SkiPost
Volume 15 Issue 30: Nov 21, 2013
We answer your skiing questions email us [email protected] 
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Do you have a Nordic training, technique, equipment, travel, or event question?
Just email us at [email protected] 
Peter Hale

Peter Hale, a long time fixture of the World Wide Nordic Community passed away this week. I met Peter about 30 years ago when I first moved to Bozeman to attend MSU. From that day forward I would see Peter as a supporter, coach, mentor and competitor yet always a gracious friend. Our paths crossed so closely that I moved my ski business into an office space on the same day he was moving out of the exact space. A week later I found one of his imported Spark sleds in the rafters. I will miss Peter's spark.

Life Celebration for Peter Hale update.

At 7:00 pm Mountain Time Today Thursday Nov 21, please join us for a universal toast to Peter. It was suggested that his European friends anticipate our toast in the States by raising their glasses at 7 pm European Time (GMT+1) We'll certainly be together in spirit. Cheers!!

There will be a Life Celebration get-together for Peter's friends and family this Thursday (11-21-13) at the Beall Park Recreation Center, 415 N. Bozeman, in Bozeman, MT at 6:00pm. Bring a pot-luck dish and memories to share. 

Flying with Skis

 

Hi, you must have several readers who travel to Europe to XC ski, or race. Airlines are now charging a lot to ship skis and I know they must bring several pairs. Can anyone share what they do and the costs they've incurred? 

Thanks FN

 

Dear FN,  I pack my multiple pair of skis in one large bag with poles and wrapped in ski apparel. I make sure the bag weighs under 50 lbs and then check it.  I usually can check it as just as a regular bag. If they ask how many skis I have I say just one. Make sure to not pack wax remover, you can pack the Start Easy Cleaners wipe. 

 

SkiPost readers please share your ski baggage experiences and advice emailing [email protected] 

Body Position

Hi

I noticed using my V2 x150's (with the speed reducers on 2 clicks) in the rain that it forced me to really get my weight up and over my ski or I would skid out. I observe in doing this my weight seems much more over the ball and toes of my feet than my 'normal' rolling. On the other hand, 'normal' rolling - more on the heels, I think - seems to have more glide. Is this a function of roller skis only, perhaps the 'heels' position allows more free rolling and less bearing down on the speed reducers? Or does it apply on snow, are 'ball-toe' positions better for some things, like climbing, and heel positions for gliding? Or is there an ideal where you glide on heels then push off with toes on each weight change? 

Thanks, D

 

D,

 

I have not used the V2 nor with with speed reducers so I can not answer with specifics about this. But since you goal is snow skiing let me talk about a skis reaction with body position.And the same principle applies to both skate and classic.

 

On a real ski you are spot on that the farther you have your weight forward the better kick in classic and edge hold in skate you will have. The farther you have your weight rear ward the better free glide you will have. So when you are in a tuck try to rest your weight on your heels and you will see that your skis get much better glide. And if you are having difficulty getting kick try to roll up onto your toes more. It is a similar effect as if you ski on skis that are much too stiff for you the skis will seem very fast on the downhill but you will have great difficulty skiing them fast let alone easy on the uphill.  Subtle changes can make vast improvements in both kick and glide in classic and in skate. If you are climbing on skate skis and your weight is rearward you will have more difficulty getting purchase and the ski will slip out from under you.  It is like a dance with subtle changes can make all the difference.

 

Andy at SkiPost

Butt  Up?

Dear Ski Post

 I have a problem, when skating as as I crunch on to my poles my butt wants to go backward. How do I maintain high hips and also do the forward press?

Thanks. T.N.

 

We offer you advice and rollerski drills at this video link.  

 

Hoff selects Bliz 

to Keep Focused

 

World Cup skier Noah Hoffman has selected Bliz as his eyewear choice. Noah joins a growing roster of US stars, including Brian and Caitlin Gregg, and Dakota Blackhorse-von Jess  that are selecting Bliz to Keep Focused. Here Noah is sporting the Velocity XT in Carbon Red. Noah, and Dakota, start their season this weekend in BeitostolenTeam Gregg start their journey in West Yellowstone. Follow Noah's journeys at his great web page blog at noahhoffman.com

 

 

  

Dear SkiPost,

 

How do you keep glasses from fogging?

