Skitrax Annual 2015

Annual 2015

2015/16 North American

Buyers Guide

The Jewels of New England Erik Flora Coach of Champions

Gear test Inside Scoop Official publication of

$5.95 w w w. s k i t r a x . c o m

Registration Number 9875 Agreement Number 1372521 Printed in Canada

Plus

Ski Tour Canada 2016 World Cup Contenders U.S./Can Team Previews

k Pro Tal

Randall, Røthe, Newell

®

“My REDLINE skis were running really well so I knew if I just laid it all out there, I had a shot at a good result.”

CAITLIN GREGG

World Championship Bronze Medalist (Falun 2015)

Photo: Nordic Focus

MADSHUS.COM

Contents Annual 2015/16 Volume 26, Issue 1

features

ski

32

24

Gear Test 2015/16

by Conor Wallace

36 Erik Flora: Coach of

26

Champions

by Peter Graves

42

74

Clubs: North Star Touring Club

by Paul Nicolaus

Day Ski: Canmore Nordic Ski Centre

by Lisa Evans

The Jewels of New England

by Thom Perkins

Mind, Body and Soul

by Lori Meyers, Dr. Andy Reed and Beth Mansfield

49 Special Buyers Guide 50 Skis 56 Boots 59 Poles 62 Bindings

Competition 64 U.S. Team Ready to Rock

66

68

by Peter Graves

Canada National Team Preview

by Gavin Shields

Top International World Cup Contenders

by Peter Graves and Karen Messenger

Pro talk ski tips columns

18 20 22

76 Technique by Keith Nicol 77 Tele Technique by J. Scott McGee 78 Waxworx by Jack Cook and

High Voltage by Kikkan Randall Killer Instinct by Andy Newell Scando Report by Sjur Røthe

Annual 2015

2015/16 North American

Buyers Guide

Getting in the groove... bring on winter.

Swix Sport

Patrick Moore

6 Out In Front 28 Backcountry by Steve Threndyle 30 Masters by J.D. Downing 79 Graves on Nordic by Peter Graves 80 Sasseville Report by Jack Sasseville

The JeWels of NeW eNGlaNd erik flora Coach of Champions

Gear TesT Inside Scoop Official publication of

Plus

$5.95 w w w. s k i t r a x . c o m

Registration Number 9875 Agreement Number 1372521 Printed in Canada

SkiTrax Ann 2015-Cover.indd 1

ski Tour Canada 2016 World Cup Contenders u.s./Can Team Previews

Pro Talk

randall, røthe, Newell

11/30/15 7:59 PM

SkiTrax, a division of 1198189 Ontario Inc., is published 4 times each season: Annual, December/Holiday, February/March and Spring, at 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. Advertising rates/data are available on request: Phone (416) 977-2100; Fax (416) 977-9200, or write to the address above.The entire contents are the property of SkiTrax Magazine and may not be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited material or contributions are welcome, but must be accompanied by return postage. SkiTrax Magazine will handle all such material with reasonable care; however, it assumes no responsibility for the safety, loss of, or damage to such photographs or manuscripts. 2nd Class Publications Mail Registration #9875, paid at 969 Eastern Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 1A5. If undeliverable or address changed, please notify: 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. U.S. Office of Publication: 240 Portage Road, PO Box 670-25, Lewiston, NY, 14092. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. 2nd Class U.S. Publications, USPS Registration #012177. Return all undeliverable mail to: SkiTrax Magazine, PO Box 553, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.

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ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 1

publisher/editor Benjamin Sadavoy international correspondent Peter Graves contributors Jack Cook, J.D. Downing, Lisa Evans, Peter Graves, Beth Mansfield, J. Scott McGee, Karen Messenger, Lori Meyers, Patrick Moore, Andrew Newell, Keith Nicol, Paul Nicolaus, Kikkan Randall, Dr. Andy Reed, Sjur Røthe, Jack Sasseville, Magi Scallion, Gavin Shields, Steve Threndyle, Conor Wallacee photographers Aaron Blatt, APU Nordic Ski Team, Joel Brown, Sara Brunson, Canmore Nordic Centre, CCC, Sue Child, Curran Photography, CXC, Pam Doyle, John Driscoll, Engine Room Media, Foon Skis, G3 Genuine Guide Gear, Golden Nordic, Peter Graves, Harris Farm, Hilltop Nordic Centre, Kelly Kahler, Tom Kelly, Lake Placid Loppet, J. Scott McGee, MWC2015, Heather Nicol, Nordic Focus, North Star Ski Touring Club, ORDA, Thom Perkins, Retreat Golden, Selko Photos, SIA, Ski Hearth Farm, Ski Jumping Canada, Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center, Swix Sport, USSA, US Ski Team, Winding Trails, Women’s Ski Jumping USA graphic design Wendy Pease copy editing Claudia Brown administration & circulation Crystal Burs production CrackerJack Enterprises webmaster David Irving advertising sales Benjamin Sadavoy editorial office 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4 Phone: (416) 977-2100; Fax: (416) 977-9200 subscriptions (2015/16) Newsstand (plus 13% HST) ......................................... $4.95 Annual (plus 13% HST) ............................................... $5.95 1 yr. (4 issues) Canada.......................................$14.95 CDN 1 yr. (4 issues) USA ..............................................$17.95 US 2 yr. (8 issues) Canada.......................................$25.95 CDN 2 yr. (8 issues) USA ..............................................$32.95 US International Subscribers: US$34.95 (1-yr); US$62.95 (2-yr) customer service Phone: (416) 977-2100; Fax: (416) 977-9200 info@skitrax.com subscriptions@skitrax.com official magazine of Cross Country Canada

United States Ski Association

member of

finnsisu.com

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program and the Canada Magazine Fund toward our mailing and editorial costs.

Printed in Canada, Issued Fall 2015 2 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

www.skitrax.com

AFTER A FULL YEAR ON THE COMPLETE FISCHER SYSTEM, I’M CONTINUING TO LOVE IT AS MUCH AS EVER. THEIR FLEXIBLE, COMFORTABLE, CLASSIC BOOTS AND SIMPLE, LIGHT, SKATE BOOTS GIVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR IN A RACE BOOT. Sophie Caldwell (USA)

FULLY FISCHER SPEEDMAX SYSTEM PROVES SUCESSFUL ON THE WORLD CUP More elite athletes choose the complete Fischer system than any other ski industry supplier. That‘s because through years of research and development, Fischer‘s skis and boots have been designed for a better skiing experience, fit and maximum speed. Feel the Speedmax difference.

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Pam Doyle

KICK

The legendary Canmore Nordic Centre is set to host the inaugural IBU Biathlon World Cup and Ski Tour Canada in 2016 for an amazing finale to this historic season, marking another milestone for Canada.

4 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

www.skitrax.com

Big Wheels Keep on Turning Timing is everything, they say. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, American Bill Koch and Canadian Pierre Harvey were trailblazers, putting North American cross-country skiing on the global map. In 2002, Beckie Scott re-ignited that flame with an Olympic bronze that later became silver and then gold. At Torino in 2006, she and Sara Renner along with Chandra Crawford were the talk of town with more Games hardware, while lone American Kikkan Randall raced to ninth in the FR sprint. Meanwhile, a young Alex Harvey was turning heads as a junior with a Nordic Worlds bronze in 2007. The U.S. women’s program blossomed under Randall as she climbed the ladder, winning Nordic Worlds silver at Liberec in 2009, while Team USA’s Nordic-combined squad shone as well, with Todd Lodwick and Billy Demong both winning more gold. Demong took another step with Vancouver 2010 Olympic gold, while Tim Burke of U.S. biathlon fame made history as he donned the men’s leader bib. In 2011, Harvey and Devon Kershaw won historic Nordic Worlds team-sprint gold, and the next year, Randall made history as well, claiming her first Sprint Cup crystal globe, while Kershaw finished second overall, taking home a record six medals. In 2013, Randall and Jessie Diggins won historic team-sprint Nordic Worlds gold, and Jean-Philippe Le Guellec delivered the first Biathlon World Cup win for Canada’s men. In 2014, Randall earned her record third Sprint Cup globe, as Harvey shone at the Tour de Ski, while the U.S. women’s relay team claimed a World Cup podium in their now-famous stripped kneehi socks. At the 2015 Nordic Worlds, Harvey scored a historic double, while Diggins and Caitlin Gregg both medaled as well, and Nathan Smith made the grade with more milestones winning silver at the Biathlon Worlds, along with his first World Cup victory.

The timing looks right for the big wheels to keep on turning with two IBU World Cups coming to North America this season and the Ski Tour Canada 2016 grand finale in Quebec and then Canmore, Alta., where the fabled crystal globes will be awarded for the first time outside of Europe. Harvey says he’s ready to win the men’s overall World Cup for a storybook ending to this season, so bonne chance to all of our athletes, as time will tell. – BAS www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 5

out in front

Utah to Host 2017 Nordic Junior Worlds Utah’s Olympic venues in

U.S. Ski Team

Jeff Ellis and Kikkan Randall announced their expecting their first child in April.

The Pitter-patter of Little Feet Kikkan Randall Announces Pregnancy

W

orld champion cross-country-ski racer Kikkan Randall from Anchorage, Alaska and her husband, Jeff Ellis, announced they are expecting their first child in April. The talented star will skip the upcoming season, but plans to come back strong for the Nordic World Championships in 2016-17, with a focus on the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Randall, 32, who won three World Cup Sprint Globe titles, including Team Sprint gold with Jessie Diggins (Afton, Minn.) at the 2013 Nordic Worlds, was all smiles when she broke the news to teammates at their final pre-season conditioning camp in Park City in October.

“After Sochi, I thought a lot about my future and the goals I still want to achieve,” said Randall. “I was always committed to continue racing, but Jeff and I also wanted to start a family. We felt this was a good time. I’m excited about becoming a mother, but am also looking forward to coming back to race in 2017.”

Randall, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. cross-country-ski team, is one of its most-decorated stars in the history of the sport and has helped pioneer the current strong U.S. women’s team. She plans to spend some time at selective World Cups this season as a spectator to maintain contact with the sport. Her husband, who serves as a marketing support manager on the FIS Cross-Country World Cup tour, will continue to travel on the circuit this winter.

“Finding a way to balance an athletic career and being a mother has been a goal of hers for some time, so it’s rewarding to see it come together for her,” said Head Coach Chris Grover. “As much as we will miss Kikkan’s leadership on the World Cup tour, we know that she will be back in 2016-17. The team is very excited for Kikkan and Jeff.”

“I plan to maintain my same athletic direction when I come back, skiing both sprint and distance,” Randall said. “I’m especially looking forward to the freestyle sprint at World Championships in Lahti, where I’ve won before, and the team events in Pyeongchang.”

“If anyone has the tenacity and the drive to return to world-class form after starting a family, it is Kikkan,” added Grover. “She understands the hard work and the form that are necessary to be a champion, and she is already showing the determination to return to the sport and to win. The team is already looking forward to having her back in training camps next summer, and we’ll be looking to her for big results in 2017 and 2018.”

6 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Park City and Midway have been awarded the 2017 FIS Nordic Junior World Championships and FIS U23 World Cross-Country Championships by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) put forward the joint bid with Utah Olympic Park and Soldier Hollow, both of which will host events throughout the Championships.

“Bringing the Nordic Junior Worlds to the United States for the first time since 1986 is a great opportunity to showcase the sport and watch our American athletes compete on the global stage,” said the USSA Vice-president of Events, Calum Clark.

The Junior Worlds is traditionally run over a week period, with events in cross-country, ski jumping and Nordic-combined. Some 400 athletes aged 16-20 years from 30 countries are expected to compete in 17 events. The U23 World Cross-Country Championships include three additional cross-country events for both men and women aged 21-23.

The Utah Olympic Park in Park City and Soldier Hollow in Midway hosted Nordic events for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. The Junior Worlds has been held only once before in the U.S. at Lake Placid, N.Y. in 1986, and this will mark the first time that the U23 Championships will be held in the U.S. “The opportunity to watch our Nordic athletes compete at a World Championship event inside the United States should not be missed,” said Richard Hodges, executive director at Soldier Hollow Legacy Foundation.

Minneapolis Awarded 2018 Masters World Cup Minneapolis, Minn. will host the Masters World Cup (MWC) in 2018. The World Masters Cross-Country Ski Association (WMA) awarded the bid at its annual meeting in Switzerland on Sept. 25.

“Athletes can fly into the Minneapolis airport, take light rail downtown, enjoy great skiing by day and fine dining and culture in the evening. I think the athletes and their families will love this experience!” said John Downing, national director of the U.S. branch of the WMA. In Minneapolis, Loppet FoundaContinued on page 8 www.skitrax.com

out in front

Pierre Lafontaine New CEO of Cross Country Canada ierre Lafontaine has been hired as Cross Country Canada’s (CCC) new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) beginning Dec. 1.

One of Canada’s most distinguished sport leaders, Lafontaine brings a wealth of international experience with him, having served as CEO and national coach of Swimming Canada from 2005-13, followed by two years as CEO of Canadian Interuniversity Sport. He has worked in all levels of the sport system in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Prior to working at Swimming Canada, Lafontaine spent three years as head coach of the Australian Institute of Sport.

“We are committed to continuing our growth and success, and I can’t think of a better man to lead a new era for our sport in this country than Pierre,” said Jamie Coatsworth, chair of the CCC board.

Lafontaine is widely acclaimed as an innovative leader in the swimming community, not only in athlete and coach development, but also in building relationships with key stakeholders: Own the Podium, Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee. Lafontaine has achieved podium results as a CEO and coach at major international events from the Olympics and Paralympics to World Championships, to Pan Am and Common-

Pierre Lafontaine

wealth Games.

“There are many synergies between swimming and cross-country skiing. They are technically-driven sports that have athletes with great engines who are fiercely dedicated to achieving excellence,” said Lafontaine, who will relocate to Canmore, Alta. from Ottawa, Ont. “We need to work hard to maintain our strong relationships with existing corporate and sport partners, while finding innovative ways to bring new sponsors that want to be part of a great family that is focused not only on skiing for medals, but also on encouraging people of all ages across Canada to ski for life,” added Lafontaine.

Northug Signs Three-Year Deal With Norwegian Federation

Nordic Focus

Petter Northug

P

etter Northug has reached an agreement with the Norwegian Ski Federation and signed a threeyear deal, putting an end to the impasse between them due to sponsorship conflicts. Northug’s private sponsor, Coop, is a director competitor of Spar, the team’s sponsor. The result is a continuation of their previous arrangement as Northug will honour the team’s sponsors when racing on the World Cup, but otherwise can promote his own sponsors, such as Coop.

8 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

“Glad to get the agreement in place. I am very happy that the Norwegian Ski Federation and I now agree to a good long-term agreement that will last for three seasons. This means that I’ll participate in World Cup races and the World Championships in the years ahead,” posted the Norwegian star on his website. “Now it’s just up to me to get into top shape. The agreement gives me the freedom I need to win ski races and more gold for Norway.”

The main framework of Northug’s deal is similar to last season and is now extended for three years, with Northug’s conditions regarding commercial agreements similar to other team members.

“We are pleased that Petter Northug now has accepted a new agreement within the framework that the Norwegian Ski Association has been able to offer him. He joins the team throughout the season, with the same rights and obligations as every other National Team member,” commented Erik Røste, president of the Norwegian Federation.

CCC

P

Continued from page 6 tion CEO John Munger, Race Director Mike Erickson and Special-Event Coordinator Michael Bono pitched the bid via live-video conference to an audience of some 30 delegates representing 24 ski nations gathered in Switzerland. Delegates voted unanimously for Minneapolis.

The 2018 MWC, considered the unofficial World Championships for skiers over thirty, is expected to draw more than 1,000 cross-country skiers from around the world, as well as their entourage.

Competitions will take place in Theodore Wirth Park, five kilometres from downtown. The 300-hectare park features 29 kilometres of trails and another eight kilometres on the Chain of Lakes; it is one of the longest urban ski-trail networks in North America.

The MWC will be held over eight days in late January and early February 2018, but dates are not yet finalized. For more information, visit www.world-masters-xc-skiing.com.

Rossignol Hires Evan Pengelly as Nordic Racing Manager The Group Rossignol of Park City, Utah is pleased to announce longtime Rossignol Nordic tech rep Evan Pengelly as its new Nordic racing manager. Pengelly will be responsible for overseeing the Nordic-race department, including elite program management and technical support for athletes and coaches, and supporting Rossignol’s retail partners.

Pengelly has worked with Rossignol in various capacities for the past nine years. In addition to working with Rossignol, he most recently worked as product manager for Start and Swenor. Pengelly also has a strong athletic background as a Rossignol athlete, which includes winning some of the biggest races in the country.

“Pengelly brings a strong skill set to Rossignol, given his history with the brand combined with his experience as a product manager,” said Ryan Green, Rossignol Nordic division manager.

Sean Crooks Inducted into NW Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Sean Crooks was inducted into Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 26, along with four other honourees. Crooks, of Thunder Bay, Continued on page 12 www.skitrax.com

add it to your highlight reel VISITSUNVALLEY.COM

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– ROOMS FROM $100 A NIGHT

out in front

G

et ready, ski fans, because the biggest Nordic events since the 1988 Winter Olympics are set to hit Canadian trails this March.

With 150 elite athletes from 25 countries taking part, Ski Tour Canada promises to be an event to remember, while the inaugural IBU Biathlon World Cup in Canmore, Alta. that kicks off the six-week Canmore Winter Festival is another milestone for Canada.

The Tour begins on March 1 with a skate sprint in Gatineau, Que. in Jacques Cartier Park beside the Canadian Museum of History, with its iconic views of the Canadian Parliament Buildings across the mighty Ottawa River as part of local five-day festival. The following day will see racers competing in a mass-start Classic race on Mont-Royal in Montreal. The women tackle 13 kilometres, while the men contest a 22-kilometre circuit in the heart of the city on one of the oldest ski sites in Canada, dating back to 1879.

The following two races will take place in Quebec City, with a skate sprint on March 4 within the impressive stone walls of its Old City, site of the 2012 World Cup sprints. This exciting sprint course wends its way around Quebec’s “Parliament Hill,” adjacent to the historic Plains of Abraham. The overall Tour leaders after the first three races will lead off the final event of the Quebec leg of the Tour on March 5, with a 10km Pursuit-start skate for the women and 15km Pursuit-start skate for the men.

Then teams will fly across the country to take part in the final four legs of the Tour at the Canmore Nordic Centre. The tour will recommence on March 8 with a Classic sprint on a technically challenging course at altitude. The next day will see competitors competing in a 15km Skiathlon for the women and a 30km Skiathlon for the men.

Following a rest day is the penultimate 10/15km FR distance race on March 11, with the Tour and the season wrapping up on March 12

Canada’s top skier, Alex Harvey, believes he has a shot at the overall men’s World Cup title this year.

Nordic Focus

Ski Tour Canada 2016 World Cup Finale and Canmore Winter Festival

with a Pursuit start to determine the overall winners in the women’s 10km and the men’s 15km.

With huge prize money on the line, some 712,000 Swiss Francs ($925,000 [CDN]/$696,000 [US]) on the line, along with valuable points, the world’s best will all be in Canmore battling for the overall Tour victory and the fabled crystal globes that will be awarded outside of Europe for the first time. With Canadian and U.S. contenders aiming for podiums along the way including, the overall globes, the cheering from the sidelines will be nonstop.

The final four legs of Ski Tour Canada are also the grand finale of the Canmore Winter Carnival that kicks off Feb. 4-7 with the inaugural IBU Biathlon World Cup and culminates with the final Ski Tour Canada race in March. Running for more than 20 years, the festival has been expanded to 45 days this year, as Canmore will host a multitude of special events including ice-carving, snow-sculpting, dogsled races, food and drink celebrations, art exhibits, live entertainment, to name but a few.

According to Sara Renner, former Olympian and “World Cup Excitement Specialist,” there will be something for everyone. “If any community can celebrate winter, it is Canmore, and it’s the first time we have ever had two Nordic events of this calibre held so close together in North America.”

One of the most exciting and unique events to be held at the Canmore Nordic Centre during Ski Tour Canada will be the overnight, open-air sky experience. Local ski-club members and Nordic enthusiasts will have the chance to experience watching the races from the tent village that will be set up above the stadium in between the Olympic and Centennial trails for a truly magical experience.

For more information, visit www.skitourcanada.com.

IBU Biathlon World Cup Comes to Canada and U.S.

Nordic Focus

T

Nathan Smith will lead Team Canada at the IBU World Cups in Canmore and Presque Isle.

10 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

he IBU Biathlon World Cup Series p/b BMW will touch down in North America this winter with two World Cups on this side of the Atlantic for a landmark two rounds. For Canmore, this will be a first, while, in the U.S., the state of Maine held two World Cups in 2011. There are high hopes that the home-soil advantage will pan out for the home teams in this “Euro-centric” sport that’s spreading its wings.

The 2015-16 IBU World Cup season kicked off in Sweden on Nov. 28 with six events scheduled before coming to Canada for round seven on Feb. 4-7 in

Canmore. This will be followed by round eight in Presque Isle from Feb. 11-14 for back-to-back competitions in North America.

Maine proved itself in 2011, hosting a World Cup in Presque Isle and another in Fort Kent.

The Presque Isle venue was at the Nordic Heritage Center, built in 2002 and also the site of the 2014 IBU Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships.

Meanwhile, Canmore is ramping up after successfully hosting two Biathlon Cups in 2015, where 13 countries competed at the iconic Canmore Nordic Centre built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. The Ca-

nadian IBU leg also kicks off the Canmore Winter Carnival, with an amazing six weeks of activities held at this world-class facility in the Rockies that also hosts the finale of the FIS XC Ski World Cup with Ski Tour Canada in March.

Following the Presque Isle event, biathlon lovers will shift their attention to the Biathlon World Championships in Norway from March 3-13, with the final, round nine, of the World Cup series in Russia from March 16-20.

North American fans can’t wait to welcome the world and cheer on their favourites in this upcoming milestone season. www.skitrax.com

Robert lazaronni, with 20+ years of experience, takes over the reins as the uSSa’s Nordic program director and hopes to grow the sport along with membership.

USSA Names New Nordic Program Director n August, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) named longtime Nordic business leader and enthusiast Robert Lazzaroni as its new Nordic domestic-program director. Lazzaroni will be responsible for administering domestic programs in partnership with USSA Nordic clubs, including membership, club development, competition management, rankings, judges/officials education and other overall program tasks in cross-country, ski jumping and Nordic-combined.

Lazzaroni brings more than 20 years of Nordic knowledge, including 17 years as the Nordic-division manager for Rossignol. Lazzaroni most recently managed the Nordic programs at the Utah Olympic Park, where he doubled the number of participants and increased revenue by 40% in the first year.

“A key focus of this new position is to further grow and develop the USSA’s Nordic programs,” said USSA Executive Vice-president, Athletics Luke Bodensteiner.

As a club leader, Master skier and parent of a junior skier, Lazzaroni has interacted with a variety of the USSA’s programs in different capacities. He actively engaged in the USSA’s Club Development process this past season, earning the Park City Nordic Ski Club a gold certification, as well as USSA’s Club of the Year award. His experience

Tom Kelly

I

as a club leader and one who has been through the USSA Club Certification process will serve him, Nordic clubs and the USSA well in continuing to expand this program in the Nordic sports.

“I see a great way to improve our sport by spreading best practices across the nation,” said Lazzaroni. “My ultimate goal is to help develop better programs across the country with well-educated coaches, a good understanding of long-term athlete development, better competition resources and an increased number of participants.”

Imagine...

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 11

out in front

Wedding Bells Chime this Summer for Nordic Stars Among the Canucks who made the journey were Alex Harvey, Phil Widmer, Jesse Cockney, Drew Goldsack and Graham Nishikawa, along with Cross Country Canada’s former director of marketing, Matt Jeffries.

Stoermer Steira, 34, recently retired after a stellar career highlighted by Olympic bronze in the 30km mass start FR at Sochi 2014, Olympic relay gold at Vancouver 2010, three golds out of eight medals at the Nordic Worlds and 22 World Cup podiums, including six golds.

Kershaw, 32, from Sudbury, Ont., had a record-shattering 2011-12 season, when he captured second overall in the men’s World Cup and (left) Norway’s Kristin Stoermer Steira (l) and Canada’s Devon Kershaw tied the knot on July 25 in Lofoten, Norway.

skitrax.com

(below) Rock star guests (l-r) Marit Bjoergen, Therese Johaug, Ingrid Flugstad-Oestberg, bride Kristin Stoermer Steira and Vibeke Skofterud. (below left) Lowell Bailey and Erika Edgley were married in Lake Placid, N.Y. in July.

C

Aaron Blatt

12 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Diamond Head Sports is New Distributor for Vauhti Diamond

skitrax.com

anada’s Devon Kershaw and Norway’s Kristin Stoermer Steira were married on July 25 in Lofoten, Norway with a ceremony that featured some rock stars of cross-country skiing. The two newlyweds were engaged last summer after Kershaw proposed near the “Mera Peak” summit in Nepal.

Guests included Stoermer Steira’s Norwegian teammates Marit Bjoergen, Therese Johaug, Ingrid Flugstad-Oestberg and Vibeke Skofterud.

Continued from page 8 has competed in Nordic-combined, cross-country and ski jumping.

After the closure of Big Thunder Ski Jumping Centre in 1995, Crooks focused on cross-country with his hometown Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club, training hard on the ski trails of Kamview.

In his very first National competition, he claimed two medals in the juvenile division. Advancing to the junior level, he earned a spot on the Canadian National Junior Team and represented Canada at two World Junior Ski Championships, where his 11th-place finish in the sprints in 2003 was one of the best ever by a Canadian male.

The 2003 overall junior Canadian champion, Crooks competed at the 2003 Canada Games in New Brunswick, where he claimed gold in the sprints and helped Ontario earn a bronze medal in the team event.

A highlight of his career was representing Canada at the 2006 Turin Olympics, finishing 11th in the 4x10km team relay. He also put in a strong performance in the sprint qualifying race, coming up just two spots shy of advancing to the final heats.

won Canada’s first sprint gold along with five World Cup medals. In 2011, he and Alex Harvey made history in the Team Sprint, winning Canada’s first-ever Nordic World Championship gold medal at the Holmenkollen in Oslo, Norway.

July was also a big month for weddings among biathletes, as American Lowell Bailey, 34, who finished third in the second sprint event at the World Cup in Kontiolahti, Finland in 2014, married Erika Edgley in Lake Placid, N.Y. Bailey has also finished in the top 30 in the World Cup overall rankings each of the past four years.

Canadian Scott Perras, 32, married Jody Etcheverry in a ceremony at Canmore, Alta. Perras was named Biathlon Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2012-13 and contributed to the team’s best-ever eighth-place finish in the 4x7.5km relay at the 2013 World Championships.

Head Sports Inc. is now distributing Vauhti Ski Wax products in Canada.

Based in Joensuu, Finland, Vauhti’s roots go back to 1912, when the first Salaisuus (secret) wax was developed. Products are tested by World Cup wax technicians and skiers worldwide, and research related to waxing technology has been conducted at the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu for almost 20 years.

“Diamond Head Sports is well known and represents several high-end winter-sport brands and products, and Vauhti’s products will fit very well with their portfolio,” commented Martti Uusitalo, chairman of the board at Vauhti.

“With Vauhti’s increased investments in research and new technologies and cooperation with leading wax scientists, their products will be in even more demand by consumers.

We will make every effort to work with all retailers across Canada so they’re able to provide great service to their customers,” said Joze Sparovec, president of Diamond Head Sports. www.skitrax.com

CCC Launches Female Athlete Forum on Facebook In August, the Cross Country Canada (CCC) Women’s Committee launched a Female Athlete Forum on Facebook. This is a group for female athletes who hold a valid CCC racing license, and and the forum connects them throughout the year.

They can share tips and ideas about training and ski racing in a welcoming, respectful way.

To join, search for “Female Athlete Forum pour Athlètes Féminines” on Facebook and send a request to join the group.

increased by 40% (to more than 700 members), significant funds were raised, club debt was eliminated, trails were upgraded and a club legacy fund was established.

Luppens is an engineer and works at Teck’s metallurgical smelter in Trail, B.C., primarily in project management, process and financial modeling, and byproduct sales.

In addition to cross-country skiing, Luppens en-

joys trail-running, cycling and swimming. He has played competitive volleyball and basketball, and has fond memories of hot chocolate and cookies after cold Jackrabbit sessions when growing up in northern Alberta.

CCBC wishes to thank Manhard for her many years of tireless effort to advance the sport, and welcomes Luppens to his new position.

Continued on page 16

CCBC Hires New Executive Director Wannes Luppens was hired this past May as the new executive director of Cross Country BC (CCBC), taking over from Georgia Manhard, who ran the organization for decades and is looking forward to retiring.

Luppens is from Rossland, B.C., where he volunteered for the local Black Jack Ski Club, including eight years on the club executive and three as president. During this time, membership

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Ida Sargent Joins Team Madshus

U

USSA

S Nordic Ski Team member Ida Sargent has signed an exclusive deal with Madshus skis and boots. The deal is effective Oct. 1, 2015 and will see Sargent race on Madshus equipment for the upcoming World Cup season.

“I tested Madshus skis and boots for the first time this summer and was immediately blown away! The skis were fast and very responsive underfoot, and the control of the Super Nano boot is impressive! I am very excited to join the Madshus team and am looking forward to an awesome winter,” stated Sargent.

Since joining the US Ski Team in 2011, Sargent, a sprinter, has amassed more than 75 World Cup starts, posted numerous top10 finishes and achieved a career-best fifthplace finish in the Classic sprint event in Ruka, Finland in 2014.

Chris McCullough, Madshus USA brand director, praised Sargent’s “impressive list of results,” as well as “her personality and work ethic.”

Hailing from Orleans, Vt. and a graduate of Dartmouth College, Sargent joins Madshus’ elite roster of World Cup athletes, including fellow US Ski Team members Noah Hoffman, Caitlin Gregg and Bryan Fletcher. www.skitrax.com

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out in front

N

orth America’s greatest ski race, the American Birke­ beiner (Birkie) has been around for more than 40 years; each year, thousands of skiers race from Cable to Hayward, Wis. The Museum of the American Birkebeiner, slated to open in 2016, will soon commemorate the legacy of this race.

The Birkie was the vision of Tony Wise, who began skiing during World War II. He later founded the Telemark Ski Area near Cable, Wis. in 1947; by 1973, a cross-country-ski race developed in the north woods near there. Wise called the race the American Birkebeiner, patterned after the Birkebeiner Rennet ski race in Norway. Wise’s vision shaped a community, a sport and brought the world together with the founding of the Worldloppet in 1979, an international sports federation of cross-country-skiing marathons. Since then, more than 2.6-million skiers have started Worldloppet races.

(left) Birkie visionary Tony Wise in front of Telemark lodge. photos courtesy of USSA

American Birkie Featured in New Museum

(far left) The first American Birkebeiner in 1973 at Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward featured 53 finishers.

“Tony Wise was a remarkable man who was steadfast in his vision and a true pioneer of skiing,” said longtime Birkie public-relations head and skiing historian Tom Kelly. “It’s especially impressive today to look back 40 years and grasp how much impact he had on cross-country skiing.”

Kelly wrote the 1984 book Birkie Fever, which documented the Birkie’s first decade. He served closely with Wise, whose ingenuity and vision created a ski race that has become a lifestyle for tens of thousands of participants.

“The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is always seeking to further our mission and inspire generations of skiers,” said Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) executive director.

“Without Tony Wise’s vision, the Birkie wouldn’t be what it is today.”

With twin goals of education and inspiration, the new museum will enhance the ABSF’s mission of supporting healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages and abilities. Throughout the planned museum, visitors will find an emphasis on the stories and legacy of Wise, the Birkie and the history of the legendary Cable-to-Hayward race.

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C

USBA

harlie Kellogg of crosscountry skiing and biathlon fame passed away on Sept. 21, 2015 following a relatively short battle with cancer, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.

Well-known and well-liked, Kellogg simply loved the outdoors. He had many friends both in and outside of skiing circles and that larger community grieves as one.

He was born in Boston, Mass. on Jan. 12, 1940, and discovered cross-country skiing while he was a student at Holderness School. From there, he moved to Williams College, where he was coached by the legendary Ralph Townsend. While there, he competed in multiple ski events and was no stranger to the podium at many winter carnivals. He graduated from Williams in 1962 and then obtained an M.B.A. at Dartmouth.

Following his graduation from Williams, Kellogg enlisted in the U.S. Army, and following basic training, he was assigned to the Modern Winter Biathlon Training Center at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He proved a natural at the sport and earned a spot on several traveling teams during the winter of 1964, achieving a top performance at the CISM World Military Games in Ostersund, Sweden.

Following his stint in the army, Kellogg left Alaska for Andover, Mass. and continued to compete in both cross-country and biathlon events, winning the Biathlon National Championships in 1965 at the famed Williams Lake Lodge in Rosendale, N.Y., where he was a regular.

While working at IBM, Kellogg continued to race and was named to the U.S. National Cross-country team in 1968, and ultimately earned a berth on the U.S. Olympic team for cross-country at the Grenoble Games, where he competed in both the 30km and

50km events. He continued to race nationally until 1972.

His former coach and longtime friend John Caldwell said he was both stunned and saddened by the news. “Our friendship transcended the usual coach-athlete relationship. He saw the large picture and was very active during much of the time when we operated the cross-countryski program on a $4K budget, with no paid staff.

Charlie was one of those unsung heroes who really helped to promote both cross-country skiing and biathlon,” commented Caldwell.

Caldwell also recalled, “He was eager at all our camps and competitions, and was one part of two pairs of guys who helped push our program ahead, back in the Dark Ages. He and Bob Gray were always duking it out at camps and races for years and years, I might add. The other two “big” competitors were [Mike] Gallagher and [Bob] Elliott.”

Kellogg took part in three World Masters Championships, winning gold in his age group at the 1998 Worlds in Lake Placid, N.Y. For his national and international racing accomplishments and his time behind the scenes with the US Biathlon Association (USBA), Kellogg was inducted into the U.S. Biathlon Hall of Fame.

At the time of his death, he was the vice-chairman of the USBA and had been both a board member and an officer for the past 20 years, making an incalculable contribution of both his time and wisdom to help develop the USBA program into what it is today. He also served as a board member of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.

He is survived by his wife, Gillian Shaw Kellogg; his children and their spouses, Lia and Andrew Wainwright of Hamilton, Mass. and Terry and Helen Kellogg of Waitsfield, Vt.; as well as his grandchildren, Julia and Lily Wainwright and Carl and Nina Kellogg.

Big Plans for Big Thunder The abandoned Big Thunder ski hill and ski jump near Thunder Bay, Ont. may get a second life. In September, Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins presented Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne with briefing notes at a political summit between the provincial government and the Anishinabek Nation.

The concept involves transferring the Big Thunder land, which has been closed for nearly 20 years, to Fort William First Nation.

“We think it’s an economic-development opportunity that will go a long way in our community,” Collins 16 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

said. “Not only for our community, but also for the City of Thunder Bay in partnership with them.”

The chief didn’t specify many details of the plans for the abandoned ski hill, but said that all concerned want to develop features such as nature trails in the area.

Collins also wants to partner with Lakehead University, Confederation College, the Township of Neebing and the Friends of Big Thunder volunteer group to redevelop the ski hill, which hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships in 1995.

Continued from page 13

Eric de Nys New High-Performance Director at Biathlon Canada In October, Eric de Nys was announced as the new high-performance director at Biathlon Canada, taking over for Chris Lindsay, who departed in June for a job with Own the Podium.

For 10 years, de Nys has filled a variety of coaching Eric de Nys responsibilities with Cross Country Canada, including being the World Cup women’s team coach and Senior Development team coach. His experience includes coaching and athlete development at the Olympic Winter Games, but this is his first position as high-performance director.

“Eric is an extraordinary talent, whose athletic background, coaching acumen and leadership skills will be core to Biathlon Canada’s continued focus on podium performances,” said Andy Holmwood, Biathlon Canada’s new general manager, who added that de Nys’ experience as a team leader at major multi-sport Games and his work with international athletes will prove invaluable.

Since leaving Cross Country Canada following the 2014 Sochi Games, de Nys has been head coach of WinSport Academy’s junior cross-country program, focusing on guiding young athletes in the junior-skier ranks and feeding them into the National Development Centres. De Nys was responsible for all aspects of program delivery: goal setting, monitoring daily training, budget and fundraising and managing support services.

“Biathlon Canada has worked hard under limited budgets to solidify its position amongst some of the top countries in the world, and now has a strong core of elite athletes who are hungry to win,” said de Nys. CCC

Tribute to Olympian Charlie Kellogg

Marit Bjoergen Expecting in December In June, Norwegian crosscountry-ski star Marit Bjoergen announced her pregnancy and expects to give birth in December. Her partner is Nordic-combined Olympic champion Fred Borre Lundberg. “I am very much looking forward to our baby,” said Bjoergen.

Bjoergen first announced that she Continued on page 29 www.skitrax.com

Fat Bikes and skinny skis - new For 2016

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February 21, 2016

high voltage

by Kikkan Randall

Regaining Balance

18 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Tom Kelly

I

f you had asked me several years ago if only a single World Cup podium would mean a disappointing season, I would have said you were crazy. Yet after an upward trajectory in results over the past several seasons, and actually for most of my career, last season felt like a step backward.

The signs were already there early in the season, but it was easy to dismiss the concerns, as the plan had been to build shape into the season for a peak at World Championships. By the end of the World Cup Period One, however, it was becoming apparent that I was overtired and needed a break. So I returned home for a couple weeks to recover and reboot for World Championships. The rest helped, but then I found myself out of shape. My results in Falun, Sweden were far below expectation, and I ended up being sick on and off through the rest of the season. My one shining light was a podium u.S. women’s Coach in the skate sprint in Lahti, Finland.

Matt Whitcomb with Finding the answers to the regression in my Kikkan Randall at results was not an easy task. I sat down with park City, utah several integral members of my team to discuss training camp. observations and poured over my training log.

In the end, we decided I had lost the critical balance between training, recovery and outside energy commitments in my life.

One major factor was the emotional energy I was carrying after the disappointment at the Sochi Olympics and how motivated I was to redeem myself and prove to myself that I could be at my strongest at a championship. With Worlds ahead in Falun, I probably didn’t rest enough last spring and started off the training year too intensely, thus already starting the year with fatigue.

A second factor was my work with some outside organizations that I care deeply about. In the spring of 2014, I was elected chair of the FIS Athlete Commission. It was something I was excited to do, but leadership of the group increased my involvement with FIS activities and required an early trip to Europe in the fall. Around the same time, I also started on the mission of officially incorporating Fast and Female in the U.S.A., applying for non-profit status and hiring our first staff person. Again, this was something I was really excited and motivated to do, but it greatly increased the number of emails I was answering between training sessions and took more mental energy away from my recovery times.

The third factor was not putting enough emphasis and commitment toward my recovery. I was training a similar amount to the previous years, but was missing sleep to answer emails, getting up early for conference calls and traveling a bit more. I was also not acknowledging that I was getting older and that recovery was becoming ever more important.

Regaining my balance has been a big learning experience. I’ve relearned the importance of taking it easy enough in the spring to

let your body fully recover before beginning a new training season. I took six full weeks off this spring, and then started back with a very conservative schedule for another four weeks. By the time I started training again, I could tell I was finally out from under the fatigue I carried all last year.

For the outside activities, this step has been a little harder. I’ve had to learn to say no a little more often, and I’ve had to take a step back. Thankfully, the people I work with are very supportive and understanding. I stepped down as chair of the FIS Athletes Commission, but will still be involved as a cross-country rep. With Fast and Female, I’ve got an incredible board of directors and executive director who are handling more of the decisions and the day-to-day operation of our American organization. My sponsors have also been very understanding, and we’ve tried to get much accomplished in the spring so as to alleviate the demand during the high training times.

And finally for recovery, I have given much more attention to detail and made the commitment to protect my recovery times and make recovery methods such as sleep, nutrition and body care my top priorities. This spring, I began working with a company called Overskudd that helps track the quality of my sleep so that we can optimize both my training and recovery methods. This summer, this has already been a great tool that helps me see when I’m in balance and not.

Despite the great results I had been enjoying over several seasons, it turns out that I am not superhuman. I thought I could train at a high level and still manage all my outside activities. Turns out, even Kikkanimals needs to rest, and sometimes I guess you have to learn the hard way.

Now that I’m armed with better knowledge and perspective, I’m doing my best to correct some of the errors of last year and get back on track.

Kikkan Randall has since announced her pregnancy and will sit out this season – see page 6. SkiTrax wishes her and husband, Jeff Ellis, the very best. www.skitrax.com

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killer instinct

by Andy Newell

The Year of the Tour

20 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

USSA

T

he 2016 season is quickly becoming known as the winter of “Tours” with more than half of the World Cup competitions set to take place in a multi-stage format. The typical three-day Nordic opening weekend in Ruka, Finland and the eight-stage Tour de Ski are back with the addition of yet another Canadian finale, which, as far as I’m concerned, might be the coolest way we could possibly end a season.

So what does this mean for the athletes? In many ways, this season of Tours will act as a test run to see how the World Cup schedule is laid out in the future and to determine how fans and TV viewers like the new formats. For some, it can seem a drastic change to have 19 of the 39 World Cup races slotted as multi-stage events. So how did we get here and how do we adapt?

The transition to stage racing in the cross-country-skiing world has been a quick one, but, nevertheless, a decision that was seriously thought out by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Over the past 30 years, we have seen many additional race formats introduced – sprints, Prologues and a number of different shorter mass-start events – that initially sparked a movement for skiers to begin to specialize. Exactly what FIS did not want. For its viewership ratings, it is best to have the same top athletes on the start list for every race, not just half of them.

Since then, there have been many rule changes to help facilitate this. First, it was increasing the number of qualified skiers in a sprint from 16 to 30 and making the sprint courses longer. On the other side of the equation, it added sprint bonuses to some of the distance-racing formats, and finally FIS introduced the Tour format to World Cup skiing in 2007 with the first Tour de Ski. FIS’s intentions to stop specialization worked pretty well, and skiers began to think about making sure they could compete in all types of races, especially if they wanted to make a run at the World Cup overall title. I know our team has changed the way we prepare in the off-season, and now all skiers add distance and sprint training to their routine. I’m an example of someone who was named to the US Ski Team at a young age because of sprinting, but I have changed the way I train in the summer in order to compete as a more all-around ski racer in order to enjoy and compete in all types of racing.

Change is always hard for skiers to embrace, especially for countries with a rich skiing history (who might wear red and claim to have invented the sport – a little poke at Norway). But whether we like it or not, change is here to stay because TV viewership of the Tour de Ski is up, and now, for the first time, more than half the yearly World Cup points this season will be awarded in stage-race events.

In general, the athletes have jumped on board with the Tour format, and although they are incredibly tough on the body, I think we enjoy the challenge and excitement of it. With a World Championships or Olympics in the schedule, it is now common procedure for athletes to opt out of some Tour races in order to peak at a big race weekend, but this particular season is wide open. It’s a great opportunity for us to practise three different Tour events and to learn more about the physical and nutritional demands of these races, as the reality is that it’s quite different than jumping into a “normal” World Cup weekend with everyone rested and primed to go.

Andy Newell changed his summer training in order to compete as a more all-around cross-country skier in all types of racing.

We have learned that physically one can have many ups and downs during a multi-stage race event, and it’s more important than ever to be in tune with your body. Often, we adjust our pre-race routines during a Tour, making them shorter or longer depending on fatigue. Some successful Tour skiers have learned to go into the first few days with a flatter, more rested feeling in order to excel in the latter stages. Above all, we have learned that different athletes bring very different energy levels to a given day in a Tour, and even though you may feel fatigued from the previous day’s race, all you can do is get to the start line and do your best.

We have learned that doing your best in a multi-day event takes a certain amount of organization and planning. We plan ahead as athletes when it comes to fueling our bodies, taking in enough calories before and right after the races, but there is also a lot of inter-team logistics such as waxing, housing and planning travel days – a learning experience for Tour events. Larger teams have even gone so far as “leap-frogging” venues with staff so that while one race is in progress at one venue, there are wax techs already on the ground at the next stop testing for the next day’s stage.

This is something that will always be a hurdle for teams such as the U.S., since our staff-to-athlete ratio isn’t great, but, yet again, we learn each year and try to be more prepared for the next Tour. We’ve begun to add specific techs just for Tours and have also seen the value of adding multiple physiotherapists and massage therapists to the roster in order to help speed up recovery. Above all, as athletes we try to help one another out within the team and be positive throughout the Tour despite of our results – something that becomes increasingly tough as fatigue sets it.

Needless to say, it appears Tour formats are here to stay in crosscountry-ski racing, so the sooner we adapt as a nation, the better. One thing I think has always defined a true cross-country skier is the ability to race under any conditions, on any type of terrain and any distance.

That’s what cross-country skiing is all about – making the challenge of completing a Tour the ultimate test. www.skitrax.com

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scando report

Sjur Røthe (NOR) winning the men’s 50km FR at the Holmenkollen in Oslo, Norway.

by Sjur Røthe

L

ast season was a rollercoaster for me. The start was good, as I was twice on the podium in my second home of Lillehammer, Norway. It was a great feeling to be in such good shape early in the season and especially to be in the tracks of the 1994 Olympics.

But the races that followed were not very good and I started to lose my self-confidence. I was wondering if I was in bad shape or if I had been in top shape too early. After a good talk with my teammates and my coach, I decided to start the Tour de Ski – even though my original plan was to go all in for the World Championships in Falun, Sweden. I got sick right after the Tour started and this forced me to return home for some rest and to start the preparation for the World Championships instead of fighting to win the Tour.

To compete at the World Championships in Falun was very cool, but I was not there only to take part – I was motivated to fight for the medals. My biggest chance to earn a spot on the final podium was in the 15km skate. After a really tough race, I finished ninth. Unfortunately, that was not good enough to make the Norwegian relay team.

I returned home to Norway after a disappointing Championship with my back causing me quite a lot of pain and results that were far from

Nordic Focus

A Skier’s Dream

what I had hoped. Still, this really motivated me to show my potential in the final races of the year.

The best day in my skiing career came on March 14. I had done a really good job of training and worked extremely hard for many hours.

I was at my limit and told my waxer, “I’m going all in for the 50K in Holmenkollen.” I have never trained so much during the winter, and to be honest, I was a little bit nervous that it was too much.

During the race, I had a good feeling. I was in the top 10 for almost the entire race and I made it clear that I was there to fight for the victory. In the final climb up to Frognerseteren, there were only few guys left. My opportunity had arrived! I made sure to get a good spot in the last few kilometres. I had one goal in sight, and that was to be first into the last 200 metres. My legs felt like logs, but I made it. I was the first to cross the finish line – only four small centimetres ahead of Dario Cologna (SUI). My teammate, Martin Johnsrud Sundby, was third.

That was by far the greatest day in my skiing career. The victory in Holmenkollen has motivated me to train well for the coming season.

To cross the finish line as No. 1 was a great feeling, one that I really hope to experience again this winter.

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Life Begins at 0Ëš

BC’s Nordic skiing vacations begin at

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clubs

by Paul Nicolaus

North Star Ski Touring Club

North Star Touring Club Travels On

(above) A club trip to Sun Valley, Idaho

F

ormed in 1967, the North Star Ski Touring Club (NSSTC) is the largest ski-touring club in Minnesota and one of the largest in North America. The mission of the all-volunteer organization is to enjoy and promote the development of cross-country skiing, which is fulfilled through group activities, education and trail development.

The winter-activities schedule offers a wealth of trips from December through March. While day trips remain within a reasonable drive of the Twin Cities, weekend ski outings take members to resorts scattered throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and upper Michigan. “We understand that the quality and depth of our annual-trips schedule is very much the identity of the North Star Ski Touring Club,” says longtime club participant and current board member Mel Peterson. “Our many trip leaders take the time and the effort to lead trips because they truly love the sport of cross-country skiing and want to share their experiences with others.”

Weeklong ventures take participants all over the country and world.

Past destinations have included Colorado and Montana, the Canadian Rockies and the Laurentian Mountains near Montreal, Que. The 2016 extended-trip line-up includes Stokely Creek Lodge north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. (Jan. 6-14), New Hampshire and Vermont (Jan. 31-Feb. 7), Gunflint in northern Minnesota (Feb. 21-25) and an overseas trip to Norway (March 12-21).

Service work and giving back have also been ingrained in the group’s DNA. The club maintains ski trails throughout Minnesota, and each fall, it sponsors three to four trail-clearing projects – an annual tradition that is more than 30 years strong. Club members have volunteered at the annual City of Lakes Loppet and events such as the Junior Olympics when held locally. The Ski for Light foundation and various trail-improvement projects have benefited from the group’s generosity as well.

24 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

John Driscoll

(left) The Palisade Trail at Tettegouche State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota

While most active members fall in the age fifty-to-seventy range, the club is interested in finding ways to grow and to attract new participants of all ages now that the membership has leveled off at roughly 650 to 700 (previously, it reached a high of approximately 1,400 members). The club has provided seed money and equipment to the Minnesota Youth Ski League, a group that promotes ski touring among young people in and around the Twin Cities. “We support their endeavour totally because those young people could one day join our ranks and become our members,” Peterson notes.

While many members participate in long-distance Citizen races such as the Birkebeiner and the Mora Vasaloppet, the club has not produced any elite racers in recent years. “One of our founders back in 1967 was Norm Oakvik, a former National cross-country-ski champion who was the first alternate on the 1956 U.S. Olympic Nordic-combined ski team in Cortina, Italy. Norm, who passed away last year at the age of 94, was a guiding force in our club for nearly four decades,” said Peterson.

“While the club no longer stages any competitive events, we do have the distinction of holding the VJC Victoria-Jonathan-Chaska ski race in the 1970s and ’80s. This was the first-ever organized ski race held in the state of Minnesota, attracting nearly 1,200 skiers, but it died out due to a number of poor snow years and the increasing competition from other organized races,” he added.

The club is also currently looking into the possibility of joining community-health initiatives to promote ski touring as an excellent healthy-lifestyle option. “We are considering going into communities and giving speeches and seminars, sharing slideshows of trips we’ve done and letting them know that if you want to be healthy, there’s no better way to stay healthy than cross-country skiing,” Peterson says.

Perhaps even more noteworthy than the fitness benefits, however, are the opportunities for developing lifelong relationships with fellow skiing enthusiasts. “To this day, 36 years after joining the club, I would say that some of my best friends in life are those I’ve met through the club,” he adds. “We have a lot of members who have family scattered throughout the country, and they’ve learned that our club has become their extended family here in the Twin Cities.”

www.skitrax.com

Gatineau

MARCH 1

st

THE WORLD’S ELITE WILL BE IN GATINEAU ON MARCH 1ST DURING THE FIS CROSS-COUNTRY WORLD CUP! THE FIRST LEG OF THIS HISTORIC TOUR

© Nordic Focus

NOT TO BE MISSED!

MARCH

© Ville de Gatineau

© Bernard Pigeon

Québ

1st MARtiCnHeau Ga

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1 – March

Come see the Canadian athletes in action, including Alex Harvey and enjoy the festivities on site!

MARCH 2l

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12, 2016

OFFICIAL FIS WORLD CUP SPONSORS

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Watch for it on Sunday, February 28!

Arrival of the Canadian team and the Opening Ceremony.

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Ski Tour Canada 2016 – Gatineau will top off five days of celebration of cross-country skiing in the Outaouais on the heels of the previous weekend’s 38th edition of the Gatineau Loppet, the Canadian leg of the Worldloppet, and the biggest gathering of cross-country skiers in Canada.

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AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY

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Canmore Nordic Ski Centre

O

riginally built as the host facility for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games Nordic events, the Canmore Nordic Ski Centre has continued to offer skiing to the public and for competitive and training purposes. But maintaining its legacy as a world-class facility has had its challenges and rewards.

World Cup series. In addition to these international events, the facility hosts more than 40 events and competitions a year.

Revitalized for Top-level Competitions “Since ’88, cross-country skiing has evolved and added new disciplines that require steeper hills and wider trails,” says Michael Roycroft, area manager of the specialized facilities and trails division of Alberta Parks. In 2005, the Government of Alberta reinvested $25.6 million in the facility to bring it back up to international-competition standard by revitalizing the Centre’s trails and snow-making capacity.

Since the Centre’s refurbishment, Canmore Nordic Provincial Park has hosted five World Cups (in 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012 and the 2013 Paralympic World Cup) and in 2016 is slated to host four more International Ski Federation (FIS) Stage World Cups as part of Ski Tour Canada, along with a round of the IBU (International Biathlon Union)

World-class Trails and Facilities Making Canmore a world-class facility for competitive skiing also benefits recreational users. “What the competitive element does is help drive facility investment in snow-making and in trail maintenance,” says Roycroft. With more than 65 kilometres of groomed trails, Canmore offers a broad range of trails that vary in difficulty, from a system where top athletes in the world train and race on, to a variety of recreational trails. Roycroft says approximately two-thirds of Canmore’s trail systems are for recreational use, and offer great value – an adult day pass costs $15 and a season pass is less than $170 a year. “Where else can you ski at a world-class facility for so little?” says Roycroft.

Also situated on Canmore Provincial Park’s land is the Bill Warren Training Centre. Opened by WinSport in 1994 using funds left over

26 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

www.skitrax.com

Approximately two-thirds of Canmore’s trail systems are for recreational use, offering great value for a world-class facility.

photos: Canmore Nordic Ski Centre

The Canmore Nordic Centre along with WinSport and the Bill Warren Training Centre are a strategic world-class hub for Canada’s national cross-country and biathlon teams.

from the 1988 Olympics to provide dry-land training and support services to Canada’s Nordic-sport athletes, the Centre underwent major renovations and upgrades in 2008 that nearly doubled the size of the facility to include the latest cutting-edge environment as well as with office space for Cross Country Canada, the World Cup Academy and the Canmore Nordic Ski Club. “The building plays a major role in making Canmore a hotbed for training and living for athletes who want to pursue Nordic sport for career,” says Mike Norton, manager of Canmore operations for WinSport.

Tapping into New Opportunities In 2009, Canmore became the first centre in North America to launch Frozen Thunder. Modelled after some similar initiatives in Europe, Frozen Thunder allows Canmore’s ski season to start in October. With funding assistance from WinSport, the Canmore Nordic Centre stores snow in a warehouse under a layer of sawdust throughout the sum-

mer months. The snow is then brought out in the fall to create up to a two-kilometre ski track. “In late October, early November, teams from all over the continent, if not the world, are trying to scope out early snow,” says Norton. Canmore’s Frozen Thunder Classic is one of the first races on the calendar anywhere in the world. “Getting an early race under the belt and the jitters out is a huge advantage for Canada’s National Team members,” he added.

This year, Canmore partnered with a community group of volunteers who built a warming hut approximately two kilometres out from the day lodge. The “meadow” hut, which opens in December, provides 1,000 square feet of warm-up space and beautiful views.

Although Canmore’s summer programming wasn’t top of mind when the Nordic Centre was first developed, the Centre began to think about how to make the most out of its land year-round when the trails were refurbished in 2005. “The old adage of ‘If you build it, they will come’ has been true here,” says Roycroft.

Canmore built a singletrack system in 2010, and since then, summer use has blossomed. “Weeknights, parking lots are often full, and weekends, the parking lots are always full,” says Roycroft. In addition to winter skiing, a skating rink, tobogganing slope and onsite tubing, its summer activities include an 18-hole disc golf course (ranked one of the best in Alberta) as well as fat biking. Providing a well-rounded portfolio of activities for users has helped Canmore retain its status as a world-class facility. For more information, visit www.albertaparks.ca/ canmore-nordic-centre.com.

EXPLORE NORTH LAKE TAHOE • TRUCKEE, CA

The most concentrated region of groomed cross countr y terrain in Nor th America, of fering 167 groomed XC trails, covering 457km, and spanning 11,000 acres of terrain.

gotahoenorth.com/nordic

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 27

backcountry

by Steven Threndyle

Carving Their Niche B.C. Ski Builders Inspired by Coast Range

28 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Foon Skis

T

(above) Foon Skis were launched in 2013 by Johnny Chilton of Head skis design fame.

G3 Genuine Guide Gear innovates with fibreglass and carbon fibre to create lighter weight skis that outperform.

G3 Genuine Guide Gear

here’s a consumer revolution happening in North America right now. Whether it’s the beer we drink, the tomatoes we eat, the shirts we wear or the way we decorate our homes, there’s an emphasis on locally-designed, owned, grown and manufactured goods.

Indeed, the most personal and heartfelt gear companies are the ones based in ski towns across North America, where small, custom ski companies are poking their heads up just like craft microbreweries and organic food co-ops.

In B.C., Pemberton’s Johnny “Foon” Chilton and Vancouver’s Oliver Steffen have also given modern ski design much thought. Chilton hand-builds his marvelous-looking Foon Skis from locally sourced western red cedar, while Steffen’s team at Genuine Guide Gear in Burnaby are innovating with fibreglass and carbon fibre.

Chilton came to ski design through his Head skis sponsorship.

Whistler rep Robin McLeish was looking to sponsor a local rider who could help Head make a ski that would give it entry into the powder/ freeride side of skiing. Chilton says, “Robin admitted that Head really had no idea about how to make a ski for the kind of skiing we did.”

The opportunity to have input on the design of the skis he would ride was the game-changer for Chilton. “A well-designed ski makes skiing well effortless, whereas a bad ski takes a lot of effort and work.

I felt that ski design was directly linked to how well I could perform as a skier,” he says.

Chilton’s decade-long tenure at Head resulted in two hugely successful skis: the Supercross and Monstercross. But with a successful career in cabinet-making and millwork, Chilton branched out on his own in 2013 and started Foon Skis for a variety of reasons.

Chilton strongly believes in the environmental sustainability of supporting a local economy and began experimenting with western red cedar. All of the ingredients for a successful ski were growing literally in his backyard. “I know that every yellow cedar that comes down in B.C. is subject to the stringent forest-practices code and the economy of that tree stays here in B.C., benefiting the forester, the logger, the mill I get my wood from in Squamish and me.”

Still, the material has to work to make it successful, otherwise you might as well be on two-by-fours. Chilton says, “When I tried yellow cedar, it was like, wow – [it had] incredible strength when it was flexed, but felt lively, snappy and damp.”

Genuine Guide Gear’s president and CEO Steffen took a very different material route, finding success by innovating with carbon fibre.

“We’ve developed ways to reduce the amount of resin and carbon fibre to the absolute minimum without compromising durability. If you look at our ski weights and compare them to any other brand with comparable ski performance, you’ll be surprised. Almost without exception, skiers will see notably less fatigue from the lower weight, while still maintaining very good ski performance.”

Still, it’s a jungle out there. Virtually every company makes a fat, rockered ski that you can slap a touring binding on. Both men agree on one point: it’s very, very difficult to go up against the major com-

panies with their large marketing budgets and sponsored free riders.

Steffen says, “They just flood the minds of consumers with a lot of hype.”

Chilton says, “Although I was stoked to win Editor’s Choice in the Freeskier tests, that kind of marketing is extremely expensive. I think my customers are better served by putting that money into equipment that will allow us to make our skis even better.”

Spoken like a true artisan. www.skitrax.com

out in front

beverages and high-energy foods.

For the second year, 6.25km and 12.5km freestyle ski races will also be held during the festival. These Saturday events are designed for those who are new to racing, as well as experienced skiers. The 6.25km course used for both races is challenging, but relatively flat.

Apart from the festival, the Mount Van Hoevenberg calendar is full of activities from December through March. Of note are the NorAm Biathlon on Feb. 27-28, the NYSSRA Nordic Distance Championships on March 5-6 and the USCSA National Championships on March 7-12. Throughout the season, New-York-State-licensed guides lead snowshoe hikes to the top of Mount Van Hoevenberg, with its amazing views of the Adirondack High Peaks.

New this year is a woodland retreat, Josie’s Cabin, where skiers can drop by for a hot cocoa and food.

Continued from page 16 would not be competing until 2017, but later indicated that she might return for the season finale at Ski Tour Canada on March 1-12, 2016.

This past season, Bjoergen, 35, became the first athlete to twice capture all three World Cup crystal globes – overall, distance and sprint.

With 14 World Championship victories and six Olympic gold medals, she has 90+ World Cup victories, making her the record-holder for both women and men.

Despite being six months’ pregnant, Bjoergen was apparently still running three-hour sessions with teammates at a Norwegian National Team training camp. She is also part of a study examining how exercise affects pregnancy, an area of insufficient research.

lake placid loppet

lake placid Nordic Festival on Feb. 18-21 The 34th annual Lake Placid Loppet in northern New York State highlights this year’s Lake Placid Nordic Festival, which runs from Feb. 18-21. The popular loppet takes place on the Olympic trails and facilities of Mount Van Hoevenberg. The weekend festival includes a host of other activities such as ski clinics, a biathlon, snowshoeing, demonstrations, parties and headlamp tours.

