With early snow accumulated on the West Yellowstone Rendezvous Trails in the opening days of November, Fischer Sports is preparing for the most well attended U.S. ski event of the Thanksgiving season. “We’ve waited out the interminable time in the fall before snow hits,” explained Fischer’s Western Sales Representative, Brian Schiller. “Now we’re thrilled about having snow and a great collection of gear for demo at this year’s West Yellowstone Ski Festival.”
Fischer will again employ an online reservation system throughout dates of the festival to reserve new Speedmax boot and ski demos for on trail testing in West Yellowstone. In addition to Fischer’s new Speedmax boots, the 2015-2016 Speedmax skis will be available to try on the Rendezvous Trails. Both Speedmax boot and ski models employ innovative new features and improvements for 2015-2016 that merit first-hand testing.
“With the new carbon sole of the Speedmax boots, these demos are a chance to try this exceptional system.” explained Fischer Nordic Race Director, Chris Hall. “Likewise, this year’s Speedmax skate skis boast a new tip profile that further minimizes swing weight, improving ski feel.”
The 2015 West Yellowstone Ski Festival will take place November 24th – 28th in West Yellowstone, Montana. Demos will be available for reservation from Tuesday the 24th through Friday the 27th.
Hayward, WI – Fischer Sports is proud to team up with CXC Skiing to be part of the first annual CXC Thanksgiving Nordic Festival at the Telemark Resort in Cable, Wisconsin. Running from Friday November 20th through Sunday, November 29th, Fischer will join industry manufacturers with demo product for the latter days of the camp beginning the 26th.
“I’ve got a lot of great memories of when Telemark hosted some very serious racing during the Thanksgiving holiday in the late 70s and early 80s. I can’t wait to return to Telemark for serious skiing again,” explained Nordic Promotions Specialist, Rick Halling.
High caliber skiing is the goal of CXC’s snowmaking crew, a perfect kick off to the season and a chance to feel out Fischer’s newest product offerings. Open to all skiers, the camp promises early conditioning and snow acclimation.
Fischer Demos will include the new Speedmax Boots, as well as the updated Speedmax Skis. Look for the new Twin Skin ski in limited quantities for demo as well.
Fischer has announced the launch of the Twin Skin. Building on their collection of performance waxless options, Fischer offers the Twin Skin as a complimentary classic ski designed to kick in variable conditions without sacrificing glide.
The Twin Skin is built on Fischer’s venerable RCR ski, a populist model made to maximize performance at a reasonable price point.
“The Twin Skin is a ski made for versatile conditions. Purpose-cut cavities for two separate Mohair strips mean it glides easily and kicks solidly, especially in transformed snow and conditions that cause track glazing,” explained Chris Hall, director of racing services for Fischer USA.
Those mohair cavities are deeply set at the beginning of the kick zone, meaning less mohair strip is exposed, less gliding friction is created. The cavities are also shallower under the ball of the foot which makes the Mohair thicker toward the rear of the ski mimicking a well waxed classic ski where a thin layer of wax at the beginning of the wax pocket paired with a thicker layer under foot facilitates kick and glide.
The result is a ski that meets a wide set of criteria for a driven classic skier. The Twin Skin claims a spot as a skier’s go-to ski for conditions that elude grip in a mechanical (crown) pattern. For those with fewer hours for prepping skis, the Twin Skin aims to be a time-saving daily driver that demands kick without sacrificing ski feel.
New for 2015, the Fischer Carbonlite Rollerskis employ the same air core construction as Fischer’s race skis and as a result, these rollerskis bear a feel similar snow skis from Fischer: lively, smooth and responsive. The response from dealers and athletes alike has been positive:
“I have been skiing on both the skate and classic skis since mid-spring, and we have had demo pairs go out the door with customers. Feedback has been great from those that have tried them and the guys in our shop that have tried them. The skate skis are some of the best that I have used. They have a damp feel on the road, plus the shaft has a lively feel to it without being overly soft. The wheel speed is right in the middle of where I like it to be, and the skis that we have tried have tracked perfectly without any adjustments. We have put them through some good use throughout the last month with no noticeable wear on the wheels. And they look great.”– Dave Chamberlain, Boulder Nordic Sport
Composite shafts are superior, both at dampening road noise, and providing some elastic material response. These skis are ground-up designs, and like most everything Fischer does, they’re done right. Very smooth rolling, perfect tracking right out of the box, and great ski feel.
