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From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Tag: Skinny Skis

  • 2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Over $200

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Over $200

    The gloves have been cut off — now we wait for the judges to decide who will don the heavyweight title belt as the top gift for the cross country skier on your shopping list this 2011 holiday season. This installment of the FasterSkier Holiday Gift Guide features the top ten gifts priced over $200.

    Previous 2011 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions:

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $20 – $50

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $50 – $100

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $100 – $200

    FasterSkier’s picks for the top ten gifts over $200:

     

    10: Ski Erg. Price: starting from $730.

    10: Ski Erg. Price: starting from $730. Whether you work long hours or just want to get in a second high-value workout, a ski erg is a great tool to have at your disposal. You can use it to crank out some strength or level three or four intervals.  They are also useful to work on the subtleties of your technique. Both Concept2’s SkiErg and the SkiFast Ergometer by SkiFast, LLC are great options.

     

    09: Hi-Vis Rudy Helmet. Price: 254.99.

     09: Hi-Vis Rudy Helmet. Price: $254.99. Obviously it’s important to wear a helmet when you’re biking and roller-skiing, but it’s even better if you wear a high-visability helmet so motorist can easily spot you. This may be an expensive helmet, but luckily Rudy Project is almost always running some sort of promotion (including a 50%-off offer today). Available online at e-Rudy.com.

    08: Dale of Norway Sweater. Price: starting from $299.00.

    08: Dale of Norway Sweater. Price: starting from $299.00. If you want to feel like you just got back from Scandinavia, then a Dale of Norway Sweater is for you. That special someone on your shopping list that will appreciate one as well. Let’s face it, there aren’t many other items out there that scream Norway like this sweater. The wool will keep you warm and looking good.  Available online here.

    07: Swix World Cup Digital Wax Iron. Price: starting from $374.95.

    07: Swix World Cup Digital Wax Iron. Price: starting from $374.95. If you want to pretend like you’re a tech on the World Cup, you have to have some of their tools. The Swix T71 World Cup Digital Wax Iron is both rugged and precise. Its massive base holds a steady temperature that will float right through your wax beads, ensuring a smooth, even coat of your race wax. And with a top temperature range of 180 degrees celsius, it gets warm enough for even the hardest powders. Available online at Boulder Nordic Sport, Gear West, SkiRack and WebSkis.

    06: GoPro HD Camera. Price: starting from $239.99.

    06: GoPro HD Camera. Price: starting from $239.99. Want to get your inner Reese on and make some home ski videos? If you know someone who does, they’re going to need a GoPro HD camera. These things are light, portable, rugged and designed for capturing all of your outdoor adventure. Let your audience see what you see. Available online at SkiRack.

    05: Garmin Forerunner 310XT. Price starting from $349.99.

     05: Garmin Forerunner 310XT. Price starting from $349.99. If the person you’re shopping for likes to geek out about their training and track absolutely everything (distance, altitude gains and losses, heart rates zones, etc.), then the Garmin Forerunner 310 XT is probably a great gift. Although they probably already have one. Available online here.

    04: Blend Tec – Total Blender. Price: starting from $384.95.

    04: Blend Tec – Total Blender. Price: starting from $384.95. Keep things fresh, organic and raw when you create your next recovery shake. This one was recommended to FasterSkier by one of the leading experts on the power of raw shakes for recovery. Available online here.

    03: Finite Structure Tool Kit – 5. Price: $500.00.

    03: Finite StructureTool Kit – 5. Price: $500.00. This is not the riller that has been kicking around in your wax box for the last decade. The Finite Structure Tool is both sturdy and carefully engineered to give your skis the final flourish that will give you the fastest glide on race day. The five-piece kit will give you all the choices of a World Cup tech, less having a stone grinder in the parking lot. Available online at Finite Ski Tools.

    02: Swix Triacs. Price: $399.95.

    02: Swix Triacs. Price: $399.95. The only reason the Swix Triacs didn’t grab the top spot is because they’re kind ofold news at this point. If you haven’t had a chance to ski with these poles then you should — you, too, will agree that all other poles are fighting for second place. Available online at Boulder Nordic Sport, Gear West and SkiRack.

    01: Woodski, Inc. New World Wax Table. Price: starting from $395.00.

    01: Woodski New World Wax Table. Price: starting from $395.00. Do yourself a favor and checkout the New World Wax Table by Woodski, Inc. We have to applaud their creation of a table that is beyond well thought out. They literally thought of everything. We’ve only had a chance to give it a quick look so far, but the FasterSkier staff is proud to give it top honors this 2011 holiday season. Available online at Woodski, Inc..

    Bonus gift ideas:

    These items just missed our top ten and deserve an honorable mention.

    – Training Jackets: Both Swix and Bjorn Daehlie make high-end training jackets that are awesome. They’re the same ones the national teams wear.  There is a noticeable difference between general athletic warm-ups and a jacket designed specifically for cross country skiing. Swix available online here and Bjorn Daehlie here.

