SkiTrax Annual 2016

Annual 2016

2016/17 NORTH AMERICAN

BUYERS GUIDE FATBIKING

New Winter Rage

MONT-TREMBLANT Quebec at its Best

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

k Pro Tal Randall, Kershaw Plus World Cup Contenders USA & CAN Team Previews Sundby & Johaug Test Positive

CONTENTS Annual 2016/17 Volume 27, Issue 1

FEATURES

SKI

34

24

Pentathlon des Neiges 2017 ITU S3 Winter Triathlon

by Sandra Walter

36 40

Day Ski: Mount Bachelor Nordic Center

by John Symon

Gear Test 2016-17

by Dan & Dalia Clausen, Don Portman, Adam St. Pierre

26

34

Clubs: XC Chelsea Masters

by Jack Cracker

24

Fatbiking: The New Winter Rage

by Sandra Walter

44

Ski de Fond Mont-Tremblant quebec at Its Best

by John Symon

40

44

49 SPECIAL BUYERS GUIDE 50 55 59 63

Skis Boots

66 COMPETITION 66 70

Poles Bindings

72

49

Comp USA: Team Looks Ahead

by Peter Graves

Comp Canada: Team Canada Takes on the World

by Gavin Shields

Comp International: World Cup Contenders

by Peter Graves and Karen Messenger

PRO TALK

SKI TIPS

COLUMNS

20 22

32 33 78

8 28 30 79 80

High voltage by Kikkan Randall Killer Instinct by Devon Kershaw Annual 2016

2016/17 North AmericAN

Fitness and fun make for fantastic skiing ... bring on winter.

Buyers Guide FATBiKiNG

New Winter Rage

MoNT-TreMBlANT Quebec at its Best

GeAr TesT Inside Scoop

Tele Technique by J. Scott McGee Waxworx

by Jack Cook and Patrick Moore

Out In Front Backcountry by Steve Threndyle Masters by J.D. Downing Graves on Nordic by Peter Graves Sasseville Report by Jack Sasseville

Official publication of

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

Rossignol

Technique by Keith Nicol

registration Number 9875 Agreement Number 1372521 Printed in canada

SkiTrax Ann 2016-Cover.indd 1

Pro Talk randall, Kershaw Plus World Cup Contenders usA & CAN Team Previews sundby & Johaug Test Positive 12/1/16 3:51 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.

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 1

publisher/editor Benjamin Sadavoy international correspondent Peter Graves contributors Dan Clausen, Dalia Clausen, Jack Cook, Jack Cracker, J.D. Downing, Devon Kershaw, J. Scott McGee, Karen Messenger, Patrick Moore, Keith Nicol, Don Portman, Kikkan Randall, Jack Sasseville, Gavin Sheilds, Adam St. Pierre, John Symon, Steven Threndyle, Sandra Walter photographers Active Brands, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Amer Sports, Atomic, Brian Becker, Reese Brown, Greg Crevier, Pam Doyle, Fischer Sports GmbH, Elizabeth Geraghty, Jim Gile, Jackson Hole Nordic, Russell Kennedy, Devon Kershaw, Felix Legault-Dignard, Madshus, MWC2016, Methow Valley Photography, Mike Marolt, J. Scott McGee, Mont-Tremblant, Nallertok Nordique, Andy Newell, Heather Nicol, Nipika Mountain Resort, Nordic Focus, Kikkan Randall, Rossignol, Selko Photo, Rebecca Smith, Steven Threndyle, University of Alaska Anchorage, U.S. Ski Team, utah2017. com, Leevi Vähälä/Lahti2017, Wilk Family 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 (2016/17) 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 Annual 2016 2 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

www.skitrax.com

th e

UNbeaten path It will find you when you’re ready.

SUN VALLEY NORDIC FESTIVAL February 2 – 5 see where the path takes you at

VISITSUNVALLEY.COM/winter

KICK Matt Whitcomb/U.S. Ski Team

4 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

www.skitrax.com

The Heat is On As a new season begins, the hours of endless training will soon be tested on start lines the world over. With the 2017 FIS Junior/U23 Nordic Worlds taking place in Utah in late January followed by the Lahti 2017 Nordic Worlds in Finland, the pace is sure to pick up. The U.S. and Canadian teams have staked their claim on the world stage, with veteran Kikkan Randall (pictured here with Liz Stephen) returning to the American fold following the birth of her son, Breck, back in April. Meanwhile #girlpower is growing in Canada with Dahria Beatty, Cendrine Browne and Maya MacIsaac-Jones joining Emily Nishikawa on a rejuvenated World Cup women’s squad. Plus, we’re stoked once again to present our North American Buyer’s Guide in this issue, along with features on the latest snow passions, including Quebec’s ITU S3 Winter Triathlon, part of the renowned Pentathlon des Neiges events and fatbiking for two-wheel aficionados. So grab your toque, as the “heat is on” for a great season ahead. – BAS U.S. cross-country ski stars Kikkan Randall (pink) and Liz Stephen log some training time at a team camp this summer on Eagle Glacier in Alaska amidst beautiful mountain scenery. www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL ANNUAL2016 2016SKITRAX SKITRAX 55

CONTRIBUTORS

John Symon PASQUALE STALTERI

John Symon is an avid recreational skier and occasional Masters racer. He has done some multiday backcountry ski trips on Vancouver Island, in the Canadian Rockies and across Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains. Mainly a Classic skier, Symon has experienced Nordic ski centres across B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New England. He has participated at the Canadian Ski Marathon a few times, but never completed all 10 sections (160km) over the two-day event.

On winter evenings, Symon can sometimes be found skiing Montreal’s Mont-Royal by headlamp, trying to get in shape for an upcoming loppet. Most importantly, he credits cross-country skiing with helping him enjoy winters.

6 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Dan and Dalia Clausen In the ski industry for more than 35 years, Dan Clausen is the owner and director of Minocqua Winter Park Ski Shop and Ski School. With 16 years’ experience on the PSIA Demo Team, as well as nine years of teaching and coaching in Australia, he is also an expert telemark skier.

Clausen has developed many of the trail systems in Northern Wisconsin and has raced at the American Birkebeiner 36 times. His wife, Dalia, is a full-time podiatric physician and is the expert boot fitter at the shop. Involved in several sports-medicine professional programs, she helps with ski lessons and local coaching. Dalia enjoys cross-country ski racing and is an avid marathon runner, cyclist and paddle boarder.

Sandra Walter Based in western Canada, Sandra Walter earned her B.A. in writing at the University of Victoria while training for a career as a cross-country mountain-bike racer. She grew up in an outdoorsy household, where skiing, camping, hiking, cycling and kayaking were routine activities. The longtime Canadian National mountain-bike team member has successfully combined her love of travel and the outdoors with her passion for writing and her lifestyle as an Elite athlete. For many years a contributor to Pedal Magazine and Bike Trade Canada, her journalistic highlights also include reporting on Nordic events for SkiTrax during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

www.skitrax.com

AGE GROUPS, TEAM RELAY, FAMILY CHALLENGE…

IT’S ALSO FOR YOU

FEBRUARY 24 TO MARCH 5, 2017 pentathlondesneiges.com

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST WINTER MULTISPORT EVENT!

OUT IN FRONT

by John Symon

Women’s NC Olympic Goal is Beijing 2022

Nakkertok Receives $250,000 from Kraft Heinz’s Project Play Funds to be Used for Snowmaking

I

n August, it was announced that Nakkertok Nornot have happened without the time and energy dique ski club, a cross-country ski club based you committed in voting and encouraging others to near Ottawa, Ont., had won $250,000 in Kraft vote, as well demonstrating the strength, passion Heinz’s Project Play, beating out some 800 other and commitment of our members to work togethnominations in 550 communities across Canada. er to achieve a common goal. Your efforts not only The non-profit organization will use the funding to resulted in Nakkertok receiving the most votes, but establish snowmaking and other infrastructure and also raised our profile in cross-country skiing,” comfacility upgrades. mented Robert Hornung, Nakkertok president.

“Canadians across the country were inspired “With respect to snowmaking, we requested and by the story of Nakkertok Nordique. From coast received proposals from four vendors of snowmakto coast, they cast their votes for this passionate ing equipment and have decided to work with HKD place to play – and together, with their support, (a Canadian manufacturer of snowmaking equipwe’re making it snow!” said Joanna Milroy, marketment located outside of Quebec City) to build the ing director, Kraft Heinz. “Without snow, the Nakbase of our system. It is our hope to be in a position kertok Nordique has been forced to lose its early to begin making snow in mid-November if weather season, close trails and cancel annual races. The conditions allow,” added Hornung. funding from Kraft Heinz Project Play will now enNakkertok is an Inuktitut word for “moving swiftly sure it can open its doors and trails for the commuon snow.” Founded in 1971 and based in Cantley, nity year-round.”

Que., which is approximately 20 minutes outside of Nakkertok Nordique is a 1,400-member crossOttawa, Nakkertok has become one of the largest country ski club run by volunteers who maintain ski clubs in Canada with access to 75 kilometres its trails, cabins, parks and outdoor equipment. of the finest cross-country skiing lands in the OttaAs winters get warmer, the club is facing increaswa-Gatineau area. ing challenges in providing skiable terrain, and it The Kraft Heinz Project Play 2016 competition is entered the Kraft Heinz Project Play contest. The sponsored by Kraft Heinz Canada, and the Sports $250,000 will be used to help purchase a snowNetwork (TSN) and Le Réseau des Sports (RDS), making system to increase the duration of the divisions of Bell Media Inc. ski season by 30% and additional equipment to Three runner-up finalists, Jaffray Melick Ballprepare its trails for year-round use. The club estifields (Kenora, Ont.), Pearlgate Track and Field mates that this investment could give it Club (Mount Pearl, Nfld.) and Chase and up to eight more weeks of skiable con- Nakkertok members District Skate Park (Chase, B.C.), will recelebrate their win, purditions. ceive $20,000 each to support their projchasing a snowmaking “Thank you, Nakkertok members. system to extend the ski ects. For more information, visit www.

This is a historic moment, and it would season by 30%. kraftheinzprojectplay.com.

8 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016 2015

Bjorn Daehlie Apparel Brand Unveils New Identity Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Bjørn Daehlie Clothing has announced a new identity and logo for the brand named after the Norwegian cross-country xc ski legend.

Evolving from a purely technical ski brand it is now aimed at a broader consumer group becoming a performance training and active Nordic lifestyle brand. The company's signature logo has been changed to DÆHLIE, that visualizes the brand's values and strategy for the future.

Part of Active Brands which is owned by the Holta Invest, DÆHLIE has subsidiaries in Europe and North America and is the official supplier to the Norwegian Cross-country Ski Team.

A cross-country legend of the 1990s, Bjørn Daehlie established his apparel brand in 1996; for 20 years, his company has developed innovative clothing for cross-country skiers.

Daehlie transforms to a performance training and active Nordic lifestyle brand.

Active Brands

Nakkertok Nordique

At the International Ski Federation (FIS) autumn meetings, race director Lasse Ottesen of the Nordic Combined (NC) Committee, presented a strategy document and an ambitious timeline for the development of female athletes in the sport of Nordic-combined to compete at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China. Previous Olympic Games have only seen men competing.

The next steps for respective national ski associations are aimed at seeing a Women’s Continental Cup start in early 2018 (a first organizer has already applied for an event in Estonia), participation in the Junior World Championships in 2019, participation in the Youth Olympic Games in Switzerland in 2020, a first women’s World Cup season in 2020/21 and, finally, the inclusion in the Beijing Games in 2022.

www.skitrax.com

The mountain always leads.

Choose Golden, British Columbia for your next Nordic Skiing adventure.

Renowned for great grooming, spectacular scenery and a welcoming atmosphere, the Golden Nordic Club’s Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre offers over 33 km of groomed classic and skating trails.

Facilities include a heated day lodge offering a kitchenette and lounge area, a workshop for ski waxing, rental shop and storage.

Enjoy many events throughout the season including the iconic Huckleberry Loppet on February 4th & 5th, 2017.

Start planning your adventure at www.tourismgolden.com/nordic

tourismgolden.com

out in front

by John Symon

Norwegian Stars Johnsrud Sundby and Johaug Test Positive

Fischer Sports GmbH

Team's Credibility Damaged

Fischer's new Head of Marketing, Jan Ekmark.

Pam Doyle

Jan Ekmark is Fischer’s New Head of Marketing

I

n the wake of major doping contro- Controversy hit Norway Johnsrud Sundby’s doping conviction versies already in the news, Norway, when top stars Martin led to his disqualification from events in Johnsrud Sundby and the world’s top National cross-country Therese Johaug both December 2014 and January 2014, which, team, became embroiled when two of tested positive. in turn, led to many recalculations of race its top stars tested positive for doping. results and World Cup standings. Thus, In July, World Cup overall winner Martin Johnsrud the final 2014/15 FIS (International Ski Federation) Sundby was in the news for twice testing overCross-Country World Cup standings are as follows: the-limit for Salbutamol, a TUE (Therapeutic Use 1. Dario Cologna (SUI) 1,103 points; Petter Northug Exemption)-approved medication he uses to treat (NOR) 1,047 points; Calle Halfvarsson (SWE) 897 asthma. Then, in October, it was announced that points. No longer the champion, Johnsrud Sundby Therese Johaug had tested positive for Clostebol slides down to sixth place in the overall World Cup on Sept. 16. standings with 748 points and forfeits CHF 22,275 in This one-two punch badly damaged Norway’s the overall World Cup prize-money earnings. reputation for being “squeaky-clean.” Worse, the In total, Johnsrud Sundby forfeits 616 World Cup reaction of the Norwegian Ski Federation to each points for the 2014/15 season and CHF 131,275 incident casts further doubts over the National ($135,000 [US]) in prize money. team, as it accepted blame for both incidents, Johaug was in tears at a press conference, anleading some to liken the circumstances to the nanouncing her positive test for anabolic steroid Clostion-sponsored doping dilemma faced by Russia. tebol during an out-of-competition control, explainJohnsrud Sundby had a TUE for Salbutamol, ing that it was a topical cream her team doctor had but exceeded the maximum allowed dose on two bought to treat her sunburned lips. The team doctor, occasions in December 2014 and January 2015.

Fredrik S. Bendiksen, took full blame and then poHe received a two-month suspension (served litely resigned. According to WADA rules, athletes outside of the ski season) and was stripped of are personally responsible for ensuring that they do his 2014/15 Tour de Ski title, as well as his overall not take banned products. The cream apparently World Cup title. In a statement, the Norwegian Ski had a clear doping warning on its label.

Federation said that it assumed full responsibility Johaug, 28, also received a very light two-month for the matter, even compensating the 26-year-old suspension by Anti-Doping Norway that ends on star for lost prize monies after losing his titles totalDec. 18, yet her doping violation can lead to a fouring $135,000 [US]. year ban from the sport. As such, she will miss the Subsequent media reports revealed that an exbeginning of the 2016-17 ski season, but her case traordinarily high 69% of Norway’s Olympic-medal is still being reviewed and futher repercussions may winners in Nordic skiing had TUEs for asthma inhalbe coming. ers. This compares to approximately 10% of the genAll of this has led to allegations of “arrogance” on eral public using inhalers, although the incidence the part of the Norwegian Ski Federation. There were does seem higher amongst cross-country skiers – even some unofficial calls for a two-year boycott of the approximately 50% of the British team uses inhalers, Norwegian team for “state-sponsored doping,” similar according to leading expert John Dickinson. to official charges made against the Russian team.

10 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016 2015

On Aug. 1, Jan Ekmark started as Fischer’s head of marketing, a new position. Ekmark will have marketing responsibilities for Fischer’s three divisions: Nordic, alpine and hockey.

Under his leadership, the marketing team will be restructured to focus on the areas of e-marketing, sports marketing/public relations, as well as trade and consumer marketing.

The restructuring is part of measures designed to communicate the brand’s positioning more clearly and more effectively.

“Fischer has produced the kind of leading-edge innovation and performance in Nordic skiing that really makes athletes take notice. I’m very happy to be part of this great company and to contribute to our success in the future,” said Ekmark.

USA Nordic 2017 Names Demong Executive Director Billy Demong, the first U.S. Nordic-combined athlete to win Olympic gold, has been named executive director at USA Nordic Sport, which currently operates the U.S. ski-jumping and Nordic-combined teams.

First established in 2010 as USA Ski Jumping by founding members Alan Johnson, Jeff Hastings, Rex Bell and Jim Holland, it was re-established as USA Nordic Sport in May 2015.

The organization was restructured, including its board of directors and by-laws, to create a more professional organization. “We are an organization that funds and oversees the National teams and National sport-development efforts alongside USSA. They’re still the National Governing Body (NGB), but have written some grants to help our overall efforts and provide guidance, especially at the FIS level,” said Demong. www.skitrax.com

by John Symon

University of Alaska to Stop Funding Ski Teams Nordic Team’s Future in Doubt

he University of Alaska plans to close its Nordic and alpine ski teams at both Anchorage (UAA) and Fairbanks (UAF) at the end of the 2016/17 academic year. Alaska’s economic dependence on oil, combined with depressed oil prices for the past two years, have forced the state to make deep cuts, and university athletics is among that being affected.

“Given the task of reducing our program from Thanksgiving at 13 teams to nine teams, it is with great regret Hatcher Pass – Alaska is a hotbed for xc and disappointment that I announce that at the skiing, but big changes conclusion of the 2016-17 academic year, UAA may soon unfold.

Seawolf Athletics will be discontinuing our sponsorship of men’s/women’s skiing and men’s/women’s indoor track and field,” wrote Keith Hackett, UAA athletic director, in a statement this fall.

Hackett went on to say that Seawolf Athletics will undergo a 20% budget cut beginning in the fall of 2017 equating to $1.9 million, or a 36% reduction in General Fund allocations to intercollegiate athletics.

This follows James R. Johnsen, the University’s president, asking for a waiver from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA),-

no longer requiring the University to sponsor 10 teams to remain a member of Division II. The planned cuts are $1 million a year, which is the cost of fielding teams at UAA ($600,000 for alpine and Nordic squads) and UAF ($400,000 for a Nordic squad), reports the Alaska Dispatch. The newspaper report added that it is far from certain that NCAA will grant the waiver to reduce the number of sponsored teams. Pundits claim it’s unlikely the NCAA will approve the request, but if it does, many suggest it will be another nail in the coffin of intercollegiate skiing in Alaska.

There are questions as to why athletics is being so targeted. The UAA currently spends $10 million annually and UAF $6 million on athletics; this amounts to some 2.5% of the University’s combined budget.

Johnsen’s announcement also caught coaches and athletes by surprise, as they thought they had more time to make their case to keep the ski programs.

The University of Alaska, with 35,000 students, has three major institutions in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.

University of Alaska Anchorage

T

Imagine...

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 11

out in front

Chris Frado Announces Her Retirement Executive Director of CCSAA for 30 Years

Reese Brown

t the SIA Show in Denver, Colo. back in Janution for reporting cross-country ski conditions, exary 2016, Cross Country Ski Areas Association pansion of a trail-sign product line and negotiated a (CCSAA) announced the retirement of its executive comprehensive and competitive liability-insurance director, Chris Frado, effective Oct. 7. With the orgaplan for cross-country ski areas. nization for 30 years, Frado has been at the helm of Together with Mike Dunne, she forged an unpre­ CCSAA since August 1986, when she was recruited cedented 16-year sampling program for Nature Valaway from corporate America for the position. ley Granola Bars at member ski centres in the U.S. “Chris has served CCSAA for so long that she Frado has always enthusiastically embraced the absolutely defines the organization as we know CCSAA membership on both sides of the U.S.-Canit today. With her spirit and energy, she has built ada border, saying, “I work for the finest people on CCSAA into an international cross-country ski inthe planet, who are so genuine, honest, down-toformation centre. We are so sad to see her go,” earth and want to help others enjoy themselves. I said JoJo Toeppner, chairman of the CCSAA am grateful every day for the opportunity to work for board and director of skiing for Royal Gorge, Calif.

Cross Country Ski Areas Association.”

Frado, and her late husband, John (Frado), were The membership has grown under her leaderinvolved in the initial growth of the cross-country ship and today represents 248 member businessski industry going back to the early 70’s, when the es in the cross-country ski industry (170 Nordic sport became commercialized and adopted by centres, 34 vendors and 31 retailers and organithe American public. She was in on the creation zations). and development of each of the professional or“Chris was always the diplomat, making tough ganizations for Nordic skiing, ski instruction, ski business decisions, finding an office, stretching patrol and ski-area operations. dues thin, thin, thin. She orchestrated everything She was the seventh Nordic patroller to earn the with a steady hand and her energy was only exrank of Senior Patroller, thus designated #007 by ceeded by her imagination,” commented Joe Pete the National Ski Patrol. She patrolled for 12 years Wilson, CCSAA founder. “Chris will truly never be at Northfield Mountain in Massachusetts, was a gone. She will always be with us. The entire Norcertified ski instructor for seven years, managed dic community has no idea of the debt of gratitude the ski shop at two Massachusetts Nordic centres owed to this individual.” and has taught skijoring clinics..

Frado will be succeeded by Reese During her tenure at CCSAA, Chris Frado (l) receives the esteemed Brown, who is currently Nordic direcFounders Award from Howie Weymss Frado shepherded the organizator for SnowSports Industries Ameri(Great Glen Trails) in recognition of tion through IRS determination as her 30 years as executive director ca-SIA and an elected representative a tax-exempt entity, standardiza- of CCSAA. to the CCSAA board of directors.

12 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016 2015

Rebecca Smith

A

Amie Smith is NENSA’s New Executive Director In October, the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) announced that Amie Smith will be the new executive director for the 2016-17 ski season. After serving as NENSA’s high-performance director for the past 18 months, Smith is also now taking on staff management and organizational oversight. She will continue to run NENSA’s competitive-racing programs.

Carol Van Dyke, board president, commented Smith enthusiastically communicates with staff and the general public on behalf of NENSA. Smith previously coached and volunteered for Cambridge Sports Union, an affiliated NENSA club.

Controversial New FIS Rules on Length of Classic Poles FIS, the International Ski Federation, has introduced a controversial new maximum classic pole length of 83 percent of body height for World Cups, Continental Cups and also ski marathons registered as FIS races.

Starting this ski season the new rule will be enforced as measured from the tip of the pole to the point of entry of the loop into the handle.

The impetus for this move is an attempt to preserve the classic technique by preventing skiers from double-poling their way to the finish.

FIS also hopes to curb half skating, skating steps, etc., which is forbidden in classical technique races.

Despite much criticism FIS seems ready to stand by its decision claiming the rule had been passed unanimously by all National Ski Associations. FIS says a pole measurement device will be available during official training at races so that athletes can check their equipment and will execute random controls. A broken pole during competition can be replaced by one of any length but if two poles are broken then the rule applies. www.skitrax.com

Alex Harvey

Signs with Salomon Skis n mid-July, standout Canadian Nordic athlete Alex Harvey – who was already using Salomon boots and bindings – announced that he will switch to Salomon skis for the 2016-2017 Nordic season.

“After so many years with its boots and bindings, I’m happy to announce that, from now on, I will be training and racing with Salomon skis! @salomon #salomonfamily,” announced Harvey on social media. An accompanying photo showed Harvey with his Salomon skis in front of Quebec City’s most iconic landmark, the Château Frontenac.

Salomon’s Nordic race team has worked closely with Harvey to ensure his comfort and performance in Salomon’s carbon S-Lab boots and Salomon bindings, and looks forward to working with him on Salomon skis.

Harvey, 28, is two-time Olympian for Canada and finished third in the overall World Cup in 2014 and sixth in 2012. Among his other accomplishments are a silver medal in the Classic sprint and a bronze medal in the 30km Skiathlon at the 2015 FIS World Championships, a bronze medal in the Classic sprint at the 2013 Nordic Worlds, Team

Amer Sports

I

Sprint gold with Devon Kershaw at the 2011 FIS World Championships, and he was the U23 world champion in the 30km Skiathlon in 2011.

Harvey joins Canadian biathletes Rosanna Crawford and Brendan Green, also on the Salomon team. Previously on Fischer equipment, Harvey’s renowned father, Pierre, won the 50km CL World Cup at the Holmenkollen ski festival in 1988, and was the first Canadian male to compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympics as both a cross-country skier and road cyclist.

Canadian xc ski star Alex Harvey is all smiles on joining the #salomonfamily.

January 28 & 29, 2017

www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 13

out in front

Sue Holloway

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

F

our-time Olympian Sue Holloway was the first woman in the world to ever compete at both Winter and Summer Olympic Games in the same year; she competed in cross-country skiing and kayaking in 1976. Holloway will be officially inducted on Nov. 14 at the 2016 Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame induction celebrations, presented by Canadian Tire.

Other 2016 inductees include Michael “Pinball” Clemons (football); Stephanie Dixon (para-swimming); Dr. Frank Hayden, creator of the Special Olympics movement; Colleen Jones (curling), Annie Perreault (speed skating); and Bryan Trottier (hockey).

Holloway grew up in Ottawa, Ont., representing Ontario at the 1971 Canada Winter Games in skiing; two years later, she joined both National teams for cross-country skiing and paddling. In 1975, Holloway was the Canadian champion in skiing (5km Classic) and kayaking (K1-500 and 6,000 metre, K2-500 metre and K4-500 metre). The following year, she represented Canada at the 1976 InnsCross-country ski bruck Olymp ic Winter Games Olympian Sue Holloway in the 10km cross-country ski inducted into Canada's race and the 4x5km relay.

Sports Hall of Fame.

A few months after that, she raced at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in the K1500 metre and K2-500 metre.

Holloway focused on kayaking, intending to make the 1980 Olympic team, but Canada boycotted the Moscow Games. Refusing to give up, she qualified for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where she won silver in the K2-500 metre and bronze in the K4-500 metre.

Today, Holloway is an event planner, world champion dragonboat competitor and a cross-country ski coach, helping to motivate the next generation of athletes. .

American Birkie Museum

T

he Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wis., opened in August, has received a total of $50,000 in donations from the Johnson Bank (Johnson Financial Group) and the Samuel C. Johnson family.

The American Birkebeiner Museum celebrates the origins of the race in 1973 through lively, stateof-the-art exhibits, hands-on activities, a three-dimensional Birkie Trail model, and much more.

Visitors can even re-enact the Birkebeiner legend by donning replica historical costumes in front of a diorama of the Norwegian mountains.

Now in its 44th year, more than 250,000 participants have skied in Birkie-week events since 35 skiers massed on the start line in 1973.

“The Lumberjack World Championships (LWC) were also founded by Tony Wise. Events like the LWC and the Birkie have increased tourism in the region, putting the communities of Hayward and Cable on the map,” said Craig Hokanson, current regional president of Johnson Bank.

The Birkie was the vision of Tony Wise, who dis-

14 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016 2015

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation ©TKelly

Receives $50,000 Donation

Wiik Family

Inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

Nordic Ski Legend Sven Wiik Passes Away Long-time skiing legend Sven Wiik passed away on July 5 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. at age 95. He devoted his life to cross-country skiing and tirelessly advocated for the sport.

Wiik was part of the Swedish team competing in gymnastics at the 1948 London Olympics. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1949, he coached the U.S. ski team at the 1958 World Championships and the cross-country squad at the 1960 Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif.

Wiik later coached at Colorado’s Western State College; a dozen of his students qualified for World Championships and U.S. Olympic teams.

Later, Wiik opened the famed Scandinavian Lodge in Steamboat Springs, an eventual mecca for both ski racing and ski touring. In 1974, Wiik was honoured with the USSA’s prestigious Blegan Award; the same year, he was inducted into the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame. At the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic World Games, he served as chief steward of cross-country ski events.

Wiik is survived by his wife, Birthe, daughter Birgitta Lindgren and granddaughter Kajsa Lindgren, all of whom have played a major role in cross-country skiing in the U.S.

SIA Moves to Utah

covered skiing during World The American War II. He later founded the Birkebeiner Museum celebrates the origins Telemark Ski Area near Cable, of the Birkie race, now Wis. in 1947; by 1973, a cross- in its 44th year. 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.

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) has moved to Park City, Utah from McLean, Va. SIA describes itself as a non-profit, North American member-owned trade association representing suppliers of consumer snow sports with constituents in the retailer, rep and resort communities.

