Sport Chalet To Award One Hiker With A Scenic 12-Day Trek Through New Zealand

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Sport Chalet's Adventures of a Lifetime sweepstakes, the premier specialty sporting goods retailer has united with Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and Eagle Creek to offer one lucky winner a 12-day trek through the New Zealand countryside. The sweepstake was crafted to give outdoor enthusiasts an unforgettable experience abroad while highlighting the country's beautiful scenery.

The trip kicks off in the South Island with a guided tour on Milford Track that starts at the clear waters of Lake Te Anau. Hikers will then enjoy Fiordland National Park's mountain passes and suspension bridges over pristine lakes, sky-scraping mountain peaks, glacier-carved fiords and enormous valley views. The winner will also visit Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand and the fifth highest in the world. The prize package also touts other awe-inspiring elements, including a cruise on Milford Sound, a guided mountain hike with adventure climber Guy Cotter and a venture through the volcanic peaks and emerald lakes of Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the North Island.

"The selection of hikes offered in the Adventures of a Lifetime sweepstake really gives the winner a chance to view the wide range of the New Zealand landscape with a variety of different locales and terrain. Regardless of the kind of trail, it's imperative that hikers be well prepared when enjoying the outdoors," said Sport Chalet Expert Tonya Bray. "Whether hikers are going on a sunny day trip a few miles from home or a week-long expedition through the mountainous countryside of New Zealand, Sport Chalet offers a variety of Eagle Creek gear to prepare hikers for whatever Mother Nature has in store."

Bray recommends a selection of Eagle Creek hiking gear for exploring the outdoors both near and far:

• The warm-weather hike. When temperatures are on the rise, it's absolutely crucial for hikers to stay hydrated. The Eagle Creek 2-In-1 Sling/Backpack is hydration-compatible making it possible for hikers to carry a water reservoir to sip while hiking in Tongariro National Park or elsewhere. The pack also easily converts from a full-sized backpack into a one-sling pack depending on the wearer's preference, so adventurers can journey comfortably.
• The waterfall hike. When trekking on a hike that promises a free-flowing waterfall at the end, much like New Zealand's Sutherland Falls, hikers should expect to get a little wet at some point along the way. The last thing a hiker needs is to be burdened with sopping wet clothing and socks on the journey home. The water-resistant Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set is perfect for storing a dry change of clothes when out on the trail with cascading falls.
• The day hike. Hikers can enjoy a simpler day hike, similar to the tranquil trail around Lake Ada in New Zealand, without worrying about small belongings like money or credit cards. Go hands-free with the Eagle Creek Tailfeather Pack, which uses an adjustable waist strap to keep personal belongings safe and secure when on the trail.
• The adventure hike. For those who plan to get lost in nature with an adventurous hike off the beaten path, similar to the winding trails of Mackinnon Pass, the Eagle Creek Gear Hauler is a must-have. With zip-away backpack straps and removable padded shoulder strap, this pack serves many purposes and can be used both on and off the trail. It's a fully equipped hauler with helpful extras like an organizer panel, safety whistle, bottle opener and safety reflective accents that are perfect for when the sun sets.

Sport Chalet's Adventures of a Lifetime sweepstakes are live now through Nov. 9 and were developed to encourage athletes to pursue the sports they love in a thrilling way while being outfitted with the best gear and training made available by some of the world's top brands and athletes. In addition to the Eagle Creek adventure, the campaign also includes adventures for runners, scuba divers, cyclists, snowboarders and CrossFit enthusiasts. Athletes can enter the sweepstakes in-store, online at www.sportchalet.com/adventures or by mail. Action Pass members will be automatically entered with a qualifying purchase of Eagle Creek product.

To find a nearby Sport Chalet location, visit www.sportchalet.com. To learn more about this sweepstake, visit the Adventures of a Lifetime entry page and for media inquiries, contact [email protected].

About Sport Chalet
Sport Chalet is a premier, full service specialty sporting goods retailer featuring the industry's top sports brands in apparel, footwear, and sports equipment. Founded in 1959 by Norbert Olberz, the company has 50 stores in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah; an online store at www.sportchalet.com; a Team Sales division; and offers more than 50 specialty services for the sports enthusiast, including online same day delivery, climbing, backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, avalanche education, and mountain trekking instruction, car rack installation, snowboard and ski rental and repair, Scuba training and certification, Scuba boat charters, team sales, gait analysis, baseball/softball glove steaming and lacing, racquet stringing, and bicycle tune-up and repair at its store locations. For more information, visit Sport Chalet at www.sportchalet.com.

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