    – Down Jackets: Likewise, both Swix and Bjorn Daehlie make high-end down jackets to keep you warm on the coldest of days. The only problem with these things are that they’re sometimes too warm, but are perfect for before and after your workout, especially when it’s really cold out. Both are available online in limited quantity here.

  • 2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $100 – $200

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $100 – $200

     

    We know that you are eagerly waiting for the race reports from Europe and Silver Star (which are coming soon), but this will give you something to read in the meantime. Today’s installment of the FasterSkier Holiday Gift Guide features gift ideas priced between $100 and $200.

    Previous 2011 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions:

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $20 – $50

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $50 – $100

    FasterSkier’s picks for the top ten gifts between $100 and $200:

    10: Icebreaker Long Sleeve Top. Price: starting from $100.

    10: Icebreaker Long Sleeve Top. Price: starting from $100. You don’t have to have an unlimited quantity of apparel if you have quality articles you can rely on. An Icebreaker long sleeve top will prove to be one of your favorites. Made of soft New Zealand Merino wool, it will surely keep you warm and dry. Men’s selection available online here and ladies’ here.

     

    09: Vintage Skis. Price: set of 3 for ~$150.00.

    09: Vintage Skis. Price: set of 3 for ~$150.00. Get creative with some vintage skis. Vintage wood skis are beautiful, and if you mounted three unique sets next to each other they would make a statement about what’s important to you and your family. Alternately, you could secure several Swix ‘hydration’ cups on one nice ski for some social fun. Available at your local ski swap or check on Ebay.

     

    08: Waterproof iPod Shuffle. Price: $149.95.

    08: Waterproof iPod Shuffle. Price: $149.95.  This might be a good gift if the person on your list does some cross-training in the pool, but it will likely be a good match for someone that goes out for a long run in the pouring rain. Available online here.

     

    07: Sorel Joan of Arctic. Price: starting from $110.00.

    07: Sorel Joan of Arctic. Price: starting from $110.00.  The Sorel Joan of Arctic boot is quite popular with lifties who spend endless hours standing in the snow. They’re warm, waterproof and stylish.  And yes, they make more masculine models as well. Available online here.

     

    06: Liquid Topcoat. Price: $125.00.

    06: Liquid Topcoat. Price: $125.00. We repeatedly heard from the service techs and coaches at the SuperTour in West Yellowstone that the liquid topcoats were running best on transformed snow. It’s good to have the blocks and powders in your wax box too, but when it really counts don’t be afraid to turn to a liquid final coat when the snow is icy. Holmenkol and SkiGo available online at Boulder Nordic Sport, Swix available online at Boulder Nordic Sport and Gear West and Toko available online Gear West.

     

    05: Salomon Trail Running Shoes. Price: starting from $109.99.

    05: Salomon Trail Running Shoes. Price: starting from $109.99. The FasterSkeir staff has tested out many different pairs of trail shoes and really like the Salomons when out on the trails, especially the Gore-tex models for wet or snowy conditions. Available at your local ski shop or online at FinnSisu, Gear West and SkiRack.

     

    04: Swix 45 Liter Travel Backpack. Price: $119.95.

    04: Swix 45 Liter Travel Backpack. Price: $119.95. When you’re leaving on a ski trip that’s longer than a day it’s good to have a pack that can handle all your gear. With both top-load and front-load compartments, this Swix pack can handle all you want to stuff in it. It will be able to handle everything from your next overnight camping trip to your next trip to Europe. Available online at Gear West.

     

    03: Fischer XL Ski Bag with Wheels. Price: $172.00.

    03: Fischer XL Ski Bag with Wheels. Price: $172.00. Speaking of making long trips, it’s important to have a ski bag that can handle all your boards. Next time you’re headed to the airport for a ski trip, it’ll be helpful to have a bag like the Fischer XL Ski Bag with Wheels.  Not only is this one big and rugged, but the wheels are perfect when you have to make a long walk. Available online at Boulder Nordic Sport.

     

    02: Holmenkol Digital Iron. Price: $195.00.

    02: Holmenkol Digital Iron. Price: $195.00. We’ve talked to a number of techs that choose this iron as their value choice. As far as FasterSkier is concerned, there are only two top-end irons and the Holmenkol Digital Iron is one of them. The other will be listed in tomorrow’s addition of the gift guide.  If you have the opportunity to go give one of these high-end irons a test run, do it. It will convince you on its own. Available online at Boulder Nordic Sport.

     

    01: Rudy Sunglasses. Price: starting from $179.99.

    01: Rudy Sunglasses. Price: starting from $179.99.  If you haven’t noticed, there’s been a Rudy Project ad running on the right side of the home page with a special offer just for our FasterSkier community. We all know that these glasses are sweet, and if you follow this link you can get some bonus gear for free. We’ll leave the shameless promotion up to other sources, but this really is an opportunity for you to save some money this holiday season. Available online at e-Rudy.com.

