PHOTOS BY KELLY RYERSON
Last Wednesday on the first day of spring, the fourth Nor’Easter of March blanketed New York City in a foot of snow. While some complained, I rejoiced in the Winter Wonderland that became Central Park. Equipped with a closet full of snow gear I had been wanting to demo all winter, I wrangled my buddy, photographer Kelly Ryerson, and we trekked out to the park armed with snowshoes, cross country skis, snow running shoes, and lots of layers. Who needs spring? Here’s hoping for another snow storm!
SNOWSHOES: L.L.BEAN WOMEN’S TRAILBLAZER WITH BOA BINDING PACKAGE; BOOTS: VASQUE WOMEN’S POW POW III; SUNGLASSES: SMITH OPTICS ATTACK; JACKET: BIG AGNES FIRE TOWER BELAY; BACKPACK: PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE PACK
Snowshoes have evolved quite a bit in their 4000 year history, and one of the most revolutionary additions featured on the L.L.Bean Trailblazer is the Boa-closure system. It provides a custom and exceptional fit that adapts to any boot. I’m wearing the Vasque Pow Pow III, super warm and comfy with maximum traction, a merino wool upper liner, and Thinsulate™ insulation. The snowshoes are constructed from a lightweight and durable aluminum, and come complete with collapsible aluminum poles, and a rugged snowshoe bag to carry it all.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS: ROSSIGNOL EVO XC59; POLES: ROSSIGNOL XT-700; BOOTS: ROSSIGNOL X2; JACKET: PATAGONIA MICRO-PUFF HOODY
Though I’m an avid downhill skier, I’ve only been on cross-country skis a couple of times. On the Rossignol Evo XC59 skis I felt like an instant pro! A bit shorter and wider, they are more stable side-to-side so you can glide, glide, glide! With an easy step in binding and quick release, these waxless touring skis are fun for any level, novice to expert. The sleek X2 boots offer exceptional comfort, warmth and ski control. They feature a waterproof zip-up outer layer that covers an easy one-pull, lace up, Thinsulate™ inner layer.
The Patagonia Micro-Puff Hoody was voted “Outside Magazine Gear of the Year” for its warmth to weight ratio. It delivers ultra lightweight, water-resistant, down-like warmth with PlumaFill synthetic insulation — a revolutionary down alternative made to keep you warm and dry for all your winter sports
RUNNING SHOES: SAUCONY ARCTIC PEREGRINE 7 ICE; SOCKS: SMARTWOOL PHD GRDUATED COMPRESSION SOCKS; LEGGINGS: SUGOI MIDZERO TIGHT; JACKET: PATAGONIA HOUDINI
As you can see the snow is no match for me and the Saucony Arctic Peregrine 7 Ice! The Vibram Arctic Grip sole provides exceptional traction across icy surfaces and makes running through the snow a blast! Plus they’re just as comfortable, cushioned, and lightweight as any road running shoe. My Patagonia Houdini shell is a go-to layer for me — featherweight and weather-resistant — and it packs down to nothing in its own integrated stuffsack.
BREAKFAST BOWL AND GOLDEN LATTE AT THE BLUESTONE LANE CAFE!
And after the snowday is done, it’s time to refuel at Bluestone Lane Cafe, located just across the street from the entrance to Central Park at 90th Street and Fifth Avenue. Kind of a hideaway spot, it’s nestled in a gothic vaulted annex adjacent to the historic Church of the Heavenly Rest.
Aaah… the reward for a tough morning demoing snow gear!