Sunday’s Loppet and Kort Loppet feature the 50km course constructed for the 1980 Winter Olympics, making these events two of the most challenging Citizen races in the world. The Lake Placid Loppet is also a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner and a member of the NENSA Marathon Series.

Facilities for the loppet include warming areas, wax rooms and restrooms at the Cross Country Lodge. Nordic ski patrol will be on course at all feeding stations and at additional locations. There is a complete First Aid room at the Cross Country Lodge. Feeding stations, located every five kilometres, offer www.skitrax.com

ORDA

Canadian Wintersports to Distribute Rode Ski Wax Canadian Wintersports (CWS) Inc. announced in November that it is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Rode Ski Wax and Accessories based in Asiago, Italy.

Rode Ski Wax was founded in 1972 by Rodeghiero Rizzieri, who began mixing waxes at home and testing them at his races in the 1930s, winning seven Italian Championships. During the mid-1950’s, “Rode” prepared skis for the Italian National Team.

Rode Ski Wax has been available in Canada for more than 20 years thanks to Bernie Sander of Lazl, who built the brand’s profile across the country. For more information, visit www.canadianwintersports.com.

US Dealer Inquiries: info@sisusports.com 800-993-5706

Canadian Dealer Inquiries: info@diamondheadsports.com 866-938-9409 • 604-905-8599

2016 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon February 1 - 7, 2016

Cheer on our Canadian athletes as they compete with World Cup superstars on home snow!

pentathlon des Neiges and New ITu Winter Triathlon World Cup Registration is now open for Quebec City’s Pentathlon des Neiges p/b MEC. The 12th edition of this popular multisport series of events will be held on the Plains of Abraham over nine days from Feb. 20-28, 2016.

Families, children, amateurs and sports professionals are invited and participants can compete solo or in teams of two to five participants in five disciplines, including biking, running, cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Approximately 5,300 people took part last year.

www.canmorebiathlon.ca

C A N A D A

Continued on page 31 ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 29

masters

by J.D. Downing

XC Masters Events Coming Soon s a new season is about to unfold, let’s take a look at what’s on the horizon for XC ski Masters here in North America, as well as overseas.

Canada Masters: The 2015 Canadian Masters National XC Championships will be held in Forestville, Que. on Feb. 18-20, 2016. Preliminary event information shows 13km, 27km and 60km race options over two race days. Full information is available at www.borealloppet.ca.

AXCS National Masters: The U.S.A. National Masters 2016 is returning to Royal Gorge, Calif., welcoming skiers from coast to coast for another great long weekend on March 19-20. A 10km Classic on Saturday will be followed by Sunday’s freestyle-technique California Gold Rush that will use a new 42/28/14km course design. Information and sign-up links are available via www.xcskiworld.com.

Masters World Cup (MWC2016): This year’s Worlds, for the first time, visits the beautiful forests, lakes and hillsides of Vuokatti, Finland on Feb. 5-12. Featuring more than 150 kilometres of trails in the general Vuokatti area, this is a true skier’s paradise, reminiscent of several of the most popular North American ski destinations.

American or Canadian Masters who are still interested in attending should immediately contact the American XC Skiers (AXCS) office at xcskiworld.com. Canadian skiers should also contact the Canadian Masters Cross-Country Ski Association (www.canadian-masters-xc-ski.ca) for additional information on the MWC2016.

What about upcoming XC Masters events beyond this year?

AXCS will stage the National Masters 2017 in Minneapolis, Minn. as a “preview” of the MWC2018 in the same spot approximately one year later (more on that below). The opportunity to offer a preview for a “home” North American Worlds using the incredible City of Lakes Loppet events was simply too good to pass up.

For 2018, both the U.S.A. and Canadian National Masters will be based within the MWC2018 events in Minneapolis. Masters leaders on both sides of the border have long recognized that it is foolish to offer a competing National event in years that the Worlds comes to North America. We all want as many North Americans as possible at the “home” Worlds, so the logical choice has been to use Masters World Cup results to also recognize top domestic skiers.

As for future Masters World Cups, we are looking at a simply fantastic series of Worlds over the next several years. Following what both Canadian and American representatives are certain will be an amazing 2016 Worlds in Finland, the eyes of Masters around the world will turn to Klosters, Switzerland for the MWC2017, with tentative dates of March 3-10, 2017.

Located a couple hours southeast of Zurich, Klosters is essentially a twin village to famous Davos, Switzerland, providing an impressive list of nearby adventures for any visitor both on and off the snow. Further, organizers have scheduled the MWC2017 so that as the Worlds wrap up, there will be a chance to stick around for a couple days to take part in the Engadin Ski Marathon, with its course just a short train ride away!

For American skiers, AXCS will be announcing the non-profit travel package to the MWC2017 in Spring 2016, so renew your membership today at www.xcskiworld.com.

Then, in 2018, the world will be coming to North America. Exact

30 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

MWC2015 Syktyvkar, RUS

A

Future North American Masters events are only possible with strong national Masters organizations.

dates for the MWC2018 are still pending due to the Super Bowl, which is also taking place in Minneapolis in Winter 2018. The best guess at this point is that the MWC2018 will be Jan. 19-26, immediately followed by the City of Lakes Loppet weekend, with the Super Bowl a weekend later.

Minneapolis, Minn. will arguably be one of the easily accessed Worlds in history, with daily direct flights from destinations throughout North America as well as several European gateways. Plus, thousands of Masters live within a comfortable one-day drive of the U.S.A.’s upper Midwest and centrally-located Canadian provinces.

With races held at Theodore Wirth Park just minutes from downtown (you literally see the skyscrapers from several spots on the trails), the MWC2018 has the potential to be the largest and most exciting Masters Worlds in history. Hundreds of lodging options exist across the metro area, but the real fun will be staying in the heart of downtown with its convenient light-rail connections to dozens of metro attractions, including the Mall of America, concerts and NBA and NHL games.

Remember that all the work and long years of planning that go into future North American Masters events is only possible with strong national Masters organizations. Annual membership is the key to making sure exciting and fun events keep happening year after year. Join or renew with your association today! In Canada, go to www.canadian-masters-xc-ski.ca; in the U.S.A., go to www.xcskiworld.com.

For American skiers, it’s not at all too early to note that you will be required to have a national Masters association membership in order to take part in the MWC2018. If you sign up for a three-year AXCS membership now, you’ll not only receive the best benefit package in the XC ski world at the cheapest dues possible (less than $34 per year!), you’ll also enjoy that membership up to and including the 2018 Worlds!

Also note that AXCS also features a media-only international membership (information at xcskiworld.com), so Canadians can enjoy its tremendous media benefits as an add-on to their Canadian association membership. www.skitrax.com

out in front

Continued from page 29 The big news in 2016 is that the winter triathlon is becoming an ITU Winter Triathlon World Cup. Also new this winter is a day of activities for seniors 50 years of age and older. Various formats are offered that allow participants to skate, ski or snowshoe at their own pace. And a Skiathlon event (2x6km and 2x3km) will be held on Feb. 26.

“We want to enable athletes of all levels to enjoy the winter season and take up a challenge,” said François Calletta, Pentathlon general manager. The event has also donated some $90,000 to encourage schoolchildren to be more active.

For more information, visit www.pentathlondesneiges.com.

2015 Thomas-Fedun Foundation award Winners Alberta World Cup Academy (AWCA) athletes Delphine Duvernay-Tardif and Dominique Moncoin-Groulx were recently named 2015 recipients of the Thomas/Fedun Foundation Education Bursary. Each received $1,000 toward their studies while they train and compete under the AWCA banner.

Both moved to Alberta recently: Moncoin-Groulx trained with the Nakkertok program near Ottawa, Ont. before switching to the Pierre Harvey Training Centre near Quebec City; Duvernay-Tardif is from the Canadian National Talent Squad and considered one of the best juniors in Canada.

Duvernay-Tardif, 19, will use the funds to further her college studies, while Moncoin-Groulx will continue to pursue his kinesiology degree at Laval University through correspondence.

The bursary is the brainchild of Don Thomas and Barb Fedun, long-standing advocates for education and cross-country skiing, who together created the foundation.

Duvernay-Tardiff wants to attend the Nordic Junior World Championships, while Moncoin-Groulx’s aim is to make it to the U23 World Championships.

CSM Celebrates its 50th anniversary The Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Feb. 19-21, 2016. Founded by Don MacLeod, who passed away in New Zealand last year, the first CSM was organized as part of the celebrations for Canada’s Centennial in 1967.

Still going strong a half-century later, it is the longest-running ski tour in North America and one of the most popular. With distances of up to 160 kilometres over two days, it is also one of the longest ski tours.

The CSM is also almost singular in offering winter camping to some select skiers, but this is only an option, and a range of other accommodations is available, including a five-star hotel.

Since 1967, the CSM has been held every February in Quebec’s Laurentian Hills between Montreal and Ottawa. Legendary ski pioneer Herman “Jack-

rabbit” Smith-Johanssen (1875-1987) was closely associated with this event.

For its 50th edition, the CSM is offering special honours for its participants. For instance, skiers who complete in the Coureur des Bois gold category in 2016 will be placed on the “Golden on 50th” honour roll on the CSM website and will be awarded a “Golden on 50th” permanent bib. The coveted Coureur des Bois gold category requires skiers finish all 160 kilometres over two days while carrying a five-kilogram pack and then sleep under the stars.

Skiers who have completed at least 18 sections of the CSM over the past three years in any touring category and who also participate in 2016 will be placed on the “Super Tourer on 50th” honour roll on the website and receive a “Super Tourer on 50th” award. There will also be special honours in other categories for participating in the 50th edition.

Nipika Mountain Resort 9200 Settler’s Rd., 14 kms off Hwy 93 (90 minutes from Banff)

Simply Spectacular Skiing

Nick Sargent to Be SIa’s Next president Snow-

www.skitrax.com

Instructional Ski Programs

PHOTO: JOE LUCUS

50 kms trails – classic & skate skiing luxury log cabins day lodge, wax room, rentals ski school, snowshoeing, ice skating tobogganing, Fat bike trails & rentals

SIA

Sports Industries America (SIA) announced in July that Nick Sargent is the incoming president. Sargent was recently vice-president of Global Business Alliance at Burton Snowboards.

While at Burton, Sargent successfully paired corporate brands Nick Sargent such as 3M, Fox Sports, Garmin, Mini and Pepsi with snow-event and product partnerships. Prior to his 12 years with the snowboard brand, Sargent managed adidas-Salomon’s global winter Olympic initiatives.

“I’m so pleased to have Nick join SIA to guide the industry into this new chapter,” said outgoing President David Ingemie. Sargent began in a transitional role at SIA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters in August, and will assume the role of president following the 2016 SIA Snow Show.

Ingemie will remain at SIA as immediate past president and lead an archival project preserving the organization’s 60-year history.

RR#3, 4968 Timbervale Place Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

info@nipika.com local 250-342-6516 toll-free 1-877-647-4525 www.nipika.com

NIPIKA LOCATION 9200 Settler’s Rd. 14 kms off Hwy 93 (90 minutes South of Banff)

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 31

2015/16

by Conor Wallace

Can great ski gear get any better? You bet it can, and it has. SkiTrax had the pleasure of testing some of this season’s great gear at the fabulous Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado in January, and also testing more equipment on this state’s trails following the annual trade shows. Here’s the scoop on some of the latest and greatest gear.

Fischer Speedmax boot

32 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Fischer Speedmax Boot The first thing I noticed when pulling on the new Fischer Speedmax boot was how lightweight and comfortable it is. Right out of the box, it fit uniformly around my foot, with no pressure points. This new boot offers an incredibly comfortable, lightweight and minimalistic feel. The two-piece Super Skate sole mounted to the Integral Carbon Chassis provides great ski feel and power transfer, along with a comfortable balance between torsional rigidity and forward flex to move you naturally through the skating motion.

The World Cup Carbon cuff provides just enough rigidity for good ankle support without restricting your lower leg. This is a great Skate boot for competitive athletes.

www.skitrax.com

Salomon Salomon Carbon Skate Lab Boot The Salomon Carbon Skate Lab boot is comfortable, rigid and lightweight. The 360° monocoque frame mounted to the two-piece SNS Pilot sole is extremely low profile and torsionally rigid, resulting in superior ski and snow feel. When paired with the new Carbon Skate Lab ski, the setup is so lightweight, you almost forget you’re wearing skis.

Interchangeable parts of this boot result in great product longevity. I could feel a little movement between the liner and the outsole while skiing, but I didn’t have the opportunity to specifically heat-mold the liner to my foot, which would likely have resolved this.

This is a very competitive Skate boot for the elite athlete.

Salomon Carbon Skate Lab Ski At 490g, this ski is definitely in the lightweight category. Constructed from thin-ply carbon, it is torsionally rigid and rolls onto its edge with ease, even on hard snowpack, though it still has enough tip splay to float over softer snow conditions. Its low profile allows for superior snow feel. It tracks straight and feels very stable underfoot. The “wow” factor of this ski is its swingweight, which feels almost nonexistent. It will be interesting to see how this ski performs on the World Cup circuit in years to come.

Salomon Carbon Skate Lab Pole Salomon’s 100% UHM carbon pole is super-stiff and lightweight. It’s a viable World-Cup-level Skate racing pole with good swingweight and a great all-round feel.

Salomon Equip RC Skin Salomon’s version of the mohair-skin Classic ski offers close to perfect kick in almost all conditions. This ski was tested in 25°F conditions on new snow, and while the kick was great, we were most surprised by its glide. Although the mohair-skin kick zone drags a little more than a traditional waxed ski, it glides much more freely than expected. This is a great ski for tough waxing conditions, for someone who doesn’t have the time or patience to cork in some kick wax, or for someone looking to get into Classic skiing. (l-r) Salomon Carbon Skate Lab ski, Carbon Skate Lab pole and Equip RC Skin ski (below) Salomon Carbon Skate Lab boot

Rossignol Rossignol R-Skin Classic Ski The R-Skin skis feature a Nomex honeycomb core with cap construction. While the cap construction adds torsional rigidity and stability to the skis, the tips were still pliable enough to prevent them from climbing out of the tracks in sharp corners. Once again, I was surprised by its great glide.The mohair-skin kick zone is durable, replaceable and offered a rollerski-like kick. The exposed edges in the kick zone prevent drag while step-turning.

Rossignol R-Skin Classic ski

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 33

2015/16 One Way One Way Premio 10 Skate Boot One Way hits it out of the park with the Premio 10 Skate Carbon boot that boasts a carbon cuff, an anti-torsion midsole, Thinsulate insulation and a 3D foam heel all mounted to the SNS Pilot sole for a light, stiff, warm and comfortable race boot to complete its Skate line. Join any start line with confidence in this boot.

One Way Premio 10 Skate boot

Excel X-HMC Curve Ski pole

Excel Madshus Terrasonic Intellegrip Classic ski (l), and Nanocarbon Race UHM poles

Madshus Madshus Nanocarbon Race UHM Poles For 2016, Madshus made the Nanocarbon Race UHM poles more durable and stiff with great swingweight, and changed their graphics from white to black so these poles are easier to see when lying in the snow. These poles deliver and you will get to any finish line with a smile on your face.

Madshus Terrasonic Intellegrip Classic Ski Madshus incorporated its Intellegrip mohair-/ nylon-skin kick zone into its popular Terrasonic Performance Classic ski. The Terrasonic was a pleasure to test, and no difference was noticed in kick or glide between the mohair/nylon blend and other pure mohair-skin Classic skis. With perfect kick and surprisingly free glide, this ski provides a great hands-off Classic-skiing experience, and could even be a competitive Race ski in the right conditions.

34 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Exel X-HMC Curve Ski Pole These new poles took a bit of time to get used to.

The swingweight is a little more significant than in traditional poles, and they require some slight changes in technique to achieve maximum efficiency. The curve of the pole displaces the basket farther forward, which makes it seem longer than it is. My optimal pole length turned out to be 2.5cm shorter than my standard Skate-pole length, and it didn’t take long for the poles to feel much more natural. During an interval session, I switched back and forth between the X-Curve poles and traditional ski poles and I found that my heart rate was slightly lower with the X-Curve, while my interval times remained consistent. The X-Curve just might revolutionize the Nordic ski-pole industry.

Start

Start Race 1.0 Solid pole

Start Race 1.0 Solid Pole The Start Race 1.0 Solid pole has great swingweight, a comfortable strap and great stiffness even while sprinting. This is a very capable racing pole and is definitely worth a look. www.skitrax.com

See You at the Birkie ! ÂŽ

2015-2016 U.S. Super Tour Schedule

The Premier Elite Level Cross-Country Ski Race Series in the United States.

November 24-28, 2015

Yellowstone Ski Festival

West Yellowstone, MT

January 3-9, 2016

U.S. National Championships

Houghton, MI

Trapp Family Lodge

Stowe, VT

December 5-6, 2015

Lake Creek Nordic

January 30-31, 2016

Mt. Van Hovenberg

February 18-20, 2016

43rd American Birkebeiner

February 6-7, 2016 March 21-26, 2016

SuperTour Finals

Sun Valley, ID

Lake Placid, NY Cable-Hayward, WI

Craftsbury, VT

Ski with the Best of the Best!

coach of champions erik FLORA Engine Room Media

by Peter Graves

Erik Flora training with Erik Bjornsen and Mark Iverson... in it for the long haul.

36 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

www.skitrax.com

Flora is also a man who sees skiing as a lifetime sport and knows there’s more to it than what happens on the race track. In fact, it’s clear he views skiing through altruistic eyes. www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 37

“We all grew up skiing; so much good came out of it. It’s hard to fully explain, but the beauty of skiing is a big part of our lives.”

photos courtesy of APU Nordic Ski Team

(above) (l-r) Flora, Bjornsen and Scott Patterson: Helping people achieve their goals is important, but it’s not the only thing in life.

38 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

I

(left) Team APU on Eagle Glacier... when the athletes understand the training program, they buy in in a big way.

t’s clear in his 42 years that Erik Flora has achieved a great deal in the sport of cross-country skiing, and also in life.

He was a nationally ranked racer back in the day, worked with some of the sport’s elite (such as three-time FIS World Sprint Cup champion Kikkan Randall) and was named the USOC coach of the year in 2013.

For nine years now, he’s served as head coach at Alaska Pacific University’s (APU) highly regarded program that regularly turns out some of this country’s best cross-country skiers.

But if you thought that his amazing resume was all about turning out www.skitrax.com

driven champions and getting the world’s best results, you’d be mistaken.

Flora is also a man who sees skiing as a lifetime sport and knows there’s more to it than what happens on the race track. In fact, it’s clear he views skiing through altruistic eyes.

Flora was born in Nashville, Tenn., but grew up in Portland, Ore. He developed his thoughts on the sport and its purpose through his parents.

Mother, Berit, is a native Norwegian and father, Sam, a strong collegiate baseball player. He has two other brothers: Bjorn, now a physician in pulmonary and critical care, who skied for a time at University of Denver, and well-known younger brother, Lars, who was on a pair of U.S. Olympic Teams in 2002 and 2006. “We all grew up skiing: so much good came out of it. It’s hard to fully explain, but the beauty of skiing is a big part of our lives,” he explained.

Flora was bitten by the Nordic bug while living in Portland, Ore., as his family would spend weekends in the nearby mountains not just training, but also skiing. His nascent drive for the sport continued when the family moved to Nordic hot-spot Bend, Ore., where he began regular training with Coach John Underwood when he was 17. “John talked to my parents about his program there, and so I went up and began training with him.”

The sport sent his heart soaring: “I just loved it,” said Flora.

Armed with some sound training and racing under his belt, Flora skied from 1993-1995 at University of Alaska Anchorage with well-known coach Bill Spencer. He was an NCAA All-American there and made the U.S. Junior Nordic Worlds team. Clearly, he was on his way up the ladder.

Later, he spent time working with renowned coach Sten Fleldheim at the USOC Residence Program in Marquette, Mich. From there, he went to Meraker, Norway and trained with a club there. In 1997, Flora continued to improve and build his fitness, believing he could aim for the podium at the Nagano 2002 Olympic Games.

Then a cruel twist of fate changed everything and altered his world. On a blustery day in October 1997, Flora, along with a pair of hitchhikers he’d

picked up, were in a serious car accident coming back to Anchorage from Hatcher Pass. They were rear-ended in a near-whiteout. The accident severely injured Flora’s back, a thoracic spine injury that doctors said could sideline his promising skiing career. It was a crushing moment and a period of nadir. He tried to come back, ignoring the pain and continued to train, but finally it became too much. “I was pretty upset about not being able to pursue my dream,” he recalls. “I had to take that season off, and so at the advice of my [physiotherapists], I decided to retire. It was a while before I experienced much joy again.”

Unexpectedly, the accident provided a turning point for him, but it was not yet self-evident. Flora explained that it was his dream to be an Elite ski racer and later become a coach, but being unable to pursue either, he turned his mind to flying. “One of my other dreams growing up was to be a bush pilot, so I took a chance on it. I got my pilot’s license and became a certified aircraft mechanic,” he exclaimed.

He quickly got a job working for Alaska Air Taxi, based in Anchorage.

He loved it and equates much of the vibe of flying to skiing, saying, “Flying in Alaska is so beautiful, and in many ways, the skiing and flying communities are similar. Pilots love to fly, and up here, it’s easy to experience a keen sense of adventure.” He still flies occasionally now, and he and his wife, Gretchen, own a 1952 Pacer aircraft that they have completely rebuilt.

While flying was still in his blood, Flora felt a need to demonstrate the skiing talent he knew he still had. “So I made a comeback . . . at 30 years old. I wanted to be involved and I wanted to race and not let that slip away while I still had the chance,” he continued.

So in fall of 2003, he joined the APU Nordic Ski Center program and raced for another season, coached by Jim Galanes. He went to the U.S. Nationals that year, yet he was not producing the results he felt he could.

“It was still frustrating to me to have had that accident,” he said. He was now married with a child on the way, and there were other responsibil-

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ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 39

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“There was a time that I used to think it was all about winning races. Helping people achieve their goals, ...that’s important, but it’s not the only thing in life.

(l-r) Kikkan Randall, Erik Flora, Holly Brooks: A fantastic journey where the vibe is just right.

ities. Though he had to leave his dream of a comeback behind, he had it in the proper perspective: “I had already really retired in ’97; this was just another opportunity to keep racing for a while. I wasn’t crushed, as it gave me closure.” Now he and his wife have three children ages 13, 10 and eight years old.

“I guess you could say that my comeback didn’t go as planned, but it helped me clarify my thinking, it all provided huge fuel to my desire to be a coach, something that I always wanted to do. I could no longer compete, but I carved out a way to stay involved,” he said. He knew he had to find ways of getting around his back pain and that he had to use the gift of motivation to help others.

“I learned that things can change in the blink of an eye from my own racing and because of the accident. Now I was really becoming invested as a coach and working full time and trying to help others find their own dreams,” Flora noted. Time passed and dreams of gold at the 2002 Olympics had since morphed into APU, where he became the program’s head coach in 2006.

“There was a time that I used to think it was all about winning races.

Helping people achieve their goals, ...that’s important, but it’s not the only thing in life. It’s not just about pushing a three- or four-year agenda,” said Flora. “I like people to be in it for the long haul and to see the sport as a big part of their lives . . . to see the beauty in it.” It was all making such perfect sense to Flora, who had gained not only sport knowledge, but also wisdom and clarity from his own experiences.

It was about that time that he had the opportunity of a lifetime: to work with extraordinary American athlete Kikkan Randall. Together, they would embark on a fantastic journey together, one that is still underway.

“I’ve been coaching Kikkan for nine years now. It’s been an honour, it’s been a great pleasure and an awesome challenge, and the entire process has been incredibly rewarding.”

Randall echoes Flora’s thoughts: “He has been a very important influ40 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

ence in my career. When we started working together nine years ago, he taught me to challenge my boundaries and encouraged me to train at a level that allowed me to breakthrough on the world stage. He’s one of the most positive and optimistic coaches I’ve ever worked with,” said Randall.

Flora works closely with the U.S. National Team staff and notes that they have a great working relationship. “Interfacing with the National Team has been very successful. We are involved in all the steps along the way with them; this is a very good time of cooperation with the team and the clubs,” he explained.

The phenomenon that is Randall has seen great things and enormous success, including World Championship medals and a World Sprint crown, yet they both experienced one period that was not as radiant, and that was the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Flora remembers it well. “Everything we did together had been done well. We believed we were in a position to take a huge step forward. Without a question, Olympic medals were possible,” he commented.

But when it didn’t work out that way, there was great disappointment.

“My heart just sank,” Flora offered. “All the goals, all the hard work, it can just be gone in a split-second. And we lived on all different sides of what happened. What can you do? I can tell you that I learned more from that season than I did in the past 10 years,” he said.

It was clear that Randall went into the Games as a favourite. There was a massive amount of pressure, Flora explained, his voice lowered: “Listen, going in as a favourite doesn’t mean you will leave with a medal, and we looked at every angle of the Sochi experience and we said, ‘Okay, what’s next.’ We have such a great relationship and look at the amount of exposure Kikkan got for the sport, so there was a positive that came out of that. Let’s just say, often times, the really hard parts of the sport are the most productive to learning.” Clearly, Randall moved on and “showed the world how strong she was. It was inspiring,” he added.

“Erik has become a close friend and has seen me through many highs and lows in my life. He has always been supportive and has helped me through many setbacks. Together, we have learned a lot and we make a great team,” she told SkiTrax recently.

This year, Randall and all U.S. Team members, along with the Elite skiers of APU will continue to apply what they’ve learned. Flora says they have had a really great summer, with six men and six women in his Elite group. They’ve had three camps on the Eagle Glacier, and with Randall as the inspiration leader of the pack, Flora calls the vibe just right. “This is a group that works very well together. It’s really a team; they are improving every year. It is amazing, and they have made such huge strides in their training, and everybody else has too [Flora also coaches approximately 25 athletes with coaching assistance from Mike Matteson]. I think when the athletes understand the training program, they buy in in a big way. As for Kikkan, well, she helps push and motivate everybody with the most positive energy. I have to say that the process is really a lot of fun. I feel very lucky.”

Fortunately for the sport, and for those who love it as well, Erik Flora has transcended his accident – and his own doubts – and forged a path that is not measured solely by results, but also by ethics, leadership and joy. He has made his life, and the athletes around him, his own work of art where everybody can shine. www.skitrax.com

Canmore

MARCH 8, 9, 11, 12

Come cheer with us as Canmore hosts the final legs of the Ski Tour Canada 2016 and the final races of the FIS World Cup season!

skitourcanada.com MARCH 1 TO 12, 2016

the Jewels of New England

by Thom Perkins 42 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

www.skitrax.com

Quarry Road Recreation Area

Sue Child

N

ew England has the densest population of cross-country-ski areas in the U.S. Each area holds its own charms. When selecting a place to ski, many times, the promotion of larger areas attract ones’ attention. Areas with many kilometres of trails, a large rental shop and instructional staff are great to visit. However, there are areas that are not large that provide skiers an equally wonderful and sometimes superior experience. Let’s look at why one should visit the smaller areas for a great ski and offer a few recommendations of what’s out there.

First there’s the pace. At a smaller area, the pace is usually slower – sometimes the equivalent of island time. Savour the relaxation – you’re out there to kick back and enjoy.

Next, there’s the snow. Areas that groom exclusively with large-class machines with power-tillers rapidly transform the snow into a hard powder and, after several days, into hardpack, which needs to be groomed daily to maintain any semblance of “powder.” This is due to the frictional heat generated by the rotating tiller teeth at the back of the machines. The heat that is generated bonds snow crystals together in a process known as “sintering.” Tillers rapidly turn fluffy powder snow into snow that has the consistency of very dense wind-drifted snow. This is good in a way.

Tilled snow rapidly develops “body.” It will not collapse under the pressure of either a skating motion or a Classical “kick.” It also provides a resistant surface for pole plants and a predictable surface for downhill techniques. Unfortunately, however, after several passes and a few days with a tiller, the snow will lose its powdery consistency and become more like porcelain. You will need to use the wax temperature recommendation for “transition snow” on your wax tin if the snow has been groomed with a power-tiller. This is true even with a recent powder snowfall.

Smaller areas that groom with snowmobile-size technology don’t heat the snow up as rapidly, and the snow will stay powdery much longer.

Good small-area grooming staff (frequently the owner of the area) spend much time out on the trails and pay a lot of attention to the quality of their grooming. After a big dump of snow, you might want to wait a couple of days to give the snow some time to bond a bit so you won’t collapse the snowpack under the weight of your kick. When the trails have a good base and a new light snowfall – say one to three inches on top – the small machines will provide some of the most delightful skiing you can imagine. Further, small machines follow a better line for the track and platform, yielding a wonderful experience out in the forest.

Now let’s take a look at some areas that you might want to explore. As in the sport-fishing world, there are secret spots that are never discussed and those hold some of the best fish. Wherever you live, you should explore for yourself and find your own secret spot. Here are some of my “secret” New England spots.

Sue Child

Maine

Quarry Road Recreation Area The Nordic ski trails at Quarry Road Recreation Area are operated in partnership with the City of Waterville and offer all levels of cross-country skiing at its best, close to downtown Waterville and the nearby capital of Augusta. The beginner cross-country skier can start at the first parking lot with a flat groomed practise area to warm up and try out Nordic-skiing skills on a very small hill. The beautiful River Loop has several short up-and-down transitions as the cross-country skier enjoys views of Messalonskee Stream. A second parking lot is also available to start your cross-country-skiing adventure. The warm-up area is home to the many games played on skis for the children in the Central Maine Ski Club, which offers a popular after-school Nordic-skiing program in the area.

www.skitrax.com

Just the Facts Address: 130 Quarry Road, Waterville, ME 4901 Contact: Phone - 207-680-4744, email - mskehan@waterville-me.gov Trails: 12 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes, lessons by appointment. Call 207-446-7356 Amenities: Warming hut, yurt base area and parking, with light refreshments.

Two kilometres of night-lit trails.

Snowmaking: Five kilometres Fees: $10 trail pass Accommodations: A variety of lodging options are available in nearby Waterville.

Website: www.quarryroadrecarea.org ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 43

Maine continued

kilometres are groomed with wide skating lanes and 35 kilometres are track-set.