  • 2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $50 – $100

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $50 – $100

    Drumroll please… We know you’ve been waiting all day, so without further ado here is FasterSkier’s picks for the top ten gifts priced $50 to $100 for the cross-country skier on your list this holiday season.

    Previous 2011 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions:

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $20 – $50

    FasterSkier’s picks for the top ten gifts between $20 and $50:

     

    10: Swix Birkie Pack. Price: $59.95.

    10: Swix Birkie Pack. Price: $59.95.  Every skier needs a good pack for their gear, but it’s nice to find one that is versatile enough to take on a long hike or ski. The Swix Birkie Pack is that backpack. In addition to all the features that you would expect to find in a good backpack, it also has a hydration sleeve so you can stay hydrated on your long journey. Available online at Skinny Skis.

     

    09: Cross Country Skier Pendant or Pin. Price: $60.00.

    09: Cross Country Skier Pendant or Pin. Price: $60.00. Let the jewelry wearing skier on your list proudly publicize their love for our sport. Hand-carved and cast in sterling silver this one is sure to be a hit. Available online here.

     

    08: Holmenkol Steel Micro Finish Brush. Price: $90.00.

    08: Holmenkol Steel Micro Finish Brush. Price: $90.00.  The Holmenkol Steel Micro Finish Brush has ultrafine steel bristles of 0.06mm diameter that work well to clean out wax from the structure of a ski base. The steel bristles are small enough that they can get into very fine structures, but the bundles of steel fibers give the bristles enough stiffness to remove wax quickly and make fast work of brushing skis. Use it as a cleaning brush before waxing and as a first brush after waxing with paraffin waxes.  It also works well on cold-application fluoros as a light first brush.  Available online at Boulder Nordic Sport.

     

    07: Massage. Price: ~$75.00/hour.

    07: Massage. Price: ~$75.00/hour.  As we start to transition to snow we are bound to feel muscles that we forgot we had. Help the person on your list make that transition a little smoother by getting them a massage. Available at your local spa.

     

    06: Physio Stability Ball. Price: starting from ~$50.00.

    06: Physio Stability Ball. Price: starting from ~$50.00. Along with some dumbbells, a pull-up bar and a medicine ball, a Physio Stability Ball will give you a complete home gym. It can be used to make sit-ups, pushups, planks, back extensions, hamstring curls and bench press more challenging. Plus the little ‘uns will love it. Available online here.

     

    05: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Pro. Price: $59.99.

    05: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Pro. Price: $59.99. If the person you’re shopping for likes to work out in all weather conditions and listen to music while doing so, this one is a good pick. The Yurbuds are expensive, but water resistant so you don’t have to worry about them getting ruined by rain or sweat.  There are less expensive models, but the Inspire Pro offers a three-button control and in-line microphone which is helpful if your MP3 players is also your cell phone. Available online here.

     

    04: ibex Zepher Wind Boxer Brief. Price: $60.00.

    04: ibex Zepher Wind Boxer Brief. Price: $60.00. Hopefully we don’t have to go into why this one is a good pick. There are lots of good options out their for wind protection, but the ibex Zepher Wind Boxer Brief is probably the best choice.  The Zepher fabric is 100% New Zealand Merino wool so it is soft and won’t smell like the wind briefs made of synthetic fabrics. Available online here.

     

    03: Fast Wax Sport Glide Wax Kit. Price: $95.00.

    03: Fast Wax Sport Glide Wax Kit. Price: $95.00.  This is a good choice if you are shopping for someone whose is just getting excited about cross country skiing. This Fast Wax kit comes with every thing a beginner will need to wax their skis – less a bench. Available online at Skinny Skis.

     

    02: Overboots. Price: ~$50.00.

    02: Overboots. Price: ~$50.00.  Once you get them on you’ll wonder how you skied in the extreme cold without them. Overboots are made by almost every boot manufacture, so make sure you know which binding system the person you are shopping for uses… to be safe you might want to get the same brand as their boots. Available at your local ski shop or online at Boulder Nordic Sport, Gear West, Skinny Skis and Ski Rack.

     

    01: Travel Profile. Price: starting from ~$95.00.

    01: Travel Profile. Price: starting from ~$95.00. You don’t always have room to bring the full World Cup wax setup, so it’s useful to have a travel profile. They are also useful incase a second wax station is needed on your wax table.  Holmenkol available online at Boulder Nordic Sport.  Swix available online  at Gear West, Skinny Skis, Ski Rack and WebSkis. Toko available online at Gear West and Skinny Skis.

     

    Bonus gift ideas:

    These items just missed our top ten and deserve an honorable mention.

