EQUIPMENT

  • Team Pricing Available at Park Ave Bike Shop 

    Tips for Buying Skis, Boots, Poles

    SKIS

    Traditional (Classic Skis) Traditional cross-country skis are designed for in-track skiing. This refers to the tracks that are set in the snow by other skiers or mechanical trail grooming devices. These skis are designed to perform well in these conditions and for some off-trail traveling.

    These skis are made in two styles:  Waxless and Waxable.
    High School racers are all strongly encouraged to use waxable skis.

    Skating (Skate Skis) These skis are designed for trails that are groomed for skating especially for racing. In other words, trails without set tracks, but with a wide area of smooth snow.

    Combi Skis Can be waxed for both classic and skate races, yet, not optimal performance for either. These skis are good for entry level skiers or those who are not sure about the sport.

    Rock Skis Old, yet, working skis that can function for either classic or skate when the conditions aren’t optimum. Rock skis are very important to save the bases on your good skis from getting scratched up destroyed on the days when there is little snow.

    Sizing on all above equipment dependent on manufacturer, skiers height and weight. Skiers will race traditional and skate races.

    BOOTS/ BINDINGS
    All skiers can use 1 pair of combi boots – skate/classic boots with sturdy lateral ankle support (for older kids these have a hinged plastic ankle cuff, for younger are generally stiff high-top boots without a cuff).  Older skiers who are serious about racing will eventually get different skate and classic boots but combi boots will do. Thanks to recent boot/binding innovations, a few things to pay attention to:

    There are 2 binding systems:
    NNN (“New Nordic Norm”) is what compatible with Alpina, Rossignol, Madshus and (newer) Fisher boots.
    Salomon Nordic System (SNS) comes in Propulse, Pilot, and Profil versions (newest to oldest) that are not all interchangeable.  Many Pilot boots fit on Profil bindings, but not vice versa - check before you buy.  Used with Salomon or (newer) Atomic boots.

    Make sure your bindings are compatible with your skis!  Traditional bindings screw into traditional skis.  Many newer skis are built with NIS plates (pronounced phonetically)- plastic plates bonded to the top of the ski.  NIS style bindings clip onto the NIS plates without drilling or screws, allowing some fore/aft adjustment.  NIS bindings are removable enough to move to new skis as you grow/upgrade. 

    Ski Boot Sizing is typically in European System.

    POLES

    Pole sizing:  when standing in shoes on a hard floor,
    -       Skate poles should reach the upper lip or nose
    -       Classic poles should reach the top of the shoulder or just below.
    -Experienced skiers may prefer slightly longer or shorter.  Remember that poles will feel shorter when standing on skis and with pole tips sunk into the snow.
    -If you’re going to use just one pair, pick classic length.  (Local stores sell adjustable-length poles, which are heavier and can collapse while skiing if you don't tighten them frequently.  Buyer beware!)

    Wax, Brushes, Irons & Scrapers and all the tools.

    Most of these items are supplied by the school, but it is a very good idea to have at a minimum of a scraper , nylon brush, and a cork 


         LABEL YOUR EQUIPMENT!!!!
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