The lodge houses a common room with woodstove, retail and rental shop, restrooms and kitchen area. Hotdogs, snacks and hot drinks are for sale on the weekends. Or bring your own snacks and lunches to eat in the large sunroom while warming up after a day of skiing. And remember, Harris Farm chocolate milk is the best sport-recovery drink.

Just the Facts

Harris Farm

Address: 280 Buzzell Road, Dayton, ME 04005 If following your GPS from the Waterhouse Road, take a left onto Buzzell Road, not a right!

Contact: Phone - 207-499-2678, email - harrisfarmmaine@gmail.com Trails: 35 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Warming room and brown-bag area. Snacks on weekends Fees: $15 trail pass Accommodations: Variety of lodging nearby in Biddeford, Me. (seven miles) Website: www.harrisfarm.com

Harris Farm Forty kilometres of trails meander across the open fields and sheltered forests of the 500-acre dairy and vegetable farm. Trails range from gentle beginners’ loops to rolling terrain for more advanced skiers. Thirty

new hampshire

Joel Brown

Just the Facts

44 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Address: 258 Stagecoach Road, Sunapee, NH 03782 Contact: Phone - 800-232-5571, email - dexters@tds.net Trails: 20 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic skiing only – beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Snack bar, restaurant, Pro shop Fees: $12 trail pass Accommodations: Inn on-site Website: www.dextersnh.com

Ski Hearth Farm

Dexter’s Cross Country Dexter’s Cross-Country ski and snowshoe trails wind their way through forests and fields with minimal road crossings, and are designed to have that old-time natural feel. The experience is quite different from skiing on a golf course, frozen pond or public park. The 1,350-foot elevation and attention to grooming enhance the snow quality. The trail network offers a variety of terrain that allows first-timers, novices, intermediates and advanced skiers to all find something to enjoy. Trails are rated 30% easier, 55% intermediate and 15% advanced. The trails are groomed for Classical parallel track-skiing only (no skate skiing).

Ski Hearth Farm Twenty-three kilometres of groomed trails on an historic farm with extraordinary views of the Franconia Ridge and Cannon Mountain. There are plenty of open fields with wide vistas directly accessed from the base. Forested trails were designed by Morton Trails and offer intermediate and advanced terrain. Farmstand products and farm-produced food are available at the woodstove-heated warming room.

Just the Facts

Address: 392 Streeter Pond Road, Sugar Hill, NH 3586 Contact: Phone - 603-823-5560/877-772-4666 Trails: 23 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Classic farm woodstove-heated warming room, farm-fresh food and brown-bag area Fees: $18 trail pass Accommodations: Several lodging opportunities are available in nearby Franconia.

Sugar Hill Inn and The Inn at Sunset Hill are within three miles.

Website: www.skihearthfarm.com www.skitrax.com

vermont Curran Photography

Timber Creek Cross Country Ski Area These 13 kilometres are lovingly manicured by Kelly Kahler, an interesting fellow who takes great pride in his operation. The trails coincide, at times, along the way, allowing the skier to create fun, mysterious loops that offer varying skiing experiences. Truly a superb example of a small cross-country-ski area run by a devoted owner.

Just the Facts

Blueberry Lake (BBL) Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center Blueberry Lake is a laidback but well-run cross-country-ski area where the area’s 86-year-old owner Leonard Robinson holds court by the woodstove. BBL has 11 trails for Classic and skate skiing. There are trails for easy to expert abilities. Many of its trails are wooded, but also have some in wide-open meadows with beautiful views. There are complete ski and snowshoe rentals and lessons at the Center. It requests that you call ahead if you would like a lesson. All trails are engineered and graded for the average skier’s enjoyment. It has heavy-duty track-setting equipment.

The trails are groomed most every day.

Address: Route 100 North, West Dover, VT 05356 Contact: Phone - 802-464-0999, email - timbercreekxc@gmail Trails: 13 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Base lodge, snack bar, Pro shop, warming lean-to along trail Fees: $20 trail pass Accommodations: Multitude of lodging options close at hand at Mount Snow Website: www.timbercreekxc.org

Kelly Kahler

Just the Facts

Address: Plunkton Road, Warren, VT 05674 Contact: Phone - 802-496-6687 (in-season) Trails: 30 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes, call ahead Amenities: Snack bar and Pro shop Fees: $13 trail pass Accommodations: A wide variety of lodging opportunities in nearby Waitsfield in the Mad River Valley Website: www.blueberrylakeskivt.com

Ole’s Cross Country Center Ole’s Cross Country Center features easy skiing right out the door. Ole’s is located at the Warren-Sugarbush Airport, which is on a plateau 1,500 feet high. It grooms snow on 40 kilometres of trails, half in open fields and half in the forest. Open trails near the ski center are relatively flat with great mountain views within a short and easy ski or you can enjoy the winter quiet on snowy forest rolling-terrain trails. Families and friends often ski together then return to the ski center for lunch at Ole’s deli.

Curran Photography

Just the Facts

www.skitrax.com

Address: 2355 Airport Road, Warren, VT 05674 Contact: Phone - 802-496-3430, email - ski@olesxc.com Trails: 40 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Clubhouse, snack bar, Pro shop Fees: $16 trail pass Accommodations: A wide variety of lodging opportunities are in Waitsfield in the Mad River Valley Website: www.olesxc.com ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 45

massachusetts Hilltop Nordic Center Home of the award-winning Furnace Brook Winery and Hilltop Orchards, Hilltop has a cross-country-ski and snowshoe center. Set on 200 gently sloping acres, trails are groomed for both Classic and skating-style skiing. The scenic 20-mile views into the southern Berkshires are breathtaking! Relax and warm up by the stone fireplace in the Barrel Room.

Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center Twenty-five kilometres of trails ranging from gently rolling groomed and track-set loops to challenging backcountry routes await skiers of all abilities. A favourite destination is the summit of Lone Boulder Hill, where a large glacial boulder stands guard near a breathtaking threestate vista. Don’t let the lack of snow in your backyard fool you; high elevation here assures some of the best natural-snow conditions in southern New England. Thirty years of constant refinement of the trail system and grooming equipment have resulted in great skiing, even where you’d least expect it.

Situated atop a high meadow in rural northwest Massachusetts, the area provides a wild setting for a multitude of experiences.

Just the Facts

Address: 508 Canaan Road/Route 295, Richmond, MA 01254 Contact: Phone: 800-833-6274, lodging - 888-243-0193, email - winemaker@furnacebrookwinery.com Trails: 12 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate skiing, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Light lunch, snacks featuring hot cider, donuts and fresh baked goods, changing room, free wine-tasting Fees: $15 trail pass Accommodations: Garden Gables Inn, Lenox, MA (eight miles) Website: www.hilltoporchards.com

Winding Trails Trails and grooming are the heart of cross-country enjoyment. Winding Trails’ 20-kilometre trail system is groomed daily. Skiers travel through the 350 acres of prime woodland, brooks and spring-fed ponds. The wide double-tracked trails on gently rolling terrain provide the first-time skier

Address: 64 West Hill Road, Hawley MA 01339. Google maps and GPS devices may give you bad directions.

Contact: Phone - 413-339-4265, email - stumpsprouts@stumpsprouts.com Trails: 25 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic skiing, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes, call Amenities: 1840’s farmhouse warming room, snack bar with light lunch Fees: $12 trail pass Accommodations: On-site, seven rooms. Not exactly a hotel, motel or B&B, this place is in a unique category of its own. In keeping with its simple philosophy, overnight guests share bathrooms and bring their own sheets, blankets, pillows and towels.

Website: www.stumpsprouts.com

Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center

Hilltop Nordic Center

Just the Facts

Connecticut with a fun experience. The lodge welcomes you with a toasty fire. A snack bar serves light refreshments throughout the day. Indoor and outdoor tables invite you to picnic within the cozy warmth of the lodge or among the crisp scent of frosty pines.

Winding Trails

Just the Facts

46 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Address: 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington CT 06032 Contact: Phone - 860-677-8458, ski center 860-677-8458, snow conditions - 860-677-8458, email - robb@windingtrails.org Trails: 20 kilometres of trails Type and difficulty: Classic and skate, beginner to expert Rentals: Yes Ski Lessons: Yes Amenities: Retail shop, snack bar with lunch Fees: $14 trail pass Accommodations: A wide variety of hotel accommodations is available nearby in Farmington.

Website: www.windingtrails.org www.skitrax.com

out in front

USSA Announces Seven-stop SuperTour

T

op cross-country athletes from across America will participate in the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s (USSA) annual SuperTour, with a seven-stop, 18-race schedule announced heading into the 2015-16 ski season, beginning in November. The SuperTour is a series of International-Ski-Federation-sanctioned (FIS) cross-countryski races across America produced by the USSA, together with its divisions and clubs.

The SuperTour is a vital piece of the USSA’s development program, providing top-level racing at key cross-country centres around the nation. It’s a proving ground for club athletes with aspirations of making the U.S. Ski Team and competing on the FIS World Cup and Olympics.

Action will kick off Nov. 27-28 with the traditional start in West Yellowstone, Mont., then moves down to Sun Valley, Id. in December.

The second period will open with the L.L. Bean U.S. Cross Country Championships in Houghton, Mich. in January, along with tour stops on the Olympic trails in Lake Placid, N.Y. and then onto the Trapp Family Farm in Stowe, Vt. in early February.

America’s largest race, the American Birkebeiner, will be a key focal point Feb. 20 as top long-distance racers from around the world compete in northern Wisconsin. The series wraps up with the SuperTour finals March 21-16 in Craftsbury, Vt., which also doubles as the long-distance U.S. Championship.

“USSA has had great support from its clubs and divisions in putting together the calendar,” said USSA Nordic Domestic Program Director Robert Lazzaroni. “We’ve rotated a few sites this year and will continue to move around to get the SuperTour to new places each year.

Moving it around helps stimulate top-level racing in America.

“The divisions have been especially helpful in calendaring SuperTour stops in conjunction with other major events. That makes it more efficient for organizers and also allows for more head-to-head racing with juniors, college athletes and top seniors, increasing the competition quality for all.”

Athletes vie for points across the tour. Last year, Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) and Rosie Brennan (Park City, Utah) took season-long titles.

World Cup start rights are also up for grabs, including Continental Cup leader starts in every period of World Cup racing. There are also at least eight start spots (four men, four women) available for the eight-stage Ski Tour Canada in March, which will be awarded at the conclusion of the U.S. Cross Country Championships in January.

“We’re looking forward to a season of hard head-to-head racing as athletes compete for those valuable starts on the World Cup,” said Head Coach Chris Grover.

2015-16 USSA Cross-country SuperTour

Period 1 Nov. 27-28, West Yellowstone, Mont. (Men: 15km FS, Sprint FS; Women: 10km FS, Sprint FS) Dec. 5-6, Sun Valley, Id. (Men: 15km CL, Sprint CL; Women: 10km CL, Sprint CL) Period 2 Jan. 3-9, L.L. Bean U.S. Cross Country Championships, Houghton, Mich. (Men: 30km FS, 15km CL, Sprint CL and FS; Women: 20km FS, 10km CL, Sprint CL and FS) Jan. 29-31, Lake Placid, N.Y. (Men/Women: 10km CL, Sprint FS) Feb. 5-6, Stowe, Vt. (Men: 10km FS and CL; Women: 10km CL, 5km FS) Feb. 20, Cable to Hayward, Wis., American Birkebeiner (52km FS) Period 3 March 21-26, SuperTour finals, Craftsbury, Vt. (Men: 50km FS, 15km FS, Sprint CL; Women: 30km CL, 10km FS, Sprint CL; national club relay) www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 47

THe ReTReaT

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SKI RACING NEW ENGLAND STYLE

Tour New England’s classic nordic ski venues this winter & experience marathon racing, and touring, at its very best.

January 23, 2016 Jackson, New Hampshire White Mountain Classic - 30K Classic January 30, 2016 Craftsbury Vermont Craftsbury Marathon - 50K Classic February 6, 2016 Black Mountain of Maine John Roderick Marathon - 50K Classic or 50K Freestyle February 21, 2016 Lake Placid, New York Lake Placid Loppet - 50K Freestyle March 5, 2016 Rangeley, Maine Rangeley Lakes Loppet - 50K Freestyle March 5, 2016 Bretton Woods OMNI Mt. Washington Resort Marathon - 42K Classic March 12, 2016 Trapp Family Lodge - Stowe, Vermont 50K Classic March 19, 2016 Carrabasset Valley, Maine Sugarloaf Marathon- 50K Freestyle - NEMS Finale or

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Retreat Golden

jacksonxc.org 603.383.9355

N44° 8.8111’ • W071° 11.0990’

En

ReVOluTION

Retreats that offer yoga and cross-country skiing are becoming more popular.

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Golden, B.C., features great crosscountry skiing and lots of amenities.

ake up, have a light snack, practise guided yoga for an hour, enjoy a nourishing breakfast, cross-country ski for an hour or two with the guidance of an experienced coach, lunch, relax, more yoga, hot tub, eat dinner with a glass of wine. It sounds like the life of a skiing celebrity, but it’s becoming more and more accessible with the growing retreat culture at many resorts and lodges.

Building on the popularity of yoga retreats, multi-activity retreats are also a growing trend. Geared toward participants who like a bit more cardiovascular stimulation than a day of yoga, but also crave the nourishment of stretching and self-care, these retreats combine the best of both worlds.

Retreat Golden, a Golden, B.C.-based small business, offers yoga-infused trail running and cross-country ski retreats on its beautiful trails. These retreats offer yoga twice daily, a solid dose of cross-country skiing or trail running and all the accoutrements of a fantastic weekend away: delicious meals, luxurious accommodation, hot tubs and lots of time to relax.

“Retreats are a really great way to get into sync, or back in sync, with your body,” says founder Magi Scallion, a runner, cross-country skier and business and marketing consultant for mountain lovers, who has competed at World Mountain Running Championships and in cross-countryski World Cups. “While we do see a wide range of people, we find that most of our participants are at a beginner-intermediate level of fitness or ability, whether in yoga, trail running or cross-country skiing. They come to learn, but, more importantly, to enjoy life and take steps toward changing their self-care routines in day-to-day life.”

Golden also provides a great venue for hosting the retreats. Luxury accommodations on the ski trails of Dawn Mountain are only five minutes away from the amenities of Kicking Horse Resort. “It’s really amazing to be able to ski from the door of our accommodation, practise yoga in the same buildings and also be able to walk to the gondola to have dinner at the award-winning mountaintop Eagle’s Eye Restaurant.

“Retreat Golden is about blending yoga and cross-country skiing along with learning, growth and balance while having an amazing time in a beautiful place.”

Golden Nordic

fun , fitness, & fresh air

www.skitrax.com

BuyeRS GuIDe 2015/16

Skis, Poles, Boots and Bindings

Fischer

pRICING If “n/a” appears in the pricing column, it means the product is available in that particular country, but pricing information was not available at press time. If there is no price listed, then that particular model is not available in that country. Suggested retail pricing (SRP) and availability of the product will vary from location to location.

www.skitrax.com

BOOT SIZING Most boot suppliers use a European unisex sizing system. Salomon and Atomic use U.K. sizing. Companies that offer women’s-specific-lasted boots will usually designate them as such and use a different name.

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 49

BuyeRS GuIDe

skis

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Sidecut

alpina

Discovery 68 Discovery 102 Discovery 80 Discovery 110 Link 90 Link 95 Carbon Aspect Link 105 Carbon Convert Carbon Megawatt Discovery 60 NIS Country Crown Adventure 62 Explorer 68 Adventure 56 NIS E89 Xtralite Spider 62 NIS Spider 62 Outback 68 E99 Tour Xtralite E99 Crown Xtralite Traverse 78 E109 Crown Xtralite S-Bound 98 S-Bound 112 E99 Easy Skin Xtralite Excursion 88 S-Bound 125 E109 Easy Skin Xtralite Voss MGV+ Voss Wax Glittertind Wax Glittertind MGV+ Eon Eon Wax Epoch Annum Freedom 68 Waxless ORG Freedom 52 Waxless Snowlander 68 Waxless Snowlander 64 Waxless Snowlander 60 Waxless BC 65 BC 59 BC 70 BC 90 BC 110 BC 125 BC 68 CL Norsk Explorer Titan Whitetail YXF Kinos BC 160 cm YXF Kinos Optigrip 160 cm

n/a n/a n/a n/a 2900 3100 2400 (166) 3300 2600 (164) 3200 (178) 1740 (179) 1660 (200) 1890 (179) 1990 (179) 1690 (179) 1850 (200) 1790 (179) 1790 (179) 1990 (179) 1950 (200) 1950 (200) 2090 (179) 2050 (200) 2390 (179) 2590 (179) 1950 (200) 2390 (179) 3150 (175) 2050 (200) 1780 (190) 1780 (190) 1890 (190) 1890 (190) 2026 (185) 2026 (185) 2530 (185) 2622 (185) 1700 1400 1820 1760 1720 880 (185) 860 (200) 900 (170) 1050 (170) 1300 (179) 1450 (165) 1045 (200) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

68-60-65 102-64-87 80-58-69 110-66-96 127-90-113 122-95-109 125-90-112 133-105-117 131-105-116 145-120-127 60-52-58 60-52-57 62-52-60 62-52-60 56-48-54 59-49-55 62-52-60 62-52-60 68-59-64 66-54-60 66-54-60 78-61-69 82-60-70 98-69-88 112-78-95 66-54-60 88-68-78 125-95-120 82-60-70 60-50-55 60-50-55 68-55-62 68-55-62 83-62-70 83-62-70 99-68-84 109-78-95 68-60-65 52-46-48 68-60-65 64-54-60 60-50-55 65-53-60 59-49-55 70-60-65 88-60-78 110-78-95 123-95-120 68-55-62 68-60-65 68-60-66 68-60-65 68-60-65 108 108

Alpina Alpina Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods yoko Yoko

BuyeRS GuIDe

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SRp $uS 230 280 250 300 749 799 849 849 949 1049 149 179 219 229 n/a n/a 259 259 269 329 329 339 359 400 425 n/a 379 450 n/a 235 235 265 265 295 295 340 370 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 265 n/a 275 345 395 440 n/a 162 179 249 219 300 300

SRp $CDN 229 269 299 329 749 799 849 849 949 1049 n/a 229 n/a n/a 249 299 339 339 379 419 419 459 479 n/a n/a 489 549 n/a 549 250 250 250 250 300 300 400 400 179 179 209 209 209 260 260 280 330 400 430 n/a 162 179 249 219 300 300

Features Poplar core, PE topsheet, steel edge PU core, ICP Polyamide topsheet, steel edge Poplar core, steel edge PU core, ICP Polyamide topshee, tsteel edge Semi-rocker, 3D sandwich construction Semi-rocker, 3D sandwich construction Classic 90mm waist with semi-rocker tip and tail Semi-rocker, 3D sandwich construction Formula One 3D light sandwich, pre-preg carbon fibre Formula One 3D light sandwich, pre-preg carbon fibre Air channel, ultra tuning, Vario Crown Air channel, power layer, Vario Crown Air Tec, speed grind, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, speed grind, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Easy Skin Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV+ Triaxial cap, Multicore, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial cap, Multicore, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV+ Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV Omni Torsion cap, Multicore, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV Omni Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV Omni Wood core, extruded base Wood core, extruded base Wood core, metal edge, extruded base Wood core, metal edge, extruded base Wood core, metal edge, extruded base 50% In-track, 50% Out, Rossitop cap, Positrack base 70% In-track, 30% Out, Rossitop cap, Positrack base 20% In-track, 80% Out, Rossitop cap, Positrack base 100% Out-of-track, Rossitop cap, Positrack rocker Positrack, progressive rocker tip Progressive rocker tip, waxless 30% In-track, 70% Out, Rossitop, waxable base Wood core, walnut veneer, sidewall Air-channeled wood core, wax/waxless base, powder tip Wood core, walnut veneer, full-metal edge, sidewall Wood core, full-metal edge, waxless base Plywood/PU foam core, ABS cap, no-wax base Plywood/PU foam core, Optigrip ABS cap

ReCReaTION

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

alpina

Control 60 NIS Control 64 NIS Control 64 NIS W Motion 52 Grip Motion 52 Wax Motion XCruise 55 Grip Motion 46 Wax Motion XCruise 55 Grip W Motion Lite 52 Posigrip Motion XCruise 53 Posigrip Ridge Crown Sporty Wax/Crown (NIS or flat) Vista 56 Spirit Crown My Style Discovery 60 NIS Sport Glass (NIS or flat) Fibre Crown (NIS or flat) Passion My Style NIS Jupiter NIS Mystique My Style NIS Ultralite Crown NIS

n/a n/a n/a 750 (198) 750 (198) 560 (183) 780 (201) 560 (183) 750 (200) 655 (183) 1620 (197) 1620 (197) 1640 (179 1490 (182) 1690 (179 1460 (197) 1460 (197) 1310 (Sml) 1370 (Med) 1290 (XS) 1410 (197)

60-50-55 64-52-60 64-52-60 52-47-49 52-47-49 55-49-52 46-46-46 55-49-52 52-47-49 53-48-51 52-48-50 52-48-50 56-48-54 52-48-50 60-52-58 51-46-49 51-46-49 50-55-50 50-55-50 45-50-45 49-45-47

50 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Waxless

skis

Brand

Alpina atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer

Wax

Wax

Waxless * * * *

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*

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SRp $uS 150 180 180 149 149 149 149 149 249 249 109 n/a 129 140 149 179 n/a 179 179 229 n/a

SRp $CDN 239 249 249 149 149 149 149 149 249 249 119 149 n/a 149 n/a 199 199 249 249 n/a 299

Features Poplar core, PE topsheet, embossed MG base Poplar core, embossed base Poplar core, embossed base Densolite core, structural cap Densolite core, structural cap Densolite core, base BI 1500 Densolite core, base BI 1500 Densolite core, base BI 1500 Ultra-light weight, Posigrip 3D, cap construction New Posigrip 3D waxless pattern Air channel, speed grinding, Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, easy kick Air channel, ultra tuning, Vario Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, Premium Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, Vario Crown Air channel Basalite, power layer, easy kick Air channel Basalite, power layer, easy kick, Vario Crown Air channel, power layer, wide body, Vario Crown Air channel, power layer, wide body, Vario Crown Air channel Basalite, wide body, Premium Crown Air Tec Basalite, power layer, easy kick ,Vario Crown

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

skis

recreation cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Whitewoods Whitewoods Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko

Cruiser NIS Aerolite Crown NIS Superlite Crown/Wax NIS Superlite X-tra Stiff Crown/Wax NIS CT 100 CT 100 MGV+ Cadence 90 Cadence 100 Cadence 90 SE Lillehammer MGV+ Lillehammer Cadence 120 Beitostolen Birkebeiner Classic Carbon Birkebeiner Classic Carbon Zero Beitostolen MGV+ Smagan Classic Smagan Classic Waxless Marcia Classic Women's Marcia Skate Women's Premio 8 Skate Premio 8 Classic Waxless Premio 8 Classic Waxless X Tour Venture NIS X Tour Escape NIS EVO XC49 (First) w/bindings EVO XC59 (Glade) NIS w/bindings X Tour Ultralite NIS EVO XC50 (Action) NIS w/bindings EVO XC60 (Tour) NIS w/bindings EVO XC70 (Trail) NIS w/bindings EVO OT65 NIS w/bindings Elite 5 Escape Grip Elite 6 Siam Grip Elite 6 Siam Grip Snowscape 7 Snowscape 7 Siam Snowscape 8 Snowscape 8 Siam Wildwood Outlander YXT Classic Junior YXT Classic BC Junior YXT Classic Senior YXT Classic BC Senior YXS Skating YXS Classic YXT Optigrip 2.0 Senior YXS Optigrip 2.0

1310 (Med) 1380 (197) 1300 (197) 1300 (197) 1550 (190) 1550 (190) 1500 (180) 1340 (180) 1600 (180) 1475 (190) 1475 (190) 1300 (180) 1220 (190) 1175 (190) 1175 (190) 1220 (190) 1200 1200 n/a 1200 1270 1270 1270 750 (196) 715 (193) 700 (176) 750 (176) 590 (193) 670 (176) 830 (186) 840 (185) 860 (185) 1320 (198) 1350 (198) 1350 (190) 1250 (Med) 1250 (Med) 1210 (Med) 1210 (Med) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

45-50-45 48-44-46 47-43-45 47-43-45 52-48-50 52-48-50 61-55-60 52-48-50 68-55-62 52-48-50 52-48-50 48-44-46 48-44-46 47-44-46 47-44-46 48-44-46 45-45-45 45-45-45 n/a 45-45-45 n/a 45-45-45 45-45-45 52-47-49 51-47-49 49-47-49 59-50-53 49-45-47 51-47-49 60-50-55 68-60-65 64-52-60 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 59-56-51-55 59-55-51-55 54-50-48-50 54-50-48-50 68-60-65 96-55-96 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44

buyers guide

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SRP $US 229 259 299 299 170 170 170 170 200 210 210 210 260 340 340 260 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 115 175 195 230 290 290 300 310 335 165 175 175 185 185 220 220 179 239 100 100 125 125 160 160 225 260

SRP $CDN 309 339 389 389 160 160 n/a n/a n/a 200 200 n/a 240 350 n/a 240 179 179 269 269 269 269 269 130 180 190 230 240 260 280 290 310 159 189 189 199 199 259 259 179 259 100 100 125 125 160 160 225 260

Features Air channel Basalite, power layer, wide body, Vario Crown Air core Basalite, power layer, easy kick, Vario Crown Air core Basalite, power layer, easy kick Air core Basalite, power layer, easy kick Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex/MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra/MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Paulownia/carbon, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P170 Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P170/Zero base Paulownia/carbon, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Wood core, Yellow/Black Wood core, Yellow/Black Purple/Silver Light wood core, Purple/Silver Light wood core, Yellow/Black Light wood core, Yellow/Black Light wood core, Yellow/Black 70% In-track, 30% Out, cap, wood air core 70% In-track, 30% Out, Active cap, Positrack base Laminated wood core, fibreglass reinforcement 50% In-track, 50% Out, Active cap, AR Cut base Performance touring ski, premium LDC core, Race base 80% In-track, 20% Out, Active cap, Positrack base 50% In-track, 50% Out, Active cap, Positrack base 40% In-track, 60% Out, ABS cap, Positrack Wood core, partial steel edges, Positrack Nowax G2 Plus Grip, heel toe camber, S-cut, G1 base Densolite 2000 core, G2 Syncro Grip, S-cut, G2 base G2 Syncro Grip, heel toe camber, S-cut, G2 base Densolite core, optimized camber, S-cut, G1 base Densolite core, women's optimized camber, S-cut G2 Syncro Grip, optimized camber, S-cut, G2 base G2 Syncro Grip, optimized camber, S-cut, G2 base Wood core cap, softer camber for women, waxless Full-metal edge, 130cm Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base Honeycomb core, glass-fibre reinforced structure Honeycomb core, glass-fibre reinforced structure Air-channeled wood core, Optigrip coating on base Air-channeled wood core, Optigrip coating on base

skis

performance

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer

Ambition Energy Ambition Energy NIS Ambition Frontier NIS Ambition Frontier NIS W Ambition Skate NIS Sport Classic Sport Skate Pro Skate Sport Pro Skintec Med. & Hard Pro Classic Skintec Sport Combi Sport Pro Skate Redster Skate Redster Classic Med & Hard Redster Vasa Race Classic Med. & Hard Redster Vasa Skate Redster Marathon Skate Soft & Hard Redster Marathon Classic Redster Skintec World Cup Skate A1 World Cup Classic A2 Redster World Cup Classic A2 World Cup Skate A2 Warm World Cup Skate A2 SC Classic NIS SC Skate NIS SC Combi NIS CRS Classic Vasa NIS

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 600 (203) 545 (184) 550 (184) 550 (201) 600 (203) 520 (184) 520 (184) 535 (184) 545 (201) 580 (201) 505 (184) 446 (184) 505 (201) 590 (198) 446 (184) 446 (184) 505 (201) 446 (184) 448 (186) 1360 (197) 1350 (187) 1350 (187) 1330 (197)

54-48-52 54-48-52 51-46-48 51-46-48 n/a 46-46-46 43-44-44 43-44-44 44.5-42-44 45-45-45 44-42-43.5 44-42-43.5 44-42-43.5 44.5-42-44 44.5-42-44 44-42-43.5 44-43-44 41-41-44 41-44-41 44-43-44 41-41-44 41-41-44 44-43-44 43.5-43-45 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44

52 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Wax

Wax

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SRP $US 100 125 150 150 n/a 149 159 229 259 259 279 279 329 329 349 349 449 449 499 599 599 599 599 599 189 189 189 225

SRP $CDN 159 189 229 229 270 149 159 229 259 259 279 279 329 329 349 349 449 449 499 599 599 599 599 599 259 259 259 329

Features Poplar core, PE topsheet, cut MGE base Poplar core, PE topsheet, cut MGE base Poplar core, PE topsheet, embossed MGE base Poplar core, PE topsheet, embossed MGE base n/a Price-Point Classic race ski High-Densolite core BI 3000 base, high-Densolite core, Sport Profile Speedcell core, BI 5000 base, SkinTec Skintec waxless Classic race ski Speedcell core, BI 3000 base Speedcell core, BI 3000 base Powercell core Nomex insert core Mexcell core Nomex Mexcell core, BI 5000 base Nomex light core Nomex core, SDS sidewall, BI 5000 base Mohair inserts, all temps., all conditions Hard-track conditions ski, Nomex core, BI 5000 Nomex core, SDS sidewall, BI 5000 base Nomex core, SDS sidewall, BI 5000 White base Nomex core, BI 5000 White base Nomex featherlight core, Universal flex and profile Air Tec Basalite, speed grind, WC Pro base Air Tec Basalite, power edge, WC Pro base Air Tec Basalite, speed grinding, power edge Air core Basalite, ultra finish, power edge