 

The key to keeping your lenses fog free is to keep them slightly farther off your face than you may ordinarily wear them and to keep them in this "perfect" location without touching them. The extra space provides the room for the glasses and you to breath.  But just as vital is to keep them in one place throughout your entire ski because if they slip down your nose when you push them back up you are likely to to either push them to close to your face and or breath with your hand blocking and cause fog. Once you get some fog more is likely to follow.

 

Bliz offers numerous solutions for the Nordic skier and for that reason is selected by 40% of World Cup stars including Noah, Dakota, Caitlin and Brian. ( images from Erik Packer and Charlie Renfro)

  


More questions go to Bliz America

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Start Poles from Robots?

 

Dear Start.

I read in the Birkie newsletter that Start is the new pole choice for CXC and the Green Team and some Russian World Champions.... Is there anything different about the Start pole or it just another easy to break Chinese pole?

 

The Start SD3 is the world's only 3D Robotically Wound Nordic pole. Computer driven robotic fingers precisely wind Black Ops Carbon filaments to Start's 3 dimensional algorithms to create the Start Dimension Three - SD3 in Finland. Each SD3 pole can be made identical or even custom made by simply selecting a different custom computer winding program for say Extra Stiff specifications. Robotic winding guarantees that each skier gets a pole as designed for minimum weight and maximum durability. 

 

Check out the video of the robotic winding of a baseball bat here. Start is not showing the SD3 pole winding as to much proprietary information in its winding program could be derived from the video.    

 

  

Start's Robotic Baseball Bat 3D Winding
Start's Robotic Baseball Bat 3D Winding

  

 Like Start  Like us on Facebook

 

 

   More info on waxing through these links.

 

Start Touring Waxing Guide Start Waxing Tech Manual

Recreational & fitness waxing guide     Race Waxing Guide   Start Wax Cheat sheet 

 

 

 

 Follow the World Cup with Salomon Nordic

the #1 choice of the USST

Like us on Facebook 

Today Salomon Nordic was on the road to Muonio and it was -24.5C 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events and Destinations 

 

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 13/14 

 

The only one its kind worldwide. Here's how it works: register your 10-member Fantasy World Cup team and be eligible to win great prizes. Please review the contest rules below and make sure you register by the Nov. 28 deadline. The contest is open to all players around the world - good luck to all contestants. http://skitrax.com 

U.S. Cross Country Ski Poster Championships

January 1-8, 2014

  

 

Objectives: To highlight the importance of having a team, to showcase all U.S. clubs and teams, and to increase XC visibility in your community by distributing your own team poster.

 

Instructions:

  •  Get your team or club together for a photo shoot and email your high resolution photo to [email protected]  and [email protected] by midnight MST on Dec 31, 2013.
  • A club may submit one full club poster in addition to a poster for each of its many teams - Youth, Post Graduate, Elite Team, Masters, etc.
  • The poster must clearly display the name of the club or team and a slogan.
  • USSA will print out one 11" x 18" copy of each poster to hang on display at U.S. Cross Country Championships in January at Soldier Hollow.

The Competition:  The voting platform will be held on Facebook and will be based on the number of Facebook "Likes" per poster image. The voting period will be held on USSA Nordic Facebook from January 1-8th at midnight Mountain Standard Time,

 

Cost: There is no charge to participate in the contest. All you have to do is email your edited poster shot (High quality JPEG or PDF) and we will print out one poster to put on display at U.S. Championships at Soldier Hollow, and on Facebook during the competition window. The hope is that clubs and teams print out a bunch of copies to distribute in your own community.

 

Prizes:
U.S. Ski Team swag.
The top-3 high school team posters will be hung in U.S. housing at the Olympics in February.
 Pride. 

West Yellowstone is ready.

 

 

YELLOWSTONE SKI FESTIVAL

November 26-30, 2013

 

Light snow is falling outside and the forecast is calling for more.  The Rendezvous Ski Trails are covered and the skiing is looking good.   The trails have already been groomed a couple times and the incoming weather forecast is predicting several more inches to fall Wednesday and into Thursday.

