Many of us have maintained our sanity during this pandemic by escaping to the outdoors at every opportunity, and that doesn’t have to change as the weather turns. “There’s no such thing as bad weather if you have the right gear,” says Amy Wansing, marketing manager at Boulder’s Neptune Mountaineering. With all the uncertainty surrounding ski resorts right now, they’re anticipating a big year for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
A large influx of beginners means a large emphasis on safety and education at Neptune, so they’ve expanded their selection of affordable entry-level gear like avalanche packs, skis and snowshoes, and they’ll be hosting online clinics to prepare customers for their snowy adventures. “We also have really friendly, knowledgeable staff to help teach people,” says Wansing, “helping them figure out what they need without overloading them with all the fanciest gear in the world.”
The expanded offerings add to an already impressive collection of products available to buy or rent. Co-owner Shelley Dunbar says, “We can literally get someone geared up to climb Mount Everest, and we have the basics for someone who’s just getting into climbing, snowshoeing or trail running. We have the full spectrum.”
While she’s excited to welcome newcomers, Dunbar says that Neptune’s loyal customers are the heart of their outdoor community. She’s always looking for new products from up-and-coming brands to offer her fellow “gear geeks.”
And being a Boulder company, of course Neptune also carries winter gear for the adventurous dogs.
Best Local Places to Practice
Cross Country Skiing
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Betasso Preserve
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Caribou Ranch
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Heil Valley Ranch
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Meyers Homestead Trail at Walker Ranch
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Mud Lake
Snowshoeing
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Bald Mountain
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Betasso Preserve
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Brainard Lake
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Heil Valley Ranch
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Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain