Clif Bar vs Munk Pack: A Jolt In A Bar
Comparing Veteran And A New Comer Energy Boosters.
Sometimes we need a little boost.
Energy bars and gels have been on the market for a long time for endurance athletes and weekend warriors alike. Cycling, running and skiing require a positive store of energy that can be augmented by a power snack stored in a cycling jersey, pack or ski parka. It is especially important to seniors who are active to have some form of nourishment during activities that require fitness and skill. Depleting carbohydrates can drain muscle power and lead to injuries.
The Veteran
The gold standard for energy replacement has been Clif Bars for the last several
The Newbie
years. Energy bars, mini bars, gels and Clif Shots have all been part of the active outdoors persons arsenal . Recently, Clif Bars has joined a movement that emphasizes non-GMO, Gluten free, organic ingredients included in packaging that is non-toxic and able to be re-sealed.
Recently a competitive producer has been gaining ground in the energy food world. Munk Pack is produced in Canada and has focused on the energy food packs that have all natural flavors and able to be resealed. They specialize in Oatmeal fruit squeezes that include whole grain oats, delicious fruits and flax, to produce sustained energy. At $14.99 per six pack, they are reasonably priced and have four delicious flavors.
Personal Observations
Both Clif and Munk Pack emphasize the quality of ingredients. In my estimation, Munk Pack has an edge because, by comparison, their packs have 90 calories and 1% or one gram of total fat versus five grams of total fat and 140 calories for the Clif product. Some people value low calorie/ low percentage of fat grams in their intake of power snacks. Munk Pack delivers impact in terms of performance and recovery with the least amount of calories and fat. Both products are 120 gram packages. I found that the Peach Chai, Blueberry Acai, Rasberry Cocoanut, and Apple Quinoa Cinnamon also had an edge in exotic flavor over the Clif selections and utilizing the natural sweetness of the ingredients adds to the flavor enhancement. Both products are comparatively priced, but Clif ranges from $13.99 per box to $18.00 per box of six depending on flavor. Munk Pack is $14.99/six pack for all four flavors.
Clif has a wide range of products that suit different needs for the modern day athlete. But Munk Pack seems to have cornered the market on fresh ingredients, taste, and price. Their logo features a chipmunk which has significance in their mission. ” We take inspiration from nature to create delicious brands of pure fruit and grain. Like the chipmunk, we gather only high quality, real ingredients for balanced nutrition on the go. ” A great addition to the pocket of your ski parka or cycling jersey.
Why, Winter, Why? Snow On First Day Of Spring In Boston
Yes, folks, last year we had too much. This year, too little. Now this. Too little, too late.
Credit: CBS News/Chantee Lans WBZ
SeniorsSkiing Guide: Alpental—Accessible And Challenging
A Short Ride From Seattle, Alpental Super Seniors Ski For $12.
A skier rides the upper-elevation Edelweiss Chair at Alpental.
Credit: John Nelson
It was a rare sunny winter day in Seattle, and I was stuck working in my office. I kept looking out the window, thinking, “I wish I was skiing.”
Why not? Daydreaming wasn’t getting the work done, so I bolted out of the city, and an hour later, I was on the slopes of Alpental.
Sometimes, access is everything. This challenging resort offers an easy way to fill a yearning to turn. What’s more, senior skiers who seek Alpental’s steeps will get some enticing price breaks.
On the day I visited, Alpental provided a great excuse to play hooky. Recent storms had left its empty midweek terrain soft, with powder pockets just waiting to be found.
Snow, terrain and more
- Location: Alpental (the German word for “alpine valley”) is one of four areas at Snoqualmie Pass, all owned by the same company. It is about 50 miles east of Seattle just off Interstate 90, the main east-west route in Washington state.
- Snowfall: More than 400 inches fall annually at Snoqualmie Pass, with considerably more pounding the higher peaks at Alpental.
- Terrain, lifts: Alpental has some of the most challenging terrain in the Pacific Northwest. The lower mountain is primarily intermediate skiing, served by a high-speed quad (Armstrong Express) and two double chairs; the cliff-strewn upper mountain is for advanced skiers only and served by a double chair (Edelweiss). The experts-only back bowls of Alpental are accessed through gates off the Edelweiss chair.
- Vertical: 2,280 feet from base (3,140”) to top of Edelweiss (5,420”).
- Olympics connection: 1984 giant slalom gold medalist Debbie Armstrong grew up skiing at Alpental; the lift Armstrong Express and run Debbie’s Gold are named for her.
Lot to lift access
- Weekends are crowded during high season and are best avoided. Once you park, skiers must take a short walk across a covered wooden bridge to the base of the ski area. Weekdays are much easier; I arrived in early afternoon and parked 30 yards from the bridge.
- Shuttle service: Seattle Ski Shuttle delivers skiers from various locations in the Seattle metro area; a free intermountain shuttle operates between the four ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass.
- Accommodations: Plentiful along I-90; the ski area is just 50 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Culture
- The vibe: Alpental has a big-mountain feel on a fairly small footprint. Consequently, it feels like a club for people who love its challenging terrain. Lifties are friendly and helpful.
- Dining: The day lodge at the base area has cafeteria-style food and adult beverages.
Bottom line
- The senior skier will find some great deals here. Regular adult passes (ages 16-61) are $66; seniors aged 62-69 pay $48. If you’re a “super senior” (70 and older) your ticket is only $12.
- The upper-elevation Edelweiss Chairlift takes advanced skiers into dramatic, cliff-strewn terrain; the double-diamond, peak-to-base run International is one of the best drops you’ll ever ski.
- Access is everything: You’re on the slopes an hour after leaving Seattle.
Skiers negotiate the cliff area of Rollen on the Edelweiss Chair at Alpental.
Credit: John Nelson
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