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Ask us, We Answer
Do you have a Nordic training, technique, equipment, travel, or event question? Just email us at weanswer@skipost.com |
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1 thing to change
Dear SkiPost,
If there is one thing you would suggest most people change in their training what would it be?
I would say most people should add intervals to their weekly routine.
Most people go medium hard every day and exercise well but do not train. If you want to get faster you should vary your training levels and specifically add one day of intervals weekly. .
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Summer Skiing
by Noah Hoffman
Technique is a huge challenge for me. It is the area of my skiing that my coaches and I see the biggest opportunity to make gains. The best way to make gains in cross country skiing technique is to cross country ski. As such, I have done a lot of travel to snow during the northern hemisphere summer over the past three seasons. Here are the places I have skied and my thoughts about them.
Noah,
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Ski Center, Bend, Oregon,
http://www.mtbachelor.com/winter/mountain/nordic_ski_center. Mt. Bachelor outside of Bend generally holds snow into the middle of June. There isn't any lodging at the resort, but it's only a 30 minute drive from the happening city of Bend. The trails are rolling and it generally freezes at night. It's good to get on snow early, while it's still fast and hard. Afternoon skiing is generally not recommended, but the dryland training in Bend, especially the mountain biking, is wonderful. The crust skiing can also be great from Mt. Bachelor, conditions depending. I'm excited to be headed to Mt. Bachelor for the next two weeks.
 | | Noah Hoffman Stelvio Glacier |
Stelvio Pass, Italy
http://www.stelvio.net/english/
Last September I joined the Maine Winter Sports Center team for a camp on Stelvio Pass on the Swiss-Italian border. It is HIGH! We lived at the highest hotel, which means we could ski from the door, but it also meant we were living at about 10,300'. All of the skiing is up from there. The trails are between 10,500' and 10,900'. I was able to handle the altitude without too much trouble, and I had a productive training camp. However, my coaches and I were very conservative with training. Also, I grew up living at 8,000' and training at that elevation and higher. I believe Stelvio is too high to do effective training for anybody not used to the altitude. Beyond that, the trails were great with only very gradual hills, ideal for skiing at that altitude. It takes two tram rides up from the top of the pass to get to the hotel. As with many European hotels, all three meals are served there and can be purchased in a package deal with the room. The views from the glacier are stunning.
 | | NZ Skate Threshold |
Snow Farm, Wanaka, New Zealand,
http://www.snowfarm.org/. The Snow Farm in New Zealand is the best place that I've ever trained for skiing in July through September. Of course, it's winter down there, so the skiing is on mid-winter snow. Glacier skiing is not a bad option, but it's not the same as skiing on the same snow we race on all winter. New Zealand offers race quality snow, trails and grooming. When they have good snow they groom about 30 kilometers. The terrain is gentle, ideal for putting in long hours. The views are gorgeous. The best option for lodging is the lodge located on the trails. They have a meal plan that can include all three meals. It's a 30 minute drive down a winding dirt road to the nearest town of Wanaka, so it is very isolated. Of course, the travel to New Zealand is long and expensive. I am hoping to be headed back to New Zealand in August.
Eagle Glacier, Girdwood, Alaska,
http://www.alaskapacific.edu/explore-apu/nordic-ski-center/thomas-glacier-training-center/
The training center on the Eagle Glacier outside of Anchorage is owned and operated by the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Team. It is a well-run, world class training facility. There is a dorm-style lodge next to the glacier. Athletes are in charge of cooking their own food. It requires a short helicopter ride to get there, and trips are generally a week long. It is fully glacier skiing with soft wet snow, and they cannot salt the glacier due to environmental restrictions. However, they groom twice a day, so the training is as good as glacier skiing gets. The space is limited on the Eagle Glacier and I don't know if there is any ability for public to use the facilities. The views from the glacier are spectacular. The terrain is world class.