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

skis

performance cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Yoko Yoko

CRS Crown NIS CRS Skate NIS CRS Classic Zero Vasa NIS Motion Wax My Style NIS SCS Skate NIS SCS Classic NIS RCR Classic NIS RCR Crown NIS RCR Skating NIS RCS Crown NIS RCS Skate Hole NIS Plus or Cold RCS Classic NIS Plus or Cold RCS Zero+ NIS Carbonlite Skating Hole NIS Plus or Cold Carbonlite Classic NIS Plus or Cold Speedmax Classic C-Special NIS Speedmax Skate C-Special NIS Hole Speedmax Classic Plus or Cold NIS Speedmax Skate Plus or Cold NIS Hole Speedmax Zero+ NIS Intrasonic MGV+ Intrasonic Skate Intrasonic Classic Ultrasonic Classic Ultrasonic MGV+ Ultrasonic Skate Terrasonic Skate Terrasonic Classic Hypersonic Skate Hypersonic Classic Nanosonic Carbon Skate RS Nanosonic Carbon Classic Plus Nanosonic Carbon Classic Cold Redline Carbon Skate Plus Redline Carbon Skate Cold Redline Classic Plus Redline Classic Cold Redline Classic Zero Skater Yellow/Black Premio 9 Skate Yellow/Carbon Premio 9 Skate Women’s Purple/Carbon Premio 9 Classic Yellow/Carbon Premio 9 Classic Women’s Purple/Carbon Xtra Hot Skate Sexy Girl Premio 10 Skate Soft Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Skate Hard Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Classic Cold Med. Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Classic Cold Med. Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Classic Zero Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Classic Warm Med. Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Classic Warm Soft Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Skate HD Yellow/Carbon Zymax Skating NIS Zymax Classic NIS Delta Skating NIS Delta Classic NIS Delta Course Skating NIS Delta Course Classic NIS R-Skin X-ium Classic C2 X-ium Skate X-ium WCS C2 X-ium WCS C3 White Base X-ium WCS C3 X-ium WCS C2 R-Grip X-ium WCS S1 X-ium WCS S2 X-ium WCS C1 X-ium WCS S3 White Base Equipe 7 Skate Equipe 7 Classic Equipe 8 Classic Equipe 8 Skate Aero 9 Skin Elite 9 Aero Classic S-Lab Classic Cold S-Lab Classic Zero S-Lab Classic Warm S-Lab Skate Blue S-Lab Skate Red S-Lab Skate Yellow Carbon Skate Lab YXR Skating Junior Wet YXR Skating Junior Cold

1330 (197) 1320 (187) 1330 (197) 1250 (182) 1190 (187) 1270 (197) 1190 (197) 1190 (197) 1190 (187) 1090 (197) 1090 (187) 1090 (197) 1090 (197) 980 (187) 980 (192) 1030 (197) 1030 (187) 1030 (197) 1030 (187) 1030 (197) 1250 (190) 1250 (190) 1250 (190) 1150 (190) 1150 (190) 1150 (190) 1100 (190) 1100 (190) 1050 (190) 1050 (190) 1000 (190) 1000 (190) 1000 (190) 950 (190) 950 (190) 900 (190) 900 (190) 900 (190) 1250 1270 1270 1250 1250 1270 1000 1000 1040 1040 1040 1040 1040 1000 635 (180) 685 (196) 615 (186) 590 (198) 570 (186) 570 (196) 625 (198) 520 (198) 550 (186) 500 (198) n/a 500 (198) 500 (198) 535 (186) 535 (186) 500 (198) n/a 1120 (186) 1360 (201) 1250 (201) 1270 (191) 1190 1280 (198) 1040 (201) 1040 (201) 1040 (201) 1000 (192) 1000 (192) 1000 (192) 860 n/a n/a

41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 47-43-45 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 44-42-43 44-40-44 44-42-43 44-42-43 44-42-43 44-40-44 44-40-44 44-42-44 44-43-44 44-42-44 44-43-44 44-42-44 44-42-44 44-43-44 44-43-44 44-42-44 44-42-44 44-42-44 n/a 44-43-45 44-43-45 44-43-44 44-43-44 44-43-45 44-43-44 44-43-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-43-44 44-43-43 44-44-44 45-43-43 44-44-44 44-43-43 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-43-43 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-43-43 44-43-43 44-44-44 44-43-43 42-45-43-47 45-45-45 (41)-44-43-44 42-44-43-45 44-42-43.5 48-46-44-46 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-43-44 44-43-44 44-43-44 n/a 44-44-44 44-44-44

www.skitrax.com

Wax

Waxless *

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SRP $US 225 225 n/a n/a 325 325 400 400 400 550 550 550 550 625 625 750 n/a 750 750 n/a 200 200 200 265 265 265 370 370 475 475 655 655 655 760 760 760 760 760 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 230 230 345 345 405 405 405 520 520 690 690 690 690 690 690 690 690 250 225 300 300 300 300 650 650 650 650 650 650 800 300 300

SRP $CDN 329 329 349 379 399 399 479 479 479 699 699 699 719 829 829 979 979 979 979 999 190 190 190 240 240 240 400 400 500 500 700 700 700 800 800 800 800 800 229 299 299 299 299 315 639 639 639 639 639 639 639 739 230 230 330 330 430 430 430 530 530 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 229 239 275 299 349 349 679 679 679 699 699 699 800 300 300

Features Air core Basalite, ultra finish, power edge Air core Basalite, speed grinding, power edge Air core Basalite, ultra finish, power edge Air core Basalite, power layer, easy kick Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, power edge Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, CFC Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, power edge Air core Basalite, DTG WC, CFC, Premium Crown Air core Basalite, DTG WC, CFC, power edge Air core carbon, DTG WC, CFC, speed tip & tail Air core carbon, DTG WC, CFC, speed tip & tail Air core carbon, DTG WC, CFC, speed tip & tail Air core carbon, DTG WC, CFC, speed tip & tail Air core Carbonlite, DTG WC, CFC, carbon tip & tail Air core Carbonlite, DTG WC, CFC, carbon tip & tail HM carbon Air core, Cold or Plus, cold base bonding HM carbon Air core, Cold or Plus, cold base bonding HM carbon Air core, Cold or Plus, cold base bonding HM carbon Air core, Cold or Plus, cold base bonding HM carbon Air core, cold base bonding Air W (Airchannel), torsion cap, Polytex/MGV+ Air W (Airchannel), torsion cap, Polytex Air W (Airchannel), torsion cap, Polytex Paulownia, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Paulownia, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra/MGV+ Paulownia/carbon, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P190 nano Universal Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P190 nano Universal Triaxial carbon, PR 90, P190 nano Universal Triaxial carbon, PR 90, P190 nano Universal Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P190 nano Universal Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P190 nano Classic Plus Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P190 nano Classic Cold Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 nano Black Plus Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 nano Black Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 nano Black Plus Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 nano Black Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 nano Zero Densolite 2000, G3 base, Densolite 3000 Densolite 3000 Densolite 3000 Densolite 3000 Densolite 3000 Normex core Normex core Normex core Normex core Normex core Normex core Normex core HD Honeycomb core Fitness Skating, Active cap, X-plate Fitness Classic Skiing, Active cap, Active plate Performance Skating, Active cap, X-plate Performance Classic, Nomex core, Active cap Lite Honeycomb core, racing camber, NIS system New Honeycomb core, racing camber, NIS system Nomex core, composite cap, mohair kickzone, Race base Nomex core, Universal, NIS system, Race base Nomex core, NIS system, Race base Warm hard wax, cold klister, Dualtec construction Klister ski with white base for wet, dirty snow Wet-snow condition, stiffer and taller camber Dual compound base, winner of Vasaloppet 2008 Colder snow conditions, NIS system Universal conditions, NIS system Hard kick wax, NIS system Wet, soft conditions Densolite core, Javelin Skating sidecut, G3 base Densolite 2000 core, heel toe camber, G3 base Densolite 3000 core, pre-waxed G4 Zeolit base Densolite 3000 core, pre-waxed G4 Zeolit base Salomon Skin technology, G4 base with foil Densolite 3000 core, S-cut, G5 Zeolit base Nomex core, G5 Zeolit base, protective foil Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolite Warm base Redesigned camber, protective foil, Zeolite base Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit Cold base Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit White base Stiff Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit base Full-carbon wrap construction Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-fibre structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-fibre structure

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 53

buyers guide

skis

performance cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Wax

Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko

YXR Classic Junior Cold YXR Classic Junior Cold YXC Skating Mini 150cm YXC Skating Senior YXC Classic Senior YXC Optigrip 2.0 Senior YXR Skating Mini 150cm YXR Skating TP Wet YXR Classic TP Wet YXR Classic Senior Wet YXR Classic Senior Cold YXR Skating Senior Wet YXR Optigrip 2.1 Race YXR Classic Carbon Senior Cold YXR Classic Carbon Senior Wet YXR Skating Carbon Senior Wet YXR Skating Carbon Senior Cold

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

43-44-44 43-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 43-44-44 43-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 43-44-44 43-44-44 43-44-44 44-44-44 43-44-44 43-44-44 43-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44

* *

buyers guide Brand Alpina Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Whitewoods Whitewoods Yoko Yoko

* * * * * * *

SRP $US 300 300 300 350 350 350 400 600 600 600 600 600 600 650 650 650 650

SRP $CDN 300 300 300 350 350 350 400 600 600 600 600 600 600 650 650 650 650

Features Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-fibre structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-fibre structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure PU-core, carbon structure, Optigrip coating on base Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Transparent base ideal for wet and/or old snow Transparent base ideal for wet and/or old snow Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Optigrip 2.1 coating on kick area Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure

skis

Model Ambition Skate NIS Junior Sport Grip Junior Redster Combi Junior Redster Classic Junior Redster Skate Junior World Cup Skate Junior Redster World Cup Classic Junior Soft & Med. Ridge Crown Junior Sprint Crown Junior (Flat or NIS) Sprint Junior NIS SCS Skate Junior NIS Snowstar Junior (Mounted) SCS Race Junior NIS Sprint Crown Junior (Mounted) RCR Universal Junior NIS RCS Classic Junior NIS RCS Skate Junior NIS Carbonlite Classic Junior NIS Carbonlite Classic Zero Junior NIS Carbonlite Skate Hole Junior NIS Snowpup Raceline MG Raceline Wax Butterfly MG Butterfly Wax Intrasonic Skate Junior Intrasonic Classic Junior Ultrasonic Skate Junior Ultrasonic Classic Junior Hypersonic Skate Junior Hypersonic Classic Junior Nanosonic Carbon Skate Junior Redline Carbon Skate Junior Redline Carbon Classic Junior OW Kids Ski Wood 100cm Z-Glider Junior Combi Yellow/Black Z-Glider Junior Classic Waxless Yellow/Black Premio Junior Classic Yellow/Carbon Premio Junior Skate Yellow/Carbon Premio Junior Skate Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Junior Classic Yellow/Carbon Premio 10 Junior Skate Yellow/Black Zymax Combi Junior X Tour Venture Junior w/bindings Delta Skate Junior NIS Delta Classic Junior NIS EVO XC55 Junior w/binding X-ium Classic WCS Junior NIS X-ium Skating WCS Junior NIS Team Racing Grip Team Racing Classic Equipe Junior Skate Equipe Junior Classic S-Lab Junior Classic S-Lab Junior Skate Snowman 70 set CrossTour Junior YXK Kids YXK Kids ski + cable bindings + poles

54 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Waxless

KIDS Weight/pr n/a 800 (170) 495 (158) 535 (175) 495 (158) 465 (165) 465 (175) 980 (150) 980 (150) 980 (150) 890 690 (110) 890 980 (150) 860 (147) 970 (167) 970 (157) 890 (172) 890 (172) 890 (162) n/a 900 (130) 900 (130) 900 (130) 900 (130) 875 (160) 875 (160) 850 (160) 850 (160) 850 (160) 850 (160) 800 (160) 775 (160) 775 (160) n/a 750 n/a 1080 1060 1060 490 (172) 470 (167) 450 (147) 490 (160) 520 (163) 520 (163) 500 500 (166) 500 (163) 760 760 950 950 980 980 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Sidecut n/a 52-47-49 45-45-45 45-45-45 45-45-45 44-42-44 46-44-45 51-49-50 51-47-50 51-47-50 41-44-44 51-47-50 41-44-44 51-47-50 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 41-44-44 65-55-60 48-44-46 48-44-46 48-44-46 48-44-46 44-42-43 44-42-43 44-43-43 44-42-43 44-43-44 44-42-44 44-43-44 44-43-44 44-42-44 n/a 47-44-46 54-48-52 45-45-45 45-45-45 45 45-45-45 45-45-45 41-44-44 51-49-50 44-44-44 44-44-44 54-48-52 44-44-44 44-44-44 51-47-50 51-47-50 45-45-45 45-45-45 45-45-45 44-42-44 65-50-57 65-55-59 50-50-50 50-50-50

Wax

Waxless * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* *

* * * *

SRP $US 99 149 149 149 249 279 n/a 99 99 139 n/a 139 149 159 249 249 349 349 349 70 110 110 110 110 160 160 190 190 265 265 340 395 395 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 115 175 175 175 195 345 345 110 110 150 160 225 225 59 115 65 95

SRP $CDN 240 99 149 149 149 249 279 99 119 119 149 169 n/a n/a 199 309 309 389 399 399 90 130 130 130 130 150 150 190 190 330 330 n/a 430 430 79 159 159 239 239 255 369 369 115 140 170 170 n/a 300 300 129 129 199 199 259 259 59 115 65 95

Features n/a Also available pre-mounted Designed for both Classic and Skate High-Densolite core, cap construction High-Densolite core, cap construction Speedcell core, BI 5000 base Speedcell core, BI 5000 base Air channel, ultra tuning, Crowntec Air channel, ultra tuning Air channel, ultra tuning Air channel, ultra tuning, Sintec base Air channel, ultra tuning, Crowntec Air channel core, ultra tuning, Sintec base Air channel, ultra tuning Air channel, speed grinding, rental tail protector Air core, DTG WC, CFC, rental tail protector Air core, DTG WC, CFC, rental tail protector Air core Carbonlite, DTG WC, CFC, power edge Air core Carbonlite, DTG WC, CFC, power edge Air core Carbonlite, DTG WC, CFC, power edge ABS, no wax Multicore, torsion cap, Multigrip Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Multicore, torsion cap, Multigrip Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Paulownia carbon hybrid, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 E Paulownia carbon hybrid, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 E Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P-Tex 2000 Electra Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial carbon, PR 90, P190 nano Universal Triaxial carbon, PR 90, P190 nano Universal Triaxial carbon, PR 90, P190 nano Universal 100cm length only, mounted aluminum bindings, poles Wood core, air channel, cut & cylinder grinding Wood core, Multigrip, double-cut Light wood core Light wood core LR Wood Honeycomb core Honeycomb core Classic & Skating technique, ABS cap All-around Touring, cut-track base LDC core, cap, graphite base, double groove LDC core, cap, graphite base Wide skis to learn fast xc skiing Classic competition, Active cap, Active plate Skating competition, Active cap, X-plate Densolite core, G2 Plus Grip, G1 base Densolite core, optimized camber, G1 base Densolite 1000, combi camber, G4 base Densolite 1000 core, heel toe camber, G4 base D-Carbon core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit base D-Carbon core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit base Ski, universal binding and pole are pre-mounted Wood core, cap, soft camber, waxless base Cap skis 100, 110, 120cm Cap ski set for kids

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buyers guide

boots

backcountry

Make

Model

Sole System

Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods

Crossfield Snowfield Traverse/Traverse Eve BC 1550/1550 Eve 1575 Montana Wyoming Alaska 75 Alaska Prime Swift Quadrant Offtrack 3 BC/Offtrack 3 BC My Style Offtrack 5 BC/Offtrack 5 BC My Style BCX 5 BCX 675 BCX 6 BCX 875 Vidda BC Glittertind BC BC X2 BC X6 75mm BC X6 BC X6 FW BC X10 BC X12 NNN BC 306 NNN BC 309 NNN BC 309

NNN NNN NNN NNN 75mm NNN (BC) NNN (BC) 75mm NNN Profil (BC) Profil (BC) Profil (BC) NNN (BC) NNN (BC) NNN (BC) 75mm NNN (BC) 75mm NNN (BC) NNN (BC) NNN (BC) 75mm NNN (BC) NNN (BC) 75mm NNN (BC) NNN (BC) NNN (BC)

buyers guide

Women's Sizes 36/49 36/49 36/41 35/42 36/47 22/22 22/22 36/47 36/48 24/31.5 23/26.5 24/30.5 37/43 37/43 36/49 36/49 36/49 39/49 35/48 35/48 36/44 36/44 36/44 26/26 36/48 36/42 26/49 26/49

SRP $US 110 120 150 150 150 200 230 250 250 599 599 669 149 169 199 219 219 309 n/a n/a 140 165 165 210 290 129 139 139

SRP $CAN n/a n/a n/a 199 199 229 249 329 299 649 649 729 209 249 235 n/a 325 n/a 220 300 n/a 180 170 210 280 129 139 139

Features Thinsulate, soft flex, traditional lacing Thinsulate, medium/soft flex, traditional lacing Thinsulate, hinged cuff, Alpitex membrane Thinsulate, plastic cuff, toe box protection Thinsulate, plastic cuff, toe box protection Thinsulate/synthetic, soft collar, Speed lacing Thinsulate/leather, soft collar, Speed lacing Rigid, protective rubber rand, Alpitex membrane Rigid, protective rubber rand, Alpitex membrane Lightweight at only 7lb., 4oz.

Lightweight women's alpine Touring boot Four buckle, 7lb., 10oz., 40 degrees of motion Insulated, molded heel cap, thermo fit Insulated, molded heel cap, thermo fit Insulated, Nubuck leather, high ankle protection Insulated, heel cap, flex cuff, thermo fit Insulated, heel cap, flex cuff, thermo fit Insulated, heel cap, flex cuff, Rapid Lock System TPU, PVC-free, BC outsole Thinsulate w/TPU, PVC-free, membrane softshell BC sole, PU heel counter 75mm sole, heel support Plastic cuff, Power strap, thermo fit NNN BC, lace cover, thermo adjustable fit Two buckles, heel support, 75mm sole, carbon cuff Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Thinsulate, brushed fabric upper, metal lacing Brushed fabric upper, Thinsulate, metal lacing

boots

recreation

Make

Model

Sole System

Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Atomic Atomic Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods

T5/T5 Eve T5 Plus/T5 Plus Eve T10/T10 Eve T20/T20 Eve T30/T30 Eve T40 Ambition Classic/Classic Eve Ambition Combi/Combi Eve Ambition Skate/Skate Eve Motion 25 Women's Motion 25 XC Sport/Sport My Style XC Pro/Pro My Style XC Touring/Touring My Style XC Comfort/Comfort My Style Offtrack 3 XC Comfort Pro/Comfort Pro My Style Offtrack 3 BC/Offtrack 3 BC My Style XC Control/Control My Style Offtrack 5 Offtrack BC 5/Offtrack BC 5 My Style Amica 100 Women's CT 100 Amica 120 Women's CT 120 XC Cover boot (Neoprene, Black) Xalta Light (Black/Silver) X1/X1 FW X2/FW X3/X3 FW X5/X5 FW X5 OT/X5 OT FW X6 Classic X6 Combi Escape 5 TR Siam 5 TR Escape 5 Pilot Siam 5 Pilot Escape 7 Siam 7 Escape 7 Pilot CF Siam 7 Pilot CF Escape Pilot 301-75mm Touring 309-75mm Touring 302-NNN Touring 309-NNN Touring

NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN (BC) NNN NNN NNN (BC) NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil Profil Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) 75mm 75mm NNN NNN

56 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Men's Sizes 36/49 36/49 36/48 36/48 36/47 35/49 35/49 36/47 36/48 24/31.5 23/26.5 24/30.5 37/49 37/49 36/49 36/49 36/49 39/49 35/48 35/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/49 26/49 26/49

Men's Sizes 35/50 35/50 35/48 35/48 35/49 35/49 35/50 35/50 35/50 22/22 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/49 36/49 36/49 36/49 37/49 36/48 36/49 37/49 35/43 35/48 35/43 35/48 36/48 39/47.5 35/50 35/49 35/49 35/49 35/49 35/49 35/48 36/50 22/22 36/50 n/a 36/50 22/22 38/50 22/22 22/22 26/49 36/49 26/49 36/49

Women's Sizes 35/42 35/42 35/42 35/42 35/42 35/49 35/42 35/42 35/50 36/42 22/22 34/43 34/43 35/43 35/43 36/49 35/43 37/43 36/43 36/49 37/43 35/43 35/48 35/43 35/48 36/48 39/47.5 35/44 35/44 35/44 36/44 36/44 22/22 35/48 36/50 36/44 36/50 36/43 36/50 36/43 38/50 36/43 22/22 26/42 36/42 26/42 36/42

SRP $US 80 90 100 120 140 150 n/a 180 200 99 99 89 99 109 n/a 139 139 149 159 149 169 130 130 150 150 n/a n/a 105 130 140 150 150 n/a 185 115 115 130 130 140 140 160 160 199 89 99 119 119

SRP $CAN 89 99 109 129 159 169 179 n/a 219 99 99 109 119 135 149 169 169 209 209 235 249 140 140 160 160 37 95 105 130 140 150 160 160 190 129 129 129 129 159 159 179 179 199 89 99 119 119

Features Thinsulate, soft flex, Speed lacing Thinsulate insulation, soft flex, lacing cover Thinsulate, Neoprene cover, Speed lacing Thinsulate, soft flex, heel counter, Speed lace Thinsulate, heel counter & cuff, power strap Thinsulate, stiff flex, heel counter, heel grip Thinsulate, soft flex, heel counter, heel grip Thinsulate, soft flex, heel counter, heel grip Thinsulate, stiff flex, heel counter, heel grip Touring Sport sole, lace cover Touring Sport sole, lace cover Soft BootfleX, Cleansport NXT Soft BootfleX, snow gaiter, Cleansport NXT Insulated, twin skin, lace cover Thermoguard, stretch lace cover, thermo fit Twin skin, integrated gaiter, wool lining Thinsulate, twin skin, heel fit strap, thermo fit, Insulated, integrated gaiter, BC sole Insulated, ankle cuff, Triple F membrane, thermo fit Twin skin, integrated gaiter, ankle support Insulated, ankle support, integrated gaiter, wool lining Inner sock, snow lock, zipper Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole XS-S-M-L-XL Thinsulate 3M insulation, Classic Touring boots Touring inj. sole, reinforced counter Touring inj. sole, PU heel counter Touring inj. sole, PU heel counter, thermo fit Touring inj. sole, PU heel counter & cuff, thermo fit Touring inj. sole, PU heel counter & cuff, thermo fit Classic style low-cut shoe Classic sole, upper cuff, combi style Touring fit, lace cover w/central zip Touring women's fit, fleece liner, lace cover Touring fit, lace cover w/central zip Touring women's fit, fleece liner, lace cover Touring fit, lace cover w/central zip Touring women's fit, fleece liner, lace cover Thinsulate, custom fit, lace cover w/zip Thinsulate, custom fit, fleece lining, faux fur Thinsulate, Pilot, structured cuff, SensiFIT Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Thinsulate, brushed-fabric upper, metal lacing Thinsulate, weatherproof breathable panels Thinsulate, brushed-fabric upper, metal lacing

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

boots

recreation cont.

Make

Model

Sole System

Whitewoods Whitewoods Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko

444-NNN Touring 424-NNN Touring YXS 2.0 Classic Lady YXS 2.0 Classic YXS 2.1 Combi YXS 2.2 Skating YXS 2.2 Skating

NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN

buyers guide

Women's Sizes 36/42 36/42 35/42 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47

SRP $US 129 129 120 120 180 230 230

SRP $CAN 129 129 120 120 180 230 230

Features Thinsulate, breathable panels, Lycra zipper cover Thinsulate, breathable panels, Lycra zipper cover Inner sock, snow lock, zipper Inner sock, snow lock, zipper For Classical- and Skating-style skiing Sport-level sole, inner sock, snow lock, zipper Sport-level sole, inner sock, snow lock, zipper

boots

performance

Make

Model

Sole System

Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Black Diamond Black Diamond Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol

RCL RSK CCL ECL Pro CCL Marathon CSK ECL 2.0 ESK Pro ESK 2.0 ED Pro Team Classic Sport Pursuit Sport Skate Redster Worldcup Classic Redster Worldcup Skate Shiva Factor MX RC Classic My Style RC3 Classic RC Combi My Style RC Skate My Style RC3 Combi RC3 Skating RC5 Combi RC5 Skating RC7 Classic RC5 Combi-Oversized RC7 Skating RC7 Skate My Style RCS Carbonlite Classic RCS Carbonlite Classic WS RCS Carbonlite Skating/Pursuit RCS Carbonlite Skate WS Speedmax Skate Hyper C Metis C Women's Ultra C Hyper U Metis S Women's Hyper S Hyper RPC Hyper RPU Hyper RPS Nano Carbon Classic Nano Carbon Pursuit Nano Carbon Skate SuperNano Skate Xalta Light (Black/Silver) Xalta (Black/Silver) Tigara Classic (Black/Silver) Tigara Classic Women's (White/Silver) Premio Junior Duathlon (Yellow/Silver) Tigara Duathlon (White/Silver) Tigara Skate (Yellow/Silver/Black) Tigara Skate Women's (White/Purple) Premio 9 Classic (Black/Yellow) Premio 10 Classic (Yellow/Black) Premio 9 Skate (Black/Yellow) Premio 10 Skate (Yellow/Black) X8 Classic/X8 Classic FW X8 Skate/FW X8 Pursuit X10 Classic X10 Skate/FW X-ium World Cup Classic/LVF X-ium Skate X-ium Premium Classic

NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil Profil NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN

www.skitrax.com

Men's Sizes 36/49 36/49 35/42 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47

Men's Sizes 35/48 35/48 35/50 35/50 36/47 35/50 35/50 35/48 35/50 35/48 37/48 37/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 23.5/26.5 24.5/30.5 36/43 36/48 36/43 36/43 36/48 36/48 36/50 36/48 36/49 22/22 36/49 36/43 36/49 36/42 36/49 36/43 41/46 38/48 35/43 35/48 38/48 35/43 38/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 39/48 36/48.5 36/48.5 22/22 36/42 36/48.5 36/48 36/42 36/48 36/47 36/48 36/47 35/49 36/49 36/49 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 38/46

Women's Sizes 35/48 35/48 35/50 35/50 36/47 35/50 35/50 35/48 35/50 35/48 37/48 37/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 23.5/26.5 24.5/30.5 36/43 36/48 36/43 36/43 36/48 36/48 36/50 36/48 36/49 22/22 36/49 36/43 36/49 36/42 36/49 36/43 38/42 38/48 35/43 35/48 38/48 35/43 38/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 39/48 36/48.5 36/48.5 22/22 36/42 36/48.5 36/48 36/42 36/48 36/47 36/48 36/47 35/44 36/44 36/44 36/44 36/44 36/45 36/48 35/44

SRP $US 200 250 280 350 n/a 400 500 500 900 n/a 149 199 199 299 449 769 769 159 159 209 209 209 209 239 239 239 239 339 339 339 339 489 489 750 165 165 170 185 205 210 249 260 285 360 450 465 760 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 185 230 230 230 290 345 410 460

SRP $CAN 199 249 319 350 399 479 n/a 579 n/a 499 149 199 199 299 449 789 789 169 179 229 260 250 250 309 309 299 370 459 459 419 419 599 599 1099 200 200 150 220 220 220 300 360 360 420 550 550 850 89 115 179 179 179 199 199 199 229 269 279 369 190 230 230 240 280 350 380 450

Features Thinsulate, soft flex, heel counter, heel grip Thinsulate, heel cuff, power strap, stiff Thinsulate, 4-Dry liner, heel grip, calf adjust Single overboot, internal lace, heel counter Thinsulate, 4-Dry liner, 3D carbon stabilizer Thinsulate, 4-Dry liner, 3D stabilizer Simply the best Classic boot on the market Removable cuff, one-piece carbon construction Simply the best boot on the market Heel counter, 3D shaped cuff, calf adjust SNS Pilot Sport sole Pilot Classic sole, Skate cuff Pilot sole, torsion and power stabilizers Carbon sole, wrapping lace system Custom fit, carbon chassis Ratchet midfoot closure Premier women's AT boot, alpine performance BD's stiffest freeride boot, AT accessibility Insulated, ladies' fit, thermo fit Insulated, molded heel cap, thermo fit Insulated, ladies’ fit, hinged cuff, thermo fit Insulated, ladies’ fit, hinged cuff, thermo fit Insulated, slider, flex cuff, thermo fit Insulated, slider, flex cuff, thermo fit Polymer cuff, canting, Speed Lock System, thermo fit Heel fit strap, slider, Speed Lock, thermo fit Sealed zipper, arch-support lacing, thermo fit Available in sizes 51&52-wide Xcelerator sole, polymer cuff, canting Xcelerator sole, polymer cuff, canting Carbon midsole, Neoprene sock, Snake lacing Carbon midsole, ladies' fit, Snake lacing Xcelerator sole, carbon cuff, Triple F Xcelerator sole, ladies' fit, carbon cuff SSR sole, carbon chassis and cuff, only 455g RevoWrap, membrane softshell RevoWrap, torsionally stable, softshell Membrane softshell, T4 outsole RevoWrap, polyamide, membrane softshell RevoWrap, torsionally stable, softshell RevoWrap, polyamide, membrane softshell RevoWrap, polyamide, membrane softshell RevoWrap, polyamide, membrane softshell RevoWrap, polyamide, membrane softshell RevoWrap, membrane softshell RevoWrap, membrane softshell RevoWrap, membrane softshell Integrated carbon base, carbon cuff, membrane OW SNS Profil Auto men OW SNS Profil Auto men OW SNS Pilot Sport CL OW SNS Pilot Sport CL OW SNS Pilot Sport Universal Idem Tigara combi SNS Pilot Sport binding system SNS Pilot 2 leisure binding system SNS Pilot Sport binding system SNS Pilot 3 Racing outsole OW SNS Propulse Premio CL OW SNS Pilot SK Premio Bi-injection Classic sole Bi-injection Skate sole, PU heel counter & cuff Bi-injected Classic sole, PU heel counter & cuff PU exoskeleton sole, thermo fit PU exoskeleton, cockpit bi-injected, thermo fit Pebax exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit Pebax exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit Carbon exoskeleton, half sizes, thermo fit

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 57

buyers guide

boots

performance cont.