“In an effort to better serve our members and industry, we’re moving to the mountains, effective Sept.

1,” reads part of a SIA release.

Park City, a ski town, lies east of Salt Lake City. Nearby Utah Olympic Park hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and is now predominantly a training facility used by the U.S. National Team, among others. The town is at an altitude of 2,134 metres (7,001 feet). www.skitrax.com

Erika Flowers and Andy Newell announced their engagement and plans to be married in June 2017.

Don’t get left behind

photo courtesy of Andy Newell

More time skiing .... less time waxing

Wedding Bells for Flowers and Newell In July, two prominent U.S. cross-country skiers announced their engagement as Andy Newell proposed to Erika Flowers. Newell describes how he popped the question: “I had snuck out of our apartment, leaving a hidden note, and made my way down to one of our favourite hangouts and fishing spots on Gale Meadows Pond near Stratton. When I had a good head-start on her and was already in our fishing boat, I called her to have her read the note to meet me down at the pond. The day before, I had left a trail of painted rocks on the mile-long path through the woods that leads out to a hidden point around the pond.

She arrived and followed the path and painted rocks to meet me and the boat.

When she got there, she still had no idea what was going on, so I popped the question and she said yes!

“We have set a date in June of next year [2017] for the wedding, and it will be out in Bozeman, Montana [Flowers’ hometown].

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 15

out in front

by John Symon

Interview with Reese Brown CCSAA’s New Executive Director

Are you also involved with the US Ski Team?

RB: I am involved with the US Ski Team. I sit on the Cross Country Advisory Board that supports the National Team through additional fundraising and media and other advisory duties.

Reese Brown

Do you have a first 100-days agenda?

RB: I do, but first and foremost, I needed to really understand the inner workings of CCSAA and learn the existing systems. My No. 1 agenda item is creating better communication with the members about what CCSAA is doing for them. To that end, I have rebuilt the database, changed the e-mail platform, restructured the newsletter and added regional meetings around the country.

You previously said that, “Bridging between SIA and CCSAA will provide great synergies that will allow me to advance both organizations in ways that will greatly enhance the Nordic community.” How do you see this unfolding?

RB: By working with both SIA and CCSAA, I speak to the supplier and the resorts. This had allowed me to open communication between the two, but also allowed me to add components to different initiatives I am working on. As an example, we just completed our annual Eastern Meeting at the Eastman Cross Country Center in North Eastern USA where we discussed the return on investment (ROI) of turning over your rental fleet often. This speaks to the supplier and selling more gear, but also the ski area by having fresh rental gear that provides a better experience for its guests.

CCSAA is primarily a U.S. organization – how many members do you have and what percentage of membership is in Canada? arlier this year, Reese Brown took over as the execu- Reese Brown hopes RB: We have been primarily a U.S. organization, but that is tive director of the Cross-Country Ski Areas Association to add value to both not what we want to be. Within day of taking over CCSAA, I roles as new executive (CCSAA), replacing Chris Frado. Brown, 52, will continue director of CCSAA's took a trip to Quebec to visit with some members there and to also act as the Nordic director of SnowSports Industries while continuing as discuss ways to communicate better with them. Our AnnuAmerica (SIA). We reached out to Brown, based in Wood- Nordic director of SIA. al Conference this year will be at Silver Star Resort in B.C. stock, Vt., to find out more about his plans going forward.

(Canada), and I intend to push hard to get our Canadian members and non-members there. We did have two Canadian ski arCongratulations on your new position with the Cross-Country Ski Areas Association! eas represented at our recent Eastern meeting and I was able to take Reese Brown: Thank you. I am very much looking forward to combining some time to speak with them about how to integrate Canada better. this new position with what I do as SIA’s Nordic director. The addition of CCSAA really opens up the conversation with the ski areas, and I Are there plans to grow the organization? feel I have some great ideas to help them provide the best product RB: I very definitely have plans to grow membership, but that will only possible. happen if I am able to show real value for the membership cost. This concept is integral with every initiative we come up with – how will it Please give a brief history of how you got into the ski industry and your time in it. help our membership. I do feel we are accomplishing this now, and I RB: I began as an alpine ski racer and moved in to alpine coaching am seeing new members coming in already. when my racing days were over. I was also an event producer and Currently, there are 280 members, but that number is growing, and started doing some work with the SnowSports Industries America. As I hope to pass 300 by year’s end. The annual CCSAA membership I became more involved with SIA and running some consumer snowbegins at $370 [US]. shoe and cross-country ski programs, I fell in love with the Nordic culture. From there, I became its Nordic director.

We’ve heard that fatbiking is being embraced by a number of centres – At a very young age, I came to the question, do I go alpine or how is CCSAA involved?

Nordic? I chose alpine at that point, but still was an active cross-counRB: I believe it is CCSAA’s job to create a “best practices” document try skier and would race in what was called the Skimeister, downhill, for integrating fatbikes into our ski areas. This falls under my value cross-country and jumping. I did ski through college, which was great proposition to the members. I am working with our members, the Infun, but had no future career in racing and turned to coaching. ternational Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Quality Bike

E

16 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

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Products (QBP) to gather information and look at standardizing how fatbikes are used at cross-country centres and creating universal signage. This is a really fun project!

What challenges lie ahead for CCSAA, including climate change?

RB: Climate change is an incredibly important issue and challenge, and we are partnering with Protect Our Winters to activate our membership and all cross-country skiers to help combat climate change. Separate from the climate, my biggest challenge is effective communication with my membership. I can see who reads any of my communications, and the numbers are not where I think they should be.

This is my No. 1 priority; we have great programs, but if the membership does not know about them, we lose our effectiveness.

Much has already been said about your predecessor, Chris Frado. Is there anything to add?

RB: Chris Frado was the architect of the association; she is handing me a welloiled organization that I will be able to keep building on. In the transition, she has been incredibly helpful [in] guiding my groups and providing answers to my countless questions. I am so thankful that

she is here and willing to help; I look forward to continuing our working relationship and friendship.

Any final remarks?

RB: I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the SkiTrax readers across Canada and the U.S.A. and I look forward to a continued long relationship with the magazine.

Tell us about your recent summit and this new concept you introduced.

RB: We have had three regional summits and one Eastern meeting since I took over. Meeting face-to-face is so incredibly important, and I know many of our members don’t or can’t get to the Annual Meeting. By creating some regional off-season summits, CCSAA hopes to reach more of our membership in a face-to-face setting, which, in turn, helps to develop a more personal relationship with members. As I often say, it’s not only about what presenters have to say, it’s also about the time spent in the aisles, or over coffee or lunch that is so important. You cannot get that intimacy with email blasts.

Were there any noticeable effects from Ski Tour Canada last season?

RB: I believe there were noticeable effects from Ski Tour Canada. Certainly there was a lot of excitement from the racing community about having a race series on our continent.

It was also a chance to get lots of local press for cross-country skiing in a non-Olympic year. But racing is only part of the equation.

In my work with the media, I constantly hear the belief that cross-country skiing is difficult.

It can be, but there is more to it, and that is the real story I am trying to share.

Are there other trends or initiatives in the works?

RB: Value and communication: those are my two focal points. In addition to better ways to communicate with our audience, we are working on fatbike best practices, standardizing surface-condition names, how to create a safety and ski-patrol plan, how to fund large capital expenditures and more. www.skitrax.com

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 17

high voltage

by Kikkan Randall

Lessons Learned Post-baby, Part One

ow that I’ve been through my first pregnancy and childbirth, I have a much greater appreciation for every mother out there and every Elite female athlete who has returned to competition after having a baby! Pregnancy and motherhood have changed my body and my mind in so many ways – some expected and some so not expected.

As I reflect back on my journey over the past year, I would like to share a few things that I’ve learned since my son arrived in April.

I was fortunate to have a smooth pregnancy where I was able to maintain a relatively solid level of aerobic fitness and strength. In the last week before Breck was born, I was still able to do three sets of eight pull-ups while carrying that extra 30 pounds. I thought to myself, “When this weight comes off, these pull-ups are going to feel amazing.” Or so I thought. I was not prepared for how much my body would need to recover from the birth process itself, and after just a few weeks, even doing a few pull-ups was challenging. I was amazed how quickly I had lost the “strong” feeling that I had in the last weeks of my pregnancy.

One thing I was really unprepared for was how much my deep core and stabilizer muscles had turned off during my pregnancy and delivery. I learned this lesson the hard way when I went to get up from a chair while holding Breck and tweaked my back. This simple movement left me hobbling around for a week because I no longer had the core stability I was used to and all the load was being transferred into more vulnerable joints such as my back, pelvis and hips. Thankfully, this tweak led me to a physical therapist who specializes in postpartum issues, and I quickly learned that I had a lot of work to do to retrain my deep core muscles, pelvic floor and diaphragm. Having guidance on how to work my back properly and being able to discuss all the issues that can crop up after delivery were key; I just wish someone had told me ahead of time so I could have scheduled ap- Randall is all smiles Figuring out how to return to a full ski-training program with son, Breck, and pointments in advance! turned out to be pretty complicated. With so many differhas new appreciation The physical therapist I worked with encouraged me to and understanding ent modes of training and different intensities, it was hard try a postnatal Pilates class to help rebuild my deep core. I for mothers and to figure out where to start and how to progress. My coach had never done Pilates before and had never really thought female athletes and I took the approach of being a little cautious and patient having a baby. about how the deep core muscles are constantly working and introducing one mode of training at a time and then into support just about everything you do. The Pilates worktroducing intensity one level at a time. I started with such outs were a new challenge for me, not so much about strength, but low-impact activities as biking and hiking and progressed with easy all about coordination. It was helpful to be cued through exercises Classic, then skate rollerskiing. I also began with lower volume and to re-engage the right muscles in the right sequence. Within just a progressed only when I felt my body was totally handling each level. It few weeks, I really noticed a positive difference in my stability and felt agonizingly slow at points, but the progression has actually gone improvement in some of my postpartum challenges, such as the sepamazingly well, and at the six-month mark, I am pretty much back to aration of my abs and my return to running.

100% and feeling darn close to my pre-baby levels of training and And, oh yeah, about running. I was very anxious after delivery to get fitness. back to running. I really tried to be patient over the first six weeks, but I believe taking a patient and cautious approach to my training and couldn’t help starting to sneak in a few running steps while out walking getting guidance from postpartum experts have been the crucial for with Breck. However, I quickly learned that due to a lingering hormone helping me make a successful return to full-time training as a new called relaxin, I still had hypermobility in my pelvic joints, which quickly mom. I have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly my fitness and became overstressed from the load of running. Even short attempts at strength have returned, and I am grateful to have avoided any major running/walking quickly became painful, and I had to be really patient complications. Having to rebuild from the bottom up has been a fun and slow with my progression. Hiking uphill ended up being a great process and just what my body needed after 15 years as a full-time way to get my body ready for running, and it took me until the end of the athlete. In my next column, I will talk about some of the mental and fourth month to start to be able to handle short trail runs. emotional changes I’ve discovered on this journey into motherhood.

20 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

courtesy of Kikkan Randall

N

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Fat Bikes, skinny skis and Backcountry gear

Fat Bike demos, rentals, tours

olympian Billy demong

February 25, 2017

killer instinct

by Devon Kershaw

Yoga: An Efficient Form of Torture

22 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Courtesy Devon Kershaw

T

he thick gray fog rose directly from the tarmac, almost perfectly perpendicular to the road, in a strange illusionary way. “Like being engulfed by a never-ending steam cloud from a boiling kettle,” I thought to myself as I pedaled briskly through the dark, quiet streets of Norway’s capital. Rolling through the deserted streets, I almost laughed out loud. I was actually doing it. I was en route to a markedly uppity neighbourhood in Oslo-West to practise an ancient form of torture. I mean yoga.

The idea of yoga was birthed only moments before. In an almost “Big-Bang-like” perception, my tight hamstrings blended mystically with a sudden drive for self-improvement. When a pinch of loneliness coupled with self-loathing was added to this perfectly inexplicable mélange, my course was set. Okay, it also helped that Kristin, my wife of a year and ex-Norwegian ski racer, was on her way out the door for her daily three-hour practice for this week’s upcoming performance on Skal vi danse (the Norwegian equivalent of the reality-TV phenomenon Dancing with the Stars). I guess she inspired me to better myself as well and now I was hurtling my way through the evening at 15kph on my trusty 1970s cruiser bike towards my muscular demise.

Through the years, I have dabbled in yoga for a plethora of reasons.

Impress a woman. Check. Keep said woman impressed. Check. Attempt to calm my hyper border-collie-like mind? Check. Help abate some of the punishing muscular tightness years of ski The idea of yoga with what can only be described as Norwegian models. All I training has pounded into my being? Oh yes. I may not wear was birthed following could see was yoga pros. The theme was obvious – all were a sudden drive for flowing robes or participate in “retreats” of any kind, but I am self-improvement women and all had done this before. Thousands of times. secure enough in my masculinity to admit that I find yoga inspired by my They were long-legged, ponytailed, fit and wore tights. enjoyable (at least when it’s over) and useful both profes- wife, Kirstin.

Some were in full lotus position with their eyes closed, while sionally/personally. Yet consistency in anything has been a others were lying on their backs already loudly setting their challenge for me during my 33 years. Even when I know it’s good intention for the practice with their breathing. I stood there stunned. for this tight-hipped, tight-shouldered, anxious slouchy mess, yoga Instantly intimidated in my baggy shorts and T-shirt as the cacophony always seems to lose out in a face-off with . . . well . . . doing nothing. of “ujjayi” breathing” filled the room with expert flair, I felt I may have Before I knew it, I was parking my bike as the foggy mist collected messed up. in humid droplets across my jacket, already mourning the loss of sumI breathed deeply to psych myself up and took my position beside, mer. As I finished wrestling with my rusty bike lock, a tall, slim woman of all people, “gray Tesla.” This garnered no reaction. “Drake would stepped out of a new matte-gray Tesla. Sporting a stylish jacket and have material to make at least two full albums on the room’s ratio black tights, I almost didn’t even need to see the metal water bottle alone,” I thought to myself. I was the only man. My sweat glands must and yoga mat filling her hands. I knew I had arrived at the right place, have received the anxiety cue from between my ears because I was and there was no escaping. I whispered to myself, “In bocca al lupo,” sweating hard and fiercely in no time. I quickly laid my mat down on an Italian phrase for wishing someone luck, which seemed to fit the the hardwood floor and surrounded myself with props (blocks, straps, situation as I followed her long Kate Moss-esque legs down a set of etc.), as if creating a moat of them would protect me from the deep stairs to the studio itself – into the mouth of the wolf. feeling of inferiority that flooded me.

As I set down my backpack and pulled my yoga mat out, the friendBefore we got going in earnest, Sunnøve glided over to discreetly yoga instructor came over to greet me. Let’s call her Sunnøve. She ly ask if I could understand Norwegian enough to follow along. She was the quintessential yoga instructor: a fit, beautiful, smiling woman communicated that she would be using the Sanskrit words for the in her thirties. Her brownish-blond hair tied back in a ponytail, she was various poses – of which I have some familiarity (just don’t ask my wearing the international agreed-upon uniform of three-quarter-length hamstrings), but otherwise the class would be held in Norwegian. I tights and a tank top – all in black – of yoga instructors the world over. remember nodding, distinctly adhering to the old adage of “Fake it ‘til We exchanged pleasantries, and soon Sunnøve guided me to the acyou make it,” and responding that Norwegian+Sanskrit should be fine. tual room where the practice would be held.

Before leaving to take her position at the head of the class, I noticed I took two steps inside and froze. Scanning the small, intimate her giving me a quick once-over before meeting my eyes again and space, my eyes locked on the 14 yoga mats. The space was tight, softly saying, “You look like you know what you’re doing.” My already but not uncomfortably so, and most of the mats were already filled over-productive sudoriferous glands noted the error in her judgment.

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Before I could correct her, and just as quickly as she had appeared, she teleported herself back to her mat at the front of the room.

We began. Having started the sweat-party before so much as sitting down, it was obvious my physiology found the temperate room a tad warm. After being in Norway for some months, you’d think I would have become used to feeling uncomfortable, out of my element and embarrassed. Not so, apparently. Only minutes into the class, my “Grade One” comprehension of the Norwegian language quickly glissaded backwards at avalanche-like speed, finally settling in a heap akin to that of a two-year-old.

Not even a third of the way into the session, my forehead is covered in sweat and a deep “sweat V” had formed on my chest. I was shaking through all the poses, and it didn’t take long before my perspiration shifted from “dripping” to “cascading” off my face and body.

Fully unfocused, the sound of my sweat hitting my mat made me think of 15-foot gongs being rung by a series of mallet-wielding monks. A sweaty mess and distracted, I stole some glances to my left and right.

The Norwegian women weren’t sweating whatsoever. In shock, I also noticed that half were wearing full-length tights and some even sported long-sleeved shirts. “How is that even possible?” I asked myself. I also happened to notice that not one tricep was so much as twitching around me, let alone in full-on spasm like mine. I tried to disguise the embarrassingly audible “arghhhh” that escaped my lips as just some good, old-fashioned, focused “ujjayi,” but I don’t think I fooled anyone.

I fought with myself to regain focus, as if I was in a Classic race with no kick and not in a yoga studio of my own choosing. I was losing the battle, and at this point, I was Rocky wearing the garbage bag, shadow-boxing and running down the streets of Philly, soaking wet and driving onwards. Sunnøve glanced over and must have realized that I had crossed the threshold of falling behind in my understanding, to full on having no idea of what was being said. Embarrassingly, she told the yogis in Norwegian that she would use some English – beklager (sorry) – because one of the students seemed to be struggling with the various cues to change poses. She then told me to really focus on my ujjayi breathing, as if perhaps I hadn’t realized it sounded more like a geriatric with sleep apnea than Gandhi.

Embarrassed fully now, but able to understand better as my native tongue was being used, we floated through the poses. From there, a funny thing started to happen. I started to feel better. As the Warrior One and Warrior Two shifted into Taraksvasana and Kala Bhairavasana (which translates directly into “Destroyer of the Universe pose,” I kid you not), I felt myself become more settled. I was still sweaty, but was okay with sitting out the expert poses and being in the Child’s

pose uninhibited. I felt my body and mind relax and, could it be that even my sweat issues were abating? Probably not, but I felt myself letting go as the last few poses rolled through like swells in the open ocean, without judgment, anxiety or memory.

Suddenly, I heard the word “Shavasana” (Corpse pose). Sunnøve had switched back to Norwegian some time ago, no doubt realizing that I was a lost cause and couldn’t do any of the proper poses anyway.

In soothing Norwegian, we were told to let go of our “ujjayi” breathing.

The lights dimmed. I lay on my back with my arms at my side, palms up. I finally felt present. My breathing had softened. I stopped thinking about how disgustingly sweaty I was for most of the practice. I stopped feeling bad about myself for coming alone to this yoga class filled with beautiful yoga-bosses. I stopped beating myself up about the fact that the class was so obviously above my skill level. I let go of feeling unworthy with regards to my language-comprehension skills. I even stopped self-loathing my body.

Nearing the end, I wiggled my fingers and toes and rolled onto my right side as I softly brought myself back into reality. I sat up and with the help of some of my carefully curated props I was able to wrestle myself into a cross-legged sitting position. I lifted my arms to my chest in prayer – “Namaste,” we all said in unison. It was over. I survived.

None of the Norwegian women said a thing to me as they gathered their belongings and hurried out into the dark, foggy streets and into their waiting Teslas. Sunnøve, being the exception, came over to me and thanked me for coming. I thanked her profusely for her help and patience with me. I told her, “I hope I didn’t ruin your class.” She was kind enough to lie and said I didn’t. We chatted briefly about her time living in San Francisco. I thanked her again – in Norwegian no less – then headed out into the night.

The streets were still quiet. I still missed Canada: the mountains, the fishing, my team, my friends and my family – familiarity. I still felt awful about how slow I seem to be grasping Norwegian. Still there, of course, were those uncomfortable feelings of living abroad, of feeling like an idiot constantly, of stumbling to learn so many new things. I took a few big gulps of water and shook my head. I felt good. Sure, chuckling to myself, I still felt embarrassed about just how sweaty I became when stretching, but I also felt thankful. I was thankful that the yoga class was over, thankful that I had peeled my lazy butt off the couch and did it and thankful that I had a wonderful wife to greet me when I got home. As quickly as I had come to the class, I unlocked my bike and was gone. Rolling through the autumn fog with a clearer head. Afraid – sure, but also mindful of all the wonderful challenges and opportunities ahead.

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 23

DAY SKI

by John Symon

Mount Bachelor Nordic Center Prime Skiing in Central Oregon

A

former volcano, Mount Bachelor rises above the surrounding Cascade Range of central Oregon, reaching a height of 9,068 feet (2,764 metres). And when winter storms off the Pacific reach these heights, massive snowfalls result, equaling almost 40 feet over the ski season. This translates into an average annual snow base of 175 inches (444 centimetres) and an unusually long ski season! What better place to put a Nordic ski centre?

“The Mount Bachelor Nordic Center (MBNC) has the longest groomed Nordic season in North America, regularly running from mid-November through late-May!” boasts Sue Foster, the Nordic manager at MBNC. “For five of the past six seasons, we extended our season through late June for snow ski camps.” Yes, she means skiing groomed trails into late June.

“In 1984, a group of ski enthusiasts, including Mount Bachelor’s founder, Bill Healy, recognized the need and desire for a Nordic operation at a higher elevation where a consistently long ski season could be guaranteed,” Foster continues. The affiliated alpine ski area dates back to 1958. Together, they form the Mount Bachelor LLC group, owned by Powdr Corp in Park City, Utah.

In typical West Coast fashion, most of this snowfall is heavy and wet, which Foster describes as “tough to manage sometimes, but [with] good staying power!” For much of the season, skiers should be well armed with red wax and klister. Foster mentions that there is more klister skiing at MBNC than in her native New England, but she usually recommends universal-range waxes. “We do have a mix of covered and open trails and a big elevation change – often encompassing the snow line – in the network,” says Foster. Most serious Classic skiers in the region have a pair of patterned waxless or zero skis in their quiver.”

MBNC has a total trail network of 56 kilometres, all groomed for both skate and Classic skiing. These trails are rated as 5% easier (green), 69% more difficult (blue) and 26% most difficult (black). The terrain varies between 6,400 feet and 5,750 feet (1,950 metres to 1,752 metres) in elevation in a coniferous forest, with many openings.

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(facing) Mt. Bachelor offers a fabulous 56km trail network and the longest groomed Nordic season in North America. (left) Ski camps and the popular "She's on Skis" program have become mainstays at Mt. Bachelor.

Just the Facts 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR, 97709, 800-829-2442/541-693-0909, info@mtbachelor.com, www.mtbachelor.com

Snowshoers are also welcome at MBNC. The Nordic ski lodge is an attractive log-cabin building boasting a large woodstove popular on chilly days, a small cafe and dining area, a rental and upscale retail shop, a lower-level bag-lunch area and a deck overlooking the trails. Uniquely situated in a National Forest, the base area is undeveloped and many spots offer splendid scenery with a 360° view of the surrounding mountains and woods.

Foster describes the skiers at MBNC as wearing much more Lycra than wool.

“However, we do allow access to the

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backcountry on a major artery within our system, and this user subgroup would be 90% wool[-wearers]! Some 65% of MBNC winter visitors are from Oregon. Another 25% come from Washington State and California. The remaining 10% come from all over.

“Fatbiking is not permitted on our trail network at MBNC,” says Foster. “But there are trails groomed for fatbiking at a snow park within five miles of the Nordic Center, and many local enthusiasts use the backcountry snowmobile trails adjacent to the Nordic Center.” Summer months see a mountain-bike park at Mount Bachelor.

The ski school includes the popular “She’s on Skis” program, providing support for women by women. It is for beginner-to-advanced skiers and focuses on fine-tuning, fitness and fun on the trails.

The Cascade Crest 50km Nordic Ski Marathon takes place in March. “The course level of difficulty is moderate, making it attractive to many levels of skier. The event also includes a 25km option (or 10km youth option) and a 4x12.5km (50km) Team Relay event.

We host a number of Citizen events and high school races with the Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation throughout the year.

This season, we are hosting the USCSA National Championships and the Snowshoe Nationals.

“We have been hosting the USST [US Ski Team], USBT [US Biathlon Team] and the U.S. Para Team in May most years and sometimes the Canadian teams. This year, we welcomed the Korean Para Team.

Several Elite Senior teams (APU, CXC) also train here regularly during the May session.

“Our Nordic Center averages between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors each winter season. This is a noticeable uptick from just a few years ago, when visit counts tended to be closer to 15,000. When the alpine side is added, our total winter-visitor count usually exceeds 500,000.”

The daily trail-access fee for an adult is $19, while the fee for two consecutive days is $34 and three days is $49.

ANOTHER

BEST

DAY

www.rossignol.com www.skitrax.com ROSSIGNOL_SKI TRAX_2016.indd 1

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 10/3/16 9:56 AM25

CLUBS

by Jack Cracker

XC Chelsea Masters

photos: Greg Crevier

Not Your Typical Cross-country Ski Club

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or many, those first cool days in September sig- (clockwise from the top) People join in both disciplines. Others in their fifties, sixties and nal the end of summer fun. But for the XC Chel- just to keep fit and to challenge themseventies have been training or racing a lot, are fit selves; The club is dedicated to Masters sea Masters (XCCM), they signal the start of a new only, with lots of programs including as fiddles and want coaching and community supski-training season – bounding up steep hills in Zone rollerskiing; XC Chelsea Masters now port. Ed and Cathy Cottell, also known as Blanche Four, grueling sets of push-ups and TRX pull-ups, or boasts 100 members.

Drapeau, now in their sixties, are still kicking butt in endless sets of double-poling on rollerskis. No, this ski races and doing cross-training such as cyclois not a club for National-Team hopefuls, but rather a cross. “An inspiration to the rest of us,” quips Kuziak. unique mix of Masters athletes, aged 30 and up, with In the past six years, the club has attained a numTo contact XC Chelsea Masters (XCCM): the biggest chunk of members more than 50 years of ber of impressive achievements. A team of 12 athemail - xcchelseamasters@gmail.com age. They know that by training hard and smart, they letes and two coaches, including Kuziak (president website - www.xcchelseamasters.com will improve their skiing and racing skills to meet the and athletic director of XCCM), went to the World goals they have set for themselves.

Masters Championships in Sovereign Lake, B.C. in XCCM is a registered ski club in Ontario that was founded in 2011. Two years later, another team competed at the World Masters 2010 by Natalya Kuziak, who was seeking to create an environin Asiago, Italy, with Kuziak as coach and Peter Hamilton as expert ment for adults who wanted targeted programming and coaching, waxing technician. similar to what existed only for youth. After 13 years of coaching Each spring, XCCM skiers head to the U.S. for such races as the Masters independently or through local clubs such as Nakkertok Bretton Woods Ski Marathon, Ski and Shoe to the Clouds or the Rangand Chelsea Nordiq, she believed a community of like-minded ley Lakes Loppet. Recently, it has run annual fundraising events, doadults could come together in a similar way – something that was nating 100% of the proceeds – several thousand dollars – to promislong overdue. ing local juniors.

While a number of clubs in Canada’s National Capital Region have But it’s not all about racing. Many people join just to keep fit and to programming for adults, XCCM is dedicated to Masters only. It ofchallenge themselves. And all love having a social atmosphere where fers dryland programs with ski-bounding, rollerskiing and outdoor they can socialize with friends who love the same activities and mostrength-training, indoor strength-training in the gym and long-distivate and support each other. The club holds social events such as tance rollerskiing, hiking or biking. In the winter, 10- to 14-hour weekly potlucks, pub nights, epic skis and overnighters to cabins. training continues on snow and in the gym.

According to Kuziak, “We think XCCM is special. It offers a fun The club has evolved over the years and now boasts approximately social environment and recognizes that Masters need to train smartly 100 members from the Ottawa-Gatineau-Chelsea area and a team of to continue to achieve results, but stay injury-free. We strive to better 13 coaches. It attracts a wide variety of people. There are those in adapt to Masters’ physiological needs, such as reducing plyometrics, their thirties or forties who are attracted to endurance sports such as tailoring our training plans and strength sessions, incorporating yoga triathlon, cycling and cross-country skiing. Ski neophytes Julie Coand promoting rollerskiing for its low impact and specificity. We invite burn and Heather Tkalec had never been on skate skis when they clubs and coaches to get in touch with us and share ideas on how to joined approximately five years ago, and now regularly train and race improve training and coaching for Masters everywhere.”

