– Awhile back I read about the benefits of drinking coconut water. I started drinking straight coconut water. I really liked it. The taste was a bit natural but it made me feel good after a big workout. It was pretty expensive trying to keep myself supplied so eventually the budget took priority and I stopped buying it. I missed being able to drink something that was 100% natural without all the junk in it and I liked how it helped be recover faster.

Recently, Cocogo sent me a few sample packets of their powdered coconut water flavored with real fruit. I liked it. Here was a way for me to reap the benefits of coconut water without stressing my budget. Cocogo is sold by the box ($8.99). You get 12 sticks inside a box. The idea is you use 1 or more sticks depending on what kind of physical effort you are planning . A light work out or just looking for a refreshing drink? Maybe just use 1 stick in 14 ounces of water or so… Want more flavor? Add a second stick. Doing a pretty high intensity effort? Maybe add a third or fourth stick.

Personally, I like the light flavor or 1 or 2 sticks and that’s how I mix it in my bike bottle. I find myself drinking more water with Cocogo and I like how it makes me feel during and after my ride. Here are some highlights:

- Coconut Water replenishes necessary minerals lost through sweat.
- Grapes, Berries, Passion Fruit, and Citrus bring real and natural flavor. Real fruit sweetens without tasting sugary plus they pack in essential vitamins.  Click here for an interesting comparison chart.
- Monk Fruit adds natural sweetness and health-promoting compounds.

The idea here is energy comes from real food and natural energy sources (like coconut water). You don’t get real energy from a gel packet or drinks that have an ingredient list that requires a PhD to decipher.  I’ve been eating better thanks to the Feed Zone and Portables Cookbooks we have in Ski Haus and now I’m hydrating better with Cocogo. So far I’ve been using the Raspberry/Passion Fruit. The other two flavors are Grape and Lemon Lime. I’m thinking they all are going to be good. It’s kind of interesting to be excited for good road ride because you get to drink your favorite hydration drink… I think I’ll go for another ride!

– Ropes are no laughing matter in climbing. They are what connect us to our partner, our protection placed in the rock, and keep us safe from the dangers of gravity! Are you looking for that next rope for your climbing season but not sure what to purchase? How about a rope that can be used for multiple functions?

The Beal Joker is just what you need. This 60 meter 9.1 diameter rope can be used as a light/thin single line and it can be paired up with another and used as a half or a twin rope. Clip 2 of these ropes into one draw as a twin rope system. Great for trad, ice and lonely alpine climbs. Cut down the number of rap stations on a long climb by descending these two 60 meter ropes rather than hunting for that worn down hard to find middle mark. Use this awesome rope system as a half rope to reduce the impact force on each fall and increase the number of falls to 20! This is a stellar rope that could be used as a uber-light thin sport line or double up on Jokers and use them as a twin or half rope system.

Nothing beats starting out your rock and alpine climbing season than with a fresh new rope. The Beal Joker is such a versatile rope for a variety of climbing styles so it is packed with value. You definitely will get your monies worth. Come into Ski Haus and check out all our rock gear for all your vertical endeavors..

– During the bike season we often hear women commenting about the look, feel, and fit of women’s mountain bike shorts. The comments are along the lines about noticing the lack of color, lack of unique styling, and fits that just aren’t, well, perfect. I think Ski Haus has found the answer to all of these concerns with Shredly.

Shredly shorts are women specific and designed by women for women only. Imagine that! A company that knows a thing or two about what women really want. Shredly offers three styles of shorts, the Basic Short, The MTB ($90), and the Downhill Knicker ($95). Ski Haus stocks the MTB and the Downhill (a longer cut on this short). What you immediately notice about Shredly are the colorful and very cool patterns. I’m not sure if women’s bike clothing as a category has ever had anything like this before now. The shorts are bright and wild and funky and retro and modern looking all at the same time. You’ll just have to see them and try them on.

Not only do Shredly fabrics look good but they feel great against your skin, wick away moisture (sweat) and they’re durable. Moisture wicking and durable are features many women expect but add in good looking and fashionable and there is a good chance some will go into shock! The sizing is also great with Shredly. The standard issue is small, medium, large and most of us fit somewhere in-between these sizes. Shredly offers sizing from 0 to 14. Finding your perfect fit is not a problem and the shorts run true to size.

