The XC Skiing thread

[DCT]

Time to wax up the skis again!

[72gmc]

Northug still has an extra gear (start at 38:46):

At the risk of broaching that topic I will say that I have enjoyed this year's nordic WC more than last year's. With the exception of Emil Iversen's suave lane changes.

[lumpy]

Time to wax up the skis again!

Huh! We got nothing up here.

[72gmc]

At the risk of broaching that topic I will say that I have enjoyed this year's nordic WC more than last year's. With the exception of Emil Iversen's suave lane changes.

P.S. Northug's move at the end of the heat in Drammen, and the reaction of the two Swedes ... I'm guessing if you're Norwegian you love him but if you're otherwise Scandinavian you probably feel differently.

[caleb]

Anyone here up in Quebec City for the World Cup finals? I'm guessing the course and spectating will be premium. I thought about going, but the train would have been just a little too long given constraints at work.

[lumpy]

Anyone here up in Quebec City for the World Cup finals? I'm guessing the course and spectating will be premium. I thought about going, but the train would have been just a little too long given constraints at work.

No, I'm far too busy making the most of Tuesday's late season refresher. Can I leave work at 3 today for a late season backcountry quickie? I think I can. White Mountains this weekend with my Dad and #1 son. Super stoked.

[cny rider]

Amazing spring skiing conditions up here the last few days.
It's frozen crust in the morning but by 1100, with a few hours of sun on it, turns to heavenly corn snow.

[Tom]

My brother's wife and my niece were up there volunteering. It looks like a great way to participate.

[DCT]

It's that time of year! People are skiing in New Paltz already.

[adamcw89]

Sunday I joined a friend for some XC skiing at Allegany State Park. The trails had been groomed Saturday before receiving a foot of snow over night. Tracks won't be set until 12/20 but some of the trails had seen some traffic already and had a decent track. So we set out for a 19 mile loop. The normally ~45 minute climb at the end was completely ungroomed and as a result it took 1.5 hours of walking on skis to complete. So 5 hours later we emerged from the woods. Overall it was a fun (unbelievably slow) day on the snow.

[fmbp]

I did my first ski of the year yesterday at a local park here in Minneapolis. They currently have a 2.5k man-made snow loop that I went around and around. I felt pretty crappy, to be honest. Hopefully I can blame that on being sick last Thursday and puking my guts out!

In any case, I gotta get the ks in to prepare. I'm skiing my second Birkie in February. It'll be a slog for me, for sure.

[SpeedyChix]

First time in nearly a decade that we've had enough early snow to get in multiple days of XC skiing before the end of the year. Sure is different than last season. Most of it's melting now, but three mornings in a row were a real treat. Didn't have to drive three hours north to get skiable snow. Not the same terrain but it's honestly a much nicer way to shift from riding to skiing.

[lumpy]

I got my first ski in on Saturday, up in Vermont at the Rikert Nordic Center, which is Middlebury College. Great ski, stopped with a friend of mine who raced in college and we did a two hour loop. Not much base, but great snow and great winter light.

[caleb]

This might be one of the best articles I've ever read on nordic skiing: What Cross-Country Skiing Reveals About the Human Condition - The New York Times

Cross-country skiing expresses something deep about the human condition: the absolute, nonnegotiable necessity of the grind. The purity and sanctity of the goddamn slog.

[DCT]

Another week until this happens.....

I just ordered a set of Salomon S Lab skate skis to fly around these incredible trails.

[j44ke]

Local shops seem to only have a couple skis and a pair of boots thrown into a dusty corner. I would have expected more XC stuff up here, what with Great Barrington being so Patagucci hip and all. Looks like Kenco Outfitters in Kingston has Fischer stuff. Where are the good shops?

[DCT]

Local shops seem to only have a couple skis and a pair of boots thrown into a dusty corner. I would have expected more XC stuff up here, what with Great Barrington being so Patagucci hip and all. Looks like Kenco Outfitters in Kingston has Fischer stuff. Where are the good shops?

Cross Country Skis For Sale at crosscountryski.com - Cross Country Ski HQ - Cross Country Skis for Sale, XC Ski Packages + Michigan Ski Area

Super friendly and experienced shop with free shipping in the USA. They have a good selection of classic and skate skis available.

[ides1056]

This might be one of the best articles I've ever read on nordic skiing: What Cross-Country Skiing Reveals About the Human Condition - The New York Times

I am going to opine that if it's a slog you don't get it at all: it's a dance, pure and simple.

[ides1056]

Local shops seem to only have a couple skis and a pair of boots thrown into a dusty corner. I would have expected more XC stuff up here, what with Great Barrington being so Patagucci hip and all. Looks like Kenco Outfitters in Kingston has Fischer stuff. Where are the good shops?

Berkshire Outfitters in Lanesboro is hands down the best place to go for cross country skies. Period. Where those who know go. And it's on the way to Prospect, where those who know go. Ask me how I know.

[j44ke]

Thanks both!