2012/2013 XC Ski Thread

I have been thinking about picking up a set to try...like something cheap on CL. Of course that means finding skis with metal edges is harder. Is this a deal breaker if im going to ski trails with them?

why dont they make skis for what i want to do?....XC ski my way up to say the top of the needle climb at KVSP, then ski down at normal speeds 🙂
 
26er...Those beefy 3pins and duckbill boots are for driving bigger boards, u would need fatter ski's as well for that type of setup.

Jim the boots my not be broken-in but also make sure you have a tight fit. Any slop in the boot will cause blisters. I used to get a nasty blister on my heel with my old boots that were too big. Comfortable, form fitting boots are very important when xc skiing (just like alpine skiing).
 
UtahJoe said:
I have been thinking about picking up a set to try...like something cheap on CL. Of course that means finding skis with metal edges is harder. Is this a deal breaker if im going to ski trails with them?

why dont they make skis for what i want to do?....XC ski my way up to say the top of the needle climb at KVSP, then ski down at normal speeds 🙂
Click to expand...

Metal edges are not necessary imo. Yes its easier to climb and descend with them but with good technique you'll be fine.

This time of year everyone wants a deal on a used set of xc ski's. Metal edge xc ski's are relatively new so finding a pair this time of year on CL is going to be tough. Picking up a used touring set(non-metal) for cheap is a good idea just to see if you like xc skiing. I bought my first xc skis,boots, poles 15 yrs ago for $20 at a garage sale. Last year I spent over $500 for a racing/skate ski package. My point is you go in cheap to see if its for you, from there u invest in the ski's that suit your needs. Just like buying a bike🙂

And yes Utah they do make skis to climb the needle then bomb down it...tele ski's with skins. You'd would be better off going over to the old Snow Bowl across from Mahlon.
 
I have the same skis with merrell boots. I was getting the same blister, I'll try double socking and see if that helps
 
UtahJoe said:
I have been thinking about picking up a set to try...like something cheap on CL. Of course that means finding skis with metal edges is harder. Is this a deal breaker if im going to ski trails with them?

why dont they make skis for what i want to do?....XC ski my way up to say the top of the needle climb at KVSP, then ski down at normal speeds 🙂
Click to expand...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzpBUipyLd0

I have these for sale you need to check em out. Poles and bindings included. Just go to Pelican and get some boots for $89. I think I used them 5 times. They are your size. Text me if interested.
 
pooriggy said:
26er...Those beefy 3pins and duckbill boots are for driving bigger boards, u would need fatter ski's as well for that type of setup.

Jim the boots my not be broken-in but also make sure you have a tight fit. Any slop in the boot will cause blisters. I used to get a nasty blister on my heel with my old boots that were too big. Comfortable, form fitting boots are very important when xc skiing (just like alpine skiing).
Click to expand...

+1 on proper fitting boots. it has less to do with brand, than finding what is right for your foot. I had a pair of boots that just would not work ... major blisters every time. I switched to rossi X3 and now X7 and they are right for my foot.

As far as the rest of the equipment, I have been from 3 pin to Bc and now nnn, waxless to waxable and with and without metal edge. The proper fit boot made the most difference for me.
 
i was out in mahlon last night enjoying the great conditions. i think the sun today is going to make things icy for tonight though...might have to wait till saturday to get back out as long as the snow hangs around
 
I got out in Mahlon again yesterday and conditions were still good. Conditions on the rail bed were good for skate skiing too, if you are looking for that. I would expect today to be good still, but I'm pretty sore from yesterday.
 
just got back from mahlon again today..the rail bed is getting super packed..but in the heat of the day theres still grip. the other trails are still primo.
 
I was really surprised how good the xc skiing was this weekend. Usually within 3 or 4 days of a snowfall in NJ you get rain or 60 degree weather, snow quality rarely lasts. We have had solid conditions for over a week thanks to cold temps, but I don't expect these conditions to last much longer.

Me, 26er and Brett made the best of it this weekend by getting in 20 miles of xc skiing. Saturday we hit Mooch North via tranquility. This long climb was worth the effort to get into the good stuff. Me and 26er took turns wearing the chainsaw backpack, we did some trail clearing along the way. That 25 lb pack made xc skiing more challenging, especially going downhill.

Sunday we entered Mahlon from the Park and Ride. This place seems to have gotten more snow then Mooch, which had more exposed rock and thinner snow cover. Knowing we may not be on the snow again in NJ for awhile 26er put together a big loop around the park which coverd 12 miles. Conditions were great, the softing snow made downhill on xc ski's less scary. The flow was awesome, it was easy to stepturn. The more days I can get on xc ski's in the winter the better.

Garmin File of 12 mile Mahlon Loop.http://connect.garmin.com/activity/258894609


Brett & 26er

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26 and Coda, the best trail dog.
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Stinkeye
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Thanks Case, hope you were able to get out on the ski's when we had good snow.

Anyone been to Mahlon(or anywhere else), I'm wondering what the snow is like after the warm up during the days and cold nights. I'm guessing icy.

While we are waiting for the next snow storm I'd say now is a good time to go back and give your ski's some love. In my research of ski waxing I did find information regarding the need for wax on waxless ski's. Yes those ski's that say they are waxless do need some attention and will perform better if properly maintained.

I have found Saul to be knowledgeable, distinct and succinct when it comes to xc ski wax instruction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmEDaRSMK3A

mood_GeneralNordic.ashx
 
If you are willing to drive there is still 2 feet of snow up high in the Catskills, plenty to ski in the woods and more than enough for on trail. But its going to get warm so it will probably be getting crusty, icy soon.
 
cbiker said:
If you are willing to drive there is still 2 feet of snow up high in the Catskills, plenty to ski in the woods and more than enough for on trail. But its going to get warm so it will probably be getting crusty, icy soon.
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I don't know the off trail areas up there and snow will be getting crusty. If I drive up to NY I would go to New Paltz. Minniwaska and Mohonk house do a good job grooming xc trails. Not sure if it will be worth the trip this weekend, I'll probably be on my road bike enjoying the warm up.

pray for snow.
 
Depends where I'm skiing steeper terrain skins and tele skis on flatter terrain regular narrow xc skis. Unfortunately its raining up there now but if there is another storm the heavy snow will make a nice base as long as it doesn't all melt.
 
I have a tele setup for downhill, but I usually stick to groomed stuff. I'm not good enough to weave through trees at high speed. I could probably handle moderate hills with my skinny's with soft snow.

I have always wanted to venture further north for some real xc ski adventures. I'd like to head to the catskills with you if they get snow and it stays snow free around here. Hopefully the good snow will come back.
 
If it snows again I'll definitely be heading up there to ski let me know if you want to go. I'll ski any type, if you want to give tele skiing a shot I have some spare skins, I usually don't head through tree at high speed if I'm in the wood just slowly pick my way down. Skiing out in the trees definitly improves your skiing quickly.
 
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