Nordic Skiing Equipment Tips

These tips are sponsored by these national and international sponsors:    Infinity Ski Poles, Backcountry Access, Toko Ski Waxes ,  Rossignol, Karhu,  Louis Garneau Clothing,Jenex roller skis,   I thank them for their assistance.                   

Also if you are a manufacturer/distributor of a product that nordic skiers might use then let me know.  Contact me at: knicol@swgc.mun.ca

My qualifications include: Level 4 CANSI Trail Instructor, Level 3 CANSI Telemark Instructor, Level 3 CSIA Alpine Instructor and Level 2 CAA ( Canadian Avalanche Assoc. Certification). At the present time I hold the highest overall CANSI certification in Canada. I have taught in the largest Masters Racing Camps in Canada at Silver Star, B.C. and have helped thousands of skiers from beginner to expert improve their nordic skiing. As well I have been on 4 Canadian INTERSKI Nordic Skiing Demo Teams and run the Winter Outdoor Pursuits Programme at SWGC.  Check out the Links above to find CANSI's, INTERSKI's  and related WEB sites.

NOTE: The MPEG videos are fairly large, and are best viewed on computers on campus.  The MPEG video may appear to be choppy if watching from home. If you would like to watch the video on your home machine, try watching the WMV version.

A few years ago I was at a CANSI Technical Meeting and one of my skis broke. I won't mention the manufacturer but fortunately I could borrow a pair of skis from another CANSI member. I was amazed at the difference-where as my skis would have slid out on the firm skating surface, the Rossignol skating skis he had were rock solid underfoot. When they were gliding they were easy to balance on yet when I went to push off they provided a solid platform-not washing out like my other skis had. I quickly changed to Rossignol that winter. So if you have the chance this winter, test a pair Rossignol skate skis and compare them to what you have been skiing on . You might be pleasantly surprised. For more information contact Rossignol.

I had heard great things about this new ski pole company and so was very pleased to find that all I heard was true. Although I haven't tested them extensively - as I write this it is early December, 2003- but really like the light weight and strength of the pole. As an instructor I often have students accidently break my poles which should be less likely with the Infinity eXtreme. I was also very taken with the "vise" strap system. It is an adjustable strap system that really works. I will report back more on these poles as the season progresses. Check out their web site at: http:www.zre.com

When the CANSI INTERSKI Demo Team headed off to represent Canada in Norway in 1999 and Switzerland in 2003 our choice for waxes was Toko. They make a variety of excellent grip and glide waxes and they certainly are popular at the Blow me down X-C Ski Club in Corner Brook, NL. I am busy testing various new Toko wax products this season and will report back on what find later in the winter. For anyone just getting into waxing an important tip is to find 1 brand that you like using and stick to it - gradually adding more waxes as your experience increases. Also don't be afraid of using klister for those awkward waxing days in the spring. If you are careful it is a great product and doesn't have to be a wax that many people completely avoid. Check out Toko Ski Waxes for more new wax information.

When the snow goes you can do lots of things to stay in shape but if you want to improve your skiing then you should spend some time roller skiing. For several years I tried narrow tired roller skis but then last summer came across the V2 Aero and found it to be very well suited to our rough, bumpy roads in Newfoundland. The large inflatable tires seem to ride over pebbles and stones that would normally send you for a face plant. They also come with speed reducers so that you can slow your self down on the hills. Nevertheless play it safe and wear a Rudy Project helmet and gloves at a minimum. Check out Jenex for more info.on the V2 Areo.

Video Clip:
MPEG  - 49 sec. [8.31 MB]
WMV   - 49 sec. [2.12 MB] home viewing

Backcountry Access has a variety of products of interest to the nordic skier. They have a whole fleet of hydration packs but for the x-country skier the Micro-Stash seems to fit the bill. It has an easy to fill hydration container and a clever insulated bite valve which fits in the shoulder strap, where body heat prevents it from freezing.  It also has a small pocket for an energy bar or waxes. It weighs very little and comes equipped with a waist strap and chest strap so it can fit as snug as you'd like. For more information on Backcountry Access Inc.  check out their web site.