    – Portable Espresso Machine: Let’s face it, skiers are as into coffee as they are into wax—just ask Zach Caldwell. A portable espresso machine would be a fun gift for that tech on your list whose up early working hard to find the best wax of the day. Available at your local hardware store or online here.

    – Peet Multi Dryer: It sucks to put on cold, wet boots. Make sure the skier on your list never has to again with a Peet Multi Dryer. Available online here.


  • 2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $20 – $50

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: $20 – $50

    Once again the FasterSkier staff has weighed in on their favorite gift ideas for the 2011 holiday season.  Today’s installment of the Holiday Gift Guide features items priced from $20 to $50.

    Previous 2011 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions:

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    FasterSkier’s picks for the top ten gifts between $20 and $50:

    10: Sauce or Skida Hat. Price: starting from $28.00.

    10: Sauce or Skida Hat. Price: starting from $28.00.  Whether you’re just looking for a little flair and individuality or a team looking to create an identity both Sauce and Skida have a selection of prints from which to choose. The FasterSkier crew prefers the fleece-lined option, but you make the call on that one. Available online at Sauce Headwear and Skida.

     

    09: Swix Garbage Bag Holder. Price: $40.00

    09: Swix Garbage Bag Holder. Price: $40.00. For the person on your shopping list who seems to have everything the Swix Garbage Bag Holder is a good choice. Tricking out your wax table is fun and helps you work more efficiently. This accessory just attaches to the edge of your work table, allowing you to just sweep the waste right into the bag. Available at your local ski shop or online at Boulder Nordic Sport and Gear West.

     

    08: Rubber Encased Dumbbells. Price: starting from ~$25.00.

    08: Rubber Encased Dumbbells. Price: starting from ~$25.00. It’s winter so the days are short and it is hard enough to find time to get out for a long ski, let alone find time to get to the gym. However, it is important to keep up with your strength work. A pair of dumbbells (or a few pairs) will let you maintain your strength though winter right in your living room. Once or twice a week, while you are watching your favorite television show, get up off the couch and do some lunges, overhead presses, rows, curls, etc. The hex shape will also allow you to do pushups on them… just don’t forget to change up your hand positions.

    These aren’t the blocks of rusty metal that you remember from high school. The ergonomically designed handle fits nicely in your hand and the weighted ends are encased in rubber incase you forget them outside. Available online here.

     

    07: Swix Iron Holder. Price: $30.00.

    07: Swix Iron Holder. Price: $30.00. If you have ever knocked your wax iron over while working on your skis then you will know why this is an important accessory. Just attach it to the edge of your wax table to give your wax iron a little nest in which to hangout while you work. Available at your local ski shop or online at Boulder Nordic Sport and Gear West.

     

    06: Toko Nordlite XCold Powder. Price: $30.00.

    06: Toko Nordlite XCold Powder. Price: $30.00. If you will be racing somewhere that has the potential of being really cold, then you should have some Toko Nordlite XCold Powder in your wax box.  This additive is used with your other cold glide wax to make it harder and more durable. Available at your local ski shop and at Gear West and Skinny Skis.

     

    05: Rubber Medicine Ball. Price: starting from ~$35.00.

    05: Rubber Medicine Ball. Price: starting from ~$35.00. Medicine Balls are probably the most useful piece of gym equipment for a cross-country skier. From kayakers to throw-downs to push-ups, they’re great.  Make sure you get rubber ones so you can use them outside in any weather condition. 6 to 8 kilograms is a good place to start depending on your strength. Available online here.

     

    04: SportHill Ranier Knee Tights. Price: $50.00.

    04: SportHill Ranier Knee Tights. Price: $50.00. There has been some debate amongst the FasterSkier team as to whether guys can/should wear these, but at very least these are a great gift for the ladies. They’re really nice for running and rollerskiing in fall/spring weather. Of course you could always just bust the rolled-up-race-suit look of a certain Team Homegrown skier… Available online here.

     

    03: SkiGo HF Kick Wax. Price: $25.00.

    03: SkiGo HF Kick Wax. Price: $25.00. If you haven’t spent time learning the SkiGo line of kick wax… what are you waiting for? Not that it is the be-all end-all wax, but it is good to have in your wax box because this stuff works.  Available online at BNS.

     

    02: Toko Digital Snow Thermometer. Price: 39.95.

    02: Toko Digital Snow Thermometer. Price: $39.95. It is easy to look at a thermometer and see what the air temperature is, but there are a lot more factors to determine the best wax of the day. What was the air temperature overnight and how quickly is the snow surface going to be warming up. A snow thermometer can help you answer these questions. There are other options to consider, but the Toko Digital Snow Thermometer is a good value. Available at your local ski shop or online at Skinny Skis.

     

    01: Foam Roller. Price: starting from ~$30.00.

    01: Foam Roller. Price: starting from ~$30.00. We recently had the pleasure of having the USST’s Liz Stephen take us through some strength exercises. She told us about how her and her teammates love these foam rollers and even travel with them in their ski bags when they are on the road. You can use them to stretch out different muscle groups or roll around on it to massage your sore muscles. Available online here.

