MAPLE SYRUP, CHEDDAR CHEESE, AND SNOWSHOES

     What do maple syrup, cheddar cheese, and snowshoes have in common?  Individually, nothing at all, but as a group these are a few of the items that are still made by hand in Vermont.

     Maple syrup is deeply rooted in Vermont tradition.  Many sugarmakers have been working the same sugarbushes ( a Vermont term for a grove of Maple trees) and using the same sugar houses for decades.  Although Vermont cheddar cheese does not share the popularity of the maple products, Cabot Vermont,  the state's leading producer of cheddar had a long history as a local cooperative and is now 100% farmer owned and operated company.  So where do snowshoes fit in?

     Tubbs snowshoes used to be synonamous with Vermont crafted quality, but when they moved production to China last year many people were dissapointed.  Intent in continuing the tradition of Vermont made snowshoes, a few dedicated snowshoers and former Tubbs employess banded together to start TSL Snowshoes.

     Although they are the new kids on the block, TSL is making an impact in the world of snowshoeing.  With the introduction of their three models of aluminum framed snowshoes, one-piece composite snowshoes, and their revolutionary step-in bindings , TSL Snowshoes has proven that a little inginuity and hard work can sweeten the local flavor of Vermont and keep the snowshoe tradition alive.