I wear my Shredly shorts as casual shorts, yoga shorts, board shorts, hiking shorts, and yes, I bike in them, too. For biking just add the comfortable chamois liner short ($40) and you’re good to go. The fabric is stretchable so it easy to use these shorts in any number of ways. They dry quick too so a quick dip in a mountain lake during a ride is not out of the question. So whether I’m wading up past my knees in the river with my fly rod, at the lake on my stand-up paddle board, shredding some singletrack on Emerald, or going out for girl’s night – I’m looking good and feeling good with my Shredly shorts that havea very unique style and fit me perfectly.

Oh by the way, Shredly is a Colorado company based in Carbondale and all shorts and jerseys are made in the USA.

the MAMA

the YOGACHAM LINER

• Low-profile, high-performance chamois liner
• 8-panel articulated design
• Anti-microbial pad designed to provide breathable comfort even on longer rides
• Low-rise, thick elastic waistband that doesn’t cut into places it shouldn’t
• Leg cuff that keeps things where they’re supposed to be offering breathable, comfortable stability
• Dependable without the look or feel of Depends

– It snowed yesterday in Colorado. At this rate the high country won’t be open for hiking and backpacking until early July. But we have the camping bug right now. What’s a camper to do? Road trip, of course! And the warm and dry desert is a logical destination. And what is the best thing about taking a road/car camping trip? You get to take whatever you want with you!

The photo above shows a display inside Ski Haus that we put together last week. There is a lot going on in this photo and it is packed with some of our favorite car camping gear. Ready to go? We’re ready too!

1. Big Agnes Three Forks Sunshade – $189.95 – The perfect sunshade to gather under. Freestanding. It comes with one wall panel and a second panel can be bought separately. If you just go with the one wall that comes with it you can move it to different openings depending on the sunshine or wind coming in… Very comfortable to stand under.

2. Kelty Deluxe Roll Top Table – $159.95 – We like this table because it very stable and durable. Plus, it packs up into a nice tidy bundle for transport.

3. Kelty Lowdown Folding Chair – $47.95 – Don’t sit on the ground. We’re car camping! The Kelty Folding Chair is also outdoor concert legal. Comfy arm rests include a handy beverage holder. Very comfortable.

4. Helinox Chair One Camp Chair – $89.95 – Super simple. Super Strong. Super comfortable. We love this chair because you can lounge down in it or sit upright to pay attention. Easy to assemble and easy to pack away and carry.

5. Primus Firehole 300 Stove – $295 – The upgrade camp stove. Tired of your old green double burner that seems to double burn pretty much everything you try to cook on it? The Primus Firehole 300 comes with lots of fun extras like a stove light and timer, tuck away utensils, side wind screens that can double as spice or utensil holders, nicely protected knobs, and a tuck away connector hose that you won’t ever leave behind by accident.

6. Mountain Brew Guidebook – $21 – This is a new History Press guidebook to all the micro/craft breweries in Colorado. Now if that doesn’t call for a road trip nothing will!

7. Kelty Luma Spot Rythm Lantern – $69.95 – Some lanterns are just outdoor light bulbs. Not this lantern! The Luma Spot Rythm is a camp lantern, a spot light, a disco light (it can change colors every 8 seconds), and it plays music through your chosen music device. Now that is a lantern!

8. Hidden Springs Maple Syrup from Vermont – $7.99 – Grade B syrup. Darker. More flavorful. Thicker. And very very yummy. We thought the container size on this syrup was just about perfect. Not too much and not too little.

9. Sturdiwheat Pancake Mix – $7.99 – This is not your average grocery store pancake mix this is Sturdiwheat. A few Sturdiwheat cakes in the morning and you’re fueled up to take on the day!

10. GSI Glacier Stainless Coffee Press – $47.95 – Pancakes and coffee. Nothing says car camping better.

11. GSI 10″ Fry Pan – $32.95 – Nothing says car camping better than pancakes, coffee, and bacon. Don’t forget the fry pan!

12. Kleen Kanteen Steel Pints – $9.95 – Ok, a few adult beverages in moderation to call it a day sounds good to us. To hold said beverage use a container to make it easier. We recommend a stainless steel pint mug from Kleen Kanteen.  (Mountain Brew book: see #6).