The risk with composite shafts designed to flex is that they can be too soft, and end up feeling spongy. When that’s the case for a lightweight like myself, the chances are that bigger skiers will be in for a very mushy ride. No chance of that problem on these skis – the carbon shafts are very snappy feeling, and will work well for skiers of all sizes.
As always, Fischer has nailed the form factor as well. It’s worth noting that the carbon forks are reinforced with metal, and appear to be quite robust. – Zach Caldwell, Caldwell Sport
I’m happy to report that although they may at first seem similar to other options out there, there are a multitude of small, well thought out touches that set the Carbonlite rollerskis apart and make them possibly the best overall rollerski models available.First impressions first; the combination of carbon, air-core, and aluminum that Fischer uses for the shaft makes these skis stiff. This is noticeable in two ways: first, they feel slightly higher off the ground than they actually are, and once you get moving their ride is noticeably “responsive.” Those who have switched from a steel or aluminum bike frame to carbon fiber will know this feeling well; the first time you get on, it may feel a bit unforgiving, but given a little time with it, you’ll adapt to the new feel, and everything else will seem sluggish and noodley in comparison, especially when you try to put power down. – Josh Doebbert, Gear West
Fischer’s Rollerski Specific Boot
For more on the Fischer Carbonlite Rollerski contact your Fischer Sports dealer. Have a reaction to the skis? Connect with us: fischerskis@pressforwardpr.com
AUBURN, NH – Fischer Sports U.S.A announced today the hire of Steve Reeder as National Sales Manager for Nordic Skiing. Reeder, a long time New England sales representative with Fischer will assume the responsibilities in his new position beginning April 1st, 2015.
“We could not be more excited to have Steve Reeder moving into this role,” explained Fischer USA President and CEO, Willy Booker. “Through many dedicated years of representation of the Fischer brand, Steve has proven that he has a deep knowledge of the company and the products, as well as a very strong appreciation for the specialty retail community. We’re thrilled to have such an experienced and respected team member heading up Nordic sales.”
Reeder, a 24-year veteran representative in the New England territory brings a wealth of sales experience, as well as time working closely with Fischer Austria in product planning and sales planning meetings. “The experience Steve brings is significant, in part, because he’s dealt with sales across every category of the Fischer nordic brand and he understands the unique sale of all nordic products,” Booker said.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work within the Fischer brand,” Reeder said of his new position. “It’s extremely appealing to work get to work with this team. Fischer Racing Service Director, Chris Hall, and Customer and Events Specialist, Rick Halling, are a big reason why I’m pleased to take on this new role. This will be a team effort and I believe we’ll have the best team in the business.”
Reeder will replace outgoing Fischer Nordic Vice President, Peter Ashley, who announced his retirement in October. “I have worked with Steve the entire 20 years that I have been at Fischer,” Ashley explained. “Steve has been involved with Fischer at every level and I expect this transition to go very smoothly.”
RESERVE YOUR DEMO SKIS AND BOOTS FOR WEST YELLOWSTONE
Last year, Fischer tried something new for the demos at West Yellowstone. We gave folks the opportunity to make online reservations for skis and boots before the event. Skiers could go to a website and give us all their vital information including weight, height and ability. Fischer would pick gear for these skiers, give them a reservation number and hold the equipment for pick up at West Yellowstone. People would select a night to pick up gear at our booth in the Holiday Inn during the Expo at night. They would use the equipment the next morning and return everything right before lunch. Testers liked the idea that their correct length and flex was being held for a specific pick up time. It worked great!