     

    Bonus gift ideas:

    These items just missed our top ten and deserve an honorable mention.

    – Propane Torch: The person on your list might already have one, but it is probably covered in klister. Plus, they should have a backup because it might stop working right when they need it most. If they don’t have one… they should!  You can’t always rely on having electricity to apply klister or soften up base green. Available at your local hardware store or online here.

    – Body Stick: These are a great tool for injury preventing, working out lactic acid and increasing circulation to your sore muscle groups. They come in both a standard length and travel size. Available online here.

    – Toko Irox Fluoro: The Irox spray is said to offer the same resistance as tradition hot wax and at this price it’s totally worth a try. Available online here.

    – Holmenkol Pro Groove Scraper: This was in the Holiday Gift Guide last year, which is the only reason why it did not make the top ten this year.  f you already have one, get another for a backup. There are others out there, but this is the best one. Enough said. Available online here.

    – Erik Sports Snowman Junior Ski Set: This is just what the junior members of the FasterSkier team have (no, not Nat). They are an inexpensive way to introduce your future World Cup skier into the sport. Available online here.

     

     

  • 2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    For those of you that started watching the sales back in June and wrapped your gifts while the leaves were still green this will not be overly useful, but for the rest of us that still have last minute shopping to do this may help.  The FasterSkier staff has once again suggested their favorite gift ideas for the 2011 Holiday Season.  The first installment are items that cost under $20.

    FasterSkier’s picks for the top ten gifts under $20:

     

    10: Hand warmers. Price: $10.00.

    10: Hand warmers. Price: $10.00.  The FasterSkier team goes through these like mad at races keeping our camera batteries warm, but they will also keep your hands and feet warm and you can never have too many.  Slide one along the back of your hand or top of your feet and it makes skiing on the coldest of days a lot more enjoyable.  Available at your local sporting goods store or online at L.L. Bean.

     

    09: Bag Balm. Price: starting from $5.00.
    09: Bag Balm.  Price: starting from $5.00.  Yup, we’re recommending you rub something that was created for the treatment of dry, cracked cow udders all over your face.  Bag Balm works great to keep your face warm and frostbite-free! Keep a 10-ounce box of this in your ski bag for whenever sub-zero temperatures strike, plus it will give you a jolly glisten as you cruise down the trails. Available at most pharmacy/drug stores or online here.
    08: Cat Crap. Price: starting from $4.00.

    08: Cat Crap.  Price: starting from $4.00.  Sunglasses are an important part of what we do, so keep the lenses from fogging up with Cat Crap… What?  Yeah, that’s its name.  Spray or rub it on your lenses and wipe it off to create an anti-fogging layer.  Available online here.

     

    07: Mini sharpener. Price: $12.00.

    07: Mini sharpener.  Price: $12.00.  If you do any roller-skiing, you know that it is annoying when your road ferrules start slipping.  Keep one of these mini sharpeners in your bag, car or water belt to keep your tips sharp and sticking.  Available online at Boulder Nordic Sport.

     

    06: Spray green klister. Price: $19.95.

    06: Spray green klister. Price: $19.95.  Both Swix and Toko have klister options in spray cans.  These are perfect for getting on a super thin base layer or adding a small amount of green to a warmer wax to provide some durability.  They are a must have in your wax box.  Available at your local ski shop or online at Boulder Nordic Sport, Gear West and Ski Rack.

     

    05: BootBuddy. Price: $9.99.

    05:  BootBuddy.  Price: $9.99.  So the boot companies probably don’t want you to buy one of these because they work.  If you spend too much time walking around in your ski boots the front will wear and they won’t sit correctly in your bindings.  Snapping on a BootBuddy will help preserve your boots.  Available online at Skadi Nordic.

     

    04: Swix's 'hydration' cup. Price: $8.95.

    04: Swix’s ‘hydration’ cup. Price: $8.95.  Just what you need to measure your espresso shots or recover with a little Aquavit after your hard race next to a roaring fire.  Nice job keeping it fun, Swix.  Available online at Gear West.

     

    03: Picky Bars. Price: $9.00.

    03: Picky Bars. Price: $9.00 for a small pack, $21 for a large pack.  We like to call energy bars ’emergency rations’ and we are always looking for new, delicious, yet healthy options.  Perfect for a long workout or on your drive home from skiing.  Although this came with some debate, Picky Bars are the FasterSkier staff’s current clubhouse leader in this category.  Available online at Picky Bars.

     

    02: Headbands. Price: starting at $15.00

    02: Headbands. Price: starting at $15.00.  Be FAST, Sauce Headwear and Skida all make rad headbands so you can show a little personal style in the sea of black team jackets on race day.  These are perfect for everyone on those warm days or if you are a high school girl, who thinks a hat is the devil, this one’s for you.  Available online at BeFAST, Sauce Headware and Skida.

