I would finally like to get my feet wet when it comes to cross country skiing this season.
Is there any of you who'd be able to give me some helpful advice on whether to choose classic or skate style (I hear there is also equipment that works for both styles) where to score reasonably priced equipment (since realistically I will only make it out a handful of times a season for now I'd most likely go with preloved skis for now) and what features to look for in the equipment.
My cardiovascular system i ready for this new sport, but I am having a little trouble getting out of the gate here.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Marc
Comments
skating or classic
Hey Marc,
If you're skiing locally (Cypress), are new to the sport, and have limited time to put into it, I'd suggest skate skiing. Cypress is really a skate ski venue (due to the hills, the turns, the often lousy classic track, and the sheer number of people doing it). Further, you can get away with not so great technique in skate skiing whereas classic is more a finesse sport that relies on technique. Classic is also really tough in Vancouver where the moisture content of the snow often makes getting the right grip wax really tough. If you get it wrong, the ski experience in a hilly venue is icky. With skate skiing you only use glide wax so don't have the same issue. If you do go with classic in the end, get a pair of no-wax classic skis, but my recommendation is skate skiing.
As to what to look for in a ski, the key thing is you want to make sure you get a ski that is matched with your weight. As such, you can't just buy any xc ski you find for a good price. If it is not the right flex for you it will be trouble. If the ski is too stiff you will not get enough contact with the ground to be stable on the glide. If it is too soft, you'll find it plowing into the snow and throwing you off and not gliding. A store should be able to flex test the ski for you, and some companies now print on each pair of skis what weight range they are best for. I don't recommend getting combi equipment that claims to be good for both skating and classic. The characteristics of a skate ski and classic ski (as well as the boots and poles) are very different.
A good local store (Siggies or Deep Cove Sports - not in Deep Cove :) can give you more details and set you up with the right stuff. If you get a Nordic Racers Membership for $30 you get 10% off at Siggies so that would definitely pay for itself if you are getting new equipment. However, if you are planning on getting out only a handful of times a year you can rent equipment at Cypress or Whistler. It is quite an investment to get a good set up, so rentals for this season might be a good idea until you've decided you do want to make the investment and whether it is skate or classic you want.
Thank you for the great info, Killaine
I was already leaning towards skate skiing,but that was just a great summary of everyhing I was eager to find out. Thank you for taking the time to type it all up. It will be a great reference for people in the future.
I am definately less of a finesse kinda guy. I think that was the main reason I abandoned downhill skiing in favour of snowboarding back then.
XC Ski Options
Hey Marc,
Tough question. What's your budget? What's your goal? How far are you willing to drive to skinny ski? Are you planning to race or just putter around?
You'd do well to speak to the folks at Siggie's. They do bus trips. They may also have skate and classic rentals, lessons etc. Might cost you more than buying someone's castoffs on Craigslist, but you'd get a better picture of the options and what works best for you.
If you live in Vancouver and don't want to drive more than 2 hours to XC ski, your options are limited to Hollyburn and Callaghan. Drive a bit farther and you can do Manning. Hollyburn is tough to learn on as there are a lot of ups and downs.
Check out this website for thoughts on clubs and races.
'Hope this helps
Hey Ean,your priceless.
Hey Ean,
you're priceless. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to put together the awesome links. For the time being I think puttering around is probably what describes my ambitions most accurately. And I will see where it takes me from there. I think I might just discover that I am happier with xc than with lift lineups or at least combine the two. ybe I'll go with a rental or I'll keep scanning Craigslist for a deal. I also seem to consistently be missing the demo days they sometimes put on.
I will investigate a little more and see when I can carve some time out for myself to go and check it out.
Merry Christmas,
Marc
More thoughts...
Thx for the virtual pat-on-the-back. Happy to help.
Heads-up that I used to be a certified XC instructor and coach when I lived back east. Did a bunch of bad-ass loppets including the Canadian Ski Marathon, where my marbles almost froze solid and fell off on the trail. (As me about peter-heaters if you get the XC bug...)
Since moving to BC, I sold the skinny skis. No lack of love for what is probably the best all'round sport for aerobics, simply a practical decision based on access and alternatives.
If you are looking to rent for a day and putter around, let's get a carload of folks together and do Callaghan on fine weekend. I'm sure they have rentals.
You might also consider snowshoeing and backcountry skiing ( either telemark or alpine touring.) Easy access. No liftlines. Great aerobic workout. Lotsa thrills!
I would love to get a few
I would love to get a few people together and make it a day outing. I am interested in either option of locomotion.
I will be fine snowshoeing. I have some skiing experience, but none on touring or xc skiis, so you be the judge.
I would claim for myself to be neither particularly gifted nor challenged when it comes to learning new sports.
If you know a few people to team up with I'll tag along. Sundays work better than Sat for me, but either is possible with a little notice.
I always get so excited about winter and then end up enjoying the white stuff for a couple of times a seasons only. Somethings wrong here :-)
Sunday Skate Ski
There is a small group of us newbies you can join. Let us know when you get your skis.
Thank you
Great offer.
Where are you usually going?
Maybe I can start out with rentals and go from there.
Sunday Skate Ski
I will let you know if we are going up this Sunday. It would be up Cypress in the morning before the crowds but with all this rain we might not have any snow!