We want you to see and feel why Fischer was the most successful ski and boot brand at last year’s Olympics. It is one thing to watch the victories of Fischer athletes. It is another thing to feel the combined speed and stability of our Speedmax skis or to experience for yourself how comfort and control come together in our Carbonlite boots.
KIKKAN RANDALL, ANDY NEWELL, KRIS FREEMAN AND OTHER US TEAM MEMBERS DEMOED THESE BOOTS LAST SPRING AND NOW THEY SWITCHED TO FISCHER BOOTS.
The registration process is quite simple. Go to http://tinyurl.com/fischerWEST and fill out the form. You will receive a confirmation within 48 hours. Quantities are limited so do not delay. You will be able to pick up your Fischer skis and boots until 8:00pm the night before your demo at the Fischer booth in the Expo Center at the Holiday Inn. The Expo runs until 9:00pm each night. However, we will only hold your reservation until 8:30pm and then we will accept “Walk Ins” until closing at 9:00. Bring a valid credit card and a driver’s license to check out your demo equipment. The equipment will need to be returned by no later than 1:00 pm the next day. The first 50 people to demo skis and BOOTS will receive a Fischer race hat at no charge. Pick up begins Tuesday night, November 25 with the final day of demo on Saturday the 29th.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Thirty-five nordic racing dealers arrived in downtown Minneapolis to connect, share and learn from Fischer Sports and friends of the nordic industry. “This has never been done before and it’s a really special thing,” explained Vice President for Nordic at Fischer Sports, Peter Ashley in opening remarks to the dealers, “this gathering represents the people that make racing happen in this country. We’re thrilled that you’re here.”
Following Peter’s welcome, Global Marketing Director, Tanja Winterhalder, opened the two-day ski conference with a multi-media presentation highlighting Fischer’s 90 years of innovation and history, including stories and photos from iconic Fischer racers, Thomas Wassberg, Bjorn Dahlie, and Marit Bjoergen. “We only have a few minutes to talk about the history and innovation from Fischer, but we could have talked for ten hours,” Winterhalder explained before welcoming dealers and introducing Fischer US Service Director, Chris Hall.
Chris Hall gave a thorough overview of the Fischer boot program, including video testimonials from Andy Newell, Kikkan Randall, Simi Hamilton, Sadie Bjornsen and Sophie Caldwell. A complete introduction of the new Fischer RCS Carbon boot helped to underscore the technological improvements and innovation from Fischer’s boot program. Dealers broke into groups for hands-on looks at the new boots, trying them on and feeling the low volume boot first hand.
Presentations from the Ski Industry Association, a historical look at the transition to skating and a thorough introduction to the latest skis including the Speedmax line rounded out Tuesday’s event. Fischer University concludes on Wednesday, October 15th.
When asked about her first impressions with new boot sponsor, Fischer, longtime Fischer ski athlete Sophie Caldwell put it succinctly, “My Fischer boots are light, stable, and put me in a good forward position. I feel they’ve helped me a lot with my technique over the summer. I’m psyched to start my first year as a Fischer Complete athlete and have had a very positive experience with the product so far!”
That positive experience has been echoed by numerous elite level US athletes who moved to the Fischer brand for a complete boot and ski package following testing this summer. Converts include, Simi Hamilton, Andy Newell, Kikkan Randall, Sophie Caldwell, Sadie Bjornsen, and Kris Freeman. “The boots are stiffer, lighter, and better fitting than any other boot I have used,” explained Freeman of his decision to switch.
In addition to the RCS Skate Carbon boot being the lightest weight production boot available, it is a product unchanged from the boots worn by those on the World Cup. “The boot you get in the store is the same boot you see on the feet of elite athletes,” described head of Fischer Nordic US, Peter Ashley.
That boot weighs just 455 grams (size 41) and bears a sole that’s 50% lighter than its predecessor. It positions the skier in a comfortably forward position, in line with technical advancements in skating technique and even boasts technology in the insole to reduce moisture and odor. US skiing veteran Kris Freeman explains, his switch, “The first time I put the new Fischer boot on I knew there was nothing that would keep me from competing in it this season. It is stiffer, lighter, and better fitting than any other boot I have used.”
