With COVID-19 safety guidelines and travel restrictions, winter is looking very different this year in Vermont. Since not many people can travel and are staying home, there's been a huge uptick in people venturing outside and discovering what their backyard has to offer. Outdoor activity is a great way to get exercise, de-stress and spend time with your household. More people getting outside is great news! However, the influx is a concern because of the strain on natural resources. Services such as ski resorts and search and rescue will also be effected. With this resource guide, our goal is to provide some ideas to getting you outside in a new way, while offering other options for people to check out, in order to spread people out in any given area.

Since we already know that ski resort offerings such as lodging and chair capacity will be limited this season, it might not be the year to hit the resorts every weekend like you are used to (click here to read up on the guidelines). It will, however be a great opportunity to try a new winter activity such as cross country skiing, backcountry touring, snowshoeing and winter hiking.

We are somehow at the end September. Many runners are feeling simultaneously relieved about the reappearance of crisp air yet already nostalgic for twilight run-swims. This summer seemed to roll through at a frightening clip for a time when things have never been more uncertain. However, late summer melancholy aside, as runners we are coming up on prime time. Autumn in New England. Here’s a look at new shoe updates and trends in running this fall.

As we get into fall hiking weather and the amount of people getting on the trail increases, it's important that we still follow the Vermont Department of Health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We all need to play our part in maintaining a 6 foot distance from others and wearing a mask if you cannot do so - even when you are outside.

Navigating 6 feet socially distanced guidelines on a narrow trail can be a challenge, but with a little practice, patience and following these tips, I hope to help ease your anxiety and encourage you to get out. These tips can easily be applied to other activities, too such as running, biking, and winter sports, too.

 One of the most common questions I get as a shoe sales associate is what are the differences between road shoes and trail shoes? The subsequent question is usually: how do I decide which shoe works best for me? Here is a general guide for how to navigate those questions and the sometimes -overwhelming selections on a shoe wall.

As many Vermonters opt to not travel out of state due to COVID-19 concerns, summer is looking very different this year. Instead of a big vacation, many people are choosing to spend time locally - biking, running, hiking and discovering what their backyard has to offer. Don’t worry, summer is not a bust! Vermont is a beautiful state with lots of options to get outside and explore.

Many people come through our door asking where to go, so we’ve curated an outdoor recreation guide of what to do in Vermont. Inspiring our community to pursue a lifetime of outdoor activity and environmental stewardship is our mission. We encourage you to do the same and share this guide. Nature is for everyone and we all share the job of making it comfortable and welcoming to others, as well as sustaining its natural habitats and beauty for generations to come.<

Hi, I’m Jamie and I want to welcome you to C.H.A.M.P.! A Community Health and Movement Project aimed at creating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive active community in the Burlington area. If you are new to running, an elite runner or just looking to start a new walking regimen you will fit right in. In the interest of full disclosure, I run — a lot — and I love it, but I still find it hard to put myself in the category of “runner.” That’s because I used to hate running. To be fair, I sucked at it. I grew up playing team sports and absolutely dreaded team runs. I was always at the back of the pack, huffing and puffing my way along.

How many times have you ordered a pair of shoes and expected them to fit perfectly but they caused a hot spot, they were too wide, or they were just not soft enough? Unfortunately, this is common but ...but there are ways you can shop online and still get the perfect fit. Sometimes all it takes is a little help from your friends (friends at your local running store that is). So below, we have outlined some suggestions and aspects to consider when making the ultimate decision.

Tip #1: What’s Your History?

The first thing you should do is take a second to think about what you may have used in the past. Was there a particular brand or model that worked really well for you? Maybe a brand that just didn’t cut it for you?

The dawn of the virtual race. For many runners, virtual races have become the new norm - from living room 5k’s to backyard ultras. The running community has banded together creating hashtags like #RunningIsNotCanceled and events like the Aravaipa Strong Virtual Race turning out over 2000 runners across 29 countries - numbers that rival even some of the most prestigious races. Most have small or no prizes or medals but for many a percentage of each entry goes to charity, like Ironwood Adventurework’s Shelter In Pace Virtual Marathon. So to think motivation is low sounds contradictory, but the truth is, many people are feeling like their hearts aren’t in it, or are feeling disorganized and stuck in their training. So what can you do?

Between the news of COVID-19, being at home all day and Tiger King episodes on Netflix, getting out for a run has been the most challenging yet therapeutic activity I have been able to give myself these past few weeks.

Navigating the 6 feet social distancing rules on a run should be renamed “defensive running”. But with a little practice, following these 5 tips while developing your own, we hope to help ease your anxiety and encourage you to safely get out for a run. These tips can easily be applied to other activities like walking, hiking or biking. Please note these tips are subject to change via Vermont Department of Health guidelines.

With all of the mayhem this pandemic is creating it is important to take a step back from the news, negativity, and stress. Stay aware of what's going on, but take some time to unplug and clear your mind. It is now typical that wherever you go places are closed and no one is to be seen. Although this eerie sight has become the norm, birds are chirping, the sun is still shining, and there should be even more of a motivation to get out and do something while still keeping a safe physical distance.