Make

Model

Sole System

Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko

X-ium World Cup Pursuit X-ium World Cup Skate/LVF X-ium Premium Skate S-Lab Overboot Carbon Energyzer Equipe 7 Classic Equipe 8 Classic CF Vitane 8 Classic CF Equipe 9 Classic CF Vitane 9 Classic CF Equipe Pilot CF Vitane Pilot CF Pro Combi Pilot Vitane 8 Skate CF Equipe 8 Skate CF RC Carbon Classic RS Vitane Carbon Skate RS Carbon Skate S-Lab Classic S-Lab Skate S-Lab Skate Pro YXC 1.1 Skating YXC 1.0 Classic YXC 1.0 Skating YXR 1.0 Racing Classic YXR 1.0 Racing Skating YXR 1.0 Racing Skating

NNN NNN NNN Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN

buyers guide

Women's Sizes 36/45 36/45 35/44 36/48 36/50 38/50 38/50 36/42.5 38/49 36/44 38/50 36/44 36/49 37/43 38/49 36/49 37/42.5 36/49 36/50 36/50 36/49 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47

SRP $US 520 520 750 90 99 159 180 180 210 210 220 220 250 260 260 300 350 350 400 450 500 65 225 250 275 350 350

SRP $CAN 480 480 680 69 89 159 209 209 229 229 229 229 279 259 259 309 379 379 379 459 539 n/a 225 250 275 350 350

Features Carbon exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit Carbon exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit 100% carbon exo-skeleton, half sizes, Pebax sole Stretch, seam-taped Neoprene, polyamid fleece Fits all carbon/S-Lab boots, three sizes available Autofit, lace cover, fixed heel strap Custom fit, adj. heel strap, lace cover, Quicklace Custom fit, adj. heel strap, lace cover, Quicklace Custom fit, adj. heel strap, Quicklace Custom fit, adj. heel strap, Quicklace Custom fit, softshell cover, combi flex, Sensifit Softshell protection, combi flex, women's custom fit Custom fit, removable Energyzer cuff, Quicklace Custom fit, supportive Energyzer cuff, Quicklace Custom fit, supportive Energyzer cuff, Quicklace Custom fit, RS17 outsole, carbon 3D chassis Custom fit, seamless, Sport women's fit Custom fit, 3D Energyzer, seamless Custom fit, RS17 sole, adjustable heel Custom-fit liner, RS17 outsole, 3D carbon chassis 3D carbon Skate chassis, carbon cuff, ratchet system Synthetic, flexible snow lock, inner sock, zipper Synthetic, flexible snow lock, inner sock, zipper Synthetic, flexible snow lock, inner sock, zipper Carbon composite inner-sole struct., inner sock, zipper Carbon composite ankle support, snow lock, zipper Carbon composite ankle support, snow lock, zipper

boots

kids

Make

Model

Sole System

Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Atomic Atomic Fischer Fischer Fischer Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Whitewoods Whitewoods Yoko Yoko

Blazer Junior T5 Junior T5 Plus Junior T10 Junior R Combi Junior ECL 2.0 Junior ED 2.0 Junior ESK 2.0 Junior Motion Junior Junior Worldcup Pursuit Junior Combi RCJ Classic RCS CT 100 Junior Raceline Junior Butterfly Junior Nano Junior Xalta Junior (Yellow/Black) Premio Junior boot (Yellow/Black) X1 Junior Comp J X-ium J Combi Team Combi Junior Skiathlon Junior 301-Junior 75mm 302-Junior NNN YXS 2.0 Classic Junior YXK 3.0 Velcro Junior

75mm NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil (Pilot) NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil (Pilot) NNN NNN NNN Profil Profil (Pilot) Profil (Pilot) 75mm NNN NNN NNN

58 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Men's Sizes 36/48 36/48 38/46 36/48 36/50 38/50 38/50 22/22 38/49 22/22 38/50 22/22 36/49 22/22 38/49 36/49 22/22 36/49 36/50 36/50 36/49 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47

Men's Sizes 25/38 25/38 25/38 25/38 33/41 33/42 33/42 33/42 28/36 33/42 32/42 36/43 35/43 25/37 25/40 25/37 33/42 28/36.5 33/39 26/42 30/42 33/42 27/38 33/42 33/42 30/35 30/35 28/34 26/36

Women's Sizes 25/38 25/38 25/38 25/38 33/41 33/42 33/42 33/42 28/36 33/42 32/42 36/43 35/43 25/37 25/40 25/37 33/42 28/36.5 33/39 26/42 30/42 33/42 27/38 33/42 33/42 30/35 30/35 28/34 26/36

SRP $US 65 70 n/a 80 150 180 n/a 230 79 179 139 n/a 179 90 110 110 210 n/a n/a 80 140 185 90 150 200 69 79 65 90

SRP $CAN 69 79 89 99 159 n/a 219 n/a 79 179 199 219 269 135 120 120 270 45 149 85 140 200 79 139 169 69 79 n/a 90

Features Classic laced children's 75mm Nordic boots Thinsulate insulation, soft flex, open lacing Thinsulate insulation, soft flex, covered lacing Thinsulate insulation, soft flex, Neoprene cover Thinsulate, soft flex, heel counter, heel grip Absolute best Classic boot for young racers Absolute best Duathlon boot for young racers Absolute best for young racers Warm insulation, flexible sole, waterproof Pilot sole, hinged upper cuff, Classic flex Twin skin, ankle-support cuff, thermo fit R3 PU sole, Cleansport NXT R3 PU sole, flex cuff, thermo fit, sealed zipper Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole RevoWrap upper, PVC-free, membrane softshell SNS Profil Touring sport Junior binding system OW SNS pilot Universal TPR sole, reinforced heel counter TPR sole, PU heel counter & cuff PU racing sole, PU heel counter & cuff Wool in forefoot, faux fur, regular lacing Lace cover w/diagonal zip, combi flex, Quicklace Articulated cuff, combi flex, Quicklace Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Snug-fitting inner shoe, zipper Synthetic, warm, Velcro

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

poles

Brand

Model

Alpina Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Black Diamond Fischer Leki Leki Leki Leki Rossignol Salomon Salomon Swix Whitewoods Whitewoods

BC Expedition 1 Poles Traverse Poles Expedition 2 Poles Whippet Self-Arrest Pole Expedition 3 Poles Fixed Length Carbon Razor Carbon Compactor Carbon Whippet Ski Pole Carbon Probe Carbon Compactor BCX Variolite Haute Route Lite Aergon 2 Aergon 3 Bluebird Vario S BC 100 X-Adv Escape X-Adv Vario Mountain Appalachian LTX-LED w/light-up grip

buyers guide

Available lengths in cm 120-165 (5cm) 57-140 95-155 95-155 97-140 57-140 110-130 100-140 105-135 100-140 100-140 110-130 90-155 adjustable 90-145 100-150 71-150 110-140 Telescopic up to 160 120-165 Adjustable 130-165 110-140 115-140

Weight/pole (gr/m) n/a 615/pair 585/pair 487 420 445 475 (120) 580 625 475 610/pair 520 (120) 255 249 267 286 180 Lateral Lock Sysyem n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Grip Cork Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Plastic Plastic Dual Density Plastic Dual Density Dual Density Cork Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Plastic Foam Foam Cork Dual Density Foam

SRP $US 50 79 84 89 99 99 119 124 129 139 149 159 90 99 119 139 149 90 69 99 119 69 79

SRP $CAN 56 79 84 89 99 99 119 124 129 139 149 159 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 89 69 139 150 69 79

Features 7075 shaft, micro-adj. strap, wide basket A classic, fixed-length Touring pole with four-season versatility New, classic workhorse, adjustable Touring pole A two-section Touring pole with true four-season functionality Time-tested security, self-arrest on steeps With a collapsible three-section design, dual FlickLocks All-carbon construction Combining a super-durable, thick-walled aluminum upper The adjustable-length Compactor features Z-Pole compactibility The evolution of legendary Whippet self-arrest pole FlickLock Pro, adjustable probe pole The Carbon Compactor features Z-Pole compactibility Aluminum 7075, adjustable Two-section aluminium, XL foam grip, Snowflake Aergon/Thermo 6.5 aluminum shaft Aergon long-grip three-section aluminum pole Trigger S grip, CarbonFlex tip, BM basket 7075 X two-piece alloy shaft, Biathlon strap Composite shaft, loop strap, carbide tip Aluminum/composite shaft, loop strap, carbide tip 7075 aluminum, Sonic handle and strap, leather basket Two-piece 6061 aluminum, anti-shock, snow & mud basket, Nordic foot Three-piece 6061 aluminum, anti-shock, snow & mud basket

poles

Brand

Model

Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Alpina Atomic Atomic Exel Exel Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Leki Leki Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Start Swix Swix Swix Swix Swix Swix

ST Touring Junior ST W ST Touring ST Snowflake XT Pro Junior Motion Lite Spirit Pro Tourer Experience Pro Junior Fibre Sprint Junior Sport My Style Cruiser My Style Cross Soft Lhati CR Junior CT 20 CT 60 Diamond 600 (Black/White) Aluminum Diamond 600 JR (Black/White) Aluminum Diamond 600 Alloy Exit Diamond 600 Alloy Junior Exit Diamond 610 JR Diamond 610 (Yellow/Silver), Unisex Cork AV Diamond 610 (Purple/Silver),Women's Cork AV Diamond 740 (White/Black/Silver) X-701 Junior XT-701 Junior XT-700 X-800 XT-600 X-700 X-600 XT-600 Cork XT-400 XT-500 X-500 Extra Carbon 30 Escape Aluminum Junior Escape Escape Junior Siam Active Track Nordic Comp Junior Nordic Woman Junior Cross Classic, Touring Touring

www.skitrax.com

Telemark/Backcountry

RECREATION Available lengths in cm 90-115 (5cm) 120-160 (5cm) 120-160 (5cm) 120-160 (5cm) 120-160 (5cm) 80-125 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 110-165 110-165 85-120 85-120 120-150 120-150 120-160 130-160 70-125 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 130-180 70-135 135-165 (5cm) 80-135 (5cm) 70-135 130-165 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 80-130 (5cm) 80-130 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 135-157 (5cm) 70-130 130-160 70-130 130-160 130-165 120-170 (5cm) 120-160 85-120 120-160 85-120 125-160 125-160

Weight/pole (gr/m) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 135 (150) n/a n/a 123 (100) 179 (120) 199 (145) 199 (145) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 300/pair 250/pair 250/pair 250/pair 250/pair 300/pair 300/pair 300/pair 145 (110) 190 (110) 230 (145) 210 (145) 225 (145) 210 (145) 210 (145) 220 (145) 220 (145) 230 (145) 210 (145) 200 (145) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Grip Plastic Plastic Plastic Plastic Foam Foam Foam Dual Density Dual Density Plastic Dual Density Dual Density Cork Dual Density Dual Density Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Dual Density Plastic Plastic Plastic Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Foam Foam Foam Foam Foam Cork Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density

SRP $US 25 30 30 30 40 29 49 n/a n/a 25 35 40 50 39 49 25 50 70 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 45 25 30 45 40 60 70 55 n/a 65 80 95 29 40 35 40 45 59 29 29 29 29 39 35

SRP $CAN 26 29 29 31 40 29 49 59 69 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 79 50 60 70 30 30 30 30 34 39 39 50 30 30 35 35 40 40 45 50 70 70 80 90 32 35 35 35 55 n/a 30 n/a 30 35 45 50

Features 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, Tour basket 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, Tour basket 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, Tour basket 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, wide basket 5083 shaft, micro-adj. strap, wide basket Carbon comp 16-11, Biathlon strap Carbon comp 16-11, Biathlon strap 15% carbon, Pro Ergo grip Fibreglass, Pro Ergo grip Fibre Fibre, Junior grip, Kid's basket Fibre Aluminum 6013, Comfort strap 16mm TS shaft, Race basket TS shaft, Race basket Fibreglass shaft, Junior Biathlon strap, 10mm basket Carbon/glass shaft, Biathlon strap, 10mm basket Carbon/glass shaft, Biathlon strap, 10mm basket Composite pole, soft EVA grip, AV strap Composite pole, soft EVA grip, AV strap Alloy, Biathlon strap, 11mm Tour basket Alloy, Biathlon strap, 11mm Tour basket 40% carbon, soft EVA grip, carbon or Click Point strap 10% carbon, 11mm basket 10% carbon, 11mm basket 40% carbon, 11mm basket, Click Point strap 10% LM carbon shaft, Biathlon strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, standard strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, standard strap, steel tip 100% fibre shaft, standard strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, padded strap, steel tip 10% LM carbon shaft, Biathlon strap, steel tip 10% LM carbon shaft, Biathlon strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, padded strap, steel tip 7075 alloy shaft, ergo strap, carbon tip 7075 alloy shaft, padded strap, carbon tip 30% LM carbon shaft, ergo strap, carbon tip 30% HM, ergo strap, carbide tip Aluminum shaft, loop strap, steel tip Composite shaft, loop strap, steel tip Composite shaft, loop strap, steel tip Composite shaft, loop & faux-fur strap, steel tip Composite shaft, power strap, steel tip 15% carbon composite, Fit Sport strap 5086 aluminum, Touring handle 5086 aluminum, PC handle, shaped strap 5086 aluminum, Touring handle 5086 aluminum, PC handle, shaped strap 5086 aluminum, PC handle, Biathlon strap, Touring basket 5086 aluminum, Touring handle, shaped strap

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 59

buyers guide Brand

Model

Swix Swix Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods Whitewoods

Classic, X-FIT Elite, X-FIT CrossTrail Junior CrossTrail BackTrail BackTrail

buyers guide

poles Available lengths in cm 125-160 130-165 70-115 120-160 120-160 120-160

Weight/pole (gr/m) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Grip Dual Density Cork Plastic Plastic Plastic Plastic

SRP $US 39 79 17 19 24 24

SRP $CAN 60 80 17 19 24 24

Features 5086 aluminum, PC handle, X-FIT strap 7075 aluminum, X-FIT strap, Touring basket 13mm lightweight fibreglass tapered shaft Fibreglass 17mm tapered shaft, wide strap Fibreglass 17mm tapered shaft, wide strap Fibreglass 17mm tapered shaft, wide strap

poles

Brand

Model

Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic Exel Exel Exel Exel Exel Exel Exel Exel Exel Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Fischer Infinity Infinity Infinity Infinity Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus Madshus One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way One Way Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Rossignol Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Salomon Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Swix Swix Swix Swix Swix Swix Swix

Pro 20 Pro 60 Pro 100 Redster Centra XP-45 Spectra XP-70 X-Curve X-70 Formula X-Curve X-90 X-Curve X-HS100 World Cup Ultra X-Curve X-HMC100 RCS Junior Vario RC5 QF RC6 QF RC9 QF Kit RC 10 QF Kit RCS Speedmax QF Kit Sprint eXtreme eLite Stealth Nano Carbon Race Junior Carbon Race 40 Carbon Race 70 Carbon Race 100 HS Carbon Race 100 HS Kit Nano Carbon Race 100 UHM Kit Nano Carbon Race 100 UHM Diamond Premio Junior (Yellow/White) Diamond 930 (Black/Yellow) Diamond 950 (Yellow/White) Diamond 970 (White/Orange/Blue) Diamond Storm Premio Single Shaft Diamond 9Max (Yellow/White) Diamond Storm Premio 10 Max Free Size Diamond Storm Premio 10 Max Diamond Storm Premio HD (Yellow/Black) Carbon Fiber Racing Junior Air Force Junior Extra Carbon 50 Extra Carbon 70 Force K Air Force Air Force ES Kit Equipe 20 Carbon Vitane 20 Carbon Equipe 60 Carbon Vitane Equipe 60 Carbon Equipe R Carbon S-Lab Carbon Junior Race Sport Loppet Winner Race Race 1.0 Race SD3 Race 1.0 Power Star Junior Race Light, X-FIT RC Pro Performance Composite Comp, Performance Composite Triac Junior, Advance Carbon Composite Comp Roller Cross, Advanced Carbon Composite

60 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

RECREATION cont.

PERFORMANCE Available lengths in cm 130-165 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 140-180 140-180 140-180 140-180 140-175 140-180 140-175 140-180 140-180 140-180 140-180 105-115 (+20) 120-170 130-170 155-175 155-175 155-175 Custom Custom Custom Custom 115-135 (5cm) 135-175 (5cm) 135-175 (5cm) 135-175 (2.5cm) 155-175 155-175 135-175 (2.5cm) 80-140 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 140-160 130-175 (5cm) 150-170 130-180 (5cm) 130-180 (5cm) 80-130 (5cm) 95-140 (5cm) 135-157 (5cm) 135-157(5cm) 135-175 (5cm) 150-180 150-180 130-165 130-165 130-165 130-165 130-170 140-180 (kit) 110-140 130-170 free-cut free-cut free-cut free-cut free-cut free-cut 100-135 135-160 135-175 135-175 105-135 135-175 135-175

Weight/pole (gr/m) n/a n/a n/a 110 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 210 194 (145) 194 (145) 181 (155) 164 (155) 153 (155) 64 56 52 59 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 250/pair 300/pair 300/pair 300/pair 300/pair 300/pair n/a 300/pair 250/pair 180 (140) 170 (140) 190 (145) 185 (145) 180 (160) 170 (160) 170 (160) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 99 99 n/a 99 84

Grip Dual Density Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Dual Density Dual Density Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Dual Density Dual Density Dual Density Cork Cork Dual Density Cork

SRP $US 99 139 179 229 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 79 89 109 129 139 349 240 280 290 295 90 110 115 190 190 280 280 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 60 85 105 115 175 230 345 75 75 130 130 160 225 69 105 119 159 319 379 n/a n/a 49 n/a n/a 99 99 99 100

SRP $CAN 99 139 179 229 99 139 185 219 259 329 389 419 519 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 275 320 330 325 110 115 160 250 250 350 350 69 89 115 139 169 269 399 399 429 60 80 100 130 170 230 330 76 76 139 139 210 399 69 124 149 194 354 n/a 434 524 65 70 80 125 130 135 150

Features 20% carbon tube, power strap, Race basket 60% carbon tube, power strap, Race basket 100% carbon tube, power strap, Race basket 100% carbon Redster tube, power strap, Race basket 45% carbon, Evolution strap 70% carbon, Evolution strap 70% carbon, X-Curve Technology, Evolution strap 100% carbon, Fusion strap 90% carbon, X-Curve Technology, Evolution strap 100% HS carbon, X-Curve Technology, Fusion strap 100% HM carbon, Fusion strap 100% HM carbon, ultralight, Fusion strap 100% HM Carbon, X-Curve Technology, Fusion Strap Aluminum 7075, Race strap, adjustable Air Carbon HM, QuickClick strap Air Carbon HM, QuickClick strap Carbon HM, QuickFit strap, Multi tip Carbon HM, QuickFit, Multi tip Carbon UHM, QuickFit, Multi tip 100% HM carbon, one-year warranty against defect 100% HM carbon, one-year warranty against defect 100% HM carbon, one-year warranty against defect 100% HM carbon, stiffest product, two-year warranty 40% carbon shaft, Contour Race strap, 9mm basket 40% carbon shaft, Contour strap, 9mm Aero basket 70% carbon shaft, Contour strap, 9mm Aero basket 100% carbon, Contour Race strap, 9mm Aero basket 100% carbon, Contour Race strap, 9mm Aero basket 100% carbon shaft, Champion strap, 10mm basket 100% carbon shaft, Champion strap, 10mm basket 35% carbon, AV silver strap, Flash basket 30% carbon, AV carbon strap, Flash basket 50% carbon, Rabbit strap, Flash basket 70% carbon, Rabbit strap, Flash basket 100% carbon, Rabbit strap, F1 Sprint basket 100% carbon, Rabbit strap, Flash basket 100% carbon, Sprint Race basket, Rabbit strap 100% carbon, Rabbit strap, F1 Sprint basket 100% carbon, AV+ strap, light Sprint Race basket 10% UHS carbon shaft, ergo grip, carbide tip 40% UHS carbon shaft, ergo grip, carbide tip 50% HM, ergo strap, carbide tip 70% HM, ergo strap, carbide tip 90% UHM, Race ergo strap, carbide tip 100 UHM carbon shaft, Race ergo strap, carbide tip 100 UHM carb shaft, Race ergo strap, carbide tip 20% carbon shaft, Racing strap, tungsten tip 20% carbon shaft, Racing strap, tungsten tip 60% carbon shaft, Click Power strap, Racing basket 60% carbon shaft, Click Power strap, Racing basket 100% carbon shaft, Power strap, QuickSwitch basket S-Lab 100% carbon shaft, Power Click strap Carbon composite, Fit Race strap 60% carbon composite, Fit Race strap 70% black OPS carbon, Fit Race strap 100% black OPS carbon, Fit Race strap 100% HM black OPS carbon, Fit Race strap 100% FHM carbon 3D-100% HM black OPS carbon, Fit Race strap 100% FHM carbon Aluminum, PCU handle, X-FIT strap, Racing basket PC handle, X-FIT strap, Racing basket PC handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, Racing basket PC handle, Just Click strap, Racing basket PC handle, Triac strap, Racing basket PC handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, roller tip PCU handle, Just Click strap, Racing basket

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

poles

Brand

Model

Swix Swix Swix Swix Swix Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko Yoko

Carbon TBS, Premium Composite Carbon Roller TBS Team TBS, Premium Carbon Composite Star TBS, Premium Carbon Composite Triac 2.0 IPM Carbon Composite 5400 Series Kikkan Signature 40012XP Junior 40021XP 41000XP Women 40005XP 40003XP 40017XP 40002XP 40016XP 9100 Series Kikkan Signature

PERFORMANCE cont.

Available lengths in cm 135-180 140-180 135-180 135-180 135-180 125-175 (5cm) 90-115 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 125-165 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 155-175 free shaft-kits 155-175 free shaft-kits 155-175 kits 155-175

Weight/pole (gr/m) 74 74 67 64 57 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Grip Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Dual Density Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork Cork

SRP $US 160 179 290 399 600 79 79 79 99 109 129 199 199 299 299

SRP $CAN 235 290 315 450 600 79 69 79 99 99 129 199 199 299 299

Features PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, Racing basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, roller tip Natural cork, PC handle, Pro Fit 2 strap Natural cork, Pro Fit 2 strap, Quick Change basket Triangular cross-section, Quick Change basket 40% carbon tapered shaft, wrap-around strap 70% high-strength carbon shaft, click-in strap 40% high-strength carbon shaft 70% high-strength carbon shaft, click-in strap 70% high-strength carbon shaft, click-in strap 100% high-strength carbon shaft, click-in strap 100% high-modulus carbon shaft, wrap-around strap 100% high-modulus carbon shaft, click-in strap 100% carbon NanoTechnology shaft, wrap-around strap 100% carbon NanoTechnology shaft, wrap-around strap

䔀洀戀爀愀挀攀 琀栀攀 洀漀洀攀渀琀⸀ 圀栀攀琀栀攀爀 礀漀甀ᤠ爀攀 渀攀眀 琀漀 琀栀攀 琀爀愀椀氀猀 漀爀 愀渀 攀砀瀀攀爀琀 椀渀 琀栀攀 漀甀琀搀漀漀爀猀Ⰰ 氀攀琀 匀渀漀眀氀椀渀欀 最甀椀搀攀 礀漀甀 琀栀爀漀甀最栀 琀栀攀 猀攀愀猀漀渀⸀

䨀漀椀渀 愀 挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀 漀昀 猀渀漀眀 猀瀀漀爀琀猀 攀渀琀栀甀猀椀愀猀琀猀 漀渀 匀渀漀眀氀椀渀欀⸀挀漀洀 昀漀爀 椀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀 爀攀氀愀琀攀搀 琀漀 渀攀眀猀Ⰰ 猀琀礀氀攀Ⰰ 最攀愀爀 愀渀搀 琀爀愀瘀攀氀⸀

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 61

buyers guide Brand Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir

G3 Genuine Gear

Rottefella (Rossignol) (Madshus) (Fischer) (Alpina) Salomon (Atomic) (One Way) TwentyTwo Designs

Whitewoods

SRP $US 299 399 489 569 599 210 235 245 330 440 440 480 550 600 20 75 90 90 90 n/a 80 95

SRP CDN$ 359 489 544 594 629 220 250 280 350 450 450 490 550 600 25 79 109 109 109 179 79 99

Features Telemark, six-bolt mount, freeride binding Simple and efficient is the name of the game AT DIN 12, trimmed-down version of Freeride Pro Go-anywhere ski-anything AT binding, wide platform Tech binding with safety-release system Durable stainless-steel, high-performance telemark binding Aluminum-alloy toe plate, ultra-high-performance telemark binding High-performance telemark binding with adjustable activity High-performance telemark Touring binding User-friendly, accessible, tried-and-true AT binding User-friendly, accessible, tried-and-true AT binding High-performance, lightweight brakeless Touring binding Intuitive, lightweight, high-performance Touring binding Intuitive, lightweight, high-performance Touring binding Basic 75mm binding for light Touring Ideal with BC90 skis and BCX11 boots Extra-solid binding for backcountry skiing Solid binding for backcountry skiing Solid binding for backcountry skiing Cable binding compatible with 75mm sole Flex 155, automatic entry & exit Flex 185, manual, wide-steering ridge plate

Vice Axl Outlaw NTN

219 319 399

219 319 399

High-performance Resort 75mm binding High-performance free-pivot Touring 75mm binding Step-in, free-pivot NTN binding

Salomon (Atomic) (One Way)

bindings

Model Junior Start Junior Basic Touring Auto Junior NIS Touring Auto Combi SNS Profil Auto Junior SNS Universal Junior SNS Profil Auto Women SNS Profil Auto Universal SNS Universal Kinder Universal Youth Norse-75mm Touring

buyers guide Brand Rottefella (Rossignol) (Madshus) (Fischer) (Alpina)

Telemark/Backcountry

Model O1 Scout 11 Eagle 12 Freeride Pro Vipec 12 Targa Targa T/9 Enzo R Targa Ascent Ruby Women’s Alpine Touring Binding Onyx Alpine Touring Binding ION LT 12 ION 10 ION 12 Tour 75mm Super Telemark BC Magnum BC Manual BC Auto Chili 75mm SNS X-Adv Auto SNS X-Adv Manual

buyers guide Brand Rottefella (Rossignol) (Madshus) (Fischer) (Alpina) Salomon (Atomic) (One Way)

bindings

SRP $US 40 45 50 60 70 55 49 60 60 69 14 19

SRP CDN$ 49 n/a 59 45 69 49 49 69 69 69 14 19

bindings

Model Performance Skate/Classic Xcelerator Junior Skate/Classic Xcelerator Skate/Classic 2.0 Xcelerator 2.0 Classic NIS Xcelerator 2.0 Skate NIS Xcelerator Pro Classic Xcelerator Pro Skate Xcelerator Pro Skate/Classic SNS Pilot Junior SNS Pilot Combi SNS Pilot Sport Classic SNS Pilot Sport Skate SNS Pilot Sport Classic Women SNS Profil Equipe Skate SNS Profil Equipe Classic SNS Propulse RC SNS Propulse RC 2 SNS Pilot Equipe Skate SNS Pilot Carbon RS SNS Pilot Carbon RS2

62 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

recreation Features Entry-level binding for recreational use Entry-level binding for recreational use Great Touring binding with automatic step-in NIS system, click-on, wide platform NIS system, slide-on, click-on Flex Junior, automatic entry & exit Junior Flex, manual entry, universal SNS bumper Flex 95, automatic entry & exit Flex 100, automatic entry & exit (w/ski pole tip) Manual entry, universal SNS bumper Universal strap, lets kids use their own boot Flat universal heel plates, 75mm

performance SRP $US 60 60 100 105 105 150 150 200 70 85 85 85 85 100 100 115 115 120 139 139

SRP CDN$ 69 69 119 135 135 150 150 200 59 69 89 89 89 89 89 99 99 109 139 139

Features Simplified open/closure system Junior-specific binding for racing Most popular binding on the World Cup NIS system, click-on, wide platform, light weight NIS system, click-on, double flex, light weight NIS tool-free, wide platform 3.6° ramp, tool-free adj., wider platform Quicklock adjustment for precise positioning Pilot technology, manual, Junior Flex Pilot technology, Skate & Classic, push-pull lever Pilot technology, Flex 100, automatic step-in Pilot technology, Flex 125, automatic step-in Pilot technology, Flex 100, automatic step-in Flex 115, manual lever, universal SNS fit Flex 85, manual lever, universal SNS Fit Pilot-compatible, 85 Flex, manual lever, 242g/pair Pilot-compatible, 85 Flex, manual lever, 256g/pair Pilot technology, manual lever, 320g/pair Manual carbon lever, integrated wedge, 260g/pair Manual carbon lever, integrated wedge, 260g/pair

www.skitrax.com

Nov. 20 - Craftsbury opens for winter ‘15-16 Nov. 20-29 - Thanksgiving Training at Craftsbury Dec. 3-6; 10-13 - Masters’ Ski Camps Dec. 19-20 - NENSA Eastern Cup Jan. 3-11- IPC Continental Cup & U.S. Paralympics Nationals Jan. 30 - Craftsbury Marathon Feb. 12-21- Family Fun Week Mar. 21-26 - USSA SuperTour Finals, 30/50k National Championships

© Kris Dobie

Join one of our events, or build your own adventure! We offer racers, families, clubs & skiers of all kinds 105k of impeccably groomed trails, supported by a snow-making system to even out bumps in the weather. At the end of a ski day, our welcoming trailside lodging is the perfect place to relax after re-fueling with our healthy, ample meals .

105k of skiing, groomed daily | Trailside Meals & Lodging | www.craftsbury.com

COMP USA

by Peter Graves

courtesy of USSA

U.S. Team Locked, Loaded and Ready to Rock

T

he U.S. XC Ski Team athletes have traveled far and wide to get the best of training they possibly could this off-season. Here’s a look at how it has gone.

Head Coach Chris Grover told SkiTrax that the team had solid preparation this summer. “Although we were not able to conduct our traditional May onsnow camp at Mount Bachelor in May, we had excellent snow conditions at the Snow Farm in New Zealand. The athletes collected over two weeks of on-snow time in good conditions, with a heavy emphasis on technique improvement. We were especially focused on striding, herringbone and double pole – critical techniques that we need to incrementally improve in order to compete with our Scandinavian competition.”

Those attending that camp included Liz Stephen, Jessie Diggins, Sophie Caldwell, Ida Sargent, Simi Hamilton, Noah Hoffman, Andy Newell, Paddy Caldwell and Ben Saxton. Alaska-based athletes such as Kikkan Randall, Sadie Bjornsen, Erik Bjornsen and Rosie Brennan stayed home to train on the Eagle Glacier, where they enjoyed superb conditions. The women’s A Team includes Sadie Bjornsen, Caldwell, Diggins and Sargent, along with Randall and Stephen, and the B group of Brennan and Caitlin Gregg.

Both men’s and women’s teams have a B squad this season, and they include Julia Kern and Katherine Ogden, along with Saxton and Paddy Caldwell.

Veteran Newell said the summer camps have gone better than expected.

“We had a perfect two weeks’ training in New Zealand. I am continually excited with the level of our team and how it’s grown and improved over the years.