 

With the 2013 Yellowstone Ski Festival in sight, the final details are wrapping up.  It is not too late to register for a clinic.  Consider a three or five day Nordic clinic to start the ski season off right.  Or a one or two day to fit your holiday schedule.  Take in an early season race.  There are five different races at this year's ski festival, including the inaugural NNF/WYSEF Masters Race!  Online registration is available now.  Sign up by Thursday, November 21 to avoid late fees.  Check out the schedule of events.  Enjoy an array of wax clinics, movies, classes, and presentations.  The schedule is updated constantly, so check back often.  The Indoor Expo is packed with all things Nordic and free of charge.  Visit with those in the know from Rossignol, Salomon, Fischer, Toko, Atomic, Fast Wax, Madshus, Swix, Solda, the National Nordic Foundation, Boulder Nordic Sport, SkiFast Ergometer, Bliz, BeFast Headgear, Mt. Borah, Bjorn Daehlie, Noname Apparel, Podiumwear, Woodski, Cirrus Aircraft, Start Wax, and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation.  Visit these vendors' booths at night to pick up some demo gear for the next day.  Don't forget to visit the vendors who will be on-snow at the Rendezvous Ski Trailhead area. Your ski pass allows you full access to demo gear on the trails.  Be sure to schedule some time so you can sample the latest and greatest from all the participating vendors!

 

Join us for keynote speaker Dan Simoneau, catch the only Nordic skiwear fashion show, and win great prizes at the annual WYSEF Raffle, all at the Holiday Inn, Yellowstone Ski Festival's event headquarters.

 

Enjoy your First Tracks in West Yellowstone. Whether First Tracks truly means the corduroy and you, or it is the first time on skis this season, or the first time on skis period; you are invited to take them at the Yellowstone Ski Festival. Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2013 Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com and follow westyellxcski on Twitter, or friend Yellowstone Ski Fest on Facebook for up-to-minute news.

  

 

 2014 Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships

 

Stowe, Vermont s Trapp Family Lodge has been selected as host of the 2014 Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships.  The community celebrations and races, sanctioned by the United States Ski Association (USSA) will be held March 1   March 8, 2014 on the Trapp Family Lodge s 100 kilometer network of cross country ski trails.

Annual Birkie Warrior + Inga Contest Open for Applications


 

Re-enact historic ski of the original "Birkebeiners" at this year's Birkie!

Deadline for entries is November 30.

Details here birkie.com

 

 Steamboat Nordic Camp  - Registration Open

 

11th Annual Steamboat Nordic Camp Dec 14 - 15th, 2013 - Registration Open http://thenordiclink.com

 

 

10th Annual Kingston Roller Ski Race 

 

The 10th Annual Kingston Roller Ski Race is scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Miller Middle School in Lake Katrine, NY (just outside Kingston, NY).  There will be 3 races held starting with a 5K classic race at 12 noon, followed by a 2K novice freestyle at 12:30pm and ending with a 10K skate race at 1:15pm.   In addition to individual age group awards there also is a high school team championship and an open team championship. Awards are given to the winners of each race and then merchandise awards are given to everyone via a random raffle.  For additional information check out the race blog: kingstonnordic.blogspot.com or email the race director - Greg Malia at [email protected].

 

 Women's Ski Weekend

 

Women's Ski Weekend

December 7 & 8, 2013 (Saturday & Sunday) or January 11 & 12 2014 (Saturday & Sunday)

2 skate ski lessons; 1 guided night classical ski tour; 2 yoga sessions; 1-30 minute massage; 1 night stay at the Izaak Walton Inn in Montana

 

New This Season *Women's Classic Getaway*

February 7 & 8, 2014 (Friday & Saturday)

2 classical ski lessons; 1 guided night classical ski tour; 2 yoga sessions; 1-30 minute massage; 1 night stay at the Izaak Walton Inn

All the information, including a flyer, instructor bios and detailed itinerary can be found at

http://brendawinkler.com

  

Nordic Job Openings

Nordic Job Opening? email [email protected] to post

U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum Development Director 
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum provides respected perpetual 
recognition of athletes competing in skiing and snowboarding and of the builders of these
sports who have made the highest level of national and/or international achievement and
contribution to American skiing and snowboarding. It is located in Ishpeming in Michigan's
Upper Peninsula, the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States. The Hall of Fame
enshrines nearly 400 Honored Members and is home to an extensive collection of artifacts
and archives relating to the history of skiing and snowboarding  more info here

   

Webskis Job Opening

 WebSkis  (WebCyclery.com), located in Bend, OR,  is looking for a knowledgeable and customer-oriented nordic ski-tech/salesman. Applicants will need to have a working knowledge of nordic ski flexing, waxing, boot fitting, wax testing procedures, etc. Bicycle knowledge, while not required, is beneficial. Applicant must be organized and work well with others. Position is full-time 32-40 hrs per week, will require working on many Saturdays, and could be year round employment for the right person. Flexible schedule offers the chance to ski on a daily basis (Bend has great skiing 6-8 months out of the year). WebSkis focuses on providing avid skiers and racers with excellent customer service and quality hand picked ski equipment and waxes. resumes [email protected]

 

Alaska Jumping/Nordic Combined Coach Opening

Looking for Jumping/Nordic Combined ski coach in Anchorage at the Karl Eid Jumps. Come coach our rapidly growing program in Anchorage. This is a paid part-time position with some great benefits! email:  [email protected]  call: ( 907) 242-2633

 
Team Soldier Hollow Seeks Devo Coach
Team Soldier Hollow, located at the 2002 Olympic venue in Midway, UT, is looking for an enthusiastic and energetic coach to work with our Devo Team skiers (ages 10 to 13). Ideal candidates will have experience cross country ski racing and/or coaching and waxing. Current USSA Coaches License is required. 

For more information on Team Soldier Hollow visit www.teamsoldierhollow.com Please send a letter of interest and resume to [email protected]

 

Summit Nordic Ski Club  

The Summit Nordic Ski Club (Summit County, CO is fielding letters of interest and resumes for a part time J2-OJ coach for the 2013-14 competition season. Reply to: Dan McCrerey, SNSC President: [email protected]

 

Alaska High School Coaching openings

Cross-Country Ski Coaches Needed for Palmer and Wasilla High Schools in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska. Head and Assistant Coaches are needed for the high schools this year. These are paid positions. contact: Palmer High: [email protected], 907-746-8400 WasillaHigh: [email protected], 907-352-8213 


Vail Nordic Center

The Vail Nordic Center, located in beautiful, Vail, CO. is looking for full and part-time help for this winter. The ideal candidate will have retail experience and a  good knowledge of Nordic skiing.  Teaching experience in classic and skate skiing is a huge plus.  Please contact Mia at [email protected] for all inquiries.  

 

Nordic Skiing Head Coach, Amherst Regional High School, MA

 Amherst Regional High School is looking for a new head coach for their Nordic Ski Program. Contact Nat Woodruff, Current Nordic Head Coach, at 617-939-4317 [email protected] To apply for the position please contact Rich Ferro, ARHS Athletic Director, at 413-362-1747 [email protected]

About SkiPost

 

Cross-Country skiing's community lodge. Where knowledge and stories are shared. The goal of SkiPost is to make the sport of Cross-Country skiing easier and more enjoyable for all who choose to participate. If you have questions on Cross-Country Skiing email us [email protected] and visit SkiPost.com

 

Enjoy Winter,

Andrew Gerlach
Director/Editor- SkiPost

 

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In This Issue
Ask Us
Peter Hale
Flying with Skis
Body Position
Butt Up
Hoff Selects Bliz
Poles From Robots
Follow the World Cup
Events & Destinations
Nordic Job Openings

Upcoming Special Events

associated with SkiPost

Start & Bliz 

 

West Yellowstone Ski Festival

Demo the Start SD3 pole

 

Bliz Active Logo

 

Keep Focused

 

hellner

BLIZ LOGO  

Bliz America Blog

BLIZ America Dealers

KEEP FOCUSED

 

For more BLIZ USA info 

[email protected] 

406-585-2660

proflip marit 

Start Kick Waxes

Start Wax and Poles Explained

woodski
Woodski roller skis

Noname Banner Final
NONAME

Get your team custom unis from NONAME
 and separate yourself team from the pack.

 

 Ski Seefeld, Austria
February 26 - March 5, 2014
7 Nights, 8 Days of Skiing 
 
 
CXC Academy

 

 
Get Lungplus to preheat your breath and save your lungs. Get a Lungplus and ski like the Norwegians!
For more information go to Lungplususa.com 
S-Lab
Salomon Nordic

ski erg
SkiErg

Ski West Yellowstone
find the time
The one gift you receive at birth is time.  You'll never have more  than you have today.  Find the Time.

nsc
Nordic Ski Colorado

start poles  

Start Wax and Poles Explained

Start Wax & Pole Catalog 1314 

Start Finishing Fluors

Start Wax and Poles Explained

nnf word
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