Just the Facts

26 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

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backcountry

by Steven Threndyle

Marolt Ski Mountaineering Legacy Shines in Aspen Skiing Well is the Best Revenge

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Mike Marolt

Jim Gile

very mountain town has its founding families – people whose roots run deep and affect the entire community. In Aspen, Colo., which despite its glitzy, glamourous image is still a very wild and unpretentious place, the Marolt family looms as large as the powdery peaks of the Elk Range above town.

Identical twins Mike and Steve Marolt can trace their family lineage back to a time when mining and ranching – not skiing and second homes – drove Aspen’s economy. Mike says, “Steve and I are fourth-generation Aspenites. Our ancestors came to Aspen with many others during the Silver Rush in the late 1800’s. After the Silver Rush, they stayed in the Aspen valley and became ranchers and farmers. In the Thirties, my great uncles and aunt began exploring the local backcountry – climbing and skiing the local peaks of the Elk Range.”

That was the beginning of an illustrious skiing dynasty that saw three members of the Marolt family – including Steve and Mike’s father, Max – make Olympic ski teams in 1960 (Squaw Valley) and 1964 (Innsbruck).

Father Max had some interesting ideas about off-season training that included making a ski camp in a cirque of 14,000-foot peaks[Any missing words here?]. Mike says, “Steve and I never aspired to be world-class ski racers, but we found our passion in ski mountaineering.

We started skiing local peaks at age 12, and never stopped.”

But they knew that they would need a solid career if they wanted to stay in Aspen, which was already a bedroom community for the

28 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

ultra-rich. They pursued accounting (above) Mike Marolt on the first-evcareers and have a highly successful er ski ascent of Sabancya, Peru (19,600 feet). storefront practice right in downtown Aspen. Mike humorously notes that (below left) Mike Marolt enjoying typical local peak skiing at Elk “there are a lot of beans to count in As- Range in Aspen, Colo. pen, and so it’s worked out well.”

Like accounting, the Marolts believe that successful ski-mountaineering trips are the result of careful planning and respecting the process. “If you poke your head into any of our tents, it’s neat and organized. But even considering that, we often learned the hard way. On one trip, we forgot to throw stoves in the jeep. At the mountain, we were forced to haul the main base-camp stove up. Do that once and you never forget anything.”

Their career spans three decades, skiing and climbing almost 50 of the world’s 6,000- to 8,000-metre peaks. Interestingly, there’s never been any official “tick list” or grand plan – it’s all just unfolded as a natural progression, starting first in Alaska and the Yukon, and then fanning out into the Himalayas and South American Andes.

Mike says, “When we started, we had no idea that we would become the first North Americans to ski off the summit of an 8,000-metre peak.

Until we actually did it, the plan was simply to ski from as high as we could, bag the peak and have a good trip.” They do say, quite modestly, that they don’t spend money on high-altitude porters or supplemental oxygen. “We just try to do what we can and don’t much regard what others might be doing.”

And it’s obvious from watching videos of their expeditions that, for the Marolts, “skiing well is the best revenge,” to play off of a saying used by F. Scott Fitzgerald and popularized by George Herbert (15931633), English clergyman and poet. Mike says, “In my opinion, lift-skiing is the best way to build the necessary blend of power and endurance needed for high-altitude skiing or backcountry skiing in general.

When you climb those high peaks, it’s so draining that when it comes time to ski, if you don’t have raw power from skiing and training a ton, combined with the ability to not have to think about your technique, you are subject to totally flaming out, falling and injury.”

Indeed, these guys can ski rings around most lift-skiers, even at 6,000 metres of altitude and carrying 30-kilo packs. Their style is not just survival skiing; it’s smooth, elegant technique forged from millions of vertical feet both on the lifts and in the backcountry. www.skitrax.com

OUT IN FRONT

by John Symon

World-class Trails and Much More

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he Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance in Wyoming was formed in 2013 to support regional winter trails for Nordic skiing, fatbiking and snowshoeing and now features some 100 members. The area is already well known as a downhill destination; the Alliance brings together such popular operations as Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee, Turpin Meadows and Teton Pines, together with municipalities and non-profits such as Grand Teton National Park to promote the Nordic aspect of the region.

“Jackson Hole has not yet been discovered as a Nordic destination, but popular trails close to town, which are also dog-friendly, get plenty of use by locals,” says Alliance founder Nancy Leon. “Many quality resorts in the area also offer some of the best trail options anywhere.”

Municipal authorities groom local trails from mid-December to midMarch. After that, the road is plowed for cyclists, yet remains closed to vehicular traffic until May 1. Nordic skiing often continues well into April on the snow crust across the vast open meadows in Grand Teton National Park.

Weather in Jackson Hole varies from springtime temperatures of 30°F (-1°C) to mid-winter lows of -20°F (-29°C). The mountainous

More K’s More Days

Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance

Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance Boasts 100 Members

scenery is also spectacular, with Grand Teton rising more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole to attain 13,775 feet (4,199 metres). Moose, elk, ermine, fox and bison can all be spotted in the area.

“Our website [see below] is a portal to over 80 trails covering 165 miles (266 kilometres) of groomed trails and 350+ miles (563 kilometres) on untracked/skier- and tracked/snowmobile-groomed trails.

Here you can find GPS maps, trail-elevation profiles, descriptions, photos and more,” adds Leon.

The park entrance fee at Grand Teton National Park is $10 a day per vehicle (up to four people); apart from that, it is free to ski the local trails. Four major airlines fly to Jackson Hole Airport See Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance, info@jhnordic.com, www.JHNordic.com quality resorts and more than 250km of superb trail options, including fatbiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and more

Cross Country Ski Grand County, Colorado Ski Early, Ski Late • Endless Trails • Close to Denver

skigrandnordic.org

photo by Jeff Russell

Nordic Centers • Ranches • Free Groomed Trails • Events • Programs • Backcountry Trails www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 29

masters

Masters Championships You Don't Want to Miss

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aster skiers throughout North America are ready to hit the trails, and with loads of fantastic cross-country-ski events on the horizon, there’s a whole lot to be excited about!

AXCS National Masters: The Big City Preview For the first time since 2005, Masters from across the U.S. will return to the great state of Minnesota as the American XC Skiers (AXCS) 2017 National Masters (NM2017) takes place the weekend of Feb. 4-5, 2017 at Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis – the same site of the 2018 Masters World Cup just under one year later.

NM2017 racing will get started on Saturday, Feb. 4 with 42km- and 21km-distance Classic Individual races run in conjunction with the City of Lakes Loppet Columbia Sportswear Classic events. Then on Sunday, Feb. 5, the 21km Puoli Loppet skate-technique races take center stage to fill out the NM2017 bill for all NM categories.

Featuring courses that literally cross the city of Minneapolis, you’ll experience a generally gentle ski route with a mix of city parks, snowed-in paths, and, of course, a series of famous Minnesota frozen lakes.

As usual, to take part in the NM2017, no special entry into the City of Lakes Loppet events is required. All Masters 30+ in age who are registered in the official daily race in the correct age/gender category will be considered officially part of the National Masters.

Host organizer Loppet Foundation offers extensive event information on the official City of Lakes Loppet website, and official AXCS NM2017 updates will be posted on xcskiworld.com – the home of Masters cross-country skiing – in the weeks immediately leading up to the NM2017.

Championship Charlo for Canadian Masters The 2017 Canadian Masters will be held in Charlo, N.B. from Feb. 12-18, 2017.

Hosted by Les Aventuriers de Charlo, the event schedule for its Classic and free-technique races can be found on the Canadian Masters official website, http://canadian-masters-xc-ski.ca.

MWC2017: The Alps, Davos and Engadin The 2016/2017 season will wrap with a bang as the 2017 Masters World Cup (MWC2017) pays a visit to Klosters, Switzerland from March 3-10, 2017.

Featuring amazing scenery, loads of alpine winter adventures and world-famous Davos just a few minutes away, the MWC2017 also has the very notable drawing card of the Engadin Ski Marathon (the world’s largest skate event) as an amazing finale.

American skiers have already spoken loud and clear on the popularity of this year’s event, with more than 150 American racers expected to take part. Team Canada also expects to be well above average size for this very popular event.

It’s not too late to get in on the fun! For Canadian skiers, visit http:// canadian-masters-xc-ski.ca for more information on attending this event. For American skiers, visit xcskiworld.com to find the latest information on the Team USA trip package and more.

30 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

MWC2016 Vuokatti, FIN

by J.D. Downing

MWC2018: One Year to Go! Masters World Cup Coming Jan. 19-26, 2018, the biggest age-group will be held in Minneapolis in 2018. competition in ski sport will arrive at Theodore Wirth Park in the heart of Minneapolis, Minn. as the 2018 Masters World Cup (MWC2018) returns to North America.

The AXCS non-profit Masters association has been working closely for the past five years with local event organizer The Loppet Foundation on making this exciting event a reality.

More than 1,000 Masters from more than 20 nations spanning the entire cross-country-ski world are anticipated to take part in the MWC2018. With no qualification process required, adult skiers of all abilities ranging from ages 30 to 90+ will enjoy up to three individual races (their choice of technique), plus a National Team Relay in all age categories. Opening and closing ceremonies, social events and Olympic-style medal ceremonies for each race are also part of the annual MWC program.

All MWC2018 racing will take part in Minneapolis’ Theodore Wirth Park, just a few miles due west of the downtown core. Major improvements have been approved by local authorities over Summer 2016 and include greatly expanded snowmaking capability at the Park, a redesigned stadium configuration, a new event/administration building and new trail access for the MWC2018 that connects the Park’s golf-course trails to two lakes on the Park’s property. Construction of all planned improvements begins in Fall 2016, with completion by Summer/Fall 2017.

Reliability of snow for the MWC2018 has been the single greatest concern in the event bid and development process over the past several years.

“The MWC2018 will be the first Worlds in history that has multiple plans in place for low- or no-snow situations,” says J.D. Downing, AXCS national director and current president of the World Masters Association. “The Loppet Foundation has already tested lake-icegrooming technology plus remote-snowmaking systems so that in low or no snow they can incorporate the Park’s extensive lake ice into the courses, plus surrounding terrain into the expanding golf-course snowmaking loops. The fantastic natural-snow courses at T. Wirth Park are obviously our preference, but a great MWC2018 will take place regardless of what Mother Nature provides us.”

Part international ski festival and part World Championship, the Masters World Cup is a celebration of cross-country skiing as a sport for life that spans decades of competitor ages. All race events start in five-year age groups, making the MWC perhaps the only time that adult skiers can take part in a ski event with a representative group of their exact peers.

Rotating around the ski world, the annual event was last hosted in the U.S. by McCall, Ida. in 2008, with the preceding North American host site being Sovereign Lakes/Silver Star, B.C. in 2011. The next North American hosting slot is anticipated to be no earlier than 2022, making the MWC2018 an incredibly unique event for any North American Master skier.

Registration for the MWC2018 will begin in Fall 2017 via the official website MWC2018.com, with extensive information available via xcskiworld.com and other AXCS membership media over the coming year.

Get ready for fun in the snow and we’ll see you out there! www.skitrax.com

by Peter Graves

FIS Junior/U23 Nordic World Championships Back in the U.S. for 2017

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he world’s best junior and U23 Nordic skiers will be converging at Soldier Hollow, Utah, home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, to crown the top men and women in cross-country, ski jumping and Nordic-combined at the 2017 FIS Junior/U23 NordicWorld Championships, slated for Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2017.

The Championships include 21 events across three Nordic-skiing disciplines, with some 40 nations on hand. In October, it was announced that USANA Health Sciences, a Salt Lake City-based company, would become the title sponsor of the Championships.

“Support from sponsors like USANA make it possible to host worldclass sporting events at our facilities,” said Colin Hilton, president and CEO of the Utah Olympic Foundation. “With the support from our sponsors and the local community, the Junior World Championships will extend Utah’s 2002 Olympic legacy and help youth and future athletes.”

The event is huge, with more than 700 athletes expected to take part, along with nearly 500 coaches, wax techs and officials. These Championships are a reliable preview of future stars and the shape of things to come in the not-too-distant future. The Junior/U23 Nordic Worlds will be held just two and a half weeks following the U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championships at Soldier Hollow, which will serve as the cross-country venue, while Utah Olympic Park in Park City will play host to the ski-jumping competitions.

utah2017.com

OUT IN FRONT

Technical advisor at these Championships is the former U.S. Nordic-combined coach, Greg Poirier, who took some time recently to further illuminate what it’s like to run such a large, prestigious event.

“Planning is in full swing with weekly meetings, and most of the committee positions have been filled. We are spending a great deal of time on things like transport logistics and ceremonies,” he commented.

Poirier, USSA staff and several others have played a major role in bringing these Championships back to the U.S. “Organizationally, Utah Olympic Park and Soldier Hollow, along with USSA’s Robert Lazzaroni, have really stepped up to lead the LOC (Local Organizing Committee) under the chairmanship of Bill Stenquist,” noted Poirier.

“It’s easy to dream about bringing a major championship back to the U.S.A., but the reality of funding that dream is an enormous challenge,” added Poirier. ”We expect to have at least 250 volunteers.

Certainly we are hoping that hosting the Championships on home turf will inspire our young athletes to attain personal-best results.”

The FIS Junior/U23 Nordic Worlds were held once before in the U.S., when Lake Placid, N.Y. played host back in 1986. This is a golden opportunity for passionate fans to turn out to watch the Championships.

For more information, visit utah2017.com.

Legendary Soldier Hollow, Utah, of 2002 Winter Olympic fame, will host the world again for the 2017 FIS Junior/U23 Nordic World Championships.

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 31

technique

by Keith Nicol

Offset Skate

Improving your Offset (V1) Skate

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photos: Heather Nicol

he offset or V1 skate is a technique for all skiers to learn, as it is the “go to” technique for climbing hills for the average skier. Although World Cup racers often climb hills with the 1 skate (V2 for our American readers), it demands quite a bit of strength and stamina that recreational skiers usually don’t possess. The offset skate gets its name because the poles are offset – with a lead pole held high with elbows at 90° and the lag pole held in a lower position, as shown in photo 1. This offset position allows a three-point landing of both 1 ski poles that hit at the same time as the lead ski (in photo 1, this is the left ski). This timing difference makes the offset-skating technique different from the “double-poling” style of the 1 and 2 skate (V2 and V2 alternate).

For skiers just learning this technique, I usually have them simply walk through the timing on the flats and then up a gradual hill. I often have skiers say “crunch” and “skate,” – where “crunch” means a three-point landing of two poles and the lead ski, and “skate” means free-skating with the other leg. Once skiers have the timing, I then have 2 them perform the same actions, but this time adding some power to the poles and glide to the skis. At this point, it is important to think about keeping the arms bent at 90° and to ensure that your leg action is a strong free-skate. Try to keep your torso facing up the hill and avoid any unnecessary swaying of the body. It is important to look up the hill – many skiers keep their head down, looking at the tips of their skis.

One of the problems that I see with many skiers who perform this technique is that they offset on one 3 side only. In photo 1, I am offsetting on my left side, since the two poles and left ski hit the snow at the same time. Knowing how to offset skate on both sides allows you to switch as arm and shoulder muscles on one side become tired. I change sides frequently so that my arm and shoulder muscles don’t become

32 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

fatigued. In photo 2, I am getting ready to offset on my right side, and you can see me pushing off the left ski and both poles are ready to be planted as my right ski hits the snow.

Notice that I am looking forward in photo 2 and that my right ski is being placed down flat to maximize glide.

Often skiers don’t bring their feet under them and end up trying to glide on an edged skis. Since edged skis are very hard to balance on, the end result is a short choppy offset skate, common among beginners.

Another common error occurs 4 when skiers hold their hands very wide, as shown in photo 3. This is a very weak position for poling. Since you use the offset skate for ascending hills, you want all of your muscles working as efficiently as possible so you don’t tire prematurely. So think about keeping your arms at 90° and closer to your body (see photo 1 or 2). Another indicator of a wide pole plant is that these skiers often end up bringing their arms too close together as they follow through (see photo 4). Other skiers keep their head cocked to one side or the other 5 when they climb hills with the offset skate, as seen in photo 5. When I see skiers doing this, I usually have them simply look up the hill, and this seems to quickly fix this error.

A great test of your ability to offset skate is to try the technique without poles, as seen in photo 6. This requires a strong freeskate to be able to skate up the hills with legs only.

If you can freeskate up hills without poles, imagine how fast you will be when you add them. For help with any aspect of your Nordic skiing, seek out the assistance of a certified CANSI or PSIA instructor.

6 Contributor Keith Nicol has been on four Canadian INTERSKI demonstration teams for Nordic skiing. He holds CANSI’s highest instructor ranking in both track and telemark skiing. www.skitrax.com

tele technique

by J. Scott McGee

Change Edges without Pivoting For More Accurate Carving

ost skiers, even the most accomplished, habitually pivot – even if just a little bit – between turns. This little – or sometimes big – rotation of the legs, feet and skis involves some degree of work, but provides some measure of security, especially for those linking turns for the first time. Sometimes this movement becomes habit, and persists well into the advanced levels, even when the goal is carving. The movement itself is not bad, or ineffective; it’s simply not in line with the goal of carving. The main point of carving is to allow the ski design to shape the turn – if you edge the skis and engage the sidecut to shape the turn, you can turn the skis with virtually no work at all. If simply changing edges (while changing leads) will accomplish the goal – and do so more precisely – then why add extra work?

You can’t carve throughout a whole turn if you don’t start the turn with carving. Once you’re in a turn, it’s a lot easier to keep carving than it is to begin with pivoting and skidding and then start carving. To eliminate pivot between turns, try this simple drill.

J. Scott McGee served on and then coached the PSIA Nordic Team (USA) 2000-2016 and works as Snow King Mountain Sports School’s director. A former telemark competitor, he now dreams of perfect corn on spring backcountry skate-ski tours. McGee spends his summers guiding climbs in the Tetons for Exum Mountain Guides. www.skitrax.com

Try this: Start with some larger arcing carved turns on gentle terrain. As you make the lead change and the edge change, try to go straight for three ski-lengths to take the pivot out of the lead change and get on the new edge sooner.

Once you’re able to add a few metres of straightlining between turns, you’ll probably also feel the benefit that the additional lateral (across the slope) momentum gives you in terms of having something to “stand against” once you’ve rolled onto the new edges. Try keeping the straight section between turns as you practise on gradually steeper terrain. As you get more comfortable initiating turns without a pivot, you can begin to link turns more directly, letting the skis do the work and producing a cleaner, more powerful carve.

Selko Photo/Montage: J. Scott McGee

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 33

PENTATHLON DES NEIGES 2017

ITU Elite S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup

The event’s schedule is packed with action, including corporate relay races, solo and team events, a para competition ... there is literally

Alice Chiche

34 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Pentahlon des Neiges

something for everyone.

Pentathlon des Neiges presented by MEC is the world's largest multi-sport winter event with the ITU Elite S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup as its crown jewel. www.skitrax.com

by Sandra Walter

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he 13th edition of the Pentathlon des Neiges presented by MEC winter-sports extravaganza to be hosted on Quebec City’s historic Plains of Abraham on Feb. 24-March 5, 2017 promises to uphold its reputation as the world’s largest multi-sport winter event with the International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) Elite S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup as its crown jewel on Feb. 26.

Francois Calletta, race director, is proud of the evolution of Pentathlon des Neiges: “We invented the discipline. We focused on making it accessible to everyone.” The strategy obviously worked, attracting more than 5,800 participants of all ages and abilities in 2016. For 2017, he aims to attract 6,000 entrants over the 10 days, including the 50-65 Elite athletes vying for $8,000 in prize money at the feature ITU World Cup event.

The Pentathlon des Neiges is based around five disciplines: running, skiing, skating, cycling and snowshoeing. The event’s schedule is packed

Austria has still applied the running, biking and skiing blueprint.

In 2014, the ITU used Quebec’s inaugural S3 as a test event for the new format and subsequently awarded it World Cup designation in 2016.

Calletta is hoping to attract more competitors from outside of Canada to this year’s Elite World Cup event, but it’s challenging. “As it is a new sport, there are no sponsored Elite athletes with large budgets. It is therefore tough for the athletes to make it to Quebec . . . but every year we seem to get more,” said Calletta.

He added that Triathlon Canada is supportive of S3, and it is making efforts to support Elite development. “We still need to understand that summer remains the main focus for both Triathlon Canada and the ITU.” In addition to the Elite men’s and women’s S3 World Cup races, Pentathlon des Neiges also offers popular ITU age-group categories and includes 10km sprint races.

Felix Legault-Dignard

Hoping to attract more competitors from outside of Canada, the ITU Elite S3 Winter Triathlon is catching on and features snowshoeing, skating and cross-country skiing.

with action, including corporate relay races, solo and team events, a para S3 is catching on, confirmed Calletta, citing a strong Quebec series – competition, North American Snowshoe Championships, university, eleCoupe des neiges – along with well-attended events in other provinces.

According to Calletta, the biggest hurdle to potential organizers is acmentary and high school challenges, as well as a 50+ athlete day. There is literally something for everyone. cess to a skating oval for use during the skating portion of the race. Que“As we say, if you can run, ski, skate, bike or snowshoe for 20-40 minbec City is setting a great example for communities. “We now have two refrigerated outdoor-skating ovals that have become important tourist utes, you can participate in a team relay. It’s that easy,” said Calletta. attractions. Projects are emerging everywhere in Canada,” he said, menFor the second year, Pentathlon des Neiges will host an ITU S3 Wintioning events in Alberta, as well as a proposed seasonal refrigerated outter Triathlon World Cup. The S3 discipline features three different events, much like its popular summer counterpart. However, instead of swimdoor-skating oval in Montreal. “As soon as it [the proposal] is confirmed, a winter triathlon will become a reality [in Montreal]. Ottawa is also workming, cycling and running, this version consists of snowshoeing, skating and cross-country skiing for a total of 25 kilometres. ing on a major project,” said Calletta.

With S3 still in its development stage, advocates are eyeing a future He recognizes that one of the keys to growing S3 is focusing at the berth for winter triathlon at the Winter Olympic Games, but it still has a grassroots level. “We also need to understand that every community that long way to go. has an outdoor hockey rink by a park could organize a small popular win“There is a lot of interest all around the world, but ter-triathlon event. You do not need a 400-metre oval the discipline is still very young. Building a new sport is for a local event. A regular hockey rink also works to inia long-term process,” said Calletta. tiate everyone to the sport,” he said, adding that many Pentathlon des Neiges First, the S3 version needs to be recognized as the Canadian towns have outdoor hockey rinks.

762, Jacques-Berthiaume, porte 6, Québec, official ITU winter-triathlon format, since the origBy starting on a local scale in 2005, Calletta and his QC, G1V 3T1, organization created the world’s largest winter multiinal running, mountain biking and cross-country www.grp5.ca, sport event in a matter of a dozen years. Using their skiing formula remains prevalent in Europe, despite 418-907-5734, successful formula, it seems that a fledgling sport such apparent criticism for not being wintry enough. The info@pentathlondesneiges.com as S3 Winter Triathlon might follow the same path.

2016 ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships in

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2016-17

GEAR test

by Dan and Dalia Clausen, Don Portman and Adam St. Pierre

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 superb gear at the fabulous Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado in January following the SIA Show, and we also tested equipment at other locations following the trade shows. Here's the scoop on some of the latest and greatest gear.

Salomon Prolink Bindings The Prolink system came with promises of improved snow feel and optimal transfer of power to the ski . . . and Salomon delivered. Immediately we noticed how thin the binding was, allowing us to get right on top of the ski, and how well the boot’s sole surface connected with the entire binding. The binding mounts directly onto the ski, which means less material between your boot and your ski. This system is compatible with NNN systems – an exciting innovation.

Salomon Prolink bindings

Madshus Nano Carbon Classic Boots “Simply elegant” best describes the Nano Carbon Classic boot. No extra bells and whistles here, just a superb-fitting boot that lets you ski your best. The upper, not counting the softshell lace cover, is one piece that easily molds to the skier’s entire foot. The laces fit snugly in their webbing eyelets, allowing micro adjustments to hold firm. The NNN Xcelerator sole flexes well and provides excellent ski feel. The carbon heel counter is lightweight and supportive, and the PVC-free softshell lace cover is breathable, yet keeps the snow and other elements out of the boot. The boots graphics look like they’d appeal to a superhero – and you’ll feel like one skiing in them.

Madshus Super Nano Skate Boot

Madshus Super Nano skate boot 36 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Super Nano – super high-tech. Carbon fibre is the secret to this top-end boot’s light weight and super power. The sole is 3D-molded carbon fibre that wraps up slightly around the forefoot, under the arch and all the way around the heel before connecting to the molded carbon cuff. The NNN bar attachment and a small heel-piece are glued on to this carbon unibody very carefully. Alignment has to be perfect. And it is. Laces are tight in their eyelets for precise adjustment, and the molded cuff fits very comfortably around the ankle. But this model has a tighter fit than other Madshus boots. The softshell lace cover is breathable yet watertight, and all the seams are sealed. Our feet stayed warm and dry even in wet, sloppy snow. The torsional rigidity of these boots is amazing. Edge control is precise and powerful. But, as you might expect with a boot this stiff, it could feel harsh at times. www.skitrax.com

Rossignol Premium Skate Ski We already enjoyed the “liveliness” of Rossignol’s premium skate skis, which takes skiing to a new level. The new design offers more gliding surface area and improved weight distribution, reflecting a true World Cup ski design. Rossignol’s new 3-Edge Energy Sensor technology creates stiffer sidewalls and a more flexible tail for increased speed, improved cornering and aggressive turning. They were punchy, stable, fast and precise as ever.

These were fun skis. The bases held up well after a day of testing, including the wax on them. This is one of our favourite skis for this year!

Salomon S-Lab Classic Have you ever had to race through worn-out Classic ski tracks? If so, you will definitely appreciate this ski. Not only is it precise and powerful in the tracks, but we also enjoyed how controlled the ski functioned out of the track – in the skate lane. Offering precise pressure distribution, these boards responded well through aggressive parallel turns on an open slope, including accurate edging through fast and sharp parallel turns, skate turns and step turns. The tip was thinner, to create a lighter ski, and complemented its attractive appearance. Stiff, powerful and light, this was also one of our new favourites.

Fischer Twin Skin Ski If you are in the market for a dependable ski that will work in almost all conditions, the Fischer Twin Skin is definitely one to consider. It worked well in warm and wet conditions, offering consistent kick, and we were happy to note that the mohair skins did not ice up, due to their Teflon coating. The two skins are “off-set” at different depths, so the front skin can allow for more glide, and the skin under foot will ensure constant kick. The NIS system helped with a more precise kick and control, since the binding can be adjusted to a better position for the skier to reduce drag.

Swix Triac 2.5 The Swix Triac 2.5 features the stiffness we have loved about the popular Triac line, but now it’s even lighter. One of our favourite things about this pole is the Velcro used to close the strap – it won’t stick to your clothes and seems more resistant to pilling. The 2.5 was among the stiffest poles we tested, as it went on a weight and price diet yet retained the same performance – what more can you ask from a pole? We also admired the red/white/blue colour scheme.

One Way One Way has built a solid reputation with ski poles, and with its SLG 10 pole, it has hit another home run. The SLG 10 is the next iteration of its light, stiff race-calibre poles, and this was the stiffest pole we tested that maintained a super-lightweight shaft and swing weight. The grip and strap are similar to past years, and they deliver as well. And, of course, they come in neon green, which is One Way’s signature look.

(l-r) One Way SLG 10 pole and Swix Triac 2.5 pole www.skitrax.com

(l-r) Rossignol Premium skate ski, Fischer Twin Skin ski and Salomon S-Lab Classic ski ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 37

2016/17 One Way One Way’s Premio 9 skate boots stand out on the trails for many reasons, including their snappy neon-green colour. These boots were plenty comfortable and allowed for great ankle flexion while providing moderate lateral stability. This is an excellent boot for recreational skiers who want comfort, flex and balance, but don’t need all the lateral stability found in higher-end models.

