January 28, 2013 (Salt Lake City, UT) – The Outdