in the chalet for a cookie.
NORDIC KIDS
Kids 5-13 years old enroll in a six week program (each Sunday, January-March,) of on-snow-play and skill development through ski touring and games, emphasizing skiing as a lifestyle with all the related physical, social, and cultural benefits.
MINWHIPPERSNAPPER TIME TRIALS
Each Sunday morning, kids 13 and under race a short, just for fun, timed, one lap course. Kids “race” one at a time and upon finishing are rewarded with a Gold Chocolate Medal.
BASE-LOOP INITIATIVE
Kids ages 5 and under ski the 2.2 km MWP Base Loop independently…without direct assistance for the very FIRST time and receive a special certificate and ceremony back at the chalet.
JUNIOR MINWINPA-SKIER
It’s like a Junior Ranger program, but for young skiers. Complete all the activities listed in a special booklet (It’s ok to get help from Mom and Dad,) and a MWP staffer certifies you as a Junior MINWINPA-Skier!
YOUTH SKI FESTIVAL (ongoing)
An ongoing celebration in which kids fun ways kids can move on a pair of skis. Radar gun speed skiing, ski-ter totter, obstacle course, barrel sprints, and lots more.
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A Round-up of Amenities & Activities |
ACTIVITIES- Minocqua Winter Park is a family-centered winter recreation and nature center focusing on cross country skiing, (classic style and skating,) as well as other “silent sports” like snowshoeing and skijoring-gliding the trails with harnessed dogs.
Especially important during these economic times are MWP & Nordic Center affordable rates. Families can buy a pass for as little as $25.00 Kids five and under ski for FREE and there are special reduced rates for seniors. For the most passionate skiers full season and off-season passes are available.
The skijoring trail has been lengthened to 5.5 km and is open six days per week.
MWP offers an open telemarking slope as well as a 2km lit base loop for night skiing.
There’s a unique snow playground, MINWINPA-LAND for toddlers up to 8 years of age.
An ice skating area is under development.
Amenities- MWP & Nordic Center has a chalet and café serving food and drinks to the hungry outdoors enthusiast, waxing room and heated day lodge.
The ski shop offers retail sales, equipment rental and a certified ski school. Child care is available, as is free WI-FI.
SPECIAL EVENTS- The year’s organized events start off with a New Year’s Sledding Party.
Early in the season, the park’s Silent Sport Demo Days event is one of the largest on-snow cross country skiing demos in the country. It offers participants a chance to try the latest gear, talk to the manufacturers and learn new techniques.
2010 marks the 35th Lakeland Loppet Race on Feb. 28. This is one of Wisconsin’s longest-running cross country ski races. Citizens of all ages participate in this fund-raising event to benefit the Minocqua Winter Park Trail Fund, a 501(c) 3 non-profit.
New events this year include a new competitive race, The Minocquabeiner and the park’s own version of Inga-Lami.
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Minocqua Winter Park is a not-for-profit town park operated by the Lakeland Ski Touring Foundation. Our mission is to provide a quality silent sport experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages through the protection and maintenance of our trail system.
Keith Smith- MWP Manager
715-356-3309 – business
207-538-7364 – cell
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Bio-
Dan Clausen- MWP Ski School Director, Ski Shop Owner
715-356-1099 – business
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Bio- A certified ski instructor for 27 years including 8 years in Australia, Clausen served a four year term as one of four Nordic pros selected to form the elite PSIA Nordic team. Team members must first be nominated by their peers and then undergo a rigorous try-out. PSIA leadership says the goal is to select "the best in the nation" for its four-person Nordic Team and coach.” An avid outdoorsman, he also teaches canoeing, sea kayaking and windsurfing. He’s led many trips on Lake Superior and in 1994 led a sea kayaking expedition around the Whitsunday Islands in Australia.
Dave Sconzert- Head Groomer
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