64 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Team USA in new colours: (back row l-r) Bryan Fish, Chris Grover (head coach), Matt Whitcomb (coach), Andy Newell, Ben Saxton, Erik Bjornsen, Paddy Caldwell, Jason Cork, Simi Hamilton (front row l-r) Caitlin Gregg, Kikkan Randall, Ida Sargent, Jessie Diggins, Rosie Brennan, Julia Kern, Katherine Ogden, Sophie Caldwell, Liz Stephen, Sadie Bjornsen

This winter, we will again take on the World Cup with the biggest squad of Red Group skiers we’ve ever had, and that gets me fired up.” Newell, along with teammate Hamilton, are the lone U.S. men to nab A Team spots, while Erik Bjornsen and Hoffman are on the B Team.

In late summer, Newell told SkiTrax that he had a new approach to the upcoming season, which is largely centered on feeling healthy for both training and racing. “Last season,” he said, “I struggled with health and injury problems, which is especially frustrating when you’re on the World Cup, and although I was able to snatch up some top 10’s, I was never at my best or even close to potential. As an older skier, I can rely more on my stored fitness and focus instead of quality over quantity.”

Randall reflected on how quickly the summer has passed, noting, “It’s just flown by fast, as usual, but I’m quite satisfied looking back at my training log with the training I’ve done so far. I just returned home from the Toppidrettsveka races in Norway, and I got a really good gauge of where my fitness stands and came back with good motivation for the remaining few months.”

Randall was candid about goals for the upcoming season: “After some www.skitrax.com

struggles last season, I’m really focused on rebuilding my base and getting back to challenging for the podium in sprints every weekend. I am also aiming to bring my distance racing back inside the top 15 and to be able to stay strong through the entire Tour de Ski. This upcoming season is about getting my gears back.”

But all that changed in mid-October, when Randall and husband, Jeff Ellis, announced to her teammates and the media that they are expecting their first child in April (see News on pg. 6). Randall will put racing plans on hold for the upcoming season, but plans to return for the World Championship season in 2016-17 and to compete at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

In a statement, Randall said, “I am excited about becoming a mother, but am also looking forward to coming back to race in 2017.” Ellis, who serves as a marketing support manager on the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup tour, will continue to travel on the circuit this winter.

Speaking of the Toppidrettsveka races in Norway, the U.S. squad posted some strong results, including a Day One fifth place in the Classic sprints by Sophie Caldwell. In Day Two of the comp, Stephen and Randall both cracked the top 10 in a 15km Skiathlon, with Stephen also reaching third in a grueling uphill foot race. On the final day in Trondheim – before a huge crowd reminiscent of a World Cup – Diggins skied to a strong 10th place in a 15km rollerski Pursuit just ahead of Randall (who was 11th), as four Americans broke into the top 16.

Diggins said the course was a real challenge: “The course had two-way traffic for half of it, and that part was all double-pole on, more or less, flat city roads, but then you went up a really steep climb – I heard it was a 20% grade.

You climbed for maybe three to four minutes, then went back down, which seemed like it was going to be sketchy, but they gave us all slower wheels so it wasn’t as scary as I’d thought it would be.”

Sadie Bjornsen told SkiTrax that this was the first summer she hadn’t had summer school in nearly six years. Her summer was full, with more running

and hiking than normal, but with much time on-snow at the Eagle Glacier in Alaska, along with much strength training. Looking forward, she told us that her plans for the winter were not yet complete, but that her goals revolved around the “. . . full World Cup season. I want to find improvement in all disciplines and I want to be able to fight for a medal on any given day. This may take a few more years to achieve, but I am chasing the first individual medal soon.” She hopes to complete her first Tour de Ski this winter.

Hamilton had great training opportunities this summer, saying, “Training has been going very well, and we’ve logged a ton of quality hours of on-snow time,” and also that he and the team were really excited about the 2016 Canada Tour in March: “What we are probably most excited about is that fact that we get to come back to North America next spring and race our final World Cups at home.”

Though not a current member of the USST, tough veteran skier Kris Freeman also told us his summer had gone well, noting, “I have incorporated all of the methods that have worked best for me over the years, with a lot of over-distance workouts, but I have tried to balance them with running speed on the track and a lot of recovery days.” His plans include starting the season on the World Cup and racing through Period One. The U.S. squads regimen included traditional fall dryland opportunities in Lake Placid, N.Y. in September and Park City, Utah in October.

Expect the U.S. World Cup team to depart mid-November for Gallivare, Sweden for an on-snow camp and to take part in some FIS races prior to the start of the World Cup in Kuusamo, Finland on Nov. 27-29.

Coach Grover had the last word regarding the season ahead: “The team is really looking forward to the season. We have made a substantial effort to better an individual’s recovery markers in order to hopefully prevent some of the overtraining issues we had last season. In addition, the athletes have remained relatively injury-free when compared to the 2014-15 preparation period. These two improvements alone should help us close the gap slightly on the toughest competition,” he concluded.

USA

Feb. 13-14 2016

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International Vasaloppet Skiing Exchange ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 65

COMP CANADA

by Gavin Shields

CCC

National Ski Team 2015-16 Season Preview (above) Devon Kershaw leads the rollerski group at a pre-season Canadian training camp in Park City, UT

T

he 2015-16 World Cup season will be a special one for Canada’s National Ski Team. Significant, not because of where it begins – in Ruka, Finland on Nov. 27-29 – but rather because of where it ends . . . in North America with Ski Tour Canada 2016 on March 1-12.

The prospect of capping off the 2015-16 World Cup season with eight races on home snow – in Quebec’s Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec City and in Canmore, Alta. – promises to be a highlight for both North American teams and spectators alike.

Canadian Head Coach Justin Wadsworth made it clear, saying, “This year, everything goes into the Ski Tour Canada – basically it’s our World Championships.”

Cross Country Canada (CCC) High-performance Director Tom Holland echoed those sentiments: “In order to prepare and be rested for Ski Tour Canada, the team will skip the World Cup in Lahti, Finland, Feb. 20-21. A training camp [at altitude] will be held in Canmore, and following this, they’ll swing back to Gatineau for the start of the Tour across the river from Parliament Hill.

“Our target for this event is three podiums,” Holland continued. “We also have a goal of having one athlete in the top six or higher in the overall World Cup ranking.”

Furthermore, Ski Tour Canada opens up interesting opportunities for toptier domestic skiers with a quota of 14 male and 12 female starts. Canadian skiers will be itching to hit the snow come March 2016 to gain World Cup experience and to garner results good enough to move them onto the National Ski Team.

To the list of Team goals, Holland added, “We would also like to achieve five top-30 results in this Tour from non-World-Cup-team athletes.”

Team Outlook The senior World Cup team comprised of Alex Harvey, Devon Kershaw, Ivan Babikov and Len Valjas will be joined by Emily Nishikawa, Graeme Killick and Jesse Cockney. Last season’s NorAm leader, Michael Somppi, will also race during Period One. 66 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Pam Doyle

(left) Team Canada fundraiser: (l-r) Knute Johnsgaard, Jesse Cockney, Ivan Babikov, Graeme Killick, Lenny Valjas, Dahria Beatty, Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, Emily Nishikawa, Justin Wadsworth (head coach).

Harvey has proven to be one of the top cross-country skiers in the world, and after a successful leg surgery in the spring, his training is reportedly going better than ever. He is primed for the 2015-16 season, which will climax with hometown support, particularly in Quebec City. If Harvey is sitting in contention for the overall World Cup title, it could be a colossal season end for Canada and a huge boost for the sport across the country.

While Harvey is the tip of the spear, Wadsworth is hoping other athletes shine as well, saying, “I really want to get multiple athletes on the podium again. Last year, we only had Alex.”

The task of getting more international results lies with National Ski Team coaches Wadsworth and Louis Bouchard. According to Holland, “Tor-Arne Hetland’s [from Norway] one-year coaching contract last season served as a good program stimulus and brought some desired energy to help us meet our objective of podium success.”

Kershaw, 32 and Babikov, 35, are World Cup veterans, and Wadsworth aims to capitalize on their experience while optimizing their training to get them back into the top-20 consistently and hopefully onto the podium.

“Both [Devon and Ivan] have so much base work under their belts from over the years that they don’t have to keep pumping out huge hours like the younger athletes. I think we realize some of the mistakes we made last year, and we’re ready to learn and move forward to get them back on the podium where they both belong.”

The next generation of 26-year-olds – Valjas, Killick and Cockney – has shown real promise. Valjas, already a World Cup medalist, is now into his second season of injury-free training. Killick had a superb 19th-place finish in the men’s 50km CL at Falun last winter, while Cockney shocked everyone with a second-place qualification time in the skate sprint at the World Cup in Canmore back in 2012.

“We’re all training together as a team,” says Wadsworth. “Ivan and Devon were a big part of getting Lenny on the podium [in 2012 and 2013]. And now, Ivan has been training a lot with Graeme, and he has a lot of experience he can pass along.” Wadsworth predicts Killick is ready to take a major step www.skitrax.com

forward in his ski career. “Overall, our team just needs to be strong and keep working together. I’m really pleased with where everybody’s at,” he added.

Rebuilding the Women’s Team With Perianne Jones retiring at the end of last season, which followed the loss of Chandra Crawford and Daria Gaiazova the previous year, the 2015/16 season signals an important time in rebuilding the women’s team.

Canada was once a powerhouse in woman’s cross-country skiing, with Becky Scott and Sara Renner leading the charge, but times have changed, as the men’s team has moved into the spotlight.

“CCC is making sure the opportunities are there. If you look at our development team, it’s weighted very heavily to the women’s side,” says Wadsworth.

One such initiative put forth this year was a women’s-only training camp held at Mont-Ste-Anne, Que. over the summer. World Cup Academy Coach Pavlina Sudrich elaborated: “The recent National Women’s Team camp in Quebec reminded us that Canada has a strong cohort of passionate and dedicated female skiers from juvenile all the way to senior.”

Sudrich contends that Nishikawa, Canada’s top female skier, had her best World Cup season last year. “She broke into the top 30 and posted a career-best 23rd-place result in Lahti,” she commented. “This season, Nishikawa aims to break into the top 15.”

Sudrich is also confident about National Ski Team athletes such as Dahria Beatty, Cendrine Brown, Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt and Katherine Stewart-Jones, who are developing into World-Cup-calibre athletes.

In January, they will get their first taste of racing abroad with the B Tour, along with some Period Two and Period Three World Cup starts. “What CCC is also trying to balance is making sure the women who do have World Cup starts are prepared enough to make it a positive experience,” Sudrich explained.

Wadsworth knows that Canada can’t compare numbers yet with the U.S. or Norway. “We have athletes who can do it, but it’s not going to happen over-

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night. We really need a group of skiers who want to bond and work together and be in it for the long term . . . then we’ll have a woman’s team.”

Wadsworth and Sudrich are optimistic and excited to be a part of the process, while agreeing that to break through internationally is largely a matter of confidence for younger athletes who often aren’t exposed to competition against the best athletes in the world. “It’s clear the CCC has recognized and identified that Canadians don’t get to race against fast-enough skiers domestically, and we are working to change that.”

That’s why Ski Tour Canada at the end of the season is so important, and as Wadsworth says, “We need to have lots of skiers there, with lots of opportunities, and to work hard to capitalize on it.”

Race Schedule The World Cup opener begins in Ruka on Nov. 27-29 with four stops until the 10th annual Tour de Ski that runs from Jan. 1-10. Period Three starts with the sprints in Norway on Feb. 3, with Lahti, Finland on Feb. 20-21 the last stop before the Ski Tour Canada finale from March 1-12.

On the domestic front, Canadian skiers open their season at the U.S. SuperTour in West Yellowstone, Mont. on Nov. 27-28, while in Canada, the Haywood NorAm Series gets underway in Canmore on Dec. 5-8 and makes one more stop in Sovereign Lake, B.C. on Dec. 12-13 before the Christmas break.

Some Canadians will attend the U.S. Nationals in Houghton, Mich. on Jan. 3-10, then Lappe Nordic hosts the World Junior/Under 23 Trials in Thunder Bay, Ont. on Jan. 14-17. The Haywood NorAm Series visits Mont-Ste-Anne on Jan. 30-31, followed by the Eastern Canadian Championships in Cantley, Que. on Feb. 5-7.

The Western Canadian Championships take place in Prince George, B.C. on Feb. 18-21 and then it’s off to the FIS Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships in Romania on Feb. 23-28. Finally, the domestic cycle comes to a close in Whitehorse, Yukon with the 2016 Haywood Ski National Championships on March 19-26.

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 67

COMP International

by Peter Graves and Karen Messenger

Top World Cup Contenders Who Will Shine?

Cross-country

68 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

photos: Nordic Focus

L

ast season, the FIS World Championships in Falun, Sweden were indeed a huge success in every way. Notable memories include Alex Harvey’s medal-winning skiing, Petter Northug’s comeback, local Swedish stars such as Charlotte Kalla and Johan Olsson performing grandly at home and the U.S.-medal-winning performance by Jessie Diggins and Caitlin Gregg.

All eyes were turned on Norway last June during the off-season when Norwegian superstar Marit Bjoergen announced that she was pregnant and due in December, promising to return to competition in 2017. Yet soon after that, she said that if things went well, she might try to attend some of the Ski Tour Canada races. This fall, Bjoergen was still training three hours a day and was at a camp in Livigno, Italy.

The Norwegian buzz continued as fellow superstar Petter Northug was unable to reach an agreement with the Federation, sparking controversy. The dispute centered around his private sponsorship with Coop Norge SA, a retail cooperative, but also a direct competitor of the Norwegian team’s sponsor Spar.

Happily, a three-year deal similar to last year’s agreement was struck, with Northug announcing his desire to win more gold for Norway and the team happy to end the dispute.

Another big story brewing on this side of the Atlantic is Ski Tour Canada 2016, set to host the world’s best — probably 25 nations — at cross-country’s grand finale in March. With no Olympic Games or World Championships this season, it will certainly be the sport’s top event of the season. The Tour begins March 1 in Quebec at Gatineau, then travels to Montreal and Quebec City and concludes with four events in Canmore, Alta., the end being a Pursuit on March 12. There was a site inspection in August, with Cross Country Canada’s Dave Dyer noting, “We took the time to analyze everything in order to prioritize the work that remains to be done before the start of the Tour.”

In September, Norway was struck with another challenge as Therese Johaug broke her right hand while training in Italy. Earlier in the summer, she broke her left hand. This was obviously not the way Johaug planned to start her season after winning a stunning gold in the 30km CL at Falun, Sweden last year. She is joined by Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg and Maiken Caspersen Falla, both very fast sprinters. Heidi Weng is another strong contender, as is Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen. The Norwegian pipeline is always full.

Weng and Simen Ostensen were the overall winners at Norway’s Toppidrettsveka rollerski competition in July, where the U.S. team strutted its stuff for the first time. Meanwhile, Ragnhild Haga, 24, is a huge talent and was impressive last winter as a two-time U23 gold medalist, and a shocking fourth overall in the Tour de Ski and with 12 top-10 World Cup results under her belt.

It’s all in the family for her, as she is the niece of Anders Bakken, who took part in the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, N.Y. She is a great distance-skate-skiing specialist, but can rise to the occasion in every discipline.

The Norwegians have been training in Hemsedal, Norway, as well as at Italy’s Seiser Alm and Livigno in August. With elites such as overall World Cup overall winner Martin Johnsrud Sundby, Norway continues to be the sport’s dominant power with remarkable constellations of talent that include Anders

Gloeersen, Eirik Brandsdal, Ola Vigen Hattestad and Finn Hagen Krogh.

The Swedish team spent some fun days of training and sunning on the Canary Islands in May followed by official camps in Torsby, Sweden and in the Idre Mountains. Kalla is ready to uncork a great season, and will take part in this year’s Tour de Ski after two years as a spectator. With 40 skiers, the Swedes had a record number of athletes at a camp that wrapped in early September.

Others to watch, of course, are Stina Nilsson, Calle Halfvarsson and Marcus Hellner (the gold medalist at Falun), plus Olsson and Daniel Richardsson.

Finland made some progress with its new head coach last season, and much effort is being focused on the 2017 Nordic Worlds, which will be held in Lahti, Finland. Also, Aino-Kaisa Saarinen announced that she was also pregnant as we went to press, so the team will rely on the talents of Kerttu Niskanen, Mona-Liisa Malvalehto and Riita-Liisa Roponen. The Finnish women took home bronze in the relay at Falun last February.

Leading men include Matti Heikkinen, Sami Jauhojarvi, and Ville Nousia­ inen, who does well in both distance and sprint events. A young man on his way up is sprinter Toni Ketela – coaches see him as having abundant potential.

The German team spent two weeks in Ramsau, Austria in June and later in Oberstdorf , Germany and Lillehammer, Norway. They have suffered very significant retirements recently with skiers such as Tobias Angerer, Jens Filbrich, Axel Teichmann and Katrin Zeller leaving the sport. That said, this is a completely new era for the DSV squad. Two strong veterans Claudia Nystad and Hannes Dotzler are returning, but look for new names and faces too.

Poland’s multi-decorated Olympic and World Championships medalist Justyna Kowalczyk took an impressive win in Argentina at the 29th edition of the Marchblanca race in August, besting all skiers, male or female. Kowalczyk teamed up with Sylwia Jaskowiec for team sprint bronze in Falun.

Czech cross-country skier Eva Vrabcova-Nyvltova has shown great fitness, setting a National run record at the Birell Grand Prix in Prague in the 10,000 metres with a time of 33:07.

The Italian team has been looking hard for emerging talent and has found some in 22-year-old Francesco De Fabiani, who won a World Cup in Lahti last winter. He finished 13th overall in the World Cup standings. The team will be www.skitrax.com

REPOUR

(facing page top) Last year’s overall World Cup overall winner Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR) (facing page below) Historic podium in Falun: (l-r) Jessie Diggins (USA), Charlotte Kalla (SWE), Caitlin Gregg (USA) in women’s 10km FR (above) Canada’s Alex Harvey: Could this be his year to win the men’s overall title? (left) Triple crystal globe winner Marit Bjoergen (NOR) is pregnant and will not defend her overall women’s title or other globes. (left below) Swiss star Dario Cologna has won the overall men’s title three times.

training often this fall at Val Senales and the Stelvio Pass in Italy and Ramsau.

France has named a new women’s coach this summer when Alex Rousselet, a former National Team athlete, replaced the outgoing Coraline Hugue and Anouk Faivre-Picon. They were all disappointed to see top skier Celia Aymonier leave cross-country skiing for biathlon. On the men’s side, Maurice Manificat took silver in Falun – the strong skier from the Haute-Savoie is truly capable of fighting it out with the best.

On the Russian front, strongman Alexander Legkov has hired a new personal coach, former German junior and U23 trainer Marcus Cramer. He will also oversee the training of Sergey Turyshev. Russian sprinters such as Nikita Kriukov and Alexei Petukhov are also in good form. It has been noted that Legkov’s goals for the season are to win the FIS Distance Cup and the Tour de Ski. Meanwhile, Maxim Vylegzhanin, at 32, may still be the team’s top distance man.

The Swiss team opened up training for the off-season in Sardinia and have also conducted camps at the Stelvio Pass and in Ruhpolding, Germany. Once again, their top star will be Dario Cologna, who finished second overall last year. Cologna plans to attend three stages at the Tour de Ski in Lenzerheide, Switzerland this winter, where he will fight for his fourth Tour victory.

As well, for the first time, Rasnov, Romania will host the world’s-best junior skiers at the FIS Junior/U23 Nordic World Championship held from Feb. 22-28.

All this, the 10th anniversary of the Tour de Ski, along with the extraordinary Ski Tour Canada in March – who could ask for more? www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 69

Biathlon

posted a career-best fifth-place finish in the sprint last January at Antholz, Italy.

Considering that not even two years have passed since he underwent two serious back surgeries, Green proves to be a Herculean force to be reckoned with.

Hot off her victory at the Blink Rollerski Biathlon Festival in Norway this summer, Rosanna Crawford is a strong leader of the Canadian women’s team.

Her personal-best finishes of fourth and fifth indicate that the podium is within her reach. She will certainly have the support of her hometown crowd during the Canmore World Cup. Rounding out the solid A Team is Megan Heinicke, who achieved four top-15 World Cup finishes last season.

National Team Head Coach Matthias Ahrens, Coach Roddy Ward and now-Assistant-Coach Kathy Davies have been working hard so that all eight athletes on the B Team are also prepped and ready for action. Olympian Scott Perras is joined by Macx Davies and brothers Scott and Christian Gow. The men have seen improved individual success, and when combined with Smith and Green, the Gow brothers raced to a fifth-place finish in the relay in Oslo last season.

The women on the B Team have a strong contingent, as well as up-andcoming biathletes such as Emma Lunder, who had a personal-best second place in the IBU Cup sprint last March in Canmore, along with Julia Ransom, Audrey Vaillancourt and Sarah Beaudry, who have also been making their mark on the World Cup and IBU Cup scenes.

And don’t count out three-time Olympian Zina Kocher. She has returned

I

BU Biathlon World Cup 2015/16 fever will hit North America this winter at the inaugural World Cup at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Alberta, round seven, on Feb. 4-7 followed by round eight, Feb. 11-14, in Presque Isle, Maine, last held there in 2011. Racing on home soil should prove to be one of the highlights of the season for both the Canadian and American teams this winter.

The World Cup season kicks off in late November in Sweden, which is followed by World Cups in Austria and Slovenia. Defending overall champion Martin Fourcade (FRA) will undoubtedly continue to be a force to be reckoned with. However, due to mononucleosis, defending women’s champion Darya Domracheva will not be competing this season, setting the stage for a new overall champion.

The new year begins with two World Cups in Germany, followed by one in Italy, after which the entire World Cup circuit travels to North America to duke it out first at Canmore, where the event kicks off a month-long festival there, followed by more action in Maine.

Sporting the Stars and Stripes at the World Cups before Christmas are National Team biathletes Susan Dunklee, Hannah Dreissigacker, Lowell Bailey, Tim Burke and Leif Nordgren. They will be joined by Annelies Cook, who won both of the final rollerski trials in Jericho, Vt., and Sean Doherty, who finished second in both trial races. Clare Egan has been invited to train with the team

The U.S.A.’s Lowell Bailey is eager to land on the podium again.

American Susan Dunklee is also knocking on the podium door again and could do it at home this season.

Canada’s Rosanna Crawford is aiming to have another breakout year.

at the Utah camp, while Russell Currier and Jakob Ellingson have been invited to the Lake Placid training camp.

Having had a solid summer of training with the entire team healthy and excited to race, there could be an American fighting for the podium on any given day. Achieving solid results at the previous World Cup in Presque Isle, the Americans will be eager to perform at home. U.S. Women’s Coach Jonne Kahkonen is looking forward to the North America races and told us, “. . . all in all, it will be an exciting two-week block of racing!”

All 12 members of the Canadian National A and B teams are poised and ready for action. Fresh from a summer filled with excellent training both locally and internationally, the successes of last season have the teams thirsting for more.

Sharpshooter Nathan Smith, who achieved numerous personal bests last season, leads the men’s A Team. His silver medal in the men’s 10km sprint at the IBU World Championships in Kontiolahti, Finland was only topped by his World Cup victory in the 12.5km Pursuit at the final race of the season in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Joining him on the A Team is Brendan Green, who 70 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

photos: Nordic Focus

Canadian sharpshooter Nathan Smith, who achieved a silver at Worlds and his first World Cup win last season, leads the men’s A Team.

to her former coach, Richard Boruta, and has had a productive summer of training with the Biathlon Alberta Training Centre.

Upon leaving North America, the world will be watching the World Championships in Oslo, Norway at the famed Holmenkollen from March 3-13, while World Cup action wraps up March 17-20 at Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. – KM www.skitrax.com

Nordic Focus

Nordic Combined

www.skitrax.com

Sara Brunson

I

n ski jumping, the German team has been a dominant force on the Nordic-combined World Cup tour for many years, and this winter should provide more of the same.

With such big names as Eric Frenzel, Bjorn Kircheisen and Johannes Ryd­ zek, it’s challenging for a newcomer to break through, but, at only 19, young Jakob Lange is about to do just that. The Bavarian athlete had medal performances at last year’s World Junior Championships, and his time seems to have arrived. He’s looking for his first top-10 World Cup result this season, and don’t be surprised to see his name in lights soon.

Speaking of Rydzek, he took top honours this summer at Germany’s Nordic-combined Nationals in late August at his hometown venue of Oberstdorf.

It was his fifth National crown. The German combiners have had a great summer, with an amazing finish on the final day of the Summer Grand Prix (SGP) in Oberstdorf as Fabian Riessle took his first-ever international win, although Rydzek’s second place was enough to give him the overall summer crown.

Japan’s Watabe Akito was third, with Austrian Seidl Mario from Salzburg in fourth. American Taylor Fletcher was ranked 18th overall, with brother Bryan in 24th, while Adam Loomis ranked 43rd and Michael Ward was 46th.

Watch for a classic comeback story from Norwegian Joergen Graabak, the Sochi Olympic champion, who has been sidelined with a painful thigh-muscle injury and missed a great deal of last season and the key summer period, too. Despite a break of nearly six months’ training, he resumed preparations in September. Graabak, who is back to approximately 85-90% of his normal training, went directly to Trondheim for a team camp and told news media, “I am carefully optimistic when it comes to my level of performance this winter, but my main goal is the Lahti Worlds in 2017.”

The Norwegians have also enjoyed a true rebirth of their combined program, and most of their off-season training has been in Norway. They plan on traveling to Oberhof in October to use their famed ski tunnel and then perhaps Oslo or Beitostolen for on-snow preparations. Then they’ll travel to Ruka, Finland for the start of the World Cup season. “Our goal is to fight for podiums in every single race this winter,” noted Sports Director Sverre Rotevatn. Magnus Krog performed beautifully to take two summer wins at two Norge Cup events in Trondheim, so he could very well be set for a strong season.

The members of Squadra Italia had a six-day camp in Tarvisio, Planica and Villach, based at the border-police barracks in the village of Friuli. Athletes such as Armin Bauer, Sam Costa, and Lukas and Mattia Runggaldier were on hand. Not present was star Alessandro Pittin, who works independently and trains with National cross-country team members.

The French combined boys have been training hard under Coach Jerome

Laheutre and spending the bulk of their time training at Courchevel. There they have spent much time jumping and working on cross-country skills such as mountain hiking and strength training.

The Austrian combiners under Head Coach Christoph Eugen conducted an eight-day camp in Lillehammer and Oslo prior to the start of the SGP. They also did some tough rollerskiing in Sjusjoen on a very challenging paved loop.

The Austrians will need to find a quick replacement for the amazing 38-yearold Mario Stecher, who retired at the end of the last season. Stecher was one of the all-time greats and set the bar high for all those who will follow. He’s currently on a book tour and studying at the University of Wismar, where he is pursuing a sports-management degree.

In U.S.A.-combined circles, Bryan Fletcher grabbed a repeat title at Nordic-combined Nationals held at Park City and Soldier Hollow. Loomis finished second, while Taylor Fletcher took the bronze medal. Bill Demong, an Olympic and world champion, retired last spring, and his leadership role will be missed this season.

Both of the Fletcher brothers had some strong results this summer on the SGP, and their cross-country-skiing times have been particularly strong against the world’s best, which have also been very fast.

Other young Americans have spent time throughout Europe this summer, as well as at the SGP, with athletes such as Loomis, Ward, Ben Berend and Jasper Good gaining loads of experience. Longtime U.S. Head Coach Dave Jarrett commented that “The Summer Grand Prix is mainly a way to see how our summer training, especially jumping, has been. Both Bryan and Taylor have had good results on the jumping hill, while Taylor has also been extremely fast in many of our test races as well. I am excited to see how everyone stacks up this season.”

After years of struggling for local recognition and sponsorship, (top) Johannes Rydzek took his fifth title at Germany’s Canada’s National Nordic-combined Nationals along with the Summer Grand Nordic-combined Prix overall crown. team has found sup(above) American veteran Bryan Fletcher is motivated to port from a faraway contend for the podium at every race start. friend – Finland. “Finnish Know-How”, a collection of like-minded technology, product and clothing companies in Finland, is helping to support Canadian athletes train toward success at the 2017 Nordic World Ski Championships to be held in Lahti, Finland.

The connection comes via Jouni Kahkonen, a Finnish ski-jumping and Nordic-combined coach recently hired and brought to Canada by Alberta Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined (ASJNC).

“This project also involves a Finnish media company, Topline Media,” says Andy Mah, chair of Nordic Combined Ski Canada. “The Finns have shown great interest in our athletes, now dubbed ‘Nordic-combined Team Canada,’ as they train for the 2017 World Championships and hopefully continue towards the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Korea and beyond.”

Canada’s Nordic-combined and ski-jumping teams are located at Canada Olympic Park (COP) in Calgary, the only facility of its kind in Canada. Other development locations include legacy facilities from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games located at Whistler Olympic Park. In Alberta, ASJNC is also in the process of establishing programs at Canmore Nordic Centre and Camrose in Alberta. – PG ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 71

Ski Jumping

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Tom Kelly/U.S. Ski Team Sarah Brunson/U.S. Ski Team

Sarah Brunson/U.S. Ski Team

Women’s Ski Jumping USA

Nordic Focus

new season of ski jumping beckons, and once again the German squad has been on form with strong summer results by Severin Freund, 27, last season’s overall World Cup champion. No doubt this puts a smile on the face of Head Coach Werner Schuster, a native Austrian who has been at the helm of the German Ski Association (DSV) program since 2008.

Germany’s Michael Neumayer has also been jumping especially well, winning at a Summer Grand Prix in Japan. “I hope this gives me some confidence,” he commented.

Despite Freund’s marvelous record, the Munich resident wants to win the overall Four Hills crown badly, something that has eluded his impressive resume. In a candid interview with the newspaper Badische Zeitung, he offered, “Winning the Four Hills Tournee would be rated [for me] about as high as an

(top) American Will Rhoads won his first gold at the U.S. Ski Jumping Nationals. (middle l-r) German ski-jumping stud Severin Freund, Japanese star Sara Takanashi, Americans Mike Glasder and Nita Englund. (far left) Rising Canadian star Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes is back.

Tom Kelly/U.S. Ski Team

Ski Jumping Canada

(left) Nina Lussi took top honours for the women at the US Ski Jumping Championships.

Olympic gold in an individual competition. It would be very, very nice if it would happen.”

For the women, Juliane Seyfarth won the National title at German Summer Championships in Oberstdorf, while Katharina Althaus was second. Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medalist Carina Vogt finished fifth.