Madshus 100 UHM Pole Great things sometimes come in plain packages. The 100 UHM (Ultra High Modulus) carbon pole from Madshus looks like just a plain old black pole. But this 100% carbon shaft is one of the stiffest, lightest poles on the market. No wonder it’s been requested by World Cup athletes. The 3D custom-moldable Contour Champion strap looks snappy in red, but otherwise is plain and unremarkable. However, once strapped on, the superb comfort is something to shout about. The strap is easy to adjust and the size “medium” easily fit my extra-large hand. Wearing thick gloves in very cold weather won’t be a problem.

The comfort is enhanced by the well-shaped, no-frills full-cork handles. This pole is definitely designed for firm tracks with its wee snow-shedding baskets.

Start We tested three ski-pole models from Start, including the Race, the Winner and the Loppet. The Race is a high-end pole, where stiffness, light weight and low swing weight matter most. While it seemed slightly less stiff than other poles we tested, it was notably lighter in swing weight and overall weight. We really liked the grip and strap of all the Start poles tested. It felt nonexistent on follow-through, but as soon as we brought our hand back up to the pole for the next thrust, it was exactly where it needed to be. This was a big plus in our books.

The Winner is a great-value pole from Start, and may be the stiffest, lightest pole available at that price point. This pole offers the same great grip/strap combo of the upper-end Race model.

The Loppet is another great-value ski pole for young skiers, beginner skiers or for rollerskiing. Not as stiff or light as more expensive poles, it’s a perfect partner for daily ski training.

Fischer Speedmax Classic Boot For the expert skier who enjoys a light boot with minimal ankle restriction and maximum ankle flexion, the Fischer Speedmax Classic is the boot for you. It has a thin, onepiece carbon shank, which is surprisingly flexible in the forefoot. We found the neoprene cuff to be soft and comfortable.

Fischer replaced its standard Rottefella Xcelerator sole for a lighter two-piece sole, which makes this boot light as a feather. The low-profile sole provided good contact with the ski and binding, which improved our “snow sensitivity” while skiing.

Fischer Speedmax Classic boot

(l-r) Madshus 100 UHM pole and Star Race poles

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(l-r) Atomic Redster Carbon Classic ski and Madshus Nanosonic Intelligrip ski

Salomon S-Lab Classic/Skate Boot The new Salomon S-Lab Classic/skate boots with Prolink binding sole are also compatible with the NNN-binding system. The Classic boot features a flexible carbon sole, while the skate boot has a stiff carbon sole. They both offer customizable lacing and heel-adjustment systems, which allows a more comfortable fit.

The women’s-specific boot was very comfortable and appropriate for the contour and architecture of a woman’s foot. The boot’s new Prolink system features a low-profile sole, which allows you to feel the ski very well under your foot. We found that you could hold the ski flatter in the track throughout the stride and could really appreciate the “snow-feel” experience with these boots. Salomon will also continue to produce boots compatible with its SNS bindings for fans of that legendary system.

Salomon S-Lab skate boot

Atomic Redster Carbon Classic Atomic Redsters are stiff, light skis that will reward you with success right away if you’re willing to put in the work. Powering up a hill, they felt rocketship-fast. The kick zone is flat rather than arched to allow for better power transfer, which we definitely appreciated. The flexible narrow shovel reduced drag and enhanced the sleek look of this ski. The light tip floated in the tracks, allowing us to corner downhills quite precisely. The full-carbon construction makes it one of the lightest Classic skis around, and you can easily herringbone up the steepest hills with these babies. Advanced skiers who can stay on top of their skis will really enjoy Redsters.

Madshus Nanosonic Intelligrip Ski Waxless Classic skis with mohair inserts are proliferating. It seems that all ski manufacturers offer a “skin” ski.

Some are even offering quite a number of different models. Great! I love skin skis and have been happily skiing a pair for a number of seasons now. After testing the Madshus Nanosonic Intelligrip, I have found a new favourite pair. These are the lightest and fastest of any skin ski that I have tried. The Nanosonic is, after all, a top-end race ski. Grip was positive and glide was superb. Madshus skis always seem to have this smooth, silky ride, and the Nanosonic Intelligrip is no exception. All skin skis can feel a bit grabby at times. This is easily remedied by actively pushing the gliding foot forward. The Nanosonics, however, minimized this inherent trait of skins.

These skis feel very close to a lively well-waxed ski – very fun!

Madshus Hypersonic Skate Ski At one point, the Hypersonic was the top-of-the-line Madshus skate ski. Triaxial carbon construction, PR 90 foam core, medium camber and a soft, slightly splayed tip were and still are state-of-the-art design concepts.

Madshus simply raised the bar with more exotic materials for its higher end and more costly Nanosonic and Redline skis. But the Hypersonics still rock. Our test was on warm, bumpy and dirty spring snow – a challenge to skate on. The Hypersonics were up to the task. When going from firm snow to soft snow, these rockets just kept on gliding smoothly. The skis were stable and balance was easy, even in rough snow. They felt zippy on the uphills and easy to turn on the downhills. The wonderfully smooth yet lively Madshus feel shone through even in the worst of snow conditions. These skis are a steal at their moderate price.

One Way One Way’s Premio 9.5 skate skis delivered excellent stability, tracking and gliding speed during our tests. The racing base with universal stone grind and carbon laminate offers stability and power transfer, and they seemed to glide effortlessly. The Premio 9.5 skips some of the upper-end bells and whistles such as a honeycomb core to offer a performance ski that does not break the bank. www.skitrax.com

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Fatbiking The New winter Rage

by Sandra Walter

Fatbiking is continuing to carve its niche in the North American wintersports scene, opening up many terrain and winter-cycling options to outdoor enthusiasts. A little more than 10 years ago, Salsa released the first massproduced fatbike. Since then, the uber-wide-tire'd rigs began cropping up more and more at trade shows, in magazines and actually on the ground.

Dozens of mainstream companies such as Specialized and Norco have jumped on the bandwagon, and this season, Nordic ski giant Swix Sports has partnered with Cross Country Ski Areas Association to offer a fatbike rental program for its line of the two-wheeled snow cruisers introduced last year.

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Methow Valley Photography

Fatbiking is the new rage at cross-country ski centres across the U.S.A. and Canada, with more and more hotbeds taking hold.

S

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation©Netz

“We really don’t have issues with either. The skiers seem to enjoy meeting fatbikers on the ski trails. In fact, this often is the best way to introduce a skier to fatbiking.”

keptics have been plentiful, forecasting that the (above) Nordic ski giant Swix Sports nentially over the past several years. However, fatbiking is not weird monster-truck bikes are merely a flash in introduced its own fatbike last year permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails. and announced a new rental fleet the pan, but as more and more cross-country ski program with CCSAA this season.

Everyone who owns a fatbike knows that most sumresorts are jumping on board and adding a place (opposite) Once you experience mer singletrack doesn’t necessarily make for quality winfor fatbikes on their trails, it seems these portly, the thrill of fatbiking you're sold, ter biking, and Nipika Mountain Resort’s owner Lyle Wiloften-bullied younger cousins to the mountain and some resorts such as Nipika son recognizes that. The resort in B.C.’s Kootenay Region, are building dedicated trails as bike are here to stay. owned and operated by the former National cross-counetiquette and best practices are According Reese Brown of the Cross Country Ski Ar- becoming part of the mix. try ski team coach, is quickly becoming a premier destieas Association (CCSAA), approximately 40% of its 350+ nation for fatbiking with the addition of more than 30 kimember areas across the U.S. and Canada have introduced fatbiking, with lometres of dedicated and groomed singletrack trails, which supplement more choosing to do so for the 2016-17 season. the resort’s staggering 50 kilometres of cross-country trails.

Quebec launched its inaugural fatbike championships last year in BroOther fatbiking hotbeds in the western provinces include Alberta’s Devon and Edmonton River Valley with its 45NRTH Fat Bike Triple Crown mont, Que., while Lac-St-Jean has hosted an annual event since 2014. La race series.

Traversée du Lac Saint-Jean sees brave riders traverse the massive frozen In the U.S., Wisconsin’s Fat Bike Birkie has become the world’s largest lake on a 32-kilometre track from Roberval to Péribonka. The 2017 edition fatbike race, and in 2016, offered both 47-kilometre and 20-kilometre race expects 100 racers to participate. options for riders of all skill levels. Held on the world-famous American Mont-Ste-Anne features seven loops for a grand total of 26 kilometres Birkebeiner Ski Trail, the Fat Bike Birkie has grown from fewer than 200 of fatbike trails for all levels of riders. Mont-Tremblant has also embraced riders in 2013 to a little more than 1,000 riders registered for the event in fatbiking with 35 kilometres of dedicated trails, including guided moon2016. Riders from as far away as England participated in the latest edition, light tours. which attracted racers from two countries and 14 states.

In Western Canada, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers up more than half of “Northwestern Wisconsin has really become the epicenter for the whole its singletrack MTB trails for fatbiking, having watched the sport grow expo-

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the CCSAA is working hard to create a best-practices document and programming to ensure the introduction is smooth.

Wilson also sees the complications of mixing Nordic skiers and fatbikers on the same trails, and is keen to see the development of an emerging etiquette at cross-country ski areas.

Fatbiking has been hailed by some as a saviour of Nordic centres, given fluctuating climate conditions. Brown, Smith and Wilson agree. “Yes, I feel the ski areas need to look at other revenue streams and participants, and fatbiking is helping that,” said Brown.

Smith said fatbiking helps Methow Trails extend the season. “We have found it is a great way to get excited for winter at the start of the season.

When there is snow on the ground, but not enough to ski yet, we can fatbike!

“I think where it really helps the Nordic industry is that it adds a new

Nipika Mountain Resort

fatbike craze. We can’t wait to see how the race grows in the next 10 years,” said Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation executive director.

Brown cites Kingdom Trails in Vermont as one of the largest and most active fatbiking destinations of the CCSAA’s membership areas. While it is more famous for its summer mountain biking, it also offers a 20-mile trail network open to fatbikes in winter.

Washington State’s Methow Valley officially started to allow fatbikes in the 2012-13 winter season, said Kristen Smith, marketing director of Methow Trails. “We had a handful of dedicated fatbikers in the Valley who were pushing for winter-trail bike access. We all took a staff fatbike outing at the first snowfall in the fall of 2012 and we were hooked….”

The organization has expanded, and now Methow Trails grooms 26 kilometres of fatbike trails. The local state park, Pearrygin Lake State Park,

in cooperation with Methow Fatbike, grooms 32 kilometres of fatbike trails, and the Loup Loup ski area grooms eight kilometres of fatbike trails.

Some of the trail is dedicated to fatbike use only, while other terrain is shared with skiers, explained Smith. “We really don’t have issues with either. The skiers seem to enjoy meeting fatbikers on the ski trails. In fact, this often is the best way to introduce a skier to fatbiking.

“It’s when you actually experience fatbiking that you are really sold on the thrill,” added Smith.

Smith commends grooming staff in ensuring that fatbikers and skiers get along. “[Grooming staff] did an outstanding job that season of communicating fatbiking conditions of use and the appropriate times to ride and not ride, and we really had no problems,” she said. However, the biggest issue with fatbikes sharing ski trails continues to be the damage uninformed fatbikers can do to the set and groomed ski tracks.

Brown recognizes the integration of fatbiking is not as easy and problem-free in every area, and said www.skitrax.com

Just the Facts Mont-Ste-Anne www.mont-sainte-anne.com/en/winter/fat-bike Mont-Tremblant www.mont-tremblant.ca/en/discover/fat-bike-2/, 877-425-2434, 819 425-2434 Nipika Mountain Resort www.nipika.com, 877-647-4525 Canmore www.albertaparks.ca/canmore-nordic-centre, 403-678-2400 Fat Bike Birkie www.birkie.com/bike Methow Trails www.methowtrails.org/winter-trails/fat-bike Edmonton River Valley www.edmonton.ca Devon Bicycling Association devonbicycleassociation.com 45NRTH Fat Bike Triple Crown www.triplecrownseries.com

exciting thing to do on Nordic trails. There are way more mountain bikers than Nordic skiers in North America. If we can get more bikers out to enjoy the snow, both fatbiking and getting them out on skis, we all win,” added Smith.

According to Wilson, “At the current growth rate in fatbiking, it is not unreasonable to project that there may be as many fatbikers using our trails as there are cross-country skiers in the years to come.

With climate change and tough ski conditions at times in many locations, fatbiking may just be the best alternative to bad snow. We think the love affair with fatbiking is just beginning.”

Even e-bike manufacturers have responded to the craze with numerous companies introducing e-fatbikes to open the sport to a wider demographic.

The consensus from Nordic ski areas and bike manufacturers is that fatbikes are here to stay. They are a natural fit for activity seekers of all ages looking to make the most of long North American winters, because pedaling through the white stuff atop those massive balloon tires is just plain fun.

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SKI DE FOND MONT-TREMBLANT A Premier Cross-country Ski Centre

by John Symon

Despite being one of the most mountainous areas in southern quebec, Mont-Tremblant's trails have something for every level of cross-country skier, along with fabulous accommodations and amenities.

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Mont-Tremblant

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Mont-Tremblant

photos: Mont-Tremblant

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Q

uebec is renowned for its alpine and cross-country skiing opportunities, and a key centre for Montrealers is located at Mont-Tremblant, home to some of the best cross-country ski trails in the province. Approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) northwest of the city’s downtown core, skiers have access to two networks of cross-country trails: one that traverses around Domaine Saint-Bernard, near the Tremblant resort and village sectors, while the other strikes off into the wilderness of an adjacent 1,510-square-kilometre (583-square-mile) provincial park.

“Here we have proximity: trails that are mostly close to the village,” explains ski-centre director Daniel Charbonneau. “We have a network of many short trails, so you are never far from the village or our ski centre. We also have multiple access points. There is good grooming for both Classic and skate-skiing here. And our services are all offered under one roof.”

Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant offers 89 kilometres of ski trails that includes 75 kilometres for Classic skiing. Of these, some 71 kilometres are shared with skate-skiers. There are also 14 kilometres of backcountry trails. Despite the area being one of the most mountainous in southern Quebec, 46% of these trails are classified as “easy,” while another 37% are “difficult” and 17% are “very difficult.”

But not everyone who visits the popular centre is a skier; Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant also welcomes snowshoe’ers, fatbikers and winter walkers on its trails. The centre offers some 40 kilometres of snowshoe trails. Fatbiking is also growing fast here, yet only in its third season.

“Feeding the birds here is very popular,” says Charbonneau. “Remember to pick up sunflower seeds at our Welcome Centre [Accueuil] to feed the [chickadees] winter birds.” He points out that feeding the birds and winter walking are activities that you can do with grandparents.

The adjacent Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (actually a Quebec park) offers 43 kilometres of Classic-style cross-country ski trails reputedly among the best and most beautiful in Quebec, together with 117 kilometres of backcountry trails and 48 kilometres of snowshoe trails. Fatbiking is not allowed in the park. There are some 400 lakes and 40 species of mammals living here, including wolves, a testimony to how wild this sector remains.

“The best things about skiing at Parc national

(far left from top) You can warm up, take a break or have a lunch in one of the refuge huts along the way.

Enjoy spotting the wildlife or feeding the birds amidst the pristine nature and beautiful views.

Only in its third season, fatbiking is growing fast here with 35km of dedicated trails. (left) Skiers have access to two amazing networks of cross-country trails: Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant offering 89km of ski trails and the adjacent Parc national du Mont-Tremblant with 43km of Classic ski trails, together with 117km of backcountry trails and 48km of snowshoe trails. www.skitrax.com

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 47

Good road access from Ottawa and direct flights from Todu Mont-Tremblant are the pristine nature and beautiful views,” says Jean-François Boily, its ski-centre director. “All ronto add to the allure.

Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant, of our trails are one-way, and if you come here midweek, All of this draws some 25,000 skiers annually to Ski de 539, Ch Saint-Bernard, you might not meet many other skiers. Our expert trails fond Mont-Tremblant and another 7,000 to Parc nationMont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1B1, also offer up to three-kilometre downhills. The trails are al du Mont-Tremblant. The centre describes its clientele 819-425-5588, safe because you will not meet skiers coming in the other as “70% Classic, 30% skate and 60% women.” Only 5% of www.skidefondmont-tremblant.com direction. For many people, if they try skiing here once, skiers are “locals,” but another 40% are from the local they will be back!”

Laurentian region or Montreal, 25% are from Ontario and Tourist Information Bureau Another local cross-country ski area is the P’tit Train 20% from the U.S. Some originally came for the downhill La Porte-du-Nord (Rest Area), du Nord Linear Park, which follows a former train track for skiing, but are now tempted by the specular cross-counExit 51 from Quebec Highway 15 N, 232 kilometres. This area avoids major hills; it is suitable try skiing.

1-800-561-NORD (6673), for Classic and skate-skiing.

Meanwhile, approximately 75% of skiers of the 7,000 www.laurentides.com About 1.5 metres (five feet) of snow falls in a typical skiers coming to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant wear winter (from early December to late March). Early winter wool or Goretex, and only 10% are in Lycra, according to usually requires blue wax, January is green or polar, while March often Boily. “There are also a lot of families coming into the park, perhaps partly calls for red wax or klister. The local terrain includes forest, meadows, because trail-access fees and rentals are free for kids up to 17 years old. hills, lakes and rivers.

Many of our guests are carrying backpacks and stay overnight in some 27 The Welcome Centre includes a CANSI-certified ski school, dining fully-equipped cabins in the park.” room and rental boutique (Classic and skate skis, snowshoes, crampons The well-developed tourism infrastructure here also makes it difficult and baby gliders). While fatbikes are not available at the rental boutique, for visitors to become bored. Other winter activities offered include horsemany local businesses within the Mont-Tremblant network offer fatbike back riding, horse-drawn sleighs rides, snowmobiling, ice climbing, snow rentals. There are heated cabins (refuges) along the trails. polo, helicopter rides, snow tubing, paintball, ice fishing and ziplining.

Trail-grooming at Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant is done with both BomTrail-access fees are $20.50 (adult day ticket), while an adult day pass for snowshoeing costs $10.25 and for winter hiking is $5.00. Those holdbardier and Piston Bully machines, as well as a Yellowstone tracker sysing a valid ticket at Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant can also get a 50% ticktem. On smaller trails, a snowmobile is used. The adjacent park uses a Bombardier BR 180 machine. et-price reduction at Parc national du Mont-Tremblant from Monday Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant is, of course, also one of the leading althrough Friday (conditions may apply).

Regular (adult) Nordic ski ticket prices at Parc national du Mont-Trempine-ski resorts in eastern North America, complete with hotels, spas, restaurants and a casino. Cross-country skiers who come here have an blant are $20.65, which includes park access. Snowshoe’ers pay only $8.50 incredible array accommodation, après-ski and dining options to choose each. Those staying within the park ski for free after paying for their cabin from near the village, from five-star hotels to log cabins in the woods. rentals.

Just the Facts

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BUYERS GUIDE 2016/17

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

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rossi

Rickard Bergstedt/Atomic

Skis, Poles, Boots and Bindings

SKIS

BUYERS GUIDE

Fischer Sports GmbH

WAXLESS GUIDE Alpina Posi-Grip, Nano Grip Atomic Skintec, Posigrip 3D, G2 Syncro, Posigrip Fischer Premium Crown, Mountain Crown, Crown Tec, Offtrack Crown, Zero+, Twin Skin Madshus Multigrip Vario+, Multigrip, Omnitrak, Zero CIG, Intelligrip (skin) Rossignol AR Plus, AR Positrack, R-Grip, R-Skin Salomon G2+, Zero grip, G2 Synchro, Skin Grip, Skin Grip+

skis

BACKCOUNTRY

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Alpina

Discovery 68 Discovery 102 Discovery 80 Discovery 68W Boundary 100 Ski Boundary 107 Ski Boundary 115 Ski Helio 88 Carbon Ski Helio 95 Carbon Ski Helio 105 Carbon Ski Helio 116 Carbon Ski Country Crown Adventure 56 Crown NIS Spider 62 Crown Spider 62 Crown NIS E89 Crown Skin Xtralite Outback 68 Crown E99 Crown Xtralite E89 Easy Skin Xtralite Traverse 78 Easy Skin Crown E99 Easy Skin Xtralite Excursion 88 Easy Skin Crown E109 Easy Skin Xtralite Discovery 60 NIS Adventure 62

n/a n/a n/a n/a 3600 (164) 3500 (160) 3700 (165) 2100 (158) 2200 (163) 2700 (165) 2900 1660 (200) 1690 (179) 1790 1790 1850 (200) 1990 (179) 1950 (200) 1850 (200) 2090 (179) 1950 (200) 2280 (179) 2050 (200) 1740 (179) 1890 (179)

68-60-65 102-64-87 80-58-69 68-60-65 130-100-118 135-107-121 139-115-123 119-88-110 122-95-112 135-105-118 141-116-125 60-52-57 56-48-54 62-52-60 62-52-60 59-49-55 68-59-64 66-54-60 59-49-55 78-61-69 66-54-60 88-68-78 82-60-70 60-52-58 62-52-60

Black Diamond

Fischer

50 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Wax

Waxless * * * *

* * * * * * *

* * *

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

SRP $US 230 280 250 230 549 579 599 799 829 849 999 179 n/a 259 259 n/a 269 329 n/a 339 n/a 379 n/a 149 219

SRP $CDN 229 269 299 549 579 599 799 829 849 999 249 269 339 359 379 399 459 459 479 529 549 569 n/a n/a

Features Poplar core, PE topsheet, steel edge PU core, ICP Polyamide topsheet, steel edge Poplar core, steel edge Nordic rocker camber, light tube edge 3D sandwich construction with pre-preg fibreglass 3D sandwich construction with pre-preg fibreglass 3D sandwich construction with pre-preg fibreglass 5mm beveled ABS sidewall 5mm beveled ABS sidewall 5mm beveled ABS sidewall The Premier ultralight powder ski Air channel, power layer, Vario 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, Easy Skin 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 Tec, steel edge, rocker camber, Offtrack Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, Vario Crown Air Tec core, speed grind, Offtrack Crown

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

skis

Backcountry cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Fischer

Explorer 68 S-Bound 98 S-Bound 112 S-Bound 125 Stingr XCD Findr 86 XCD Findr 86 Synapse 92 Empire 115 Voss MGV+ Voss Wax Glittertind Wax Glittertind MGV+ Eon Wax Eon Epoch Annum Freedom 68 Waxless ORG Freedom 52 Waxless Snowlander 64 Waxless Snowlander 68 Waxless Snowlander 60 Waxless BC 59 BC 65 BC 70 BC 90 BC 110 BC 125 BC 68 CL X-Adv Mtn Explore 88 S-Lab Minim Explorer Whitetail YXF Kinos Optigrip 160cm YXF Kinos BC 160cm

1990 (179) 2390 (179) 2590 (179) 3150 (175) 1270 single ski 1370 single ski 1270 single ski 1270 single ski 1640 single ski 1780 (190) 1780 (190) 1890 (190) 1890 (190) 2026 (185) 2026 (185) 2530 (185) 2622 (185) 1700 1400 1760 1820 1720 860 (200) 880 (185) 900 (170) 1050 (170) 1300 (179) 1450 (165) 1045 (200) 1770 1220 720 n/a n/a n/a n/a

62-52-60 98-69-88 112-78-95 125-95-120 112-78-100 122-96-109 122-86-109 124-92-108 145-115-126 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 64-54-60 68-60-65 60-50-55 59-49-55 65-53-60 70-60-65 88-60-78 110-78-95 123-95-120 68-55-62 59-50-55 125-88-111 97-68-83 68-60-66 68-60-65 108 108

G3

Madshus

One Way

Rossignol

Salomon Whitewoods Yoko

buyers guide Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Control 60 NIS Control 64 NIS W Control 64 NIS Control 64 NIS Edge Motion XCruise 55 Grip W Motion 46 Wax Motion XCruise 55 Grip Motion 52 Grip Motion XCruise 53 Posigrip Motion Lite 52 Posigrip Ridge Crown Spirit Crown My Style Sporty Wax/Crown NIS Sport Glass EF NIS Fibre Crown EF NIS Elegance My Style NIS Apollo NIS Twin Skin Power EF NIS Ultralite Crown NIS Cruiser NIS Superlite EF Crown/Wax NIS Twin Skin X-Lite EF NIS Supreme EF Crown/Wax NIS Vista 56 Summit Crown Discovery 60 NIS Jupiter NIS Mystique My Style NIS Orbiter Inspire My Style NIS CT 100 MGV+ CT 100 Lillehammer MGV+ Lillehammer Beitostolen Beitostolen MGV+ Birkebeiner Classic Carbon LGS Birkebeiner Classic Carbon Cadence 90 Cadence 100 Cadence 90 SE Cadence 120

n/a n/a n/a n/a 560 (183) 780 (201) 560 (183) 750 (198) 655 (183) 750 (200) 1620 (197) 1490 (182) 1650 (194) 1420 (194) 1390 (194) 1310 (S) 1310 (M) 1390 (194) 1320 (194) 1310 (M) 1260 (194) 1260 (194) 1190 (194) 1640 (179) 1520 (197) 1690 (179) 1370 (M) 1290 (XS) 1230 (M) 1190 (S) 1550 (190) 1550 (190) 1475 (190) 1475 (190) 1220 (190) 1220 (190) 1175 (190) 1175 (190) 1500 (180) 1340 (180) 1600 (180) 1300 (180)

60-50-55 64-52-60 64-52-60 64-52-60 55-49-52 46-46-46 55-49-52 52-47-49 53-48-51 52-47-49 52-48-50 52-48-50 52-48-50 51-46-49 51-46-49 45-50-45 45-50-45 51-46-49 49-45-47 45-50-45 48-44-46 48-44-46 46-42-44 56-48-54 51-46-49 60-52-58 50-55-50 45-50-45 43-48-43 43-48-43 52-48-50 52-48-50 52-48-50 52-48-50 48-44-46 48-44-46 47-44-46 47-44-46 61-55-60 52-48-50 68-55-62 48-44-46

Madshus

www.skitrax.com

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

*

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

*

SRP $US 229 400 425 450 559 679 759 829 899 235 235 265 265 295 295 340 370 245 n/a 265 285 n/a n/a 265 275 345 395 440 n/a

* * * *

* * * *

775 850 179 219 300 300

SRP $CDN n/a n/a n/a n/a 649 749 799 899 999 330 330 330 330 350 350 430 430 179 179 209 209 209 300 320 340 380 470 500 n/a 259 775 179 219 300 300

Features Air Tec core, speed grind, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown Air channel, metal edge, Easy Skin, Offtrack Crown XCD scaled base XCD scaled base Carbon construction, PU sidewalls Carbon flyride construction Carbon power ride, full reverse camber Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV+ Triaxial cap, Multicore, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial cap, Multicore, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV Omni Torsion cap, Multicore, P-Tex 2000 Electra Triaxial cap, Multicore, MGV Omni 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 70% In-track, 30% Out, Rossitop cap, Positrack base 50% In-track, 50% 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 1-0-1 steel edge, heel toe camber, G2 base 3D full-wood core, semi sandwich, Spacerframe 2.0 Karuba full-wood core, CFX Superfiber Air-channeled wood core, wax/waxless base, powder tip Wood core, full-metal edge, waxlesss base Plywood/PU foam core, OptigripÂŽ ABS cap Plywood/PU foam core, ABS cap, no-wax base

recreation

Brand

Fischer

Waxless

skis

Alpina

Atomic

Wax

Wax

Waxless * * * * *

*

* *

* *

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

* * * * * * * * * * *

SRP $US 150 180 180 200 149 149 149 149 249 249 119 140 n/a 179 179 n/a n/a 225 239 229 299 325 n/a 129 149 149 179 229 259 259 170 170 210 210 260 260 340 340 170 190 200 210

SRP $CDN 239 249 149 149 149 149 249 249 139 169 169 229 229 269 269 309 319 349 419 479 479 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 200 200 250 250 300 300 350 350 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Features Poplar core, PE topsheet, embossed MG base Poplar core, embossed base Poplar core, PE topsheet Poplar core, PE topsheet, cut MG base Densolite core, base BI 1500 Densolite core, base BI 1500 Densolite core, base BI 1500 Densolite core, structural cap New Posigrip 3D waxless pattern Ultra-lightweight, Posigrip 3D, cap constr.