     

    01: Toko kick wax. Price: $11.95.

    01: Toko kick wax. Price: $11.95.  So maybe the wax is the same, but the container is way cool… no more getting wax and foil stuck in your teeth as you try to peel back the cylinder to get more wax. The new container works just like your favorite chap stick, just twist the bottom when you need more wax. Available at your local ski shop or online at Gear West and Skinny Skis.

     

  • FasterSkier Readers Get 20% Off Nordic Eyewear at Skinny Skis in December

    FasterSkier Readers Get 20% Off Nordic Eyewear at Skinny Skis in December

     

     

     

    Bjorn Daehlie—-for those familiar with Nordic ski racing there is no other name as synonymous with racing victories—29 World Championship and Olympic medals– 8 Olympic gold medals and a staggering 46 World Cup victories!

    With a focus on innovation and performance Bjorn launched his own line-up of Nordic-specific clothing and accessories approximately 15 years ago. Today, Bjorn Daehlie skiwear is the official supplier to the U.S. Ski Team. Recognized for their quality production of nordic apparel and renowned for their innovative use of materials and technology. The team at BJ Sport has the extensive knowledge of how the body works in intense sports situations.

    Check out SkinnySkis.com for an extensive selection and check out the latest in production technology!

    Also at SkinnySkis.com, is a specialty selection of Nordic eyewear from Casco Shields to Uvex Track and Julbo Ultra Light Eyewear!  The Casco Shields, Casco Spirit Comp and Casco Spirit II all offer an external hinge allowing the shield to be flipped up to function as protection against the snow or the rain.

    Similar to a spherical goggle lens in a sunglass frame the Uvex Track is a curved sports shield that provides significant protection from wind and debris sold with two interchangeable lenses for a wide variety of light conditions.

    Check our selection of Nordic Eyewear at SkinnySkis.com and receive 20% off your purchase now thru December 15th! A perfect opportunity to purchase a pair as a gift and receive via UPS Ground prior to Christmas!   Limited offer only for Faster Skier Readers!

     

    Use promo code at checkout: fastereye2011 


  • What’s New for 2011 at SkinnySkis.com

    What’s New for 2011 at SkinnySkis.com

    Depending on where you live, the ski season may be just a few weeks away! There are a number of products new to Skinny Skis to add to your enjoyment of the season. Some are only graphic changes but for some skiers that makes all the difference! There are of course number of advances in technology to help you perform better.

    In skis, Atomic has again changed the idea and performance of a waxless ski with the new Vasa Skintech Classic. Recessed interchangeable “kick zone” cartridges imbedded with mohair strips are held in place to with powerful magnets and can easily be switched with a provided key. Two pairs of cartridges are supplied for different snow conditions. The Skintech would be the perfect 2nd ski for a racer that encounters unexpected conditions or an only ski for the performance skier that doesn’t wish to get involved in kick waxing.

    In the Back Country ski category we have added the Rossignol BC110 and Fischer S-Bound 98. The Rossignol BC110 is the widest (110mm) ski offered giving the skier tremendous float and downhill control in the deepest powder snow.

    Check out the Scarpa T-4, a new lower cut plastic boot that falls in the 75mm 3-pin category. These boots are certain to provide fantastic control and comfort for long backcountry tours.

    We have added two waxless options from Madshus, the Terrasonic Zero and Ultrasonic MGV. The Terrasonic Zero uses a race proven “zero” base that excels in the difficult waxing conditions around 32ºF/0ºC. The rubberized base material is roughened with sand paper to add structure that helps grip in particularly wet snow.

    The Ultrasonic MGV has a more traditional patterned waxless base that uses varying depth and pitch maximizing grip without sacrificing glide. Both the Terrasonic & Ultrasonic MGV fall in to the performance category of classic skis.

    Madshus has upgraded their top end race pole; the Madshus Nano Carbon Race 100 UHM is currently the lightest and stiffest pole available. Improved shafts are complimented with a redesigned strap to provide superb fit and comfort. Madshus has also revamped their graphics throughout the pole line-up.

    The One Way Premio tops the line of One Way poles that has gained tremendous popularity within the last few years. The Premio rewards any skier with World Cup level lightness and stiffness for both skate and classic.

    In skate boots we have now have the Fischer RC7 and Rossignol X10’s. Both offer many of the same features found in the World Cup versions at a much lower price.

    The XC Ski apparel line up is complimented with the addition of Bjorn Dahlie clothing for the performance minded skier. Jackets, pants, and race suits are just some of the new items available from the name that dominated skiing throughout the 90’s.

    Receive your choice of either a Madshus or Fischer Pole Bag with any purchase of a high end pole!
    Enter source code at checkout – Faster Skier Promo: faster112011

  • Valentines Day Coupon from Skinny Skis

    Valentines Day Coupon from Skinny Skis

    Are you racing to purchase the right gift for your sweetheart this Valentines Day?