As the point of contact most crucial for determining skiing comfort, boot sponsorships are notoriously tricky to orchestrate among elite athletes. Fischer’s boots are designed to fit the most varied foot types and to support the most varied athletes skiing, a sentiment echoed by World Cup Sprint Winner, Kikkan Randall, “I have thoroughly tested both the classic and skating boots,” explains Kikkan Randall, “I have a very good feeling as they fit my feet very well.”
The RCS Carbon Skate will be available in very limited quantities through Fischer dealers in the United States.
Sadie Bjornsen
Athlete Impressions:
I have been really impressed with the new Fischer carbon skate boot. My foot stays relaxed and supported through the whole kicking motion and I feel like I can easily find an efficient position to get the most power out of every kick. In the classic boots I am loving the feel of being right on the ski. I feel stable and connected and have been able to find more efficient technique in striding. Both the skate and classic boots naturally put me in a relaxed and powerful position so that all I have to think about is finding maximum speed. It’s great to be heading into the season with confidence that my feet are healthy and feeling comfortable in my boots. – Kikkan Randall, USST athlete, 4 X Olympian, World Cup Sprint Overall Winner
The combination of NIS bindings and Fischer boots has exceeded all my expectations. The binding feels so low to the ski creating a super stable platform to apply power but also edge in the skis better while climbing. Fischer race boots are unique because it’s a minimalists approach with sturdy soles and light weight materials which give you everything you need, and nothing you don’t. The boots have helped me to ski much more efficiently by allowing me to activate more muscles and use a more complete and fluid kick.– Andy Newell, USST, 3 x Olympian
From the first time I skied in the new Fischer skate and classic boots, I knew that I was wearing the best XC race boots out there. Pretty much all the other boot companies on the market are striving to construct a boot that rises above the rest in either stiffness, comfort, or weight. Fischer has succeeded in producing race boots that are superior in all of these categories. Whether you’re skate sprinting to victory, striding for the win in that 50 km, or just out for a long, mid-winter training session, Fischer makes the boots that deliver. – Simi Hamilton, USST, 2 X Olympian, World Cup Stage Winner
I’m really excited to join the Fischer Complete team this winter!! I love these boots! – Sadie Bjornsen, USST, 2014 Olympian
The first time I put the new Fischer boot on, I knew there was nothing that was going to keep me from competing in it this season. – Kris Freeman, 4x Olympian, 16x National Champion
For a long time, Fischer has been the undisputed king of making the fastest skis on the planet. Now they have finally brought that extreme expertise to the boot world. The new boots are a masterpiece.– Reese Hanneman, APU athlete, 2014 US National Classic Sprint Champion
Positive news from the cross country world again: Andrew “Andy” Newell and Simeon “Simi” Hamilton (both USA) have decided to change to Fischer boots. As both sprint stars from the US have been successful on skis from the Nordic number one for years now, they will now be placing their trust in the complete ski and boot system from one source in future.
For the 15th and 20th of the 13l14 sprint World Cup this not only means placing trust in a different boot, but also a change to the NNN (New Nordic Norm) binding system. However the interaction of the system convinced the two top athletes. “I have had the chance to test the complete system this spring and I think it will be a very positive change in my skiing,” says Andy Newell, explaining the reason for the change. Simi Hamilton agrees: “After testing the Fischer boots this spring, I have decided to use both – skis and boots from Fischer. I really like the stability and feeling while skiing with Fischer boots.”Their equipment sponsor is also pleased with their choice. “As the two strongest sprinters from the US-Team, Andy and Simi, , deciding in favour of our complete system is a positive sign in terms of the US market, which is very important for us ,” says Gerhard Urain, Nordic Racing Director at Fischer, delighted about how the boot team is growing.