Air channel, speed grinding, Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, Premium Crown Air channel, ultra tuning Air channel Basalite, efficient forward Air channel Basalite, Vario Crown, efficient forward Air channel, wide-body tech, Vario Crown Air channel, power layer, wide body, Vario Crown Air channel Basalite, Vario Crown, efficient forward Air Tech Basalite, Vario Crown, efficient forward Air channel Basalite, power layer, wide body, Vario Crown Air core Basalite, power layer, efficient forward Air core Basalite, speed grinding, power layer Air core Basalite, power layer, efficient forward Air channel, ultra tuning, Vario Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, Premium Crown Air channel, ultra tuning, Vario Crown Air channel, power layer, wide body, Vario Crown Air channel Basalite, wide-body tech, Premium Crown Air core Basalite, Premium Crown Air core Basalite, power edge, Premium Crown Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex/MGV+ Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Air W, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra/MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Paulownia/carbon, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Paulownia/carbon, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P170/Zero base Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P170 Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+ Air W, torsion cap, Polytex & MGV+

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 51

buyers guide

skis

recreation cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

One Way

Smagan Classic Waxless (Ywl/Blk) Smagan Classic (Ylw/Blk) Marcia Classic Women's (Purp/Slv) Marcia Skate Women's (Purp/Silv) Premio 8 Skate (Ylw/Blk) Premio 8 Classic Waxless (Ylw/Slv) Premio 8 Classic Waxless (Ylw/Blk) X Tour Venture NIS X Tour Escape NIS Evo XC49 (First) w/bindings Evo XC59 (Glade) NIS w/bindings Evo XC50 (Action) NIS w/bindings X Tour Ultralite NIS Evo XC60 (Tour) NIS w/bindings Evo XC70 (Trail) NIS w/bindings EvoOT65 NIS w/bindings Elite 5 Escape Grip Elite 5 Escape Classic Snowscape 5 Elite 6 Siam Grip Elite 6 Siam Classic Elite 6 Escape Classic Snowscape 7 Snowscape 7 Siam Elite 4 Grip Pre-Mounted w/Profil Auto Universal Elite 7 Aero Grip Elite 7 Aero Classic Snowscape 8 Snowscape 8 Siam Snowscape 9 CrossTour Outlander YXT Classic BC Jr. YXT Classic Jr. YXT Classic BC Jr. YXT Classic BC Jr. YXT Classic BC Sr. YXT Classic Sr. YXS Classic YXS Skating YXT Optigrip 2.0 Sr. YXS Optigrip 3.0 YXS Optigrip 2.0 YXT Classic Jr.

1200 1200 n/a 1200 1270 1270 1270 820 (196) 720 (198) 700 (176) single ski 750 (176) single ski 670 (176) single ski 690 (193) 680 (186) single ski 870 (185) single ski 900R (185) 1320 (198) 1320 (198) 1210 (M) 1350 (190) 1350 (198) 1350 (198) 1250 (M) 1250 (M) 1350 (198) 1340 (198) 1340 (198) 1210 (M) 1210 (M) 1150 (M) 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

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 51-47-49 49-45-47 60-50-55 68-60-65 64-52-60 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 55-52-49-52 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 59-56-51-55 59-55-51-55 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 51-48-46-49 54-50-48-50 54-50-48-50 50-48-46-48 64-55-59 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 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44

Rossignol

Salomon

Whitewoods Yoko

buyers guide

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Alpina

Energy NIS Frontier NIS Tempest NIS Velocity Skate NIS Velocity Classic NIS Sport Classic Sport Skate Pro Skate Pro Classic Skintec Sport Pro Skintec Med. & Hard Sport Pro Skate Redster Classic Med. & Hard Redster Skate Redster Marathon Classic Redster Marathon Skate Soft & Hard Redster Skintec World Cup Skate A2 World Cup Skate A2 Warm Redster World Cup Classic A2 World Cup Classic A2 World Cup Skate A1 Redster Carbon Classic SC Classic NIS SC Combi NIS SC Skate NIS CRS Classic Vasa NIS CRS Crown NIS CRS Skate NIS CRS Classic Zero Vasa NIS SCS Classic NIS SCS Skate NIS Twin Skin Pro NIS RCR Classic NIS RCR Crown NIS RCR Skating NIS

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 600 (203) 545 (184) 550 (184) 600 (203) 550 (201) 520 (184) 545 (201) 535 (184) 505 (201) 446 (184) 590 (198) 448 (186) 446 (184) 505 (201) 446 (184) 446 (184) n/a 1360 (197) 1360 (187) 1350 (187) 1330 (197) 1330 (197) 1320 (187) 1330 (197) 1270 (197) 1270 (187) 1330 (197) 1190 (197) 1190 (197) 1190 (187)

54-48-52 51-46-48 49-44-47 41-44-44 41-44-44 46-46-46 43-44-44 43-44-44 45-45-45 44.5-42-44 44-42-43.5 44.5-42-44 44-42-43.5 41-41-44 44-43-44 41-44-41 43.5-43-45 44-43-44 41-41-44 41-41-44 44-43-44 37-44-34 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

52 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

* *

175

* * * * * *

*

* * * * * * *

185 185

* * * * * *

220 220 275 169 239 100 100 100 100 125 125 160 160 225 260 260

*

* *

* * * * * * * *

SRP $CDN 179 179 269 269 269 269 269 160 205 225 270 290 320 330 340 370 159 159 159 189 189 189 199 199 209 229 229 259 259 169 259 100 100 100 100 125 125 160 160 225 260 260

*

Features Wood core Wood core n/a Light wood core Light wood core Light wood core Light wood core 70% In-track, 30% Out, cap, wood air core 70% In-track, 30% Out, Active cap, Positrack base Laminated wood core, fibreglass reinforcement, 30% 50% In-track, 50% Out, Active cap, AR Cut base 80% In-track, 20% Out, Active cap, Positrack base Performance Touring ski, Premium LDC core, Race 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 core, heel toe camber, S-cut, G1 base Densolite core, G2+ Grip, S-cut, G1 base G2 Syncro Grip, heel toe camber, S-cut, G2 base Densolite 2000 core, heel toe camber, S-cut, G2 base Densolite 2000 core, heel toe camber, S-cut, G2 base Densolite core, optimized camber, S-cut, G1 base Densolite core, women's optimized camber, S-cut G2 Plus Grip, heel toe camber, S-cut, G1 base Densolite 2000 core, G2 Synchro Grip, S-cut, G4 base Densolite 2000 core, heel toe camber, S-cut, G4 base G2 Syncro Grip, optimized camber, S-cut, G2 base G2 Syncro Grip, optimized camber, S-cut, G2 base G2 Syncro Grip, optimized camber, S-cut, G3 base Wood-core cap, tail protector, 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 Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base Honeycomb core, glassfibre-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, glassfibre-reinforced structure Optigrip® Nanocoating New and improved Optigrip® Nanocoating coating Optigrip® Nanocoating Air-channeled, Air-mix structure, extruded base

performance

Model

Fischer

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

SRP $US 189 189 255 255 275 275 275 115 175 195 230 290 290 300 310 335 165

Waxless

skis

Brand

Atomic

Wax

Wax

* * *

Waxless * * * * * * *

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

SRP $US 125 150 180 200 200 149 159 229 259 259 279 329 329 449 449 499 599 599 599 599 599 700 189 189 189 225 225 225 n/a 325 325 250 400 400 400

SRP $CDN 189 229

149 159 229 259 259 279 329 329 449 449 499 599 599 599 599 599 700 299 299 299 379 379 379 389 429 429 439 509 509 509

Features Poplar core, PE topsheet, cut MGE base Poplar core, PE topsheet, embossed MGE base Easy Kick Crown, Tube-Lite, Protec base Air-tech core, Skating 115 construction, WC base Air-tech core, Classic 812 construction, WC base Price point Classic Race ski High Densolite core High Densolite core, Sport Profile, BI 3000 base SkinTec waxless Classic Race ski Speedcell core, BI 5000 base, SkinTec Speedcell core, BI 3000 base New, improved BI 5000 base New, improved BI 5000 base Nomex core, SDS sidewall, BI 5000 base Nomex light core Mohair inserts, all temps., all conditions Nomex featherlight core, Universal flex and profile Nomex core, BI 5000 White base Nomex core, SDS sidewall, BI 5000 White base Nomex core, SDS sidewall, BI 5000 base Hard-track conditions ski, Nomex core, BI 5000 Nomex Featherlight SDS core, BI 5000 base Air Tec Basalite, speed grinding, WC Pro base Air Tec Basalite, speed grinding, power layer Air Tec Basalite, power layer, WC Pro base Air core Basalite, ultra finish, power edge Air core Basalite, ultra finish, power edge Air core Basalite, speed grinding, power layer Air core Basalite, ultra finish, power edge Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, CFC Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, power edge Air Tec Basalite, speed grinding, power layer Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, power edge Air core Basalite, DTG WC, CFC, Premium Crown Air core Basalite, DTG WC, CFC, power edge

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

skis

performance cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Fischer

Twin Skin Race NIS RCS Classic Plus or Cold NIS RCS Zero+ NIS RCS Crown NIS RCS Skate Hole Plus or Cold NIS Carbonlite Classic Plus or Cold NIS Carbonlite Skating Hole Plus or Cold NIS Speedmax Classic Plus or Cold NIS Speedmax Classic C-Special NIS Speedmax Skate Hole Plus or Cold NIS Speedmax Skate Hole C-Special NIS Speedmax Classic Double-poling NIS Speedmax Zero+ NIS Intrasonic MGV+ Intrasonic Skate Intrasonic Classic Ultrasonic Classic Ultrasonic Skate Ultrasonic LGS Terrasonic LGS Terrasonic Skate Terrasonic Classic Hypersonic Classic Hypersonic Skate Nanosonic Carbon Classic LGS Nanosonic Carbon Skate Nanosonic Carbon Classic Cold Redline Carbon Skate Plus Redline Classic Zero Redline Carbon Skate Cold Redline Classic Plus Redline Classic Cold Skater (Ylw/Blk) Premio 9 Classic Women's (Purp/Crb) Premio 9 Classic (Ylw/Crb) Premio 9 Skate Women's (Purp/Crb) Premio 9 Skate (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Classic Warm Med. (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Classic Zero (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Classic Cold Med. (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Classic Cold Med. (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Skate Hard (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Skate Soft (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Classic Warm Soft (Ylw/Crb) Premio 10 Skate Hard (Ylw/Crb) OW Grip Premio 95 Skate Zymax Classic NIS Zymax Skating 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 C3 White base X-Ium WCS C2 R-Grip X-Ium WCS C1 X-Ium WCS C2 X-Ium WCS S2 X-Ium Skating Premium S2 X-Ium Skating Premium S3 X-Ium Skating Premium S1 Equipe 5 Classic Equipe 6 Skate Equipe 6 Classic Equipe 7 Skate Equipe 7 Classic Equipe 7 Classic Grip Equipe 8 Classic Equipe 8 Vitane Classic Equipe 8 Skate Equipe 8 Vitane Skate Elite 9 Aero Classic Equipe RS Skate Equipe RC Skin Equipe RC Classic S-Lab Skate Yellow S-Lab Skate Red S-Lab Skate Blue S-Lab Classic Red S-Lab Classic Yellow S-Lab Classic Blue Carbon Skate Lab

1190 (197) 1090 (197) 1090 (197) 1090 (197) 1090 (187) 980 (192) 980 (186) 1030 (197) 1030 (197) 1030 (186) 1030 (186) 1030 (197) 1030 (197) 1250 (190) 1250 (190) 1250 (190) 1150 (190) 1150 (190) 1150 (190) 1100 (190) 1100 (190) 1100 (190) 1050 (190) 1050 (190) 1000 (190) 1000 (190) 1000 (190) 950 (190) 900 (190) 950 (190) 900 (190) 900 (190) 1250 1250 1250 1270 1270 1040 1040 1040 1040 1000 1000 1040 1000 1260 1160 630 (186) 660 (180) 640 (186) 600 (183) 570 (186) 570 (186) 570 (198) 550 (198) 560 (186) 500 (198) 500 (198) 500 (198) 500 (198) 555 (186) 555 (186) 555 (187) 555 (186) 1360 (201) 1120 (186) 1360 (201) 1120 (186) 1360 (201) 1360 (201) 1250 (201) 1250 (201) 1270 (191) 1270 (191) 1280 (198) 1040 (201) 1300 (201) 1040 (201) 1000 (192) 1000 (192) 1000 (192) 1040 1040 (201) 1040 (201) 860

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

Madshus

One Way

Rossignol

Salomon

www.skitrax.com

Wax

Waxless *

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SRP $US 450 550 550 550 550 625 625 750 750 750 750 n/a 750 200 200 200 265 265 265 370 370 370 475 475 655 655 655 760 760 760 760 760 225 350 350 350 350 635 635 635 635 635 635 635 685 425 425 230 230 345 345 405 405 405 520 520 690 690 690 690 690 805 805 805

250 225 *

* * * * * *

300 300 300 *

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650 650 650 650 650 650 799

SRP $CDN 649 749 749 749 749 869 869 999 999 999 999 999 1049 220 220 220 300 300 300 400 400 400 550 550 700 700 700 835 835 835 835 835 229 299 299 299 299 639 639 639 639 639 639 639 739 n/a n/a 270 270 370 370 490 490 490 520 520 810 810 810 810 810 900 900 900 149 189 199 229 239 239 275 275 299 299 349 469 469 469 699 699 699 699 699 699 799

Features Air core Basalite, DTG WC Universal, 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 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/carbon, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra Paulownia, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 Electra, LGS Polycell, torsion cap 3D, P190 Nano LGS Mid 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 Classic LGS Triaxial carbon, Pr 100X, P190 Nano Universal Triaxial carbon, Pr 100X, P190 Nano Classic Cold Triaxial carbon, Pr 100X, P200 Nano Black Plus Triaxial carbon, Pr 100X, P200 Nano Zero Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 Nano Black Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 Nano Black Plus Triaxial carbon, PR 100X, P200 Nano Black Densolite 2000, G3 base 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 Mohair/nylon skin insert Basalt Composite core Fitness Classic Skiing, Active cap, Active plate Fitness Skating, Active cap, X-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 Klister ski with White base for wet, dirty snow Dual compound base, winner of Vasaloppet 2008 Hard kick wax, NIS system Warm hard wax, cold klister, Dualtec construction Universal conditions, NIS system Universal conditions, NIS system Wet, soft conditions Colder snow conditions, NIS system Densolite 1000 core, heel toe camber, G1 base Densolite 2000 core, Universal grind, G2 base Densolite 2000 core, heel toe camber, G2 base Densolite core, Javelin Skating sidecut, G3 base Densolite 2000 core, heel toe camber, 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 Densolite 3000 core, pre-waxed G4 Zeolit base Densolite 3000 core, pre-waxed G4 Zeolit base Densolite 3000 core, S-cut, G5 Zeolit base D-Carbon core, G5 Zeolit base, protective foil D-Carbon core, G5 Zeolit base, Skingrip D-Carbon core, G5 Zeolit base, protective foil Stiff Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit base Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit White base Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolit Cold base Redesigned camber, protective foil, Zeolite base Nomex core, protective foil, G5 Zeolite base Redesigned camber, protective foil, Zeolite base Full-carbon wrap construction

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 53

buyers guide

skis

performance cont.

Brand

Model

Weight/pr

Sidecut

Salomon Yoko

Aero 9 Skin YXR Classic Jr. Cold YXR Skating Jr. Cold YXR Skating Jr. Wet YXC Skating Mini 150cm YXC Classic Sr. YXC Skating Sr. YXC Optigrip 3.0 Sr. YXC Optigrip 2.0 Sr. YXC Classic Sr. YXR Skating Mini 150cm YXR Skating Mini 150cm YXR Optigrip 2.1 Race YXR Optigrip 2.1 Race YXR Skating Carbon Sr. Cold YXR Skating Carbon Sr. Wet YXR Classic Carbon Sr. Wet YXR Classic Carbon Sr. Cold

1190 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

44-42-43.5 43-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 44-44-44 43-44-44 44-44-44 43-44-44 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

buyers guide Brand Alpina Atomic

Fischer

Madshus

One Way

Rossignol

Salomon

Whitewoods Yoko

Waxless *

*

* * * * * * * *

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

SRP $CDN n/a 300 300 300 300 350 350 350 350 350 400 400 600 600 650 650 650 650

Features Salomon Skin technology, G4 base with foil Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure PU core, carbon-fibre-reinforced structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure New & improved Optigrip速 3.0 Nanocoating Optigrip速 Nanocoating Honeycomb/PU core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Honeycomb core, carbon-reinforced structure Optigrip速 2.1 coating on kick area Optigrip速 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 Energy Jr. Sport Grip Jr. Redster Skate Jr. Redster Classic Jr. World Cup Skate Jr. Redster World Cup Classic Jr. Soft & Med. Sprint Crown Jr. NIS Sprint Jr. NIS SCS Skate Jr. NIS Snowstar Jr. Mounted RCR Universal Jr. NIS Twin Skin Race Jr. NIS RCS Skate Jr. NIS RCS Classic Jr. NIS Carbonlite Skate Hole Jr. NIS Carbonlite Classic Jr. NIS Carbonlite Classic Zero Jr. NIS SCS Race Jr. NIS RCR Skate Jr. Snowpup Raceline Wax Raceline MG Butterfly Wax Butterfly MG Ultrasonic Skate Jr. Ultrasonic Classic Jr. Hypersonic Classic Jr. MGV Hypersonic Classic Jr. Hypersonic Skate Jr. Redline Carbon Skate Jr. Redline Carbon Classic Jr. Ultrasonic Universal Jr. Nanosonic Carbon Skate Jr. Kids Ski Wood 100cm Z-Glider Jr. Combi (Ylw/Blk) Z-Glider Jr. Classic Waxless (Ylw/Blk) Premio Jr. Classic (Ylw/Crb) Premio Jr. Skate (Ylw/Crb) Premio Jr. Skate (Ywl/Crb) Premio 10 Jr. Classic (Ywl/Crb) Premio 10 Jr. Skate (Ylw/Blk) Zymax Combi Jr. NIS X Tour Venture Jr. w/bindings Delta Classic Jr. NIS Delta Skate Jr. NIS X-Ium Skating WCS Jr.NIS X-Ium Classic WCS Jr. NIS Evo XC55 Jr. w/binding Team Racing Grip Team Racing Classic Equipe Jr. Skate Equipe Jr. Classic S-Lab Jr. Classic S-Lab Jr. Skate Wildcat CrossTour Jr. YXK Kids YXK Kids ski + cable bindings + poles YXK Kids ski + cable bindings + poles

54 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Wax

KIDS Weight/pr n/a 800 (170) 495 (158) 535 (175) 465 (165) 465 (175) 980 (150) 980 (150) 890 (132) 690 (110) 860 (147) 860 (147) 970 (157) 970 (167) 890 (162) 890 (172) 890 (172) 890 890 (132) n/a 900 (130) 900 (130) 900 (130) 900 (130) 850 (160) 850 (160) 850 (160) 850 (160) 850 (160) 775 (160) 775 (160) 850 (160) 800 (160) n/a 750 n/a 1080 1060 1060 490 (172) 470 (167) 550 (147) 465 (120) single ski 520 (166) 520 (163) 500 (163) 500 (166) 500 760 760 950 950 980 980 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Sidecut 54-48-52 52-47-49 45-45-45 45-45-45 44-42-44 46-44-45 51-47-50 51-47-50 41-44-44 54-48-52 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 65-55-60 48-44-46 48-44-46 48-44-46 48-44-46 44-43-43 44-42-43 44-42-44 44-42-44 44-43-44 44-43-44 44-42-44 44-42-43 44-43-44 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 44-44-44 44-44-44 54-48-52 51-47-50 51-47-50 45-45-45 45-45-45 45-45-45 44-42-44 74-65-69 65-55-59 50-50-50 50-50-50 50-50-50

Wax

Waxless * *

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

*

* * * * *

SRP $US 100 99 149 149 249 279 99 99 139 n/a 159 225 249 249 349 349 349 139 159 n/a 110 110 110 110 190 190 260 260 260 395 395 190 340 99 159 159 239 239 259 369 369 115 175 175 175 345 345 195 110 110 150 160 225 225 89 115 65 95 95

SRP $CDN 99 149 149 249 279 129 129 169 189 219 329 339 339 419 419 439 n/a n/a 120 180 180 180 180 200 200 220 220 220 430 430 n/a n/a 79 159 159 239 239 255 369 369 150 170 230 230 410 410 n/a 129 129 199 199 259 259 89 115 65 95 95

Features Crown Tec, Tube-Lite, Sintec base Also available pre-mounted High-Densolite core, cap construction High-Densolite core, cap construction Speedcell core, BI 5000 base Speedcell core, BI 5000 base Air channel, ultra tuning Air channel, ultra tuning Air channel core, ultra tuning, Sintec base Air channel, ultra tuning, Crown Tec Air channel, speed grinding, rental tail protector Air channel Basalite, speed grinding, power layer 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 Air channel core, ultra tuning, Sintec base Air channel, ultra finish ABS, no wax Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Multicore, torsion cap, Multigrip Multicore, torsion cap, Polytex Multicore, torsion cap, Multigrip 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 MGV 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 Paulownia carbon hybrid, torsion cap, P-Tex 2000 E 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 LDC core, cap, graphite base, double groove Skating competition, Active cap, X-plate Classic competition, Active cap, Active plate Wide skis to learn fast xc skiing 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, 120 cm Cap ski set for kids Cap ski set for kids

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. www.skitrax.com

Monica Dalmasso /Rossignol

BOOTS

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 55

buyers guide

boots

backcountry

Make

Model

Sole System

Alpina

BC 1550/1550 Eve Montana/Montana Eve Wyoming Alaska Alaska 75 Snowfield BC 1575 Outlander Eve Traverse Offtrack 3 BC/Offtrack 3 BC My Style Offtrack 5 BC/Offtrack 5 BC My Style BCX 5 BCX 6 BCX 675 Vidda BC Glittertind BC BC X4, BC X4 FW BC X6, BC X6 FW BC X6 75mm BC X10 BC X12 BC X2 Nnn BC 306 Nnn BC 309

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

Fischer

Madshus Rossignol

Whitewoods

buyers guide

Sole System

Alpina

T5/T5 Eve T5 Plus/T5 Plus Eve T10/T10 Eve T20/T20 Eve T30/T30 Eve T40 Ambition Classic/Classic Eve Ambition Skate/Skate Eve Ambition Combi/Combi Eve Motion 25 Motion 25 Women's 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 XC Control/Control My Style Off Track 5 Amica 100 Women's CT 100 CT 100 CT 120 Amica 120 Women's 41018 XC Cover Boot (Neoprene-Blk) 41029 Xalta Light (Blk/Slv) 41036 Xalta Unisex (Blk/Slv) X1/X1 FW X2/FW X3/X3 FW X5/X5 FW X5 OT/X5 OT FW X6 Classic X6 Combi Escape 5 Siam 5 Escape 5 TR Siam 5 TR Siam 5 Pilot Escape 5 Pilot Escape 6 Pilot Siam 6 Pilot Escape 7 Siam 7 Siam 7 Pilot CF Escape 7 Pilot CF Escape Pilot 301-75mm Touring 309-75mm Touring

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

Madshus

One Way Rossignol

Salomon

Whitewoods

56 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

SRP $US 150 180 200 250 250 120 150 150 150 149 169 199 249 249 n/a n/a 160 185 200 210 345 140 129 139

SRP $CAN 199 229 249 299 329

225 289 299 399 n/a 240 320 190 210 220 240 340 n/a 129 139

Features 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 Thinsulate, medium/soft flex, traditional lacing Thinsulate, cuff, heel counter, BC last Cuff, heel counter, gaiter, women's last Thinsulate, hinged cuff, Alpitex membrane Insulated, molded heel cap, thermo fit Insulated, molded heel cap, thermo fit Insulated, leather, high ankle protection Insulated, leather, heel cap, flex cuff, thermo fit Insulated, leather, heel cap, flex cuff, thermo fit TPU, PVC-free, BC outsole Thinsulate w/TPU, PVC-free, membrane softshell BC sole, internal heel counter, high-cut Plastic cuff, Power strap, thermo fit 75mm sole, heel support NNN BC, lace cover, thermo adjustable fit Two buckles, heel support, 75mm sole, carbon cuff BC sole, PU heel counter, middle cut Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Thinsulate, brushed-fabric upper, metal lacing

recreation

Model

Fischer

Women's Sizes 35/42 35/42 22/22 36/48 36/47 36/49 22/22 35/42 22/22 37/43 37/43 36/49 36/49 36/49 35/48 35/48 36/44 36/44 36/39 36/39 36/39 36/39 36/42 26/49

boots

Make

Atomic

Men's Sizes 36/48 35/49 35/49 36/48 36/47 36/49 35/50 22/22 36/48 37/49 37/49 36/49 36/49 36/49 35/48 35/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/49 26/49

Men's Sizes 35/50 35/50 35/48 35/48 35/49 35/49 35/50 35/50 35/50 36/48 22/22 36/48 36/48 36/49 36/49 36/49 36/49 36/48 36/49 35/43 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/43 36/48 39/47.5 36/48.5 35/52 35/49 35/49 35/49 35/49 35/49 35/48 36/50 22/22 36/50 22/22 n/a/n/a 36/50 38/50 22/22 36/50 22/22 22/22 38/50 22/22 26/49 36/49

Women's Sizes 35/42 35/42 35/42 35/42 35/42 35/49 35/42 35/50 35/42 22/22 36/42 34/43 34/43 35/43 35/43 36/49 35/43 36/43 36/49 35/43 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/43 36/48 39/47.5 36/48.5 35/44 35/44 35/44 36/44 36/44 35/39 35/48 36/50 36/44 36/50 36/44 36/43 36/50 38/50 38/43 36/50 36/43 36/43 38/50 22/22 26/42 36/42

SRP $US 80 100 120 150 200 180 99 99 89 99 109 n/a 129 139 149 149 130 130 130 150 150 70 99 125 105 130 140 150 175 n/a 175 115 115 130 130 140 140 160 160 199 89 99

SRP $CAN 89 99 109 129 159 169 179 219 99 99 145 149 169 189 199 199 249 279 150 150 150 170 170 37 95 115 110 130 150 170 180 190 220 119 119 129 129 129 129 149 149 159 159 179 179 199 89 99

Features Thinsulate, soft flex, Speed lacing Thinsulate, 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, stiff flex, heel counter, heel grip Thinsulate, soft 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 Comfort guard, lace cover, Cleansport NXT Thermoguard, stretch lace cover, thermo fit Integrated gaiter, wool-like lining Speed Lock Sys., Twin Skin, heel-fit strap, thermo fit Insulated, ankle cuff, Triple F membrane, thermo fit Comfort guard, integrated gaiter, ankle support Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole XS-S-M-L-XL Thinsulate 3M insulation, Classic Touring boots 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, thermo-formed heel counter Touring women's fit, fleece lining Touring fit, lace cover w/central zip Touring women's fit, fleece liner, lace cover Touring women's fit, fleece liner, lace cover Touring fit, lace cover w/central zip Flexible cuff, autofit, lace cover w/diagonal 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, fleece lining, faux fur Thinsulate, custom fit, lace cover w/zip Thinsulate, Pilot, structured cuff, SensiFIT Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Thinsulate, brushed-fabric upper, metal lacing

www.skitrax.com

buyers guide

boots

recreation cont.

