March 21, 2009 – Spring skiing conditions have come a little early to the Midwest this year. Less than a week ago I was skiing around Wirth Park in the Twin Cities, bundled up in almost all of my ski clothes, dreaming of those far off days when I’d be able to ski around the trails in just a t-shirt. It turns out my dream came true much sooner than I’d expected. Just two days after skiing at Wirth (home of the 2011 Junior Olympics), I was up in Hayward cruising the Birkie trail from OO on one of those perfect mornings that I’d just been dreaming about. The morning started cold and again, I bundled up to stay warm. As the sun got higher, I started dropping layers like bread crumbs along the trail; first a vest, then warm-up pants, and my balaclava went into my jacket pocket shortly before I hung it on a tree, knowing my ski would be an out-and-back.

Before the ski, I’d dropped a pair of my new Salomon Zero classic skis, with a red synthetic kick zone, at the turn-around at the Hatchery Creek trail head. This served two purposes: getting a good pursuit workout in before Nationals next week and the chance to test my Zero’s. Heading back north I had the sun on my back and was able to see my shadow in front of me. It was a great opportunity to make some minor adjustments in my technique and see how the changes looked in the snow. The tracks were wet and starting to break down and the Zero’s performed exactly as I’d hoped, with solid kick and free glide. We’re discovering that these skis work not only at Zero Celcius, but in almost all warm, wet conditions above that as well.

As I approached the end of my ski, my shadow looked like I’d gained a serious beer gut, but that was just from all the clothes tied around my waist. It was a great day to be out on the trail and to see so many other skiers out enjoying the spring conditions. What a treat, knowing I wouldn’t have to go home and clean klister off my skis!

Enjoy the spring skiing!