It’s the biggest event of the US skiing calendar with thousands of nordic skiers looking towards Saturday’s start as the hallmark event of their season. This year’s Birkebeiner promises to live up to its role as America’s biggest race and Fischer is on-hand to support and celebrate the event. “It’s been a great winter in the midwest and around the country,” explained Peter Ashley, Nordic Director for Fischer Sports USA, “A great season means a great Birkie.” Fischer athletes favored in the elite ranks of the hallmark marathon include US 30K national champion, Sylvan Ellefson, and Matt Liebsch, a former Birkie winner and consistent threat in any US skate marathon. Both Liebsch and Ellefson narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic team this season adding motivation for success in Hayward on Saturday. Fischer Race director, Chris Hall called Ellefson and Liebsch, “The strongest American Fischer skiers to race the Birkie to date.”
On the women’s side, Fischer athlete Chelsea Holmes skied to a second place in the 20k mass start freestyle event at US Nationals and a win a month later at the 2014 Boulder Mountain Tour. Of Holmes and Fischer teammate Caitlin Patterson, Hall called them, “two legitimate racers ready to vie for the top step of the victory podium.”
The folks at Fischer are excited about the upcoming Fall Camp at West Yellowstone. This year, they want to try something a little different and hopefully a little better when it comes to demoing skis at West Yellowstone. Fischer will be fitting and handing out demo skis and boots at the Expo Center at the Holiday Inn the night before each demo. The idea behind this is simple. Fischer’s Peter Ashley claims, “We are doing this for three reasons. One, this will give us a chance to have a better feeling for the skiers, how strong they are and their level of skiing. This will be best for fitting the right length and flex. Also, this will be a better setting for us to discuss our new products and their technology. Outside, in the cold, a skier who was a little sweaty after a long ski would start to shiver when we began talking about new product. Third reason, we are really excited about our new boots. Inside the demo center is a much better place to try on boots and pick the right ones for testing as opposed to the trailhead.
What will the folks from Fischer bring to West Yellowstone this year? Their new Speedmax Skate and Classic skis which dominated last year’s World Championships. The SPEEDMAX construction uses a unique process called Cold Base Bonding, which eliminates heat and pressure when attaching the base to the ski. This process will produce greater speed and wax retention, check out the video:
They will also be the most forgiving and stable skis you have ever demoed. Fischer will be handing out their new Carbonlite boots with the Xcelerator soles and Triple – F membrane. Testers will be impressed with the combination of comfort and performance.
Speed has a new dimension.
The registration process is quite simple. Go to http://tinyurl.com/fischerWEST and fill out the form. You will receive a confirmation within 48 hours. Quantities are limited so do not delay. You will be able to pick up your Fischer skis and boots until 9:00pm the night before your demo at the Fischer booth in the Expo Center at the Holiday Inn. Bring a valid credit card and a driver’s license to check out your demo equipment. The equipment will need to be returned by 1:00 pm the next day. The first 50 people to demo Fischer skis AND boots will receive a Race Hat at no charge. Pick up begins Tuesday night, November 26 with the final day of demo on Saturday the 30th.
Be among the first 50 to test Fischer skis and boots and receive this hat free!
Test for yourself the gear that dominated the World Cup.
You’re invited to a special evening of Fischer products, prize drawings and pro race fits. Skirack, Vermont’s only Fischer Nordic Race Center, and Mansfield Nordic Club, 2013 NENSA Club of the Year, are proud to host Fischer Nordic Racing Director Chris Hall and Rick Halling, Fischer Nordic Promotions Specialist.
Come in and check out the 2013/14 line of Fischer Skis, Boots, Bindings and Poles, including the revolutionary new Speedmax Skating and Classic skis, which utilize cold base bonding technology that protects the homogenous molecular structure of the base, increasing wax absorption and maximizing ski speed. See why seven out of the eleven athletes on the US Cross Country Team have committed to race on Fischer Skis through the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.
Event Highlights
5 p.m.: NENSA award presentation & Mansfield Nordic coaches intro
Snacks & refreshments * Pro ski & boot fitting * Waxing tips and tricks
30% OFF last season’s Fischer Carbonlite Skis, Skate & Classic
Fit Night special price: $437.50
Special team pricing on all Fischer Race Equipment, including special orders
Team Wax forms for 30% off this season’s Toko Products