Make

Model

Sole System

Whitewoods

309-NNN Touring 302-NNN Touring 424-NNN Touring 444-NNN Touring YXS 2.0 Classic YXS 2.0 Classic Lady YXS Classic YXS Classic Lady YXS 2.1 Combi Ski Boot YXS Combi Ski Boot YXS 2.2 Skating

NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN NNN

Yoko

buyers guide

Sole System

Alpina

RCL RSK CCL ECL Pro CCL Marathon CSK ED Pro ESK Pro ECL 2.0 ESK 2.0 Pro Classic Pro CS Redster Worldcup Classic Redster Worldcup Skate RC3 Classic RC Combi My Style RC Classic My Style RC Skate My Style RC5 Classic RC3 Skating RC3 Combi RC7 Classic RC5 Skating RC5 Combi RC5 Combi-Oversized RCS Carbonlite Classic RC7 Skate My Style RC7 Skating RCS Carbonlite Skate Speedmax Classic Speedmax Skiathlon Speedmax Skate Ultra C Metis C Women's Hyper C Hyper U Metis S Women's Hyper S Hyper RPC Hyper RPU Hyper RPS Nano Carbon Classic Nano Carbon Pursuit Nano Carbon Skate Super Nano Skate Tigara Classic Women's( Wht/Slv) Tigara Classic (Blk/Gry) Tigara Skate (Blk/Gry) Tigara Duathlon (Blk/Gry) Tigara Skate Women's (Wht/Slv) Premio 9 Classic (Blk/Ylw) Premio 10 Classic (Ylw/Blk) Premio 9 Skate (Blk/Ylw) Premio 10 Skate (Ylw/Blk) X8 Classic/X8 Classic FW X8 Pursuit X8 Skate/FW X10 Classic X10 Skate/FW X-Ium World Cup Classic/LVF X-Ium Skate X-Ium Premium Classic X-Ium World Cup Skate/LVF

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

Madshus

One Way

Rossignol

www.skitrax.com

SRP $US 119 119 129 129 120 120 120 120 180 180 230

SRP $CAN 119 119 129 129 120 120 120 120 180 180 230

Features Thinsulate, brushed-fabric upper, metal lacing Thinsulate, weatherproof breathable panels Thinsulate, breathable panels, Lycra zipper cover Thinsulate, breathable panels, Lycra zipper cover Inner sock, snow lock, zipper Inner sock, snow lock, zipper Inner sock, snow lock, zipper Inner sock, snow lock, zipper For Classical- and Skating-style skiing For Classical- and Skating-style skiing Sport-level sole, inner sock, snow lock, zipper

performance

Model

Fischer

Women's Sizes 36/42 26/42 36/42 36/42 35/47 35/42 35/47 35/42 35/47 35/47 35/47

boots

Make

Atomic

Men's Sizes 36/49 26/49 36/49 36/49 35/47 35/42 35/47 35/42 35/47 35/47 35/47

Men's Sizes 35/48 35/48 35/50 35/50 36/47 35/50 35/48 35/48 35/50 35/50 37/48 37/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/43 36/43 36/43 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/49 36/48 36/50 51/52 36/49 36/43 36/49 36/49 41/46 41/48 41/48 35/48 35/43 38/48 38/48 35/43 38/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 22/22 36/48.5 36/48 36/48.5 36/42 36/48 36/47 36/48 36/47 35/49 36/49 36/49 36/48 36/48 36/49 36/48 38/46 36/49

Women's Sizes 35/48 35/48 35/50 35/50 36/47 35/50 35/48 35/48 35/50 35/50 37/48 37/48 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/43 36/43 36/43 36/48 36/48 36/48 36/49 36/48 36/50 51/52 36/43 36/43 36/49 36/43 38/42 38/42 38/42 35/48 35/43 38/48 38/48 35/43 38/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 35/48 22/22 36/48.5 36/48 36/48.5 36/42 36/48 36/47 36/48 36/47 35/44 36/44 36/44 36/44 36/44 35/43.5 36/39 38/39 36/43

SRP $US 180 250 250 300 400 500 500 900 149 199 299 449 159 n/a 159 209 189 209 209 239 239 239 259 339 339 339 489 450 n/a 750 170 165 165 185 205 210 249 260 285 360 450 465 760 210 210 245 245 245 260 340 340 450 185 230 230 230 290 345 410 460 520

SRP $CAN 199 249 319 350 399 479 499 579 149 199 299 449 229 229 269 285 289 289 289 339 349 349 409 489 505 509 679 799 1199 170 220 220 240 240 240 300 360 360 420 580 580 850 179 179 199 199 199 229 269 279 369 220 270 270 280 280 420 460 560 620

Features Thinsulate, soft flex, heel counter, heel grip Thinsulate, heel cuff, Power strap, stiff Thinsulate, 4-Dry liner, heel grip, calf adjust Heel counter, single overboot, internal lace Thinsulate, 4-Dry liner, 3D carbon stabilizer Thinsulate, 4-Dry liner, 3D stabilizer Heel counter, 3D shaped cuff, calf adjust Removable cuff, one-piece carbon construction Simply the best Classic boot on the market Simply the best boot on the market Prolink sole Prolink Classic sole, skate cuff Carbon sole, wrapping lace system Custom fit, carbon chassis Ratchet midfoot closure Insulated, molded heel cap, thermo fit Insulated, ladies' fit, hinged cuff, thermo fit Insulated, ladies' fit, thermo fit Insulated, ladies' fit, hinged cuff, thermo fit Speed Lock System lacing, Twin Skin, thermo fit Insulated, slider, flex cuff, thermo fit Insulated, slider, flex cuff, thermo fit Arch-support lacing, sealed zipper, thermo fit Heel fit strap, slider, Speed Lock System, thermo fit Polymer cuff, canting, Speed Lock System, thermo fit Available in sizes 51- & 52-wide Carbon midsole, Neoprene sock, Snake lacing Xcelerator sole, polymer cuff, canting Xcelerator sole, polymer cuff, canting Xcelerator sole, carbon cuff SSR sole, carbon chassis, Speed Lock System SSR sole, carbon chassis and cuff, only 566g SSR sole, carbon chassis and cuff, only 455g Membrane softshell, T4 outsole RevoWrap, torsionally stable, softshell RevoWrap, membrane softshell 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 Pilot Sport CL OW SNS Pilot Sport CL SNS Pilot Sport binding system Idem Tigara combi SNS Pilot 2 leisure binding system SNS Pilot Sport binding system SNS Pilot 3 Racing outsole OW SNS Propulse Premio Classic OW SNS Pilot SK Premio Bi-injection Classic sole Bi-injection Classic sole, PU heel counter & cuff Bi-injection skate sole, PU heel counter & cuff PU exoskeleton sole, thermo fit PU exoskeleton sole, cockpit bi-injected, thermo fit Pebax exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit Pebax exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit Carbon exoskeleton, half sizes, thermo fit, Carbon exoskeleton, carbon cuff, thermo fit

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 57

buyers guide

boots

performance cont.

Make

Model

Sole System

Rossignol

X-Ium Premium Pursuit X-Ium Carbon 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 Vitane Pilot CF Equipe Pilot CF Equipe 8 Skate CF Vitane 8 Skate CF Pro Combi Pilot RC Carbon Classic RS Vitane Carbon Skate RS Carbon Skate S-Lab Classic Prolink S-Lab Classic S-Lab Pursuit Prolink S-Lab Skate S-Lab Pursuit S-Lab Skate Pro S-Lab Skate Pro Prolink S-Lab Vitane Skate Pro YXC 1.0 Classic YXC 1.0 Skating YXR 1.0 Racing Classic YXR 1.0 Racing Skating YXR Racing Skating YXC 1.1 Skating

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

Salomon

Yoko

buyers guide

Sole System

Alpina

Blazer Jr. T5 Jr. T5 Plus Jr. T10 Jr. R Combi Jr. ED 2.0 Jr. ECL 2.0 Jr. ESK 2.0 Jr. Junior World Cup Pursuit XJ Sprint Snowstar Jr. Combi RCJ Classic RCS Butterfly Jr. Raceline Jr. Hyper Jr. Nano Jr. Xalta Jr. (Ylw/Blk) Premio Jr. (Ylw/Blk) X1 Jr. Comp J X-Ium J Combi Team Combi Jr. Equipe Junior Prolink Skiathlon Jr. Skiathlon Prolink 301-Jr. 75mm 302-Jr. NNN YXK 3.0 Velcro Jr. YXK Velcro Jr. YXS 2.0 Classic Jr. YXS Classic Jr.

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

One Way Rossignol Salomon

Whitewoods Yoko

58 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

SRP $US 690 805 90 99 159 180 180 210 210 220 220 260 260 250 300 350 350 379 379 59 450 500 539 539 225 250 275 350 350

SRP $CAN 770 950 69 89 159 209 209 229 229 229 229 259 259 279 309 379 379 379 379 459 459 459 539 539 539 225 250 275 350 350

Features Full-carbon shell, NNN Pebax sole, thermo fit 100% full-carbon sole & shell, Neoprene lining 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, adjustable heel strap, Quicklace Custom fit, adjustable heel strap, Quicklace Custom fit, adjustable heel strap, Quicklace Softshell protection, combi flex, women's custom fit Custom fit, softshell cover, combi flex, SensiFIT Custom fit, supportive Energyzer cuff, Quicklace Custom fit, supportive Energyzer cuff, Quicklace Custom fit, removable Energyzer cuff, Quicklace Custom fit, RS17 outsole, 3D carbon chassis Custom fit, seamless, Sport women's fit Custom fit, 3D Energyzer, seamless Custom fit, RS17 outsole, adjustable heel Custom fit, RS17 outsole, adjustable heel Sensifit, RS17 outsole, 3D carb. chassis & Classic plate Custom-fit liner, RS17 outsole, 3D carbon chassis SensiFIT, RS17 outsole, 3D carb. chassis & Classic plate 3D carbon skate chassis, carbon cuff, ratchet system 3D carbon skate chassis, carbon cuff, ratchet system Light carbon skate plate, carbon cuff, women's fit 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 Synthetic, flexible snow lock, inner sock, zipper

kids

Model

Madshus

Women's Sizes 36/39 38/39 36/48 36/50 38/50 38/50 36/42.5 38/49 36/44 36/44 38/50 38/49 37/43 36/49 36/49 37/42.5 36/49 36/50 36/50 36/46 36/50 36/46 36/49 35/50 35/40 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47 35/47

boots

Make

Atomic Fischer

Men's Sizes 36/46 38/46 36/48 36/50 38/50 38/50 22/22 38/49 22/22 22/22 38/50 38/49 22/22 36/49 36/49 22/22 36/49 36/50 36/50 36/46 36/50 36/46 36/49 35/50 22/22 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 33/42 25/40 25/33 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 27/42 33/42 33/42 30/35 30/35 26/36 26/36 28/34 28/34

Women's Sizes 25/38 25/38 25/38 25/38 33/41 33/42 33/42 33/42 33/42 25/40 25/33 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 27/42 33/42 33/42 30/35 30/35 26/36 26/36 28/34 28/34

SRP $US 65 70 80 150 180 230 179 85 n/a 139 n/a 179 110 110 90 210 90 160 80 140 185 90 150 169 169 69 79 90 90

SRP $CAN 69 79 89 99 159 219 179 119 129 225 239 289 130 130 240 280 45 149 105 170 240 79 139 139 169 169 69 79 90 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 Duathlon boot for young racers Absolute best Classic boot for young racers Absolute best for young racers Prolink sole, hinged upper cuff, Classic flex Lace cover, soft flex sole Thinsulate, high-cut, easy Velcro closure Twin skin, ankle support cuff, thermo fit R3 PU sole, Cleansport NXT Xcelerator sole, flex cuff, thermo fit Membrane softshell, T4 outsole Membrane softshell, T4 outsole RevoWrap upper, PVC-free, membrane softshell 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 Lace cover, wool in forefoot, Quicklace Articulated cuff, combi flex, Quicklace Articulated cuff, combi flex, Quicklace Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Thinsulate, weatherproof, breathable panels Synthetic, warm, Velcro Synthetic, warm, Velcro Snug-fitting inner shoe, zipper Snug-fitting inner shoe, zipper

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Ian Coble/Madshus

POLES

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 59

buyers guide

poles

Brand

Model

Alpina Black Diamond

BC Traverse Expedition 2 Traverse Pro Expedition 3 Whippet Ski Pole Razor Carbon Boundary Probe Fixed Length Carbon Compactor Razor Carbon Pro Carbon Whippet Vapor Carbon 1 Carbon Probe Carbon Compactor Offtrack BCX Variolite Via Excursion RS Summit Fl Carbon Mission Fl Tour Vario Haute Route Lite Aergonlite 2 Vertical Aergonlite 2 Carbon Bluebird Vario S Aergon 2 Condor Aergon 3 Vertical Tourstick Vario Carbon Vertical RCM 1.0 Vario BC 100 X-Adv Escape X-Adv Vario Mtn. Carbon S3 Mountain Mountain Extreme, Advanced Carbon Composite Appalachian

Fischer G3 Garneau Leki

Rossignol Salomon Swix Whitewoods

buyers guide Model

Alpina

ST Touring Jr. ST W ST Touring ST Snowflake XT Pro Jr. Motion Lite Spirit Pro Tourer Experience Pro Junior Fibre XC Sport Sprint Jr. XC Superlite Cruiser My Style Cross Soft Lhati Genius Carbon Jr. Genius Vario Cr Jr. CT 20 CT 60 Diamond 600 Alloy Exit Diamond 600 Alloy Jr. Exit Diamond 600 (Blk/Wht) Aluminum Diamond 600 Exit Eva Jr. Diamond 600 Exit Eva (Blk/Wht) Diamond 610 (Slv/Wht) Cork Av Diamond 740 (Blk/Wht) XT-701 Jr. X-800 XT-700 X-701 Jr. XT-600 X-700 XT-600 Cork X-600 XT-400 XT-500

Exel Fischer

Leki

Madshus One Way

Rossignol

60 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Available lengths in cm 120-165 (5cm) 95-155 95-155 95-155 57-140 110-140 100-140 115-140 110-130 (5cm) 105-135 100-140 110-140 115-130 110-140 110-130 120-165 90-155 Adjustable 95-145 70-135 70-135 60-135 110-150 90-145 110-145 110-145 110-140 110-150 110-150 115-135 115-150 Telescopic up-160 120-165 Adjustable Adjustable 130-165 130-165 110-140

Weight/pole (gr/m) 1587 (155) 585 487 606 520 430 580 620 455 625 596 475 310 610 510 n/a 255 265 n/a n/a n/a 299 249 267 240 180 267 290 253 194 Lateral lock system n/a n/a n/a n/a 74 n/a

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

SRP $US 50 79 89 99 99 99 119 119 119 129 139 139 149 149 164 50 90 79 n/a n/a n/a 79 99 129 149 149 149 169 199 249 90 69 99 150 119 69

SRP $CAN 56 79 89 99 99 99 119 119 119 129 139 139 149 149 164 n/a n/a 89 50 70 100

105 69 139 150 125 265 69

poles

Brand

Atomic

Telemark/Backcountry Features 7075 aluminum shaft, micro-ad. strap, wide basket Redesigned touring grip with updated ergonomics Four-season extended foam grip w/aggressive hook Switchrelease™ Breakaway technology 18mm 100% aluminum, 16mm upper Stainless-steel pick with canard wing Redesigned touring grip with updated ergonomics Freeride series grip with grippy, dual-density rubber Freeride series grip with grippy, dual-density rubber 18mm aluminum three-section shaft Switchrelease™ Breakaway technology Stainless-steel pick with canard wing built in 15.4mm 100% carbon-fibre one-piece shaft Freeride series grip with grippy, dual-density rubber 18mm carbon-fibre three-section shaft 6013 aluminum, comfort grip 7075 aluminum, adjustable Adjustable, durable 6061 aluminum shaft 7075 aluminum shaft 50% carbon and 50% fibreglass PCU alum. pole Sl1, Pas rubber grip Two-piece alum., ext. grip Two-piece alum., trigger vertical grip, ext. foam Aergon long-grip two-section carbon pole Trigger S grip, carbon flex tip, BM basket Two-section alum. w/self-arresting hook Vertical trigger grip, Xl grip extension Carbon folding shaft, vertical trigger grip 16/14mm HM carbon shaft, Rt Thermo grip 7075 X two-piece alloy shaft, Biathlon strap Composite shaft, loop strap, carbide tip Aluminum/composite shaft, loop strap, carbide tip Carbon profile, "S3" auto-release strap system 7075 aluminum, Sonic XC handle and strap, leather basket Ergo/Multigrip handle, Sonic strap, leather basket Two-piece 6061 aluminum, anti-shock, snow & mud basket

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 85-120 120-155 85-120 120-165 120-150 120-160 130-160 130-135 130-180 70-125 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 80-135 (5cm) 130-180 70-135 130-165 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 80-130 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 80-130 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 135-165 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm) 130-170 (5cm)

Weight/pole (gr/m) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 135 (150) n/a n/a 123 (100) 224 (145) 179 (120) 235 (145) 199 (145) n/a n/a 79/m n/a n/a n/a n/a 250/pair 250/pair 300/pair 250/pair 300/pair 300/pair 300/pair 190 (110) 210 (145) 230 (145) 145 (145) 225 (145) 210 (145) 220 (145) 210 (145) 220 (145) 230 (145)

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

SRP $US 25 30 30 30 40 29 49 0 25 30 35 50 50 39 49 129 249 40 60 80 30 30 n/a 35 40 45 55 25 45 30 45 40 60 55 70 n/a 65

SRP $CAN 26 29 29 31 40 29 49 59 69 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

60 65 75 30 30 30 34 39 39 50 34 40 42 42 47 47 56 56 70 80

Features 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, touring basket 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, touring basket 5083 shaft, nylon micro-adj. strap, touring basket 5083 shaft, 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 Touring basket with hard metal tip Fibre, Jr. grip, Kids basket 6013 aluminum 6013 aluminum, comfort strap 16mm TS shaft, Race basket TS shaft, Race basket Carbon shaft, Shark trigger grip 20cm Shark trigger grip, 4 sizes adjustable Fibreglass shaft, Jr. Biathlon strap, 10mm basket Carbon/glass shaft, Biathlon strap, 10mm basket Carbon/glass shaft, Biathlon strap, 10mm basket Alloy, Biathlon strap, 11mm touring basket Alloy, Biathlon strap, 11mm touring basket Composite pole, soft EVA grip, AV strap 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 5085 alloy shaft, standard strap, steel tip 100% fibre shaft, standard strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, standard strap, steel tip 10% LM carbon shaft, Biathlon strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, padded strap, steel tip 10% LM carbon shaft, Biathlon strap, steel tip 5085 alloy shaft, padded strap, steel tip 10% LM carbon shaft, Biathlon strap, steel tip 7075 alloy shaft, ergo strap, carbon tip 7075 alloy shaft, padded strap, carbon tip

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buyers guide Brand

Model

Rossignol Salomon

X-500 Escape Alu Escape Alu Jr. Escape Jr. Siam Escape Active Snow Jr. Snow Track Snowpath (Kids) Nordic Women Junior Cross Nordic Classic Touring Classic X-Fit Race Light Elite Comp Jr. Crosstrail-Jr. Crosstrail Back Trail

Start Swix

Whitewoods

buyers guide

poles Available lengths in cm 135-165 (5cm) 130 -160 70-130 70-130 130 -160 130 -160 130 -165 120-170 120-160 120-170 70-105 120-160 85-120 120-160 125-160 125-160 125-160 135-160 130-165 85-120 70-115 120-160 120-160

Model

Atomic

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-HS 100 World Cup Ultra X-Curve X-HMC 100 RCS Jr. RC1 RC3 Carbon RCS Jr. Vario RC5 QF RC9 QF Kit RC10 QF Kit RCS QF Kit RCS Speedmax QF Kit Genius Carbon Speed Carbon Ultimate Carbon Strike Carbon Primus Shark Nano Carbon Race Jr. Carbon Race 40 Carbon Race 70 Carbon Race 100 HS Carbon Race 100 HS Kit Nano Carbon Race 100 Uhm Nano Carbon Race 100 Uhm Kit Diamond Premio Jr. (Ylw/Blk) Diamond 930 (Wht/Rd) Diamond 950 (Blk/Ylw) Diamond 990 (Ylw/Slv) Diamond Storm Premio HD Single Shaft Diamond 9Max (Blk/Ylw) Diamond Storm Premio 10 Max Diamond Storm Premio HD (Ylw/Blk) Premio Slg 6 (Blk/Blu) Premio Slg 8 (Blk/Rd) Diamond Premio Slg 8 Mag Point (Blk/Rd) Diamond Premio Slg 10 (Blk/Ylw) Force K Jr. Extra Carbon 30 Air Force Jr. Extra Carbon 50 Extra Carbon 70 Force K

Fischer

Leki

Madshus

One Way

Rossignol

www.skitrax.com

Weight/pole (gr/m) 210 (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 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

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

SRP $US 80 29 35 40 40 45 29 45 59 29 29 29 39 35 39 79 29 17 19 24

SRP $CAN 90 29 32 35 35 35 55 n/a n/a n/a 28 30 30 30 40 45 65 70 80 n/a 17 19 24

poles

Brand

Exel

RECREATION cont.

Features 30% LM carbon shaft, ergo strap, carbon tip Aluminum shaft, loop strap, steel tip Aluminum shaft, loop strap, steel tip Composite shaft, loop strap, steel tip Composite shaft, loop and faux-fur strap, steel tip Composite shaft, loop strap, steel tip Composite shaft, power strap, steel tip Durable composite construction Durable composite construction Durable 15% HS carbon composite Aluminum, Swix children's handle & strap, safety tip 5086 alum., touring handle, fixed basket 5086 alum., PCU handle, shaped strap 5086 alum., touring handle, fixed basket 5086 alum., PCU handle, Biathlon strap, touring basket 5086 alum., touring handle and strap, racing basket 5086 alum., PCU handle, X-Fit strap, racing basket 5086 alum., PCU handle, X-Fit strap, racing basket 7075 alum., PCU handle, X-Fit strap, touring basket 5086 aluminum, PCU handle, shaped strap 13mm lightweight fibreglass tapered shaft Fibreglass 17mm tapered shaft, wide strap Fibreglass 17mm tapered shaft, wide strap

PERFORMANCE Available lengths in cm 130-165 (5cm) 130-165 (5cm) 140-180 (freecut) 140-180 (freecut) 140-180 140-180 140-175 140-180 140-175 140-180 140-180 140-180 140-180 100-135 120-170 120-170 95-115 (20cm) 120-170 155-175 155-175 155-175 155-175 180 (uncut) 180 (uncut) 180 (uncut) 180 (uncut) 180 (uncut) 115-135 (5cm) 135-175 (5cm) 135-175 (5cm) 135-175 (2.5) 155 and 175 135-175 (2.5) 155 and 175 80-140 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 150-180 (10cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-180 (5cm) 130-180 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (5cm) 130-175 (2.5) 80-130 (5cm) 135-157 (5cm) 95-140 (5cm) 135-157 (5cm) 135-157 (5cm) 135-175 (5cm)

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 53 n/a 179 (120) 245 (145) 215 (145) 210 194 (145) 181 (155) 164 (155) 164 (155) 153 (155) 79 72 72 60 55 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 250/pair 300/pair 300/pair 300/pair 250/pair 300/pair 300/pair 250/pair 320/pair 300/pair 300/pair 220/pair 180 (140) 200 (145) 170 (140) 190 (145) 185(145) 180 (160)

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

SRP $US 99 139 179 229

0

45 59 69 79 89 129 149 239 349 169 199 259 339 399 100 110 130 210 210 295 295 80 100 120 160 150 180 300 400 125 150 170 450 60 95 85 105 115 175

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 n/a n/a n/a

120 120 170 270 270 380 380 69 89 115 139 169 269 399 429 n/a n/a n/a n/a 65 100 120 130 160 220

Features 20% carbon, 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 6013 aluminum 6013 aluminum, race strap Air carbon 3.0, race strap 7075 aluminum, race strap, 20cm of adjustment Air Carbon HM, QuickClick strap Carbon HM, QuickFit strap, Multi tip Carbon HM, QuickFit, Multi tip Carbon HM, QuickFit, Multi tip Carbon UHM, QuickFit, Multi tip 75% carbon, Shark grip, Shark 1K 100% carbon, 2K Shark, 4-in-1 basket 100% carbon, Shark grip, Sup Race 1 100% carbon shaft, 2K Shark, Race Lite basket 100% HM carbon shaft, 2K Shark, Race Lite basket 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 strap, AV silver strap, Flash basket 30% carbon shaft, AV carbon strap, Flash basket 50% carbon shaft, Rabbit strap, Flash basket 70% carbon shaft, Rabbit strap, Flash basket 100% carbon shaft, Rabbit strap, F1 Sprint basket 100% carbon shaft, Rabbit strap, Flash basket 100% carbon shaft, Rabbit strap, F1 Sprint basket 100% carbon shaft, AV+ strap, light Sprint Race basket 60% carbon shaft 80% carbon shaft 80% carbon shaft, magnetic releasable strap Ultralight carbon shaft 10% UHS carbon shaft, ergo grip, carbide tip 30% HM shaft, ergo strap, carbide tip 40% UHS carbon shaft, ergo grip, carbide tip 50% HM shaft, ergo strap, carbide tip 70% HM shaft, ergo strap, carbide tip 90% UHM shaft, Race ergo strap, carbide tip

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 61

buyers guide

poles

Brand

Model

Rossignol

Air Force Air Force ES Kit Vitane 20 Carbon Equipe 20 Carbon Vitane Equipe 60 Carbon Equipe 60 Carbon Vitane 60 Click Equipe 60 Click Equipe R Click Equipe R Carbon Equipe R Carbon Equipe 100 Carbon S-Lab Carbon Race Jr. Sport Loppet Winner Race Race 1.0 Race SD3 Race 1.0 Solid With Power Strap Star Jr., Performance Aluminum Rc Pro, Performance Composite Alu Light Roller Alu Light Triac Jr. 2.0, Advanced Composite RC Pro Just Click, Performance Composite Triac Jr. 2.5, Advance Carbon Composite Comp, Performance Composite Comp Roller, Advanced Carbon Composite Cross, Advanced Carbon Composite Carbon TBS, Premium Composite Carbon Roller TBS, Premium Composite Team TBS, Premium Carbon Star TBS, Premium Carbon Triac 2.0, IPM Carbon Composite Triac 2.5, IPM Carbon Composite Cross TBS CT4, Advanced Composite 9100 Junior 5400 5400 Series Kikkan Signature 6700 Women 6700 7100 8100 9100 Series Kikkan Signature

Salomon

Start

Swix

Yoko

62 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

PERFORMANCE cont.