– When all you want to do is ride your bike but your bike is out of adjustment or broken – just bring it in to the Ski Haus Bike Repair Shop. Repairs are done right the first time and in a timely basis. This is what our mechanics do best. No repair is too great or too small. Whether you need a simple adjustment or a complete overhaul, the Ski Haus Bike Repair Shop mechanics can help you.

Checkover – $45 – Includes front and rear brake adjustment, front and rear derailleur adjustment, clean and lube chain, and tighten all fasteners. Parts not included.
Full Tune – $75 – Includes everything in the Checkover plus drivetrain removal and clean, true front and rear wheels, adjust headset, adjust front and rear hubs.
Overhaul – $115 – Includes everything in a Checkover and Full Tune plus rebuild front and rear hubs, rebuild headset.

The Ski Haus mechanics will also do a la carte work as well. If you only needing a brake adjustment ($14), or adjust a rear derailleur ($11), or adjust a loose headset ($7), or anything repair related, the guys can do it for you… We want you to be happy on your ride and the only way that works is if your bike works.

Have fun and ride your bike daily!

– For those of us who have worked in the outdoor recreation industry for many years, one of the most exciting parts of the job is watching how experience and passion fuels the innovation behind some of our favorite products. Over time we have had the privilege to not only watch, but also experience the advancements of the equipment that plays an important role in our outdoor lifestyle. The evolution of the bicycle is a perfect example.

Ski Haus has been the Yampa Valley’s source for the very best outdoor equipment for more than 40 years. In that time we have watched (and supported) a number of outdoor activities as they’ve grown from a “fad” that nobody’s heard of, to the mainstream sports that keep us looking forward to our weekend. I could go on and on about how snowboarding evolved from something that was laughed off of the ski slopes back in the early ‘80’s to the multi-billion dollar industry that it is today… but since it’s almost June let’s focus on the progression of the mountain bike instead!

Early designs for the bicycle can be traced back to the late 1400’s, however the purpose built off-road machines we call mountain bikes have a much younger history (although an equally humble beginning). The original Stumpjumper from Specialized is generally considered the first production mountain bike. The Stumpjumper made its debut back in 1981, and since mountain bike-specific components didn’t exist at the time, it came with a wild mix of parts. The brakes and cranks were designed for French touring bikes. The hubs, shifters, and derailleurs were Japanese. It came with a BMX stem and pedals, and the brake levers were from a motorcycle. Innovation is rarely easy, and while the first Stumpjumper was designed to leave the pavement, its rigid frame and fork provided a rough ride.

The early 90’s marked a major milestone for the sport of mountain biking with the development of the full-suspension frame. Now off-road riders could take advantage of not only front wheel travel, but also suspension in the rear. This new technology improved comfort and control especially on technical terrain. Specialized released the first generation S-Works FSR in 1993 which has evolved into the highly advanced full suspension designs of today.

Pictured far right is the all new 2013 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. While it shares the name of the bike that started it all, the similarities end there. This year’s model boasts all of the latest advancements in mountain bike technology. From the M5 frame with EVO geometry to the plush Fox Float CTD rear shock to the 29er wheels to the dropper seatpost, this bike is a marvel of modern tech that climbs efficiently and descends confidently unlike anything before it. Thus forcing the question, what will they think of next? Whatever it is, we’ll have it for you at the ‘Haus!

Photo: Each of the featured Specialized bikes belong to one of Ski Haus’ long-time staff members. From left to right: Shine’s 1986 Stumpjumper, Todd’s 1994 S-Works FSR, Doug’s 2013 Stumpjumper EVO 29er.

– It should come as no surprise that Steamboat Springs is located in a landlocked state. No beach front ocean views  here. What we do have are ideal lakes, reservoirs, and rivers that are perfect for Stand Up Paddling. We have all seen glassy smooth lakes and thought how fun it would be to paddle over it. We’ve looked at tame sections of rivers that would float so nice for the not-so-adventurous and some crazy rapid filled sections for the more-than-adventurous. The point is there are plenty of places nearby that offer a great Stand Up Paddle Board experience. All you have to do is match your imagination with your desire. And don’t forget about Ski Haus Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals. Try before you buy!

Here is a list of what Ski Haus has in stock for this Summer 2013.

Boardworks Supernatural 10’6″ ($999)
The Supernatural is designed for stability and glide.  These boards are a pleasure to paddle. Perfect for cruising and surfing as well. The Supernatural is a great choice when you want to combine both lakes and rivers to your SUP repertoire. Recommended for entry level to advanced paddlers at an affordable price.