Oberhof Ski Tunnel, Germany
Skiing in a tunnel is tedious. It is short and exceptionally boring. You have to do a lot of laps to get a decent length workout. The snow is variable because it breaks down into sugary mush when it gets old. They can make snow and replenish it in the tunnel, but they are sometimes limited by the humidity levels in the tunnel. It is always about five degrees below zero Celsius in the tunnel. It is good for short hard training. Oberhof also has great roller ski trails outside the tunnel and there is good running and mountain biking as well. It is at sea level and of course has snow year round. It is the newest ski tunnel in the world and it has a couple of windows, a nice addition.
Dachstein Glacier, Ramsau, Austria,http://www.derdachstein.at/dachstein/en/Home.html
Unlike the Eagle Glacier and the Stelvio Glacier, there isn't any lodging on the Dachstein Glacier, so you have to take the tram up every day. They only groom once a day and it gets very soft, so it is generally only good to do one session per day on snow. It is high, about 8,000' and the skiing was very slow and wet when I was there. However, the dryland training down in Ramsau is world class. They have a roller ski track, running road and mountain biking, etc... The Dachstein is a good place to do a mixed camp of primarily dryland training with a little bit of skiing mixed in. Plus, the Austrian Alps are gorgeous.
Sognefjell Snow Field, Norway,
The Sognefjell Snow Field holds snow till about the end of June each year. It is built as an elite training venue so there is food and lodging at the trails. They groom about a 10 kilometer loop and the altitude is reasonable. The weather can be variable and the snow can be anything from mid-winter to water skiing. There is not much around, so it is a good place to stay focused and only eat, sleep and ski.
Torsby Ski Tunnel, Sweden,http://www.skitunnel.se/otherlanguages/infoinenglish.69.html.
Like the Oberhof Tunnel, the Torsby tunnel is short and monotonous. Unlike the Oberhof tunnel, it doesn't have any windows which adds to the gloom. Torsby also has great outdoor training, so it is a good place to do a dry-land based training camp with select intensity sessions indoors on-snow. When I was there several falls ago, they were having difficulty with snow quality. It was ankle deep sugar.
Canmore, Alberta, Frozen Thunder,
http://www.albertaparks.ca/canmore-nordic-centre.aspx.
Every fall, around October 15th, Canmore rolls out the snow they saved from the previous season. They are generally able to make a trail that is a little over a kilometer in length. The snow is surprisingly clean and hard. It is great skiing, but it requires a lot of laps to do a decent length workout. As always on a one kilometer loop, there is limited terrain variation. I'm going to return to Frozen Thunder for skiing again this fall
Enjoy, Noah Hoffman http://noahhoffman.com/ |
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Haig Glacier
Join coach and elite athlete Matt Liebsch and Endurance United for a week of hiking and summer skiing on Haig Glacier in the Canadian Rockies.
This has been a great camp the last 2 summers... summary and pictures can be found here skinnyski.com/ .
The daily routine includes: early breakfast, hike 45 minutes up to the glacier, ski on fresh piston-bulley tracks until noon. Hike back down for lunch, stretch, take a nap, read, short (optional) hike or strength, eat dinner, review ski technique video from the morning, go to bed, get up, repeat.
The camp fees include grooming, helicopter transport of your gear up the mountain, 3 hearty meals prepared by camp staff, bunk beds with separate sleep areas for men and women.
The ski program emphasizes easy distance altitude skiing. Technique coaching will take place most mornings and will include video analysis. Most of the mornings will be for easy distance skate and classic skiing. This camp is physically challenging due to the
alpine environment, changing weather conditions, long distances, and moderately high altitude.
This is a back-country camp manned with seasonal staff, radiophone and satellite communications with ranger station and helicopter support teams down below (no cell phone reception on the glacier). There are hot showers, TV w/movies, full kitchen, bunk
house, and strength area.
This has been a great camp the last 2 summers... summary and pictures can be found here skinnyski.com/ .