Available lengths in cm 150-180 (10cm) 150-180 (10cm) 130 -165 130 -165 130 -165 130 -165 130-170 130-170 130-170 130 -170 130 -170 130-170 140-180 (kit) 110-140 130-170 135-180 135-180 155 & 180 (custom kit) 145-180 155 & 180 (custom kit) 155 &180 (custom kit) 100-135 135-175 135-165 130-165 105-135 135-175 105-145 135-175 135-175 135-175 135-180 140-180 135-180 135-180 135-180 135-180 135-175 90-115 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 125-165 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 125-175 (5cm) 155 -175 (free shaft kits) 155-175

Weight/pole (gr/m) 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 n/a n/a n/a n/a 99 n/a n/a n/a 99 n/a 99 99 84 74 74 67 63 57 56 84 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

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

SRP $US 230 345 75 75 130 130 140 140 202 160 160 225 69 105 119 159 299 379 425 499 49

99 99 99 160 179 290 399 600 100 79 79 79 99 109 129 199 299

SRP $CAN 290 450 76 76 139 139 140 140 202 210 210 249 399

60 90 90 100 110 115 120 135 140 180 235 280 300 440 550 600 n/a 69 79 79 99 99 129 199 299

Features 100% UHM carbon shaft, Race ergo strap, carbide tip 100% UHM carbon shaft, Race ergo strap, carbide tip 20% carbon shaft, racing strap, tungsten tip 20% carbon shaft, racing strap, tungsten tip 60% carbon shaft, Power Click strap, racing basket 60% carbon shaft, Power Click strap, racing basket 60% carbon shaft, Power Click strap, racing basket 60% carbon shaft, Power Click strap, racing basket 100% carbon shaft, Ergo Click grip 100% carbon shaft, power strap, QuickSwitch basket 100% carbon shaft, power strap, QuickSwitch basket Click power strap, tungsten tip S-Lab 100% carbon shaft, Power Click strap 70% HS carbon, solid tip durability 60% HS carbon composite, Fit Race strap 70% HS carbon, solid tip durabilty 100% IM carbon, solid tip durability 100% HM carbon, solid tip durability 100% UHM carbon, solid tip durability 100% UHM carbon, 3D-computer-wound 100% UHM carbon, patented solid strap PCU handle, X-Fit strap, racing basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, racing basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, roller tip 7075 aluminum, PCU handle, X-Fit strap, racing basket PCU handle, Triac strap, racing basket PCU handle, Just Click strap, racing basket PCU handle, Triac strap, racing basket PCU handle, Just Click strap, racing basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, roller tip PCU handle, Just Click strap, racing basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, Triac basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, roller tip PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, Triac basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, Triac basket Triangular cross-section, Triac basket Triangular cross-section, Triac basket PCU handle, Pro Fit 2 strap, racing basket 70% high-strength carbon shaft, click-in strap 40% high-strength carbon shaft 40% carbon tapered shaft, wrap-around strap 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% carbon NanoTechnology shaft, wrap-around strap

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Rickard Bergstedt/Atomic

BINDINGS

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 63

buyers guide Brand 22 Designs Fritschi Diamir G3

Rottefella (Rossignol) (Madshus) (Fischer) (Alpina)

Salomon (Atomic, One Way)

Model Vice Axl Outlaw NTN Freeride Pro w/XL brake Freeride Pro w/Lrg. brake Targa Targa T/9 Enzo R Targa Ascent ION LT 12 ION 10 ION 12 Tour 75mm Chili 75mm BC Magnum BC Auto BC Manual Super Telemark Cobra R8 Freeride Freeride Color Freedom Freedom Color SNS X-Adv Auto SNS X-Adv Manual

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

Whitewoods

Salomon (Atomic) (One Way)

SRP $US 219 339 429 499 499 199 219 249 299 479 499 549 20 n/a 90 90 90 100 199 449 489 469 519 80 95

SRP CDN$ 219 339 429 499 499 219 249 279 349 499 559 599 25 179 109 109 109 119

79 99

Features High-performance Resort 75mm binding High-performance free-pivot Touring 75mm binding Step-in, free-pivot NTN binding Power Transmission Control (PTC) technology Power Transmission Control (PTC) technology Durable stainless-steel, high-performance binding Aluminum-alloy toe plate, ultra-high performance High-performance telemark with adjustable activity High-performance telemark Touring binding Brakeless lightweight performance Touring binding Lightweight performance Tech binding Lightweight, high-performance Tech Touring binding Basic 75mm binding for light touring Cable binding compatible with 75mm sole Extra solid binding for backcountry skiing Solid binding for backcountry skiing Solid binding for backcountry skiing Solid 75mm binding for backcountry skiing 75mm, available as long and short Edge control, available as short or long Edge control, available as short or long Telemark off-piste, available as long or short Telemark off-piste, available as long or short Flex 155, automatic entry & exit Flex 185, manual, wide steering ridge plate

recreation SRP $US 40 45 50 60 70 85 49 49 49 55 60 60 69 14 19

SRP CDN$ 49 59 60 70 90 49 49 49 49 69 69 69 14 19

bindings

Model Xcelerator Jr. Skate/Classic Performance Classic NIS Performance Skate NIS Performance Combi NIS Xcelerator Jr. Classic Xcelerator Jr. Skate Xcelerator 2.0 Skate NIS Xcelerator 2.0 Classic NIS Xcelerator Pro Skate Xcelerator Pro Classic Xcelerator Pro Skate/Classic Prolink Race Jr. Classic Prolink Race Jr. Skate Prolink Pro Combi SNS Pilot Jr. SNS Pilot Combi SNS Pilot Sport Classic Women SNS Pilot Sport Classic SNS Pilot Sport Skate Prolink Access Skate/Classic Prolink Pro Classic SNS Profil Equipe Skate SNS Profil Equipe Classic Prolink Pro Skate SNS Propulse RC SNS Propulse RC 2 Prolink Carbon Classic Prolink Carbon Classic 2 SNS Pilot Equipe Skate Prolink Carbon Skate Prolink Carbon Skate 2 SNS Pilot Carbon RS SNS Pilot Carbon RS2

64 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Telemark/Backcountry

bindings

Model Jr. Start Jr. Basic Touring Auto Jr. NIS Touring Auto Combi Performance NIS Skate/Classic Prolink Access Jr. Prolink Access Classic SNS Universal Junior SNS Profil Auto Jr. SNS Profil Auto Universal SNS Profil Auto Women SNS Universal Kinder Universal Youth Norse-75mm Touring

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

bindings

Features Entry-bevel binding for recreational use Entry-bevel binding for recreational use Great Touring binding with automatic step-in NIS system, click-on, wide platform NIS system, slide-on, click-on Xcelerator concept NIS, manual Wide-opening engine, ergonomic lever Wide-opening engine, ergonomic lever, secured cls Jr. flex, manual entry, Universal SNS bumper Jr. flex, automatic entry & exit Flex 100, automatic entry & exit (w/ski pole tip) Flex 95, automatic entry & exit Manual entry, Universal SNS bumper Universal strap, lets kids use their own boot Flat Universal heel plates, 75mm

performance SRP $US 60 60 60 69 90 90 105 105 150 150 200 49 59 69 70 85 85 85 85 89 89 100 100 109 115 115 115 115 120 139 139 139 139

SRP CDN$ 69 69 69 n/a 80 80 150 150 170 170 200 49 59 69 59 69 89 89 89 89 89 89 89 109 99 99 115 115 109 139 139 139 139

Features Junior-specific binding for racing Simplified open/closure system Simplified open/closure system Manual NIS system, click-on, wide platform NIS system, click-on, wide platform NIS system, click-on, double flex, light weight NIS system, click-on, double flex, light weight 3.6* ramp, tool-free adj., wider platform NIS tool-free, wide platform Quicklock adjustment for precise positioning Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Prolink Composite guide ridge, Race lever, secured cls Pilot technology, manual, Jr. Flex (fits 8kid-39) Pilot technology, Skate & Classic, push-pull lever Pilot technology, Flex 100, automatic step-in Pilot technology, Flex 100, automatic step-in Pilot technology, Flex 125, automatic step-in Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Prolink Composite guide ridge, Race lever, secured cls Flex 115, manual lever, Universal SNS fit Flex 85, manual lever, Universal SNS fit Prolink Composite guide ridge, Race lever, secured cls Pilot-compatible, 85 Flex, manual lever, 242g/pair Pilot-compatible, 85 Flex, manual lever, 256g/pair Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Pilot technology, manual lever, 320g/pair Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Full-contact engine, low boot-binding connection Manual carbon lever, integrated wedge, 260g/pair Manual carbon lever, integrated wedge, 270g/pair

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RACING COMPETITION

Nordic Focus

Race action at its best (l-r): Norway's Ola vigen Hattestad, Petter Northug and Eirik Brandsdal at the finish of the World Cup CL sprint in Drammen, Norway.

66 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 67

COMP USA

U.S. Team Looks Ahead Ready to Up Their Game

Photos: USSA

by Peter Graves and Karen Messenger

T

here are fewer than 500 days to go until the 2018 Olym- (top) Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins be training in select locales in Europe. Some will be at altipic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and get rocked on the team's new kit. tude and others at sea level, depending on what they know the countdown has long ago begun. But first things (above) Team USA in new colours: (back works best for themselves,” he explained. row l-r): Matt Whitcomb (coach), Bryan first, as the US Ski Team (USST) looks ahead there’s this Fish, Simi Hamilton, Noah Hoffman, “For the upcoming World Championships the USST will season’s grueling World Cup schedule and the FIS World Andy Newell, Erik Bjornsen, Paddy Caldnot have specific trial races to name a VM team, but will well, Andrew Morehouse, Tim Baucom, Nordic Championships in Lahti, Finland. use early World Cups, Super Tours, NorAm’s and a special Jason Cork, Chris Grover (head coach); Under Chris Grover, head coach, the USST begins this (middle row l-r): Sadie Bjornsen, Sophie sprint qualifier on Jan. 12. And there will be discretionary World Championships season with the same staff it has had Caldwell, Kikkan Randall; (front row opportunities as well, should the need arise,” he added. for the past few seasons, as well as the same service team. l-r): Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, Liz In early September, the U.S. pair of Noah Hoffman and Stephen, Ida Sargent The team has had three on-snow camps this summer at Jessie Diggins took the top two spots in the 42km Merino Bend, Ore.’s at Mount Bachelor, in Alaska at the Eagle Glacier Muster Worldloppet at the Snow Farm in New Zealand. and in New Zealand, Aug. 29-Sept. 15. “This season, we’ve only scheduled four When interviewing Diggins in New Zealand, she said the summer had main USST training camps; the fourth will be in Park City from Oct. 17-31, with been a great one. “I’ve been focusing on a number of really specific technique goals with my coaches and training hard with the SMS club team,” she blocks of four to five weeks in their home-club environs between each camp,” said, adding that she had made significant improvements while training at said Grover. “We’re trying to have the athletes have solid training blocks at home.

Bend, in Alaska and in New Zealand on snow.

This preparation season, we’ve also prioritized making technique changes on One of Diggins favourite aspects of her summer was training with the Norsnow, and between all the on-snow camps, our athletes will have about 100 wegian women. “I had a ton of fun there, learned a lot and made new friends. hours of on-snow training volume available to them in a camp structure.”

It was just great,” she noted with her trademark enthusiasm.

Of course, the big money will rest on the performances at the Lahti Worlds For Diggins, the proof is in the pudding: “Of course, you never know how for the Americans, and Grover knows that. “No question, the focus for the training has affected your upcoming season until you start racing, but, so far, season is obviously on Lahti, and we’ll be using the Worlds preparation period to fine-tune a few different individual strategies. We will not run a unified I’d have to say I have been accomplishing all my training goals set down last team-training camp in Europe prior to Lahti. This is a bit of a departure from April, which is encouraging.” what we have done before. Instead, we are electing to give each World Cup American sprint star Andy Newell’s summer was good and went according athlete a chance to prepare individually in the environment and the altitude to plan, leaving him very optimistic about the winter. “I’m feeling stronger than I that they feel is best for them. One of the challenges that we always face is have in the last few seasons, and, in fact, I was able to put on and keep on a few keeping the team fresh, and after months together on the road during the World extra pounds of muscles during the summer, which should be very beneficial in Cup, we’ve witnessed various levels of mental and physical burnout at times the sprints. I also have to say that I feel like I’m skiing technically better than I ever by late January to early February. So prior to Otepaa, some U.S. athletes will have before in both skating and Classic, but with a lot of work spent on V2 and, of be at home training and reconnecting with friends and family, while others will course, a ton of double training this off-season too,” shared Newell.

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There were rumours toward the end of last season that he might hang up the boards, but it proved not to be the case following some serious reflection.

“Last winter when the season ended, I was really burnt out, struggling with sickness and I wasn’t sure I would have the motivation to race more World Cups this season. Because of that, I have been a bit more reluctant to place big goals on specific races, but rather put my energy toward having fun and focusing on all the little improvements I can make as a skier. What keeps me fired up is the knowing that I’m continuing to get faster and fitter and reaching my own potential; when [this] happens, I know I can win any ski race in the world,” he added.

Newell intends to ski the first period of the World Cup, but plans to skip the Tour de Ski and head back stateside to spend time with his new fiancée, Erika Flowers, a former 2011 All-American at Dartmouth and an SMST2 teammate.

Chatting with Sophie Caldwell, she too confirmed a strong off-season at the three on-snow camps. Between those sessions, she spent much time at home in Vermont training with her club program at Stratton. She feels fit, strong and is looking forward to the coming season.

When asked about her goals for the winter, she said, “I’m still going to focus primarily on sprinting, but I’d like to improve my distance skiing. I have bumped up my volume a bit this summer, too, and honed in on my recovery to make certain I absorb everything. Strength continues to be a big focus, and I plan to work hard on maintaining it throughout the season.”

USST star Kikkan Randall, who took off the entire season off last year to have a baby, talked about the new arrival. “Motherhood has been amazing, Breck is a really good baby, and we are having so much fun watching him grow and come alive more every day. So far, it’s been fun to blend my time between my ski training and being a mom.”

Randall replied, when asked about returning to tougher, more demanding training loads, “I’ve been carefully progressing my way back into all training modes and intensity, and am just now finally feeling close to 100%. I’ve had to be a little patient with running and footwork, and have been doing a lot of

USA

focused work on rebuilding my core after the pregnancy. It’s been really fun to start from the bottom and work up. I am really happy with things and have really enjoyed training with my teammates.”

Randall plans to be back on track for the start of the World Cup season at the end of November. “Jeff [Ellis] and I will be bringing Breck with us to Europe around mid-November to get adjusted to the time change. We also plan to have our parents come over on alternating weekends to help us “Brecksit” once the races get going,” she explained.

Her goals for the season are simple: “Focus on rebuilding myself back into top race form and getting adjusted to the new life with Breck.” Her biggest goals of the season will be to be ready to challenge for medals and Relay spots at the 2017 VM in Lahti.

Like others, Simi Hamilton, who enjoyed a tremendous season, is focusing his attention on the Lahti VM this year. “We are on snow later this season than most others with our trip to New Zealand, and I think that will be really positive for preparations leading into the season. Our intensity-focused camp in Park City in October will be a critical time to ramp up the hard interval training.

“For me, my biggest goal for the season is being in top form for the races at Lahti,” said the Aspen native. “But certainly there are a lot of other races that I’m setting my sights on as well, including the Tour de Ski – I’ve been working on improving my overall distance skiing.”

All in all, it looks like a very strong program for the USST this year. The men’s A Team will be represented by Newell and Hamilton, with a B Team of Erik Bjornsen and Noah Hoffman and a development squad consisting of Patrick Caldwell and Ian Torchia.

The women’s A Team is large with Sadie Bjornsen, Sophie Caldwell, Ida Sargent, Liz Stephen, Diggins and Randall, a B Team of Rosie Brennan and a very promising women’s development squad of Hannah Halvorsen, Julia Kern and Katherine Ogden.

The October camp in Park City was a good litmus test of fitness it being only weeks until the World Cup started anew.

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ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 69

COMP CANADA

Team Canada Takes on the World 2016/17 Season Preview

F

Russell Kennedy

by Gavin Shields

ollowing last year’s successful Ski Tour Canada, the focus Team Canada 2017: (back The new collaborative coaching structure must have “ongoing and consistent communication, both in program planning for the 2016-17 ski season for Cross Country Canada (CCC) row l-r): Len Valjas, Julien Locke, Jesse Cockney, Graeme and execution,” notes Holland. Bouchard agrees that it is a and the National ski team is the FIS World Championships in Killick, Chris Jeffries (coach); different approach. “We don’t leave everything to one person.

Lahti, Finland on Feb. 21-March 5. Planning for the 2018 Win- (front row l-r): Dahria Beatty, ter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea is also part of the Maya MacIsaac-Jones, Emily We just split the work together. It’s more like teamwork. It’s difNishikawa, Knute Johnsgaard, ferent than a head coach doing everything.” team’s strategy.

Ivan Babikov (coach) Babikov, based in Canmore, Alta., concurs: “I think it’s a The men’s World Cup team of Alex Harvey, Devon Kershaw, really good way to work – the three of us will each cover a little section across Len Valjas, Jesse Cockney and Graeme Killick is truly a senior squad with age Canada.” and experience. On the flipside, the woman’s team, led by veteran Emily Nishikawa, features a much younger crew. The senior development team includes Bouchard will oversee the East and work with Harvey, while Babikov manages the reins in the West with the rest of the men’s National team, and JeffeCendrine Browne, Dahria Beatty, Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, Maya MacIsaac-Jones ries will primarily work with the woman’s team and the World Cup Academy. and Katherine Stewart-Jones, all hoping to become regulars on the World Cup Babikov is loving his new role with the team. “It’s my new passion,” he after acquiring exposure and experience at last winter’s Ski Tour Canada. quips, and as an Elite World Cup racer, he helps to keep things grounded, CCC’s high-performance director, Tom Holland, has high expectations, while Bouchard suggests “the athletes take more decisions on themselves. citing its objectives: “Six podiums, three athletes with top-10 results and a They know how to do it and how to be good. We just need to get them working top-five relay result for the men.” He sees a “podium at the Senior World together.” Early reports suggest that the men’s team is training well together Championships” as a “priority performance target” and adds, “we would also and in good shape going into this season. like to see four top-10’s at this event, with some development-team athletes Another key piece to the puzzle, Bouchard adds, is the logistical chalin the top 30.” lenge of spending a racing season overseas in Europe. “Right now, we have To achieve these goals, CCC has replaced retired Head Coach Justin Wadsworth with veteran racer Ivan Babikov, who will share coaching duties with a manager on the World Cup [Joel Jaques], so it makes everything easier. I Louis Bouchard, Harvey’s long-time coach and head coach of CENPH National talked about that a long time ago – when you have a manager on the ground Training Centre, along with Chris Jefferies of the Alberta World Cup Academy. in Europe, it’s easier for all the coaches.”

70 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

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Building the Future On the domestic front, building the future of the National ski team remains an ever-present challenge for Cross Country Canada as World Cup racing takes place in Europe.

With Ski Tour Canada paving the way, Babikov hopes Canadian skiers can build on the momentum. “It’s exactly what the sport needed here. When you have a home World Cup, there’s way less pressure with [its] minimal travel and familiar surrounding. It was a great opportunity for the younger guys and fans to see such top racing up close.”

Another opportunity for young Canadian skiers this year is the FIS Junior/ U23 World Championships at Soldier Hollow, Utah from Jan. 30-Feb. 5. Holland believes this event offers some important opportunities and targets for the team, “. . . especially for our women . . . . Two top-12 results and two additional top-12 to [top-] 20 results at this event.”

Furthermore, two sprint spots are up for grabs for the First Period of the World Cups in Europe that will be decided at the Frozen Thunder sprints on Nov. 1-3. Holland explains, “Amongst the male sprinters in Canada, there are a lack of sprint starts – they need more races each season (12-14 sprint starts).

Given that we have a larger 2016-17 quota (males: six versus four last year), this group of sprinters has an equal opportunity for the additional starts.”

Babikov notes the development pipeline needs attention: “It is a tough time and a challenge, of course, but hopefully with the new coaching structure and working together, we can bring some of the younger guys’ levels up to be competitive at the world level.”

Bouchard believes clubs will play a key part in the long-term picture. “The only solution to produce the next generation of skiers is not just good training centres – ski clubs are super-important and probably the biggest part of the system. We have to work really closely with clubs for training and competitions. We need good training centres, but if the clubs aren’t part of the equation, you’re not there. We need to close the gap between the clubs and training centres.”

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Race Schedule The World Cup circuit will be a similar schedule to years previous. Period One starts in Scandinavia, first in Ruka, Finland on Nov. 26-27, then to Lillehammer, Norway on Dec. 2-4, followed by stops skipping across Europe in Davos, Switzerland on Dec. 12-13 and La Clusaz, France on Dec. 17-18.

The Tour de Ski kicks off World Cup Period Two after Christmas and visits venues in Switzerland, Germany and Italy from Dec. 31, 2016 through Jan. 8, 2017. February provides a preview of the Olympic venue in Pyeongchang.

Period Three cumulates with Senior World Championships on Feb. 21-Mar. 5 in Lahti. Period Four of the World Cup is back in Norway for the Drammen sprints on March 8 in Oslo March 11-12.

Then the World Cup final is controversially scheduled to take place in Tyumen, Russia on March 16-19.

In North America, the pre-Christmas domestic circuit kicks off with the USSA SuperTour in Bozeman, Mont. on Dec. 3-4, 2016. The Haywood NorAm then begins in Vernon, B.C. at Sovereign Lake on Dec. 1011, 2016, and stops in Rossland, B.C. at the Black Jack Ski Club from Dec. 16-18, 2016.

Canadian World Junior/U23 Trials pick up after the Christmas break and will be held in conjunction with U.S. Nationals on Jan. 7-10, 2017 in Park City, Utah at Soldier Hollow. The same venue will then host the 2017 Nordic Junior/ U23 World Ski Championships two weeks later from Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2017.

Meanwhile, the Haywood NorAm continues with Western Canadians on Jan. 20-22, 2017 in Whistler, B.C. in the Callaghan Valley. It’s then to the Haywood NorAm Eastern’s to be held on Feb. 3-5, 2017 in Cantley, Que. – this year with the promise of good snow conditions after Nakkertok Nordic won Kraft’s Project Play $250,000 grand prize, which will go toward snowmaking.

Finally, the 2017 season finishes off with Ski Nationals at Canmore Nordic Centre on March 18-25 and the USSA SuperTour finals from March 27-April 2 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 71

COMP INTERNATIONAL

World Cup Contenders Who Will Shine ?

photos: Nordic Focus

by Peter Graves and Karen Messenger

(above) Will France and Italy continue their sprint prowess (l-r): Renaud Jay / Baptiste Gros (FRA), Federico Pellegrino / Dietmar Noeckler (ITA), Valentin Chauvin / Richard Jouve (FRA) ? (top right) Norway's Marit Bjoergen returns after giving birth to son, Marius. (right) Veteran Finnish star Matti Heikkinen hopes to shine at Lahti 2017.

Cross-country

D

uring the 50th edition of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Congress in Cancun, Mexico, one of the major topics discussed was reminiscent of the one-time great skate debate. Today, the issue involves preserving the Classic technique, particularly in Classic sprint events. Currently in these events, athletes are now so strong that they can double-pole much of the courses without having to take a stride. At least for this season, it appears the FIS decision will be to mandate maximum pole length to be 83% of an athlete’s body-height-with-ski-boots-on measurement.

Another proposal accepted by FIS involves limiting the size of start quotas for World Cup competitions. The maximum number of athletes per nation is now 15, with the exception of the Tour de Ski, which is 10. It is also studying what’s been termed a “second league,” which are events just under the World Cup level, similar to Continental Cups and perhaps in between these two long-standing categories.

The FIS World Cup season will kick off once again in Ruka, Finland, but German skier Andreas Katz won’t be there. He’s out for several weeks after falling from his bike this summer and suffering injured left-shoulder ligaments.

The Germans held a successful camp in Oberhof, Germany in September, complete with mountain and trail running. In a driving rainstorm, the Germans prevailed for the most part with Tim Tscharnke taking first and Thomas Bing in second in the German rollerski championships, while for the women, Nicole Fessel took the win by a scant one metre over Russia’s Natalia Matveeva, with Victoria Carl in third.

Regular testing camps are always important places to monitor fitness levels in high-performance skiing. The Austrians often have the majestic Dachstein as a backdrop for their performance tests. The team’s Teresa Stadlober and

72 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Bernhard Tritscher demonstrated superb fitness, with Stadlober setting a new personal best in the mountain-running competition.

Switzerland’s Dario Cologna was very strong in training this summer, while his teammate Curdin Perl has indicated that he will retire following the 2018 Olympic season.

The French squad held its rollerski Nationals in Autrans in late August. In the sprint events, Marion Buillet took women’s honours, while Lucas Chanavat won the men’s event. In a freestyle Pursuit, both Marion Colin and Robin Duvillard took the top honours. Maurice Manificat was second in the men’s race. Last year, France made huge advances with its sprint team, and that should continue, with Richard Jouve and the sprint team spending time in the ski tunnel at Oberhof.

Powerful Kazakh athlete Alexey Poltoranin has been focused, with a strong off-season, an 18-day camp in Livigno, Italy, followed up by seven days of skiing in Ramsau at the Dachstein. He plans to be at the first FIS events in Muonio, Finland in November. www.skitrax.com

In Sweden, there were not huge surprises in a national rollerski event in Trollhaetan in its 48km event. The men’s event was dominated by the Norwegians, with Petter Eliassen topping the field and Johan Kjoelstad finishing second. The women’s race saw local Swedes Hanna Falk on top and Maria Nordstroem second, with Katerina Smutna (CZE) taking third. Also look for top form from Charlotte Kalla, as well as the young and promising Stina Nilsson, now 23.

For the strong Norwegian team, perhaps the biggest heartbreak of the off-season has been the doping story of Martin Johnsrud Sundby for over-thelimit use of anti-asthma medication. Then, on the heels of this came the news of Therese Johaug’s own Waterloo following her use of a steroid-based lip balm, which proved to contain a banned substance. Both Johnsrud Sundby and Johaug were suspended for two months by Norway’s Anti-Doping Agency, but more repercussions could be coming Johaug’s way.

Thorbjorn Skogstad, head of the National Cross-Country Committee in Norway, noted that Johnsrud Sundby’s case has been expensive, costing the Norwegian Ski Federation approximately 3.3 million Norwegian krone (more than $408,000 [US]) to replace lost prize money, pay lawyers’ fees and to cover other expenses.

The Federation’s president, Erik Røste, has said many times that Johnsrud Sundby should not be blamed for the situation, since he was simply doing what a team doctor advised him to do. Johnsrud Sundby lost his 2014-15 Overall World Cup crown and Tour de Ski titles. Johnsrud Sundby is clearly upset, and told the press earlier this summer that his training has been “more than enough, violently hard,” as he has been driven to work doubly hard, driven by his anger and frustration over the incident. He did not appeal his sanction with the Swiss Supreme Court.

In Johaug’s case, her lip balm contained the steroid Clostebol, discovered following a mid-September test outside of competition. She reportedly used the lip balm during a team training camp in Livigno. The Norwegian team doctor, Fredrik S. Bendiksen, who prescribed the medication, has resigned.

At a tearful press conference, Johaug claimed it is her worst nightmare, as she will not be allowed to participate in races or team activities before Dec. 18. She may make her return when the Tour de Ski begins on Dec. 31. This case is still evolving.

Marit Bjoergen is slated to return amidst controversy that encompasses accusations that Norway’s use of anti-asthma medication is out of control and includes doses to athletes with no symptoms of asthma. Bjoergen has permission to use such medication. The team’s depth remains the envy of others, with the likes of Heidi Weng and Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg. Weng did not attend a team training camp in October at Val Senales, Italy. No one is sure what this means, as no comments have been made. Bjoergen will likely be in the line-up in Beitostolen, Norway in November.

News coming out of the FIS Fall meetings in Zurich was the continued talk of a new major tour slated for February 2020. It will be held in Norway and Sweden, and there is talk of Prologue in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Norway’s National team program named 22 skiers to this winter’s squad, according to Vidar Lofshus, head coach. The team includes Emil Iversen, Anders Gloersen, along with Johnsrud Sundby, Hans Christer Holunder, Niklas Dyrhaug, Didrik Tønseth, Sjur Røthe and Petter Northug. A pair of new athletes has joined the sprint team, with Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget and Sindre Skaar making their debut.

Northug had a great off-season, and he is very fit and focused on the season and the World Championships in Lahti, Finland. He managed to stay healthy this summer and took part in abundant high-altitude sessions.

The Finnish team, which gained considerable momentum last year, has named 20 athletes to its squad for this winter season, according to Reijo Jylhä, head coach, knowing there will be pressure for strong results at the Lahti Worlds. Matti Heikkinen leads the men’s distance squad, while the women’s team has the likes of veterans Aino-Kaisa Saarinen and Riitta-Liisa Roponen.

Both the VM in Lahti and the FIS Junior/U23 Worlds in Utah this winter will provide a great preview to the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea, just a year away. – PG www.skitrax.com

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www.SIAsnowshow.com ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 73

Nordic Focus

Biathlon Canada Men's Relay Team is ready for action (l-r): Brendan Green, Nathan Smith, Christian Gow, Scott Gow.

Biathlon

N

orth American biathletes are poised for the podium as they head into the 2016/2017 pre-Olympic World Cup season. Last season saw both the Canadian and American biathletes achieve historic results, and the teams intend to carry this positive momentum forward. To kick off the season, our beloved biathletes will be looking to heat things up in the typically frigid World Cup opener in Ostersund, Sweden in late November.

Pokljuka, Slovenia will host the next World Cup, followed by Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic. Martin Fourcade, the defending overall champion from the previous five seasons, will undoubtedly continue to show the world what he is made of. Gabriela Soukalova from the Czech Republic will be defending her impressive overall Championship title from last season. After winning four medals at the World Championships, Ole Einar Bjorndalen announced that he will continue competing until the 2018 Olympics. Bjorndalen and Darya Domracheva, who missed last season due to illness, are expecting a baby this October. Domracheva, the 2014/2015 overall world champion, hopes to return to World Cup competition in the new year.

Germany kicks off 2017 by hosting two World Cups, first in Oberhof, followed by Ruhpolding. Antholz-Antersleva in South Tirol, Italy will host the next World Cup, followed by the World Championships in Hochfilzen, Austria.