Despite some ups and downs during the past season, the Austrian team still has abundant proven talent in Gregor Schlierenzauer, Thomas Diethart, Andreas Kofler and Stefan Kraft, and they will also be contenders.

In Switzerland, the ageless Simon Ammann is largely a one-man show backed up by Gregor Deschwanden.

The 22nd edition of the FIS Summer Grand Prix, with 13 competitions at eight venues, is one of the most-watched events of the summer season and gave fans a taste of what’s to come.

Lukas Hlava won top honours at the Czech Summer Nationals on his home hill in Liberec, with the 30-year-old star taking the Normal Hill title. Roman Koudelka was second. Jakub Janda (CZE) scored his first podium in the Grand Prix in two years, a nice way for him to get his early-season vibe on.

Along with veteran Jan Matura, they boast a very strong team.

Klemens Muranka (POL) is a young jumper starting to flex his muscles on the hill, as he came up with a Camp of Champions (COC) win this summer in 72 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

Frenstat, Croatia. In the same event, the U.S.A.’s Mike Glasder finished 27th.

And Poles Kamil Stoch and Piotr Zyla have also had a good summer.

Women’s flyer Ema Klinec (SLO) won the start of the women’s COC in Oberwiesenthal, Germany, while the Slovenian squad sees promise in two young men: Andraz Pograjc, who won a COC in Kuopio, Finland this past August, while Anze Lanisek has had some very long jumps. In addition, Robert Kranjec also had some good results this summer, including a second-place Grand Prix finish in Russia.

The ageless and immensely talented Janne Ahonen of Finland took a fall at the FIS Grand Prix in Hinterzarten, Germany in the out-run in late summer that resulted in some knee pain, but happily he suffered no lasting effects.

The former World Cup champion found nothing was broken and no ligaments were torn, only strained, and he only lost a few days of training. Meanwhile, Jarkko Maeaettae just missed his first podium result in the Summer Grand Prix in Japan and looks poised for better things.

The Norwegian squad has seen its most encouraging results this summer from 26-year-old Kenneth Gangnes, who displayed strong form and good fitness, and took a pair of Grand Prix wins in Chaikovsky, Russia. And 19-year-old Joachim Oedegaard Bjoereng is a name to remember. Despite several serious injuries in his career, he continues to bounce back, pleasing Head Coach Alexander Stoeckl, who noted that Oedegaard Bjoereng is jumping “at a very high level.” Others looking strong for the Norwegian Ski Federation are Rune Velta, Anders Fannemel and Joachim Hauer. The Norwegian women’s team is also fielding such strong jumpers as Line Jahr and Maren Lundby.

Japan’s stunning Sara Takanashi bested the field to take the win at the women’s Grand Prix opener in Courchevel, France in August. “Of course, the winter is more important than the summer,” she commented. “But I’m very happy with www.skitrax.com

this victory.” Japan, as always, will field a strong men’s and women’s team.

Takanashi also enjoyed superb form, taking two Grand Prix events in Russia in September, and she remains undefeated on the Summer Grand Prix circuit.

In late August, Kento Sakuyama took his first win in the FIS Summer Grand Prix, with Taku Takeuchi placing second in Hakuba, Japan.

One event all fans will be watching closely this season beginning Jan. 14 is the 2016 FIS World Ski Flying Championships in Kulm, Austria for a fifth time. You might recall the massive slide was rebuilt in 2014 and became an HS 225 metre, and the current record is 237.5 metres, set by the daring and stylish Freund. Kulm is not only memorable because of its difficulty, but also for being a rocking party zone, as more than 50,000 people attend each day.

In early August, the USSA held its summer Nationals again at the Park City, Utah complex, and it was a great show for winners Will Rhoads and Nina Lussi. The 20-year-old Rhoads took his first gold at the National Championships. Talented Kevin Bickner was second, while Christian Friberg took third.

Canada’s terrific Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes, who is just starting a comeback following a year off, placed second overall, but was not eligible to take home any USSA medals.

In fact, three cheers for North Americans such as Canada’s Dusty Korek and the U.S.A.’s Bickner for scoring Grand Prix points this summer for the first time, in 29th and 30th respectively.

Lake Placid’s Lussi took the top honours for the women, followed by a strong performance by Vermont’s Tara Geraghty-Moats, while Abby Hughes finished third. Lussi also took a solid ninth place at a Summer Grand Prix event in Russia, with Nita Englund in 16th. In late August, it was announced by USSA that Sarah Hendrickson, the 2013 women’s world ski-jumping champion, would be out for the coming season due to further surgery on her right knee. Her story is a powerful one, and she commented, “I’m not giving up on my dreams that I set years ago – this is just another speed bump in the road, but my story isn’t over.”

Hendrickson is expected to return for the 2016-17 season. – PG

CXC NEWS

Support our Sport For the third year, Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) will launch their “Support our Sport” end of the year fundraising drive on December 1st to support its key programs that are essential in growing the sport of cross country skiing for skiers of all levels and abilities.

The key area of focus in funding that CXC is prioritizing for this campaign are: 1. First time experiences and entry level participation through public schools 2. Introduction and connection of youth to local clubs and competition 3. Inclusion of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairment First time experiences can be the most critical element in an introduction to a sport.

It has to be simple and fun. Three years ago, CXC launched “Nordic Rocks” program providing cross country ski equipment to public elementary schools around the Midwest. Teachers complete basic training skills, receive a skiing curriculum and use the equipment in many different settings.

Schools have used the equipment during recess, after school programs, physical education classes and even science class. Last year 35 schools participated in this program and CXC’s goal is to add 25 more schools this winter, introducing over 10,000 children to our sport.

The next stage of participation is joining a local ski club or youth program. Positive experiences play a very important role in the development of skiers, from an introduction to organized training to a skier’s first competition. Educated coaches, instructors and volunteers become role models to thousands of young skiers all around the Central Region, making it crucial for coaches to have key knowledge and education to help skiers of all levels. Three years ago, CXC took a leadership role in providing a coaches education and certification program in the U.S. www.skitrax.com

Within three years, nearly 300 coaches have been certified through the program.

Winter belongs to everyone! This is the motto of CXC Adaptive program. This program focuses on the needs of every individual, regardless of their ability by ensuring the right equipment and conditions are in Brenden Ojibway enjoying a ski around the Capital Square in Madison, WI

Lincoln Elementary School class participates in Nordic Rocks for Schools Program with teacher Clare Seguin

place for each person to enjoy and achieve their potential in the sport. Every year, CXC makes a step forward providing children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities and visual impairments, opportunities to participate and compete alongside everyone else. This year for the first time, junior athletes will have an opportunity to compete at 2016 U.S. Junior National Championships in Cable, WI, this March which is hosted by CXC. Once again, John & Leslie Taylor have teamed up with a few others to challenge us to continue to build upon our successes from last year to grow and promote cross country skiing for all ages and abilities.

CXC’s generous benefactors will match every dollar donated, which provides an opportunity for anyone to give back to our sport. Your impact will be doubled!

“I encourage every cross country skier to support our sport during the month of December. Whether through CXC challenge grant or simply through membership in your local club, buying a ski trail pass at the park or volunteering at an event or all of the above!” - commented Yuriy Gusev, CXC Executive and Athletic Director.

As in years past, there will be a special gift for donations of $100 or more as a way for CXC to say, “thank you”. This year’s gift will be a CXC hat (Sweden blue Craft hat) that we hope donors are inspired to wear, to foster others to support our sport.

“Let’s make December the month that we as skiers focus on giving back to the sport we all love. Knowing how much CXC has done to develop youth skiing, coach’s education and programs for adaptive athletes I choose to donate to CXC and other ski organizations. Skiers make the effort to contribute and or volunteer to build our sport.” - reflected Dennis Kruse, former CXC president (2004-2006) and avid skier.

Join CXC’s efforts in a journey of growing and supporting our sport!

For more information or donate visit www. cxcskiing.org/supportoursport CXC Marathon Cup CXC has added a new competition series to the Midwest; the CXC Marathon Cup! This series brings events from the six most prominent marathons in three states (MN, WI, MI) into one cohesive competition.

The six marathons include: Seeley Hills 42K Classic (Seeley, WI), Noquemanon 50K Classic (Marquette, MI), City of Lakes Loppet (Minneapolis, MN), Vasaloppet USA 58K Freestyle (Mora, MN), American Birkebeiner 51K Freestyle (Hayward, WI), Great Bear Chase 50K Skiathlon (Calumet, MI).

For more information please visit www. cxcskiing.org/marathoncup ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 73

Mind, Body & Soul Warriors, Come Out to Play - Part One of Two

by Lori Meyers Skiers are warriors – out there in all sorts of conditions and using all the skills that skiing requires. You have plenty of choice to play with. In Part One of this article, I’ll start with the three Warriors. Try them and their variations. Of course, respect your own limitations and apply alignment adjustments that work best for your body. Be a wise warrior and choose what will make you strong, balanced, flexible, focused and, above all, injury-free – all the aspects of a good skier. There are no shortcuts – practise with your heart, not your ego.

Within each of these, there are modifications you can choose and as well as adding your own to make the pose work for you. Playing with the warriors will lead you to where you need to be and benefit most. Remember it can change over time, so do not stop playing. Like skiing, yoga can be practised for life.

All variations change the relationship of the upper body to the lower body. It is good for the body to open at many different angles.

Different muscles have different fibre directions and some muscles have multidirectional fibres within the same muscle. Everybody has a different genetic makeup, so muscle-fibre and soft-tissue length will vary, as will the skeletal structure that effects joints and movement.

Here are some variations you might want to consider or go with the “classic” style of pose.

Warrior I - Virabhadrasana Vira (hero) bhadra (friend) asana (pose). Back leg is in neutral instead of external rotation and the heel is up off the floor. The knee can be off the floor in a high-lunge position or on the floor for a low-lunge position. I highly recommend doing these options because it is so similar to the position in Classic skiing. The traditional form of the pose with the external rotation of the rear leg best reflects skate skiing.

Warrior II - Palms up, hands on the hips or done with a partner clasping the rear hands or wrists and leaning away from each other.

Warrior III - Arm positions can vary from reaching your fingertips to the floor, to prayer hands, to airplane, to overhead. Done with a partner holding joining hands out front to help with your balance and add that element of fun.

Namaste.

Lori Meyers, BPE, is a life coach and yoga/Pilates instructor.

It’s time to hit the gym!

by Dr. Andy Reed When the snow starts falling, it’s natural to want to grab our skis and hit the trails with unbridled enthusiasm. We’ve waited patiently throughout the fall months for the flakes to drop, and when they are here, we want to ski, ski, ski! Yet early-season injuries are commonplace and typically related to training error.

Tendinitis is usually a “too much, too soon” phenomenon, and can be hard to get rid of. Shin splints, tennis and golfer’s elbow, low-back pain, ankle and shoulder strains, and hip flexor and groin strains are all common early-season issues in cross-country skiers. If we subject our tissues to too much load before they are conditioned to handle it, then we run the risk of injury.

We can quantify load by looking at how much force we subject a given tissue to, and how often we subject that tissue to that force.

So it’s easy to see that weakness in an area or simply overzealous training frequency or volume can lead to problems. Our muscles and tendons adapt slowly, and we must be cognizant that this takes time.

A progressive but gradual increase in loading is what’s needed, interspersed with periods of rest and recovery to allow adaptations to take place.

One of the best ways to prepare for the ski season is to hit the gym.

If I’m honest, most people I speak with in endurance sports would rather be outdoors doing their thing than locked in the weight room for hours, but there really is no doubt that a bit of pre-season strength training can not only help to improve performance out there on the snow, but can also dramatically reduce the risk of injury.

74 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

In a recent paper in the BJSM, Lauersen et al looked at just this aspect of training in a large systematic review of more than 26,000 participants. They showed that strength training reduced the frequency of sports injuries to less than one-third, and that approximately 50% of overuse injuries could be prevented with adequate strength training.

An earlier paper in Endurance Training: Science & Practice in 2012 looked at strength training in untrained, trained and elite-level endurance athletes. They showed that strength training has the ability to change our muscle-fibre type from fast-twitch Type IIX fibres to more fatigue-resistant Type IIA fibres, along with important improvements in tendon stiffness and neuromuscular function, which are associated with better performance.

Finally, Ronnestad et al in Scand J Med Sci Sport 2014 showed that heavy and explosive strength training could improve exercise economy, lactate threshold, maximal speed, anaerobic capacity and reduce fatigue in endurance activities – all important metrics.

The bottom line here is that strength training can not only make us better skiers, but can also significantly reduce our risk of injury.

In the next issue, I will take a look at exactly what this training might look like.

Dr. Andy Reed, sport-medicine physician, Team physician, Canadian cross-country, biathlon and para-Nordic ski teams www.skitrax.com

Eating for Peak Health and Performance

by Beth Mansfield, Ph.D, RD Endurance athletes are big oxygen users. This generates large amounts of free radicals, causing oxidative stress that leads to tissue (i.e. muscle) and DNA damage. An athlete’s body is able to counter this stress with a well-developed internal antioxidant system that reduces exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerates recovery, ultimately improving immune function. This antioxidant system is an important piece of adaptation to training and ultimately athletic performance.

Available research suggests that athletes may require slightly higher amounts of antioxidants in their daily diet than their less-active counterparts. Of note for winter athletes is that exercising in the cold could augment oxidative stress and thus increase the need for antioxidants to help counter this damage. Daily supplements of antioxidants have also been touted as boosters of the body’s ability to combat this oxidative stress.

Performance implications: While some studies have suggested that antioxidants supplements may help promote short-term recovery from exercise training, longer-term use of high doses of antioxidants might actually impair the process of adaptation to training. Recent research has also suggested that short bouts of intense training in the cold do not seem to produce significant oxidative stress in well-trained people, and that even relatively unfit adults in a supervised training program get little benefit from pre-exercise antioxidant supplementation.

Bottom line: Boost your performance and antioxidant intake on a daily basis by incorporating brightly coloured vegetables and fruits into each meal and snack.

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Diet implications: Athletes have a higher antioxidant requirement than non-athletes. Dietary sources of antioxidants are preferable to supplements, based on the evidence of pro-oxidant effects.

Bottom line: Three antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) appear to neutralize free radicals and are key nutrients in the brightly coloured vegetables and fruits that you should use to fuel your daily training.

Health implications: Evidence suggests that people who follow diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains have higher level of plasma antioxidants and lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Bottom line: Eat 5-10 servings of vegetables and fruit every day.

Some antioxidant-rich ideas: Pre-/post-workout small meals

Lunches

Pre-workout snacks

Dinners

Treats

Muesli with yogurt and berries

Vegetarian lasagna

Fresh vegetables with hummus or Greek-yogurt tzatziki

Stir-fried vegetables with chicken and rice

Berry crisp

Strawberry-banana smoothie

Baked vegetable frittata

Sesame-date energy bars

Mediterranean chickpea salad

Chocolate cake with beets

Oatmeal with shredded apple, cooked in coconut/ almond milk

Spinach salad with goat cheese and roasted beets

Roasted vegetable soup

Sesame noodles with salmon brochettes and seasonal vegetables

Baked apples with brown sugar and cinnamon

Elizabeth (Beth) Mansfield is a sport dietitian and exercise physiologist with Peak Performance in Ottawa, Ont. www.skitrax.com

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technique

by Keith Nicol

Can You Do these Balance and Timing Exercises?

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photos: Heather Nicol

s we get ready for another cross-country-ski season, there are a variety of activities we can do to be sure we make the most of it.

Cross-country skiing involves aerobic conditioning, strength, coordination and the ability to balance. Many skiers will cross-train with running, biking or sea-kayaking in the summer and then hit the gym in the fall to build up specific ski muscles, but practising balance is often an afterthought. Balance is key to both Classic and skate-skiing, and as we age, this skill begins to decline. That means to maintain our ski skills we need 1 to practise specific balance exercises even more as we move into our forties, fifties, sixties and beyond. If you are very fit and strong, but have little balance, your ability to ski well will be severely compromised.

So throughout the summer, I look for many ways to work on my balance. It might be as simple as rigging up a teeter-totter on a beach, as shown in photo 1. We saw one on Hornby Island, B.C., where we were sea-kayaking for several days in early September, and I made a point of using it several times while we were there. Sometimes, as shown in photo 1, I used it to practise two-footed bal2 ance, and I also did one-footed exercises on it by centring my foot in the middle.

You can also get in a similar practice in the gym or at home with a wobbleboard, as shown in photo 2. This is a round disc of wood with a half-sphere supporting it.

In photo 2, I am demonstrating one-footed balance, which I do the most, but you can also do two-footed balance with this as well. I regularly use this wobbleboard indoors while watching TV, and it strengthens ankle and other muscles that help you stay centred.

Of course, the best form of early-season balance practice is to go rollerskiing, and through the fall, I try to practise 3 on one ski frequently. I try to simulate snow-skiing, so I move my hips forward and feel my weight toward the ball of my foot, as shown in photo 3. If you feel the most weight on your heel, try moving it gradually, moving your hips forward as you glide.

Often when we ski, we are not aware of where our weight is or what

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our arm position looks like, so I recommend that you have someone videotape your rollerskiing so that you can see how you look so that you can then make corrections based on what you see.

If you don’t have someone to videotape your skiing, you can still make corrections by using some of these tips.

When I skate-ski, I periodically look down just as I am about to glide on a new ski to make sure that I bring the ski underneath me and that I put it down as flat as possible (see photo 4). All too often, skiers adopt a wide stance and never get their 4 skis underneath them, which means that they are gliding on an edged ski. Since edged skis are virtually impossible to glide very far on, this means that their skating is awkward and choppy. In photo 4, I am pushing off my right ski and gliding on a flat left ski.

Another way to get this sensation of bringing your feet underneath you before you glide is to find a paved trail with a line down the middle. As I skate, I try to place my foot down on the line, as shown in photo 5. Photo 6 shows me setting down my glide ski with my opposite foot. With each skate, I try to have my rollerski hit the line, and this forces me to 5 start my skating action with my feet underneath me, which helps me to balance on a flat glide ski. This can also be done in snow, although it is harder since we often don’t have lines painted down the ski trail. But you can make one yourself by double-poling down the skate lane and then setting your skis down on top of the line as you freeskate. For help with any aspect of your Nordic skiing, seek out the assistance of a certified CANSI or PSIA instructor.

Contributor Keith Nicol has been on four Canadian INTERSKI demonstration teams for Nordic skiing. He holds 6 CANSI’s highest instructor ranking in both track and telemark skiing. He has a popular Nordic skiing website at http://www2.swgc.mun.ca/~knicol/ nordic%20main.htm and many popular YouTube videos for improving your Nordic skiing (search k2nicol). He can be reached at k2nicol@ gmail.com. www.skitrax.com

tele technique

by J. Scott McGee

Get Ahead of your Feet

I

our bodies. You can try diving with an armswing, as if into a pool, to help pull your body in the direction you want to go (more or less, ahead and down the hill). Or try a standing broad-jump type of move, using both feet to propel you down the hill. Those are both active diving movements. You could also try just passively falling forward by relaxing your downhill leg or extending your uphill leg. Or . . . make up your own! Whatever helps you get off of the old edges and onto the new will also help your edges do the work of turning for you.

J. Scott McGee coaches the PSIA Nordic Team (USA) and works as Snow King Mountain Sports School’s director. A former telemark competitor, he now dreams of perfect corn on spring backcountry skateski tours. McGee spends his summers guiding climbs in the Tetons for Exum Mountain Guides.

Selko Photos/Montage: J. Scott McGee

n the last issue this past spring, “Live Ahead of your Edges” was all about moving your center of mass down the hill. Let’s go metaphoric and dive into the next turn and the new season!

If you look closely, you can see my tracks in the snow behind my tails. There’s only one way my skis made those tracks there, and that was by being on edge. To get them on edge, I had to be in front of my edges – downhill of them. Clearly, I can only do this as part of a set of turns. Standing still on my edges, I’d have to be right over them (vertically) in order to stand up; otherwise, I’d fall over. But staying over your edges, or between them, is just what so many skiers try to do all the time. Getting ahead of your edges can feel . . . “edgy?” . . . but it’s the best way to get your skis to do the work of turning for you. So let’s just dive into the new season by diving into our next turn.

Try this! After warming up, try a few familiar movements that move

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 77

waxworx

by Jack Cook and patrick Moore

Season Preparation

W

ith the arrival of noticeably earlimay have accumulated over the off-season. er evenings, cool mornings and Inspect your skis for any major damage that the turning of the leaves, we can may not have been addressed last winter. begin to look ahead to the upcoming winter Pay particular attention to punctures in the season. Planning ahead will also help you top sheet, gouges in the sidewall and any beat the inevitable rush at your local shop delaminations in the base. Rectify as necand ensure that you have access to the best essary. selection and service. Follow these easy Now would also be a good time to apply steps to ensure your gear is in top shape for some fresh glide wax. After scraping and the ST season.

HPeaks 8th Ann 2013_Pedal Template 11/30/15 11:55brushing AM Pagethe 1 summer storage wax, iron in a layer of warm (i.e., yellow) glide wax. Allow 1. plan Goal events to cool, then scrape and brush. Then, iron in Before pulling out any of your gear, the first a layer of colder (i.e., blue) glide wax to enstep is to review the calendar for the upcomsure maximum durability. Leave this wax on ing season. Identify your key events and the skis and, when the season begins, simply consider the likely conditions. Wikipedia is a scrape, brush and head out the door. great resource and has summarized climate data by month for almost any location. This 3. Skis you May Need information will guide your decision-making Considering your goal events for the year, around certain equipment needs. ensure you have the right skis to provide the best chance of success. Do the character2. Skis you Have istics of your skis match the climate of your Start by wiping any dust from your skis that events? Do you need to consider adding to

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your fleet? If so, fall is the time of year because it’s when the best selection is available. Your coach or local shop will be able to provide guidance.

Stone grinding is also an option that warrants strong consideration. If you have a favourite pair of skis, a fresh grind will flatten the base, reveal fresh base material and impart new structure in the skis. Discuss your goal events with the grind shop to make sure the selected structure is appropriate.

4. Review your Wax Box Starting the season with a well-organized and well-stocked wax box is a joy. Review your wax box and stock up on any staple products that are running low. Clean your brushes and clean and sharpen your scrapers. Replace your old and worn-out corks.

Consider your goal events and ensure that you have the necessary waxes for those venues. Plug in your iron to ensure that it is achieving and maintaining temperature properly.

5. Other equipment Carefully inspect your poles for signs of cracks or other damage. Replace worn-out handles and straps as necessary.

While wearing ski socks, put your boots on to double-check the fit. Inspect to ensure that zippers and buckles are in good working order.

And don’t forget about your bindings.

Open and close your bindings to confirm smooth operation. Make sure that the bumpers are seated securely and free of tears or cracks.

6. Gloves and Mitts Gloves and mitts seem to wear out and lose warmth more quickly than any other piece of skiing clothing. Not to mention they tend to accumulate wax and other questionable substances! Start the season with fresh handwear appropriate for where you ski.

Spending a few minutes reviewing and planning for your equipment needs before the snow flies will allow you to transition straight to snow when winter finally arrives. And it will be here before you know it! www.skitrax.com

graves on nordic by peter Graves

A Letter to My Younger Self

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photos courtesy of Peter Graves

’ve been around skiing since 1966, when I first took it up in high school. Through it all, as an athlete, coach and journalist, it has taken me around the world and back, introduced me to more friends than anyone has the right to ask for and has given me the greatest highs and some of the lowest lows one can possibly imagine. There have been many more good times than bad.

So as we are on the brink of a new season, I thought of writing something more personal in the form of a letter to my younger self.

Dear Peter: Welcome to a new sport, one that allows you to stretch your legs, muscles and mind. One that will test you in ways you haven’t experienced yet.

You spent a great deal of time measuring up to others, checking your graphs, analyzing your results. The burdens you put on yourself did not serve you well. Sometimes you were so focused on performance that you didn’t see all the other things. Think of the times you spent in the woods of Prospect and saw only the tracks, and not the beauty of the winter landscape and all of its silence. You can do that now.

Early races during high school and college, you were fraught with anxiety. You thought your turtleneck was too tight, choking you, but that’s what’s known as anxiety. You didn’t have all the tools to manage it then. You didn’t put your quest for results in perspective. Now you know better, but then, you were so nervous at times that it prevented you from having the race you wanted to have. You learned over time to silence the inner critic that said you weren’t good enough or fast enough.

You weren’t the best skier of the bunch. You tried to make the USST back in the day, but you never did. Sometimes you had some really good races, but you experienced little true joy in your racing because you were already thinking about the next one and about measuring up to the top stars. You were so preoccupied with trying to prove your worth and fitting in that you didn’t stay focused and lost a little bit of the authentic person you are. Now you know you were tough enough, and good enough.

You were lucky, Peter. You had great coaches to help guide you

and wonderful teammates to support you. You made friends easily; that was a gift of yours.

How many times at night on a winter’s eve did you look up at the stars? You know that’s important now.

You were so constantly fixated on results and medals to prove your worth, you didn’t experience the joy of just improving – none of this was life or death. Some of it was guided by your impatience. Things do take time, and now I tell you to have some faith. Slowly, you learned to let that go.

You didn’t realize how new to the sport you were when you started, and that between high school and college, you skied only eight years. You didn’t understand that the longer one trains and competes, over a decade or more, brings (left) SkiTrax columnist peter Graves at high steady improvement. You’d unschool event. derstand tactics, you’d relax (below) Ski buddies from yesteryear: (l-r) a bit instead of trying to find Joe Bristol, larry Martin, peter Graves bomb-proof kick – remember, then you were on wooden skis.

That was a special era – you still remember wearing knickers with long socks and the aroma of pine tar.

Saying this, I can almost smell that pine tar today.

Now 40+ years later at 63, I hope you feel more comfortable being you. You were blessed to find a sport that gave you so much and that you continue to feel passionate about.

Thanks for listening, Peter. Now go out and tell people to enjoy their sport, live authentically with it, take a deep breath once in awhile, and be less occupied with results and more concerned with doing the best you can.

When you were younger, you didn’t know all this – nobody does.

Some of it you just have to live through and experience. For those who are well on their way to Olympic success, these words might not be much help, but for all the young racers seeking to race well and to enjoy the journey, I hope you learn from me. The experience can and should be joyful.

And it is a beautiful journey.

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www.skitrax.com www.pedlamag.com ANNUAL 2015 SKITRAX 79

sasseville report

by Jack Sasseville

Coaches Drive the Sport

Coaching – This year, the Canadian team has finally started to connect with the skiers and coaches below them through combined training camps, as well as the coaches of the National Ski Team and the training centres working together. There has also been much more connection to coaches at the club level. Canadian Head Coach Justin Wadsworth was in Ontario during the summer working with skiers and coaches at this level.

This was long overdue and much needed. One of the major weaknesses in the system in Canada is a lack of strong coaching development. Podium skiers come from podium coaches. The coaches drive the sport, and everywhere you see strong skiers, you will find a strong coach.

This also applies in the U.S. Look where the athletes are coming from and you will find a strong coaching staff. Look at the Central Cross Country Ski Association, Stratton or Anchorage, for example.

All produce great skiers and have great coaches. If North Americans are going to stay competitive on the world stage, there must be more focus on developing coaches through practical, hands-on programs and giving those who want to make coaching a career the opportunity to make a decent living.

Pregnancies – First it was Marit Bjoergen, then Katja Visnar of Slovenia and now Kikkan Randall has announced that she is pregnant. Congratulations! All three have been very successful on the world stage, and I have no doubt that they will make great mothers. All have said that they would like to come back to racing after the birth of their child.

Bjoergen has been reported to be training 15-20 hours per week this fall, and Randall continues to train as well. Bjoergen is planning on racing at the end of the season in Norway. There was talk that she may be in Canada for the Tour de Canada, but also that she thinks this may be too imminent for her and that she likely will not want to travel so far.

Randall is the ultimate ski nomad, so it will be interesting to see how having a child will affect her lifestyle. Her husband, Jeff Ellis, has also been traveling the world, working for the International Ski Federation in marketing and continuing to do so this winter.

Sara Renner and others in the past have made it work, so I see no reason why these women cannot do the same thing. All are close to the end of their careers and make a good living from ski racing. Back in the 1980’s, the Soviet Union used to promote pregnancy to their female skiers because it was believed that they would be better skiers when they returned to racing. It will be interesting to see if these three women have the same result. It will all depend on their motivation.

80 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2015

CCC

Off-season Updates – The most optimistic time in the cross-country-ski training year is the off-season. Coaching changes have been made in the spring (the latest – Norwegian Tor Arne Hetland has returned to Norway), and those skiers who have not retired have made the changes needed to either continue to ski well or to improve on the previous year.

Everyone is optimistic that this year will be his or her year to shine.

When you talk to them, they tell you that training is going well and that they can hardly wait for the first race of the year.

Canadian Head Coach Justin Wadsworth, was in Ontario this summer as part of an effort to improve connections with skiers and coaches across the country.

Petter Northug – The soap opera in Norway between Petter Northug and the Norwegian Ski Federation has finally been settled. The ski federation wants to protect its sponsors and corporate fundraising by ensuring that all of their skiers wear commercial markings from these sponsors. Northug wants to wear the commercial markings of his own primary personal sponsor, which is a direct competitor of one of the federation’s sponsors. Last year, they were able to come to a last-minute agreement that saw Northug wear federation markings when he was on the World Cup and his own markings at other races. They finally settled the dispute at the end of October when they signed a three-year contract that is similar to his contract in 2014 and seems to make everyone happy.

Cross Country Canada (CCC) Financial Woes – The CCC is in financial trouble. It has lost some major sponsors, such as StatOil, and it has not had anyone to look for new sponsors since the spring when it let its CEO go and the association’s marketing director took a job elsewhere. It has also received major cuts from Own the Podium, based on last year’s results.

As well, the future does not look that good. Own the Podium funding is based on top-eight results, and only Alex Harvey achieved that last year. All other top male Canadian skiers are questionable after two poor seasons, and there does not appear to be any other men or women in the pipeline to reach this top-eight level any time soon.

With the drop in oil prices, sponsorship opportunities from the Alberta oil patch have dried up, so CCC will have to look to major hubs such as Toronto if it wants some major funds. But without a dedicated fundraiser and the season almost upon us, it may already be too late for 2016.

There are also rumours that Ski Tour Canada featuring eight key races at the end of the season, is also in need of funds, so currently things could be looking better for the association with the first World Cup around the corner. The new CEO, Pierre Lafontaine, has a fine resume and seems well-connected, but will have a major challenge over the next 12 months in trying to right the ship. www.skitrax.com

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