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NNF
National Nordic Foundation
While the calendar clicks into training season and the future racing efforts of the coming season are being primed in rollerski sessions around the country, the NNF board of directors, along with US Ski Team staff, gathered in Park City to meet and plan for the season to come. The focus of the NNF remains at the grassroots level supporting "tomorrow's Nordic skiing stars today." If you're interested into a look at skiing development or just keen to help spread the word of the sport and culture around cross country skiing, keep an eye on the nationalnordicfoundation.org website for posts on training at the upcoming Bend Camp, new initiatives and outreach for skiing in 2014 / 2015.
When I see an athlete that I know, and support, succeed I get teary eyed. If you get teary eyed when an athlete you have followed, and perhaps supported, succeed I suggest you consider supporting the NNF and then we can all enjoy their success together.
Last winter the NNF invested over $300,000 in key Pillar Projects to support tomorrow's stars today. For more information about NNF and how you can contribute
click here.
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Olympic Sharing
Brian Gregg states "Torin said it well today when he mentioned that the two best things about the Olympics besides the competition.
1. Swag at Olympic Processing
2. sharing the Olympic Story with the school kids.
Fun to present in my hometown and a place where we both trained in our road to Sochi. Super generous of Torin to make the drive and share with over 200 kids. Plus we had a bonus open practice after school."
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Which Bliz for the Trails, Nordic & Town?
OK I busted my old sunglasses and need new ones. All your advertising convinced me to check out Bliz. Now that I did I realized that Bliz are quite affordable so I will get some. But which one? What model should I get for Nordic and Trail running that will not make me look like a race geek if I wear them around town?
It is a glass worn by Nordic World Cup winner John Martin Sundby and Noah Hoffman when racing, and also Emilia Forsberg when ski mountainering or trail running and members of the Salomon US Trail Running Team and me as my about town RX glasses. It fits a wide range of faces and can be adapted to make it frameless and also comes with both low light and bright light lens sets.
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Illinois Roller Ski Race Series
Illinois Roller Ski Race Series consists of four 10k races where the top 30 racers in each race earn points towards the season champion awards.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards for the top finishing male, female and junior are hand out at a barbecue that follows each race, which provides everyone a chance to share stories and eat some great food.
100% of the net proceeds from the races are donated to support local cross country skiing, which include but not limited to the Friends of Moraine Hills, Wisconsin Biathlon and the Wisconsin DNR.
2014 Race Dates
Sat. August 2nd (Family Day)
Sun. September 7th
Sun. October 5th
Sun. November 2nd
Additional information is available at:
or
Illinois Roller Ski Series Facebook Group Page
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Wax Nerds Wanted
Why Start? Because Start delivers the most complete wax system available. More kickers, more gliders, more fluor... Get More with Start.
Apply to be a Start Waxing Ambassador & Hometown Hero.
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Mobile Wax Room-Workshop For Sale
1987 Barth 24' Mobile Office
The ultimate Mobile Shop/wax room/work/office.
Barth Mobile offices are seldom available.
All Aluminum Construction, over $100,000 when new.
Engine, chevy 454, runs great, recently serviced. 10+miles/ gallon.
Double wide, aluminum machine grade tool boxes.
Love it just too small for our needs. Very low mileage for its age. We are looking for a good home so that we can be sure that this vintage vehicle will receive the care and appreciation that it deserves. Asking $12,000
email dhenryrep@gmail.comcom
More details here gearwest.com/barthphotos
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Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
Head Coach/ Program Director for Nordic Team
Leavenworth, WA
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is seeking a Head Coach/Program Director to work with its Nordic Program, serving kindergarten through high school age skiers and competitive racers. This is an exciting opportunity to join an established Club with very successful programs and develop a comprehensive Nordic Program for all ages.
This is a seasonal salaried position (December through March) that requires availability for weekly practice and perform other aspects of running the team including travel to scheduled races and camps. The position is seasonal part-time (June -November) as off-season training programs are developed.