    Skinny Skis wants to help warm the hearts of your loved one by offering Faster Skier FREE SHIPPING on all orders this weekend! Offer valid Thursday thru Monday!

  • Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Boot Buddy

    Perfect Stocking Stuffers: Boot Buddy

    The BootBuddy both protects the sole of your ski boot and prevents snow and gravel from becoming stuck in the bottom of the boot. Wear the BootBuddy to extend the life of your boots, safeguard the integrity of the binding system, and prevent the scratches and burrs that cause snow to cling to the bottom of your boots. BootBuddy also improves boot traction.

    Designed to easily snap securely into place, the BootBuddy also extends slightly in front of the boot so it’s easy to pop off with your pole tip.

    We offer both NNN compatible with: NNN binding system, Fischer, Rossignol, Madshus & Alpina boots, and Pilot compatible with SNS Pilot binding system, Salomon & Atomic boots.

    Boot Buddies are available at Skinny Skis: www.skinnyskis.com.

  • Skinny Skis Valentines Day Sale

    Skinny Skis is celebrating Valentines Day with FREE SHIPPING on all boots and skis!! No oversized shipping rates apply!!

    Spoil your sweetheart this season with a pair of race skate boots or a new pair of skis that will be sure to enhance his or her performance on the track!

    From a wide range of nordic skis, boots, bindings and poles, Skinny Skis has just what you need for your Valentine this February!

    Enter promo code at checkout: freeship210

    Visit us at: www.skinnyskis.com

  • FS Holiday Gift Guide: $100 – $300

    FS Holiday Gift Guide: $100 – $300

    FS Holiday Gift Guide

    This is the third installment of our holiday gift guide, featuring gift ideas in the $100 to $300 range. Feel free to use the comment section to share your own ideas!

    Click here for the under $20 guide.

    Click here for the $20-$50 guide.

    Click here for the $50-$100 guide.
    T12 Iron

    T12 Iron

    MSRP $132

    There’s a good chance that over the years your once smooth iron was knocked over and got some good scratches on it. Well you could always downgrade your current iron to a kick wax only model and get a brand new one for glide.

    This product is available here

    JetStream Bloc Red
    JetStream Bloc Red

    MSRP $120

    Ever have issues with powder top coats, well using a block like JetStream can be fast and just the ticket in a pinch. It is a relatively affordable choice compared to its powder counterparts.

    This product is available here

    Swift Women's Jacket

    Swift Women’s Jacket

    MSRP $139

    This a great fall and spring jacket to wear around town or for working out during the winter – some stylish colors to choose from as well.

    This product is available here

    Patagonia Down Sweater

    Patagonia Down Sweater

    MSRP: $199

    The Patagonia Down Sweater works simply with minimal weight. It has superb compressibility and excellent warmth. The polyester shell does more than look sharp: It’s tear-resistant and windproof and made from polyester that’s 50% recycled. Perfect for after workouts or for skiing on really cold days.

    This product is available here

    Swix T7491 World Cup Waxing Profile

    Swix T7491 World Cup Waxing Profile

    MSRP: $200

    This form bench has spoiled everyone at BNS because it is so good – now they whine whenever they have to use something else. This is a Swix version of a form bench that World Cup techs were using that locks down skis with or without bindings. It accepts different length skis without adjustment and makes quick work for any coach or family wax tech.

    Craft Men's Elite XC Windstopper Jacket

    Craft Men’s Elite XC Windstopper Jacket

    MSRP: $209.95

    The Craft Men’s Elite XC Windstopper Jacket is the ultimate protection against the harshest of elements. The combination of lightweight and highly elastic materials make this full Gore Wind Stopper jacket 100% wind proof while still allowing plenty of breathability. These unique characteristics make the Craft Elite Jacket a favorite at Skinny Skis.

    Skinny Skis

    Star Pro Digital Electric Wax Iron
    Star Pro Digital Electric Wax Iron

    MSRP: $225.

    The Star Digital Wax Iron is a professional tool that makes waxing a pleasure. The thick beveled plate holds heat well with a ceramic heating element that heats up quickly and holds temperature precisely where you set it. Cork handle is a nice touch for a solid, comfortable grip. Temperature is easily set using a dial and the digital readout gives precise control.

    Boulder Nordic Sport
    Fischer Silent Spider

    Fischer Silent Spider

    MSRP $239.00

    This is a new ski to Fischer’s S-Bound Line. This skis metal edge will let you carve on whatever you need to. Perfect for groomers, powder or even a bit of ice, available in lengths of 169, 179 and 189.

    This product is available here

    Finite Finish

    Finite Finish Structure Roller Kit

    MSRP: $299

    The truth is, on a lot of days, testing the structure of your races skis is more important then your final coat of wax. BNS helped develop this new Base structure tool that provides a wide variety of structure options. This tool works well to optimize base structure at the race site.