From Feb. 8-19, biathlon fans will be focused on what their favourite athletes can achieve in the newly renovated facilities in the heart of mountainous Tirol.

Following the World Championships, the World Cup resumes in Pyeong­ chang for the pre-Olympic event. This will be a great opportunity for the biathletes and support teams to learn the lay of the land and prepare for success in 2018. The penultimate World Cup takes place in snow-sure Siberia in Tyumen, Russia. The 2016/2017 World Cup season wraps up in Holmenkollen, Norway.

And while North America will not be hosting any World Cups this season, the huge success of last year’s biathlon World Cup in Canmore, Alta. has the picturesque Rocky Mountain town poised to host events of this calibre, and perhaps even greater, in the future.

Canada is proud to be fielding one of its strongest teams yet. The oh-so-Canadian Eh! Squad is made up of Nathan Smith, Brendan Green, Scott Gow, Christian Gow and Macx Davies. The Relay team consisting of Smith, Green and the Gow brothers shocked and impressed both the world and themselves when they won bronze at the World Championships last season in Holmenkollen. They will be looking to build upon that historic success, both as a team and as individuals.

Rosanna Crawford, Julia Ransom and Megan Tandy make up the women’s side of the Eh! Squad. Last season, Crawford and Smith teamed up to make history by winning silver at the inaugural Single Mixed Relay at the 2015/2016 World Cup opener in Sweden. Motivated by the success of the men’s team, the Canadian women are hungry both for Individual medals as well as a Relay medal for themselves.

Sarah Beaudry and Emma Lunder make up the B Squad. Carsen Campbell, the lone member of the Zed Squad (similar to the U.S. “X” Team), is also keen to get in on the World Cup action. And while Zina Kocher, Scott Perras and Audrey Vaillancourt announced their retirements at the end of last season, their contributions to the biathlon world have not gone unnoticed.

74 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

After a solid season of training, including a three-week on-snow camp in New Zealand, the Canadian National team is taking aim at some World Cup podiums as well as a medal at World Championships. Both the men’s and women’s team are looking very strong. According to Roddy Ward, head coach, “The athletes overall have a strong belief in the program, and the team as a whole will continue to have success both individually and in Relays if they can continue to manage development at the level each athlete is currently at, and just continue to take those steps forward.” The upcoming season certainly presents many opportunities that the Canadian biathletes are just waiting to grasp.

Team America is ready to rock and will be fueled by its historic successes from last season. Susan Dunklee, who made both her nation and herself proud by achieving a silver medal last season in the opening sprint on home soil at the Presque Isle, leads the A Team. With the retirement of two Olympians and core members of the women’s Relay team, Annelies Cook and Hannah Dreissigacker, there is a need for some rebuilding on the women’s team.

Clare Egan has shown steady progress and she will be joined by 21-year-old Maddie Phaneuf on the A Team. Egan and Phaneuf were training companions this summer and are looking forward to moving up the ranks in the biathlon world. Achieving success in the Nation’s Cup is crucial for the women’s team to hold onto their four Individual World Cup starts.

Women’s coach Jonne Kahkonen believes that the top performances from last season have made the athletes even more hungry for results and have allowed them to see that success at the World Cup is possible with consistent work. “We have had several athletes take the steps and lead the way, so everyone is committed and truly believes in our philosophy.”

The American men’s A Team consisting of Lowell Bailey, Tim Burke, Sean Doherty and Leif Nordgren are set to improve on both their personal rankings and their sixth-place ranking in the Nation’s Cup. Doherty is ready to make his mark on the World Cup circuit after dominating the IBU Junior World Championships. This strong men’s team is sure to be hunting Individual and Relay podiums this season, both at World Cups and at the World Championships.

X Team members Joanne Reid, Max Durtschi and Jake Brown will sport the Stars and Stripes and need look no further than their more experienced teammates for inspiration.

After a stellar summer of training that saw the highest number of participants in recent years at Rollerski Nationals in Jericho, Vt., followed by the A Team traveling to Germany for a camp and to compete at German Nationals, the American biathletes are looking good heading into this pre-Olympic season. The pre-Olympic World Cup in Pyeongchang, which some of the team has experience racing its World Cup and World Championships there in 2008 and 2009, will be an important opportunity for the core members of Team USA to gain racing experience there in order to prepare for next season’s main event.

The American biathletes will be joining the Canadian team in Canmore this fall for the Canadian World Cup trials as well as an on-snow camp before both teams head over to Sweden for the first World Cup. With both nations so inspired and motivated by the results of 2015/2016, it will be exciting to see what they can accomplish on the world stage this upcoming season. – KM www.skitrax.com

Nordic Combined

have been training often with the US combined program.

Women’s Nordic-combined is getting some attention from the International Ski Federation (FIS) at its fall meetings in Zurich. Pending FIS Council approval, it appears that we will see the start of women’s Nordic-combined on the Continental Cup circuit beginning in the 2017-18 season, and it’s expected to be part of the VM Junior Championships in 2019, with a full-on World Cup program in 2020-21. That’s good news, however slow it has been in coming.

Spanning the international Nordic-combined scene, Tomas Portyk defended his Czech National crown in the Large Hill by winning a 10km race and the Nordic-combined crown in Liberac, Czech Republic. In his home of Austria, world champion Bernhard Gruber is taking some time off since becoming a new father, though he will be back. Some of the newer talent to emerge from Nationals there includes Franz-Josef Rehrl, David Pommer and Mario Seidel, who seem ready for the season. As well, Wilhelm Denifl returns to the squad.

Japan’s superstar Akito Watabe had to sit out the Grand Prix this summer

Nordic Focus

L

ast spring saw some exciting new changes for the U.S. jumping and Nordic-combined programs, coming together as a new organization now known as USA Nordic Sport. Under recently named executive director and Olympic Nordic-combined gold medalist Bill Demong, the program is on a strong track for future success, and the Park City, Utah-based program has already turned in some very encouraging off-season results.

Dave Jarrett continues in his long-time position as the head coach of the Nordic-combined team. The team has named a new jumping coach in Nik Huber, a native Austrian, who came to the U.S. squad fresh from working with the Norwegian National team since 2010.

With some strong Nordic-combined results, Jarrett said, “The training this summer has been really good; it’s been a very productive summer and we are looking forward to the World Championships in Lahti and the Olympics in 2018.”

Taylor Fletcher won the rollerski race in Oberwiesenthal, Germany, and following jumping, finished seventh overall.

Fletcher capped off a great Grand Prix season, finishing an impressive 15th overall. In Oberstdorf, Germany, Ben Berend led the team in 12th after jumping and finished 36th on the day. In that event, Ben Loomis almost scored points by finishing 33rd.

Jarrett said that the Summer Grand Prix was a very positive test for his charges, noting, “This was a solid trip, with good progress made. Taylor showed that he is one of the fastest guys, and his jumping is on a personal high and consistent level. Jarrett also spoke of another young American athlete with great promise: “Our young guy Stephen Schumann showed his ability on the World Cup level as well, and he has a bright future.” It was Schumann’s first major international competition.

The Canadian Nordic combined effort this season will be led by a pair of athletes from the Altius Nordic Ski Club based in Calgary. They include Wes Savill, who has been a national team member since 2005 and Nathaniel Mah, the 2012 Youth Olympic combined bronze medalist. The pair

U.S. Ski Team

Elizabeth Geraghty

(above) Germany's Eric Frenzel is still the man to beat.

www.skitrax.com

(far left) Taylor Fletcher wins his first national title at the L.L.Bean U.S. Nordic Combined Championship at Soldier Hollow (l-r): Bryan Fletcher, Taylor Fletcher and Ben Berend. (left) Tara Geraghty-Moats (USA): Women's Nordic Combined to launch in 2017-18.

due to a hand injury after falling off a bike at a training camp in Sado. He has returned now, and his team trained far and wide this summer at such places as Oberhof, Germany and Planica, Slovenia.

France will have the powerful Francois Baud returning as its team leader.

He was ranked third this off-season on the Nordic-combined Grand Prix, so he will be in the hunt for podiums.

In terms of Nordic-combined, the Germans are always superb, and Eric Frenzel, 27, is still the circuit’s man to beat. He took his fourth consecutive overall World Cup crown last season, and he won eight World Cups as well.

Recently, he was named the German Ski Athlete of the year. While Frenzel is a trailblazer, he is not alone as a force on the German team – he’ll have the support of Tino Edelmann, Fabian Riessle and Johannes Rydsek, which is cause for celebration.

One Norwegian athlete to follow this winter is 19-year-old Oslo native Jarl Riiber. He won two golds at the VM Juniors in 2015 at Almaty and his first Nordic-combined event on the World Cup last February in Oslo. He has the potential to be one of the best ever and, to say the least, a strong program backs him. Plus, Norway has big names such as Haavard Klemetsen and Joergen Graabak, who return.

The best Nordic-combined skiers in the world start their season at the opening World Cup in Ruka, Finland, while another focus is the FIS Nordic World Championships in Lahti and the Junior/U23 Worlds in Utah. – PG ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 75

photos: U.S. Ski Team

Ski Jumping

U

.S. ski jumping also falls under the USA Nordic Sport banner with Bine Norcic, 35, continuing as head coach, while Clint Jones remains the team’s sport director.

Jones marveled at how things have been going: “It’s been a bit of a breakout summer for our jumpers. Kevin Bickner has had wonderful results that have shown his teammates that we are on the right path and are able to compete with the best.”

Bickner of the Norge SC turned in some strong, very inspiring performances, including a 16th in Hakuba, Japan, a career-best seventh in Hakuba and an eighth at a Grand Prix in Einsiedin, Switzerland.

Jones also reflected on Will Rhoads’ injury: “His jumping has been great, but he has been plagued with a wrist injury that required surgery, so following his National Championship victory in July, he was unable to travel back to Europe to compete with his teammates – part of the season he had to watch from the sidelines. I know it was disappointing for him, but he is now more motivated than ever to get back to competition and show that he can compete at the highest level.”

Another high point for the team was the performances of Casey Larson, one of the team’s young up-and-comers. Larson scored a point on the Continental Cup (COC) in Finland in late August, in only his fourth-ever COC event.

Jones said, “This is a great stepping stone for Casey, and it’s great to see some new talent chasing after our top athletes. This winter, Casey will focus on the Junior World Championships in Park City.” Veteran Mike Glasder returns to the National ski-jumping team as well.

Canadian ski-jumper Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes also enjoyed a strong training season, finishing sixth in the Grand Prix final in Klingenthal, Germany in early October and was on the podium in a COC in Stams. Both Boyd-Clowes and Josh Maurer are part of the Canadian group that spends a great deal of time working with the U.S. team in Slovenia under USST Coach Norcic’s direction. Maurer scored his first COC points this summer and qualified for his first World Cup-level event at Hinzenbach, Austria. The overall winner of the ski-jumping Summer Grand Prix was Polish star Maciej Kot. Watch for the Canadian women to be strong this winter as well. They include Jasmine Sepandj, Atsuko Tanaka and Taylor Henrich. Coach Gregor Linsig oversees that program.

There were also strong results this summer from such U.S. women ski jumpers as Nita Englund and Tara Geraghty-Moats. Sarah Hendrickson will begin training again very soon; she’s very fit and recently placed fourth in the Red Bull 400, which saw athletes climb up the ski hill in Park City, Utah – a great result.

Recently, Alan Alborn, the U.S. women’s ski-jumping team head coach, told SkiTrax this of its National team: “I will say that Tara, Nita and Sarah – fingers crossed – coming back this winter will be a force on the World Cup circuit. I have also been happy with our juniors coming up the ranks, who have been gaining valuable experience nationally and internationally.”

Finally, following the U.S. Ski Jumping Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y. the first weekend of October, Park City’s Rhoads returned to form to win the

76 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

(top left) Park City's Will Rhoads returned from injury to nail a clean sweep at the U.S. Ski Jumping Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y. (top right) Canadian Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes finished sixth in the GP final in Klingenthal, Germany and was on the podium at a COC in Stams. (above middle) The U.S.A.'s Casey Larson scored a point on the Continental Cup (COC) in Finland in late August at only his fourth-ever COC event. (above) Taylor Henrich is the first Canadian woman to capture a World Cup ski-jumping medal back in January 2015 in Germany.

Normal Hill crown on the HS 100-metre jump, besting Bickner in second and Larson in third. Rhoads took the Large Hill National title in July in Park City, so it’s a clean sweep for him.

Geraghty-Moats, 23, of West Fairlee, Vt. claimed her first U.S. National title, followed by Lake Placid local Nina Lussi. Geraghty-Moats took the win by 10 points, and, thrilled, said afterwards, “I couldn’t have dreamt of a better day to win my first National title; it was a gift to put on a good performance for www.skitrax.com

everyone here in the East who have helped me get to this level.” The women’s World Cup opens Dec. 1-3 in Lillehammer, Norway.

The best ski jumpers and Nordic-combined skiers in the world will kick off the World Cup season in Ruka, Finland, while the Four Hills Tournee and FIS Nordic World Championships in Lahti, Finland lie ahead.

Internationally, there’s plenty of action coming. Some favourites for the season are Austrian Manuel Fettner, who just recently took three National titles in Bischofshofen, Austria, as well as Stefan Kraft and Andreas Kofler, who both had strong performances this fall. Austria’s top woman continues to be Jacqueline Seifriedsberger.

Bavarian jumper Andreas Wellinger has been jumping very well, and could be among the leaders of the German squad this season. Another German National team star, Markus Eisenbichler, 25, also had a fine off-season of training. Anna Rupprecht was the winner of the women’s title at the German Summer Nationals.

Always a contender, Slovenia Peter Prevc won the Normal Hill Summer Nationals in Kranj, Slovenia, and was followed by his younger brother, Cene Prevc, for a family double. The top woman in the Nationals was Maja Vtic. At 27, Czech Roman Koudelka took top Nationals honors in Liberec in the Czech Republic in October, and his team saw huge depth with the likes of Jan Matura and Jakub Janda in second and third respectively.

Poland has its amazing superhero, 38-year-old Adam Malysz, back in the fold, not jumping this time, but as the new coordinator for the Polish Ski Association for ski jumping and Nordic-combined. He was thrilled to see the Polish Nationals at Wisla in October, and the win went to Kot, who looked very fit, while second place went to double Olympic-champion Kamil Stoch. Kot, who proved to be in a league of his own this summer by winning the FIS Summer Grand Prix, was remarkably consistent. The Polish team is really strong and now led by the former Austrian flyer Stefan Horngacher, who has been extremely well received by the team. – PG

CXC News American Birkebeiner Training Plan with TrainingPeaks New this year, CXC (Central Cross Country Ski Association) has partnered with TrainingPeaks to bring a quality Training Plan that leads through and up to the CXC Marathon Cup events in the Midwest this season. This Training Plan was designed by CXC coaches to be compatible with practically any work schedule and fitness level.

Devised for the multi-sport Master and Citizen skier, this Plan is for anyone interested in an easy-to-follow training calendar to prepare for the most important races of the season. Each day is complete with coaches’ notes that provide tips and tricks on how to maximize each workout or rest day, to reach one’s highest performance potential.

If followed correctly, this Plan is designed to stress and/or recover the body at specific times throughout the season so racers will feel their best when it matters most. With additional information on how to execute a taper properly, skiers have access to gain all the resources needed to race fast at the most important races. With an easy-to-follow layout, TrainingPeaks allows the user to log workouts and plan or analyze training on an iPhone, Android, tablet or a personal computer.

Demonstration videos accompany each session to help coach athletes through a number of workouts. This visual component enables the user to feel confident in executing each session efficiently. For further individual questions, a link to FAQs is available to answer questions around the clock.

The American Birkebeiner Training Plan builds from early November and concludes on the Birkie, Feb. 25, 2017. Though the www.skitrax.com

Plan has begun for the 2016-2017 season, it is not too late to join the program and still retain a training effect to prepare for the most important races of the season. Users who join the program throughout November simply begin to follow the Plan on any day of the week and continue the season with the prescribed workouts. Users who wish to use the Training Plan starting in December should contact CXC to consult with a coach

to alter the program in a way that will work best for the remaining season.

If a change in Training Plan volume is required due to some schedule, work or other conflicts, users are encouraged to make Training-Plan adjustments and consult CXC coaching staff via email.

To join the Birkie Training Plan, visit www. cxcskiing.org/BirkieTrainingPlan.

ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 77

WAXWORX

by Jack Cook and Patrick Moore

Choosing the Correct Ski Matching the Ski to the Skier

T

he best way to wax a ski is to start with the the ski while maintaining or even lowering the right set of skis. So, with snow coming and weight. before we get into the world of wax, let’s take However, the race-performance skis also a look at choosing the right ski. Perfect race have a more specific range of use for each skis are a combination of construction and pair and offer different tip/tail splays in all geometry, premium materials and careful semodels – distinct splay for warm conditions lection. Each company has a broad selection and slight splay for cold conditions. There of race-worthy skis, including race-perforare more flex ranges and cambers available mance models and performance models. in the race-performance models, while perrace-performance skis are top-tier, have a wider range of skier HPeaks 8thThe ST Ann 2013_Pedal Template 11/30/15 11:55formance AM Page skis 1 World-Cup-level products, and the perforweight and usage area for each model. The mance models are based on the same engirace-performance series skis offer a cold neering and geometry. But, by using slightly and a warm version of each model, while different materials in parts of the constructhe performance models are designed to be tion, the manufacturers are able to reduce all-arounders. the price point without significantly comproIt is possible to measure the flex, camber mising the on-snow properties of the skis. and splay in the performance skis just as acThe main difference between the two catecurately as for the race-performance skis, usgories is that the race-performance skis coning the same tools and techniques. The most tain significantly more carbon. This allows the important factors are the skier and the availcompanies to better control the stiffness of able budget. Get the right ski for your weight,

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technique, ambition level and the conditions where you will use the skis the most. The right flex for your weight and technique, as well as the correct splay for the conditions are critical factors for performance.

Previously ski length was often matched to racer height. While the charts produced by manufacturers still give a decent starting point, racer weight and proficiency are more important factors in determining the length of the ski.

For instance, according to the sizing charts, a skier who is six feet tall should have a Classic ski that is approximately 205cm to 210cm long (precise length of ski is different for each company). But, depending on weight, the skier might even consider a ski that is 200cm. A light and tall racer using Classic skis that are too stiff, won’t be able to get the wax onto the snow and get proper kick, and the skis will feel too slippery.

Hence, it’s more important that skiers get the right flex for their weight, even if that means a shorter ski. Typically, Classic skis for warm conditions will have a taller camber height and be stiffer in flex.

Also, keep in mind that with the new low tip of skate skis, a ski that is 187cm will act like a more traditional 192cm with a regular tip in terms of how much base is touching the snow, but lowering the tip saves weight.

Additionally, it’s important to use skis with the right splay for the conditions that you will encounter the most. Skis with a warm-conditions construction won’t give proper glide in cold conditions, and vice versa. So you need to be honest with yourself about weight and technique, and also know in what kinds of conditions you plan to use the skis. The splay determines the pressure points of the skis. A distinct splay found on the warm-conditions models creates shorter pressure points to the snow and helps shorten the water film that creates a suction effect in wet and warm conditions, and thereby improves the glide. Conversely, the slight splay on cold-conditions skis create longer pressure points. The longer pressure points help create a water film and reduce friction in cold snow, and thereby improve glide. In the race-performance models, all models come in a cold version with a slight splay and a warm version with a distinct splay. www.skitrax.com

GRAvES ON NORDIC

by Peter Graves

Farmer’s Almanac, Junior/U23 Nordic Worlds 2017 American Birkie and Lahti 2017

Leevi Vähälä /Lahti2017

T

he legendary Farmer’s Almanac – often a remarkably accurate prognosticator of the weather – not long ago suggested that this winter will be snowy and cold in many regions of North America.

I was thrilled to read this, as we all need a good one badly – a winter that will benefit our athletes, our ski centres, the ski industry and all who love being outside in winter.

This winter will be very busy and full of such events as the annual American Birkebeiner (Birkie) and the 2017 FIS Nordic Junior and U-23 World Championships to be held in February at Soldier Hollow in Utah. Both 2002 Utah Olympic venues will be in play, with ski jumping at Utah Olympic Park and the cross-country ski events taking place at Soldier Hollow, which will have hosted the U.S. National Championships just two weeks earlier. Having the U.S. host these events is a huge opportunity for North American teams to race on home snows, a first since 1986, when they were hosted in Lake Placid, N.Y. Traditionally held in early February, the Junior Worlds and U-23’s will bring in more than 400 athletes from 30 nations to compete in 17 events across three disciplines. It’s a very big event, and here’s hoping for a huge turnout of spectators to witness it all.

I recently had an opportunity to catch up with the American Birkie’s Allan Serrano, director of Race Operations, who told me of some of the exciting new happenings surrounding this race run from Cable to Hayward, Wis. It looks as if the 44th edition of the Birkie will be a big one.

This begins with the new starting area at the Birkie trailhead in Cable. The 30-acre starting area, once part of the Telemark Lodge property, has now been custom-built to host the race’s grand start, complete with a 7,000-square-foot Great Hall building for pre-race warm-up, a race-management building and new starting gates – all done to enhance the Birkie experience.

Serrano, a former University of Vermont head coach of cross-country, said that this will be a huge improvement: “The new Birkie trailhead will not only serve as our start, but will also be a huge year-round asset for the community of Cable. It’s a CAMBA mountain-bike trailhead too, and the Great Hall will be available for community events and will see a full schedule of events this winter.”

In other news, Serrano said that the famed Korteloppet will now finish in downtown Hayward due to growth of this event. “The Korte is a race for young skiers, first-timers and folks needing to step down in the distance; it will now be held on Friday before the Birkie and starts at a new area we are developing at the Highway OO trailhead and finishes downtown in Hayward, which will give those skiers a better course and the same exciting finish as the Birkie,” he said.

The Birkie commitment to athletic develop- The jumps and ment is being further enhanced this year with the stadium at the Lahti 2017 Nordic World top Korte finishers 20 years old and under being Championships, awarded scholarships totalling $6,000 to be used where ticket sales by the skiers for camps and competition trips are flying. sponsored by USSA and its partner regions. This is in addition to the $5,000 that is given annually to the top American finishers, $2,500 respectively, in the Birkie, and the awarding of $35,000 in skier-development grants each year. This is great news, and congratulations to Ben Popp, executive director, Serrano, their staff and the American Birkie board of directors for the continued vision in developing the sport.

Heidi Weng and Petter Northug of Norway were the big winners this August at the Norwegian sports festival Toppidrettsveka held in Aura and in Trondheim.

Congratulations to Colin Rodgers, who has recently been named the Nordic director at Green Mountain Valley School in Vermont.

We hear tickets for this year’s World Championships in Lahti are selling like hotcakes – more than 50,000 have already been sold. If you are planning to head over to watch, book your event tickets now.

On the heels of the fabulous Ski Tour Canada 2016, I hear that both Norway and Sweden are talking with the International Ski Federation for rights to host a new tour event on the World Cup circuit in the year 2020. The goal would be to have a compact tour that eliminates long traveling distances. Stayed tuned for more on that one.

See you on the trails this winter.

Year-round coverage

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www.skitrax.com www.pedalmag.acom ANNUAL 2016 SKITRAX 79

sasseville report

by Jack Sasseville

Asthma Medication and TUEs This has become a serious issue in the world of Endurance sport, not only in cross-country skiing, but also in cycling and running since the Fancy Bears leaks. It seems that many athletes who have been successful have been using asthma medication to become champions.

There are three ways to look at this issue. One is that these athletes are genuinely sick and need this medication to return to normal. The second is that they are using an existing condition to use a medication to help them to perform better than they would normally. The third is that they are outright cheating by using a medication that will enhance their performance, whether they need it or not.

I have no problem with the first one. As an asthmatic since I was three years old, I know how this can affect my breathing, especially in races and at high altitude. I have been taking Salbutamol for the past three years, and it has allowed me to breathe normally in these extreme conditions.

The second scenario is where things start to get a little murky. I believe that this is where Martin Johnsrud Sundby’s, Brad Wiggins’ and Alberto Salazar’s with Galen Rupp actions fall. Yes, they have problems, but by using much more than is needed or injecting the drugs just before major competitions, they are now also looking for a performance boost as well as a return to normal health.

The third scenario is what you see with the Norwegian team and Salazar giving the drugs to healthy athletes who do not need them.

While the jury is still out on whether or not there is much performance enhancement for healthy athletes, the coaches and doctors who are giving the athletes these drugs believe that if there is, they want their athletes to be able to take advantage of it. They will justify it as preventative or going up to the line, and while it might be legal to World Anti-Doping Agency, it is morally and ethically wrong to give drugs to healthy people.

Double-poling At the end of September, the International Ski Federation (FIS), in an attempt to save diagonal striding and Classical skiing, decided to implement a rule that would limit the length of poles used in Classic races to 83% of a skier’s height in ski boots from the tip of the pole to the top of the insert of the strap into the handle.

While I agree that if something is not done then Classic skiing may go the way of the dodo bird, this solution will not work. For me, I had to cut only a centimetre off the length of my Classic poles, and it made absolutely no difference to my ability (at 65 years old) to double-pole, as compared to poles that were longer. If that is the case for me, I am sure it will change nothing for top World Cup or loppet skiers.

The other problem is how to police this. I can see that it would be relatively easy at World Cup races or in the first pen of loppet races, but how do you measure the poles of 15,000 people at the Vasaloppet? When asked, the FIS has said that if it sees someone with poles that are obviously too long, it will do something about it. That is similar to speeding on a highway. If the speed limit is 100, to get a ticket, you will have to do 125+ and do it in front of a policeman. If you do speeds of 110 or 115 or even 120, you will not get caught. If your 80 SKITRAX ANNUAL 2016

Yngve Johansson

TUEs, Double-poling, Skin Skis, Canadian and U.S. Ski Teams

poles are 2.5cm or 5cm too long, unless FIS is trying to save Classic measured before the start, you will not be skiing by limiting pole length, but this solution is unlikely to caught. Everyone who is a parent knows work and will be difficult to that if you make a rule you have to be able police ... are double-poling to enforce it, otherwise it is useless – and races the answer ? this rule is useless.

If you want to limit the height of poles, why not go all the way back to the length of poles used in the late 1970s and early 1980s before skating came along? In those days, I used 137.5cm or 140cm poles.

The other measures proposed to stop double-poling include no-double-poling zones and making sure that the courses have hills that are tough enough to make it impossible to double-pole. All of this reminds me of mid-1980s’ measures that attempted to stop skating – none of them worked very well. As a result, we now have skating races and Classic races in which skating is not allowed. We could create a third kind of race called double-poling, but what should be done in Classic races on the flats? Do we say that there is no double-poling in Classic races in the same way we did with skating? Stay tuned – this isn’t over yet.

Skin Skis Have you got your pair of skin skis yet? In my opinion, they are the best thing that has happened in cross-country-ski equipment in a long, long time. In most conditions, they perform almost on par with well-waxed skis, and for those with limited time or waxing ability, they allow you to ski much more Classic and less skating. The only issue with them is that they are a little bit slow, but with every new ski coming out, they are getting faster and faster. I believe it won’t be too long before we will be using them in races.

Canadian and U.S. Ski Teams Everything that I am hearing and reading so far this summer and fall about both teams seems to be very positive. Training is going well for everyone, Ivan Babikov seems to be settling in as a coach, Kikkan Randall will be back with her baby on the World Cup (along with Marit Bjoergen) and everyone is focused on the World Championships in Lahti, Finland. Watch out for the Finns in February, especially Matti Heikkinen. He is a former world champion, was very fit at the end of the season in Canmore, Alta. and has been training very hard in Norway this summer. It should be a great year this season – let’s hope that the snow is good too. www.skitrax.com

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BE A PART OF CANADA’S ATHLETES QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE IN PYEONGCHANG 2018, BEIJING 2022 & BEYOND! JOIN THE TEAM! MAKE A DONATION TO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI DE FOND CANADA! FAITES PARTIE DE LA CONQUÊTE DE L’EXCELLENCE DES ATHLÈTES CANADIENS À PYEONGCHANG 2018, BEIJING 2022 & AU-DELÀ!

JOIGNEZ-VOUS À L’ÉQUIPE! FAITES UN DON À CROSS-COUNTRY SKI DE FOND CANADA!

www.cccski.com/donate