Qualifications:
1. Energetic and highly self-motivated
2. Collegiate or national level racing and/or coaching experience
3. Planning, budgeting and organizing skills
4. Team leadership
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills
Duties include:
1. Guide and develop the overall LWSC Nordic Program structure and vision
2. Athlete education and coaching, with an emphasis on fitness, technique and skill development
3. Supervise and conduct safe, fun and developmentally appropriate practices and activities for each age group.
3. Plan, develop, and implement training plans and practice sessions for high school age skiers
4. Identify strengths and weaknesses of athletes
5. Nurture and develop athletes' potential skills and abilities
6. Analyze and evaluate athlete's performances and modify training programs
7. Maintain scheduling with different age group practices
8. Work with and manage assistant coaches and parent volunteers conducting practices, waxing, events, races, and carpooling.
9. Communicate with athletes and families by email, website, and social media about schedules and upcoming events (LWSC staff will assist in these duties when applicable).
10. Attend races with the team. Coordinate waxing (both classic and skate) and wax testing while at races.
11. Assist in fundraisers and functions over the course of the year.
Please send resumes and references to:
Mark Milliette, General Manager mmilliette@skileavenworth.com |
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Summit Nordic Ski Club
head coach
SNSC is an established Nordic ski club located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, home to four outstanding Nordic ski centers, as well as Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain alpine ski resorts . Located just 75 miles west of Denver, this outdoor oriented community offers excellent training facilities including 40 miles of detached paved bike paths and an extensive trail
network.
"The primary mission of the Summit Nordic Ski Club is to provide the youth of Summit County with a well-balanced ski racing program including fitness, self-esteem, and character building through training
and competition within a nurturing environment. '
Responsibilities Include:
Coaching junior skiers from our Prep, Devo and Comp programs including those who are aspiring to compete at Jr Nationals and the Scando Cup.
Head Coach will be travelling with athletes to appropriate racing opportunities and camps. Develop a regular schedule of practice and training for our athletes.
Qualifications Include:
Ability and desire to work with all age groups and abilities
Strong communication and organizational skills
Previous coaching experience preferred
This year around position involves coaching and mentoring U12 thru U20 aged athletes and to help foster and grow Nordic Racing in our community.
Reply with a cover letter and resume to:
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Nordic Center Director
at Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA of the Rockies,
Granby CO
Position Summary:
Responsible for managing and directing all operational aspects of the Nordic Center, including year-round trail development and maintenance, and coordinating year-round special events. Manages specialty retail outlets on property.
To see an overview of the position, including requirements, compensation, and the application process, please view:
http://snowmountainranch.org/work/year-round-employment/
ABOUT THE SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH NORDIC CENTER
More than 20,000 skiers per year visit our property covering 5,200 acres of mountain meadows at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Snow Mountain Ranch's Nordic Center has more than 100 kilometers of groomed trails accommodating everyone from the first-time classic cross-country skier or snowshoer to the elite racer/skate skier. We are proud to host members of the U.S. Paralympics Nordic team for their training, regional races, the Colorado Biathlon, and other world class events. Beyond cross country skiing, families and groups can enjoy ice skating, sledding & tubing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides. Canine companions are welcome to join skiers on some of the trails, for a full-family workout.
Applications due by May 30, 2014.
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Momentum Northwest
Head Coach/Director wanted
Newly formed Momentum Northwest is seeking a full time Head Nordic Coach/Director to help develop and build a top tier junior racing program for the greater Seattle area. Seattle, a city of 2 million people, enjoys a vibrant Nordic community with over 50k of trails within close proximity. The ideal candidate should have significant racing and coaching experience at the divisional and national level. The position involves coaching and mentoring Middle School and High School aged athletes and to help foster and grow Nordic Racing for the Seattle metropolitan area. The Head Coach will provide year round coaching and skier development. In addition, the Head Coach will help drive ongoing fundraising efforts. This program will allow the ideal candidate an opportunity to help shape the program and its trajectory.
Those interested should contact Coert Voorhees at Coert@ExtraBlue.net
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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 weanswer@SkiPost.com and visit SkiPost.com
Enjoy Winter,
Andrew Gerlach
Director/Editor- SkiPost
Image at top is courtesy Salomon/NordicFocus
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