    Boulder Nordic Sport

  • FS Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    FS Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    FS Holiday Gift Guide

    Over the course of the next week we will be running a holiday gift guide to help you with your holiday shopping for the Nordic skiers in your life. Each installment will feature products in a different price range. First up are some great ideas under twenty dollars. Feel free to use the comment section to share your own ideas!

    Toko Carbon GripSpray
    Toko Carbon GripSpray

    MSRP: $13.00

    Klister skiing can be one of the true pleasures of life – perfect kick and perfect glide! But application can be another matter. Toko’s GripWax sprays are an effective, quick alternative to the heat gun and tube. A great gift for the person who laments the fact that every time the conditions call for klister, he/she goes skating.

    Individual GripSpray waxes are available here.

    Bold Beautiful Biathlon
    Bold Beautiful Biathlon

    MSRP: $20 (Canadian)

    Support the Canadian Women’s Biathlon team by purchasing this calendar. The profits go directly to funding their training and competition expenses up until the 2010 Olympics. The calendar, featuring tasteful nude photos, runs a full 14 months and details the team’s race schedule through the Vancouver Olympic Games.

    This product is available here.

    Cross Country Ski Touring Santa Claus Ornament

    Cross Country Ski Touring Santa Claus Ornament

    MSRP: $10.95

    No cross-country ski enthusiast’s Christmas tree is complete without the Ski Touring Santa Claus Ornament! The intricately detailed skiing Santa will ensure everyone knows of your passion for Nordic skiing.

    This product was recommended by Skinny Skis and is available here.

    Swix Groove Pencil
    Swix Groove Pencil

    MSRP: $5.95

    A perfect stocking stuffer and an essential tool for the wax box. Easy removal of glide wax from the groove.

    This product was recommended by Skinny Skis and is available here.

    Rode Kick Wax

    Rode Kick Wax

    MSRP: $10.00

    There are aren’t many “must have” kick waxes, but Rode Multigrade Violet should have a place in every wax box, and Blue Super ranks high as well. Broad ranges and high performance are the hallmarks of Rode waxes.

    This product is available here.

    SIGG Classic Water Bottle
    SIGG Classic Water Bottle

    MSRP: $18.00

    Stylish AND functional, SIGG water bottles are extruded from a single piece of aluminum. Available in numerous colors and patterns. These bottles became very popular with the BPA plastic scare.

    This product is available directly from SIGG US here. and from REI here.

    2009 Project Podium Calendar
    2009 Project Podium Calendar

    MSRP: $10.00

    Another calendar option – this one featuring more skiing and less skin. All proceeds go to help Canadian skiers target the podium. Features photos of the top racers in Canada, including Chandra Crawford and Devon Kershaw, and lists the 2008-09 Canadian national race calendar.

    This product is available here.

    Start Grip Tape
    Start Grip Tape

    MSRP: $17.00

    Create your own waxless classic skis – one application of GripTape lasts for up to 250 kilometers and works in a full range of snow conditions. Another great option for simplifying classic ski preparation for those with time constraints! Also a good option for long classic races with highly variable conditions. No waxing tools, No Heating/Ironing – No need to re-apply between uses or remove for storage – Temperature range (+5°C to 20°C) – All snow conditions: klister, ice, powder, abrasive, etc.

    This product is available here.

    Bridgedale Bjorndalen Race Sock

    Bridgedale Bjorndalen Race Sock

    MSRP: $19.99

    The Cross Country Bjørndalen was designed with the help of World Champion Norweigan Biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen. Light-weight and breathable, yet warm, this wool/synthetic mix is a perfect race sock. These socks do not hinder your feel for the snow, but are plenty warm, and the wool content keeps them from getting smelly!

    Says Bjorndalen, “I am always having problems with keeping my feet warm and comfortable after heavy training and competition,” he said. “I get sweaty, and when I stop I get cold. I brought the problem up with the Norwegian importer of Bridgedale, and the cooperation to develop the perfect sock began.”

    This product is available here.

    Swix BP Combi Brush
    Swix BP Combi Brush

    MSRP: $24.00 on sale for $19.99

    Combo “Turbo” Brush. Cork and Nylon. This is a handy brush, that some World Cup Technicians use at the race start site for second-run or in between sprints Cera F application. Perfect for the quick application of any solid Cera F product.

    This product is available here.

    Road ID
    Road ID

    MSRP: 19.99

    We never want to consider that a friend or family member might be in a serious accident while training, but rollerskiing, biking and even running can be very dangerous. The Road ID is an identification bracelet (models for ankle, wrist, and shoe are available) listing emergency contact info and important medical information that is worn while training. If the unthinkable does occur this is a way that emergency personnel can be sure to have necessary info. While not the most jolly of gifts, it could be the most important you ever give. Available in multiple colors.

    This product is available here.