Ski Prep

Hi again,

Simply, what are you supposed to do with your race skis immed. after Stonegrinding?  To me, it seems that hot-boxing and base-hardening are not the same. I thought hot-boxing is with the warmer waxes compared to the hard waxes for base-hardening.  e.g. Hot-boxing may be equivalent to me just waxing my skis with a warm wax six to ten times in a row, right?  And, if I already waxed to "harden" the base with the cold waxes, is it too late to, or, does it make any sense, to do 'hot box' type approach afterwards?

Please pardon me if you already answered a similar question recently and I missed it.

Happy Thanksgiving,

MZ,

MZ,

Keep it simple and just think about what you are trying to accomplish.

I suggest you avoid hot boxing and suggest repeated waxing. Ski manufacturers do not recommend hot boxing because even at "low" temps (55C) prolonged exposure can weaken the ski and cause damage. and you can wax 1-4 pairs of ski just fine without hot boxing.

The key to a fast skis is a fresh base. The key to keeping bases fresh is a few layers of soft wax in first to absorb any excess iron heat that comes when you apply race day cold waxes or pure fluors. So apply 2 layers of Start Base Wax or SG 2. then proceed to 1 layer of SG 4, ...

"Base hardening" is mentioned primarily to make sure your soft prep waxes do not interfere/mix with your race day cold waxes. So you can harden the base for race day waxing by stepping down in layers of hardness or by putting a harder wax just under your race day glider. And remember a Pure Fluor is not a glider but a Finishing Wax to repel moisture and dirt. The glider under it is the key partner in your final glide speed.

Keep it simple.

More wax info on our Start Wax Cliff Notes here

Let me know if you have more questions

Andy at SkiPost

Humidity

What is the proper way to determine snow humidity and air humidity?  With wax companies relating their product to one or the other (sometimes even relating to more or less than a stated value, like 60%).  It seems like there should be a better method than a pure subjective guess. If it is important, and has an effect on ski prep choices, it seems I should be smarter in this area.

Thanks,

XC fan

XC Fan,

When wax brand refer to "humidity" they mean air's Relative Humidity.

The higher the Relative Humidity the more moisture is present that the wax (and ski structure) needs to manage. We manage the moisture with the addition of Fluorcarbon to gliders as with Pure Fluor finishing waxes.

 Do not worry about humidity differences with 1-5 % as humidity will vary throughout the course and throughout the day. Think of humidity as no, low, medium and high. 

In "no" humidity conditions (<40%) there is "no" moisture present in the air/snow/ski interface and wax with added Fluorocarbon wax is likely not beneficial (unless the snow is dirty).  

In low humidity conditions (>40-60%) Fluro is beneficial and LF glider may suffice.

In medium Humidity 60-80% Fluor is beneficial and a MF glider may suffice. 

Ihigh humidity conditions >80% high humidity is HF glider are called for and finish Fluor overlay.

The Fluor manages the water (and dirt) that is present and breaks a sheet of water into small ball bearings of water. It is rare that more fluor does not beat less fluor. (but it can happen in very cold dry clean snow conditions)

The wetter the snow or the dirtier the snow the more Fluor helps.

When the snow has remained under freezing than you can use RH as your guide. BUT: If it is refrozen snow or snow near/at/or above freezing then the snow is almost always high moisture no matter the air RH. and in these conditions the more Flour you use the better your glide will be.

One would use a hygrometer to test RH.

But keep it simple.

No

Low

Medium

High

Read more in Start Cliff Notes here

Andy at SkiPost

On-Snow Time

Dear SkiPost,

Since the restrictions of time, weather, or just plain dumb luck can get in the way of real on-snow training, sometimes I'm forced to head to the gym. If I'm forced to choose between the treadmill and an elliptical trainer (although I know each provides a good cardio workout), which one - from a purely physiological standpoint - provides exercise that most accurately reflects skiing, and will work the correct muscle groups?

Thanks a ton!

D M

To make the most of limited on-snow time 

Focus on proper technique when on snow. Skiing with-out poles. LSD etc.

and do your intensity off-snow.

Between a running tread,ill and a elliptical trainer I would say do the treadmill as again it can better simulate the loads turnover and speed of skiing. 

A number of years ago when we were running the Factory Team, Carl Swenson would race (and win)  a ski marathon on the weekend and spend the weekdays on his bike and bike trainer training for his summer job as a Bike racer.  It can be done.

Andy at SkiPost

The catalog is here start-product-catalog-2014-2015 

Web site at http://www.startskiwax.com/en/skiwaxes/  

Questions Start@endurance-enterprises.com

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Andy at SkiPost/Start

Maplelag Resort

Maplelag Resort is looking to fill a position in the Nordic department.

Duties include: Nordic ski instruction (beginner to advanced but mostly

beginner) in both classic and skate, servicing cabins, starting fires in wood stoves, keeping hole open in lake on weekends for sauna activities, shoveling snow, possible grooming, renting skis and snowshoes, kitchen help (food prep and serving guests) and ski waxing. Special perks and bonuses all in the environment of working at one of the top Nordic destination experiences in the world! Lodging and home cooked meals with all the cookies you can eat! Pay negotiable.  Season is from mid December to early March.

contact Jay Richards @ Maplelag Resort

jrichard@arvig.net or 800-654-7711

Soldier Hollow
 

Soldier Hollow Resort, located in Midway, UT, is seeking cross-country ski instructors and coaches for the 2014-15 winter season. Soldier Hollow, home of the 2002 Olympic cross country and biathlon events, is a full service Nordic center with 31km of trails, ski rentals, and lessons. In addition, Soldier Hollow offers recreational and competitive programs for over 400 youth. Email teamsoldierhollow@gmail.com for more information on available positions.

Galena Lodge, 23 miles North of Ketchum/Sun Valley (Nordic Town USA), is looking for a full time ski instructor for the winter season. Job would include Nordic instruction (beginner to advanced but mostly beginner) in both classic and skate as well as the following duties: servicing yurts, shoveling snow, packing snowshoe trails, renting skis and snowshoes, selling merchandise, some restaurant work, working hard and being awesome! Season is from Mid november to early April. Contact Erin at 208-726-4010 or erin@galenalodge.com for more details.

Vail Nordic Center Job Opportunities

The Vail Nordic Center is looking for employees for the 2014/15 Nordic season.  The ideal candidate has retail experience, Nordic knowledge, Nordic teaching experience, and is able to work in a fast paced environment.  Interested candidate, please submit a resume and letter via email info@vailnordiccenter.com. check out vailnordiccenter.com