Constructed of single density stringerless hand shaped EPS cores with epoxy resin laminations. Painted very durable automotive grade paint and polish coat with a gloss finish.

Dimensions: H: 10’6″
Width: 31″
Thickness: 4 3/4″
8″ Fin includedSize and Ability:
Novice: up to 200lbs – Intermediate: up to 220lbs – Advanced: up to 250lbs

Boardworks Veneer Raven 10’6″ ($1299) and 12’6″ ($1499)

This is a Ski Haus favorite. More staff members list this board as their favorite than any other board. The main reason is how effortless it is to get this board to track straight. It is designed for glide and stability in flat or choppy water.It displaces water effortlessly to glide fast and straight. This is the all purpose board for lakes, reservoirs, bays, and calm rivers. Perfect for long tours, the user interested in developing or maintaining fitness, and recreational racing.  This board features a bamboo veneer and Northwest Native American inspired graphics. Easy tie downs for bringing gear. The Raven has a great feel on the water.

Dimensions
Height: 10’6″ or 12’6″
Width: 9 3/16″
Thickness: 6 15/16″
Fins included: Single Fin

Size: Novice up to 165lbs – Intermediate up to 200lbs – Advanced up to 250lbs

Badfish River Runner 8′ ($1050)

Colorado has great rivers. The Arkansas, The Colorado, The Yampa… the list is huge and this is your board if your aspirations are all about moving water, waves, and big adventure.  River waves are nothing like ocean waves.  River waves are generally smaller, slower, and rougher.  Boards that work in the ocean won’t do as good on standing waves in Western Rivers.  Badfish has come up with the solution.  These boards will rip large waves in high volume rivers like the Glenwood wave on the Colorado but they are at their best on your local play wave at average flows. The River Surfer has enough volume to plane out nicely on smaller river waves, bringing surfing to your own backyard playground.

Dimensions:
Height – 8.0′
Width – 31″
Deck Thickness – 5.375″
Trifin Included.

Paddle Surf Hawaii All Arounder 11′ ($1390)

Just as its name implies, here is a SUP for a paddler who wants to do it all. Rivers, ocean, lakes, bays, lagoons… You’ve got your board and you’re ready for all comers… This is the perfect board for a leisurely paddle or high performance surfing pulling out all the stops.

Sized or beginners up to 250 lbs in calm conditions or expert paddlers/surfers to 290 lbs.

Dimensions:
Height – 11′
Width – 30 5/8″
Deck Thickness – 4 7/8″
Fins – 2 +1 or Quad

Corran Doppler 11’6″ SUP ($1683)

If you are ready for speed and versatility, The Corran Doppler, is for you. Fast and straight on lakes and stable and easy to surf on rivers and ocean.  Within a few paddle strokes you’ll feel the extra glide and distance gained you can generate with this board. That counts for a lot. Further and faster is easily attained with the Doppler. Here is a board that is a pleasure to paddle and you’ll want to take it with you everywhere!

Dimensions:
 11’6″ x 32″ x 5.8″ – 243ltr

Corran Belissima SUP designed for women ($1570)

The Belissima is the ladies version of the Corran Doppler. All the same Doppler information applies to this board only it so much easier to carry! The Bellissima is lighter than the normal Doppler making it easier to carry, load and handle.

Dimensions: 10’6″ x 30″ x 5″ – 190ltr

SLEEP GOOD OUTSIDE!

–  If you think sleeping outside means tossing and turning and zero sleep you are in for a pleasant surprise – especially when you are sleeping on the Cosmo from Nemo Equipment.  The Cosmo is one of the most comfortable and easy to use pads you will ever own.

The Cosmo offers a plush 3” of  thickness. You won’t feel a pebble, a stick, or even your own aches and pains. Nemo uses the most durable fabrics so the Cosmo will last and last with years of use. One of the key features is a raised baffle at the top of the pad to supplement your pillow. You could feasibly use this pad without a pillow because this baffle raises you up just enough to be comfortable but what the heck… take a pillow (Nemo’s Fillo Pillow) and add a bit of luxury to your good night’s sleep. Another great feature to the Cosmo is the integrated foot pump at the bottom of the pad. You won’t hyperventilate inflating this pad… Let your feet do the work and it’s twice as easy and twice as quick.

Take one look at this pad you’ll notice the baffles run across the width of the pad horizontally. (Most pads like this run the baffles up and down length wise because it is cheaper to make). The baffles in the Cosmo run across it’s width, perpendicular to your arms and legs, making the pad’s contours barely noticeable.

The insulation is a layer of PrimaLoft  built in for protection against cold or hot ground. The pad is a full 30” wide and 76” long, plenty of room to roll around if that is your style. It includes a stuff sack, compression strap, and repair patches.

Ready for a full night’s sleep under the stars? Check out the Nemo Cosmo Insulated pad. You’ll love it just as much as we do!

$169.95

Minimum Weight – 2 lbs, 2 oz / 964 g

Minimum Temp. Zone – 10 to 20F / -12 to -6C

Shape – Rectangular

Width – 25 in / 64 cm

Length – 76 in / 183 cm

Thickness – 3 in / 8 cm

Insulation – Type PrimaLoft  Synergy

Packed Size – 9 x 6.5 in / 23 x 17 cm

Fabric 75D PU Polyester

Color Sunrise Orange

– It’s road biking season in Steamboat Springs, Colorado! The scoria remaining on the road from this past winter is being swept up and cleared out leaving a smooth riding surface. The lingering snowfall has finally given way to warmer temperatures and there’s plenty of sunshine in the forecast. While the riding conditions are quickly becoming ideal, maybe your bike is anything but? If that’s the case don’t miss out on some of the best riding of the season, get to Ski Haus and check out the new Specialized Roubaix Sport.

The smoother, faster Roubaix – named for the punishing Paris-Roubaix race it has won four times – is a high-performance, endurance focused bike that’s highly stable and efficient. The Roubaix Sport features Shimano 105 compact gearing and Specialized new DT-Axis 1.0 wheels for lower weight and higher performance. The foundation of the Roubaix Sport is the FACT Carbon frame which has been engineered with Endurance Road Geometry. The ingenious Zerts inserts have been integrated into the Roubaix’s frame and fork and serve as the vibration dampening that makes the Roubaix both smooth and responsive.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your summer riding by upgrading your road bike or simply need a high performance ride for your weekend in Steamboat, Ski Haus has you covered! We have the new Roubaix in stock for you to make your own, as well as a full size run available for sale or for rent. See you at the ‘Haus!

– I’d have to say most all of us like a hot meal at the end of the day – especially in camp after a long day hiking and climbing. Even a minimalist won’t forgo a hot meal at the end of a long day on the trail. What is the most efficient way to get something warm in your tummy? You’ll need some kind of heat to cook whatever it is you want to eat. A good, fast, efficient and easy way to cook is with a lightweight stove.

If your school of thought sends you along the “boil water, rehydrate food pouch, make coffee” and call it good then the MSR Reactor Stove is one to consider. This is a system stove. This is to say the stove works best when you use the designed pot that comes with it. No other option will work. The stove and the pot work together and that creates the efficiency.

MSR’s Reactor Stove is the fastest and most fuel efficient stove we’ve ever seen. It has added value and performance because it even performs in the cold and wind.  The Reactor has a radiant burner head. There is no flame that that can be affected by the wind. The Reactor pot nests right over the radiant burner to create a very efficient system. This stove has some of the fastest boil times ever tested for a small camp stove. The bottom line is you will burn less fuel, carry less fuel, and move faster with this stove than any other stove you’ve ever owned.

Here are the specs:

• Integrated System: State-of-the-art stove and high-efficiency cookware are combined into a compact, self-contained and easy-to-use system.
• Unrivaled Boil Time: Outperforms the competition in head-to-head lab tests—boiling .5 liter of water in just 1.5 minutes—with an even greater advantage out in the real world.
• Unmatched Wind Protection: Heat exchanger completely encloses radiant burner head, virtually eliminating the effects of wind to maintain outstanding boil times and save fuel.
• Maximum Efficiency: Patent-pending radiant burner, heat exchanger and internal pressure regulator produce best-in-class, fuel-sipping efficiency in all conditions.
• Compact: All systems are self-contained, fitting the stove and fuel inside the pot. (1.0L Reactor System nests optimally with MSR’s new, smaller-diameter 4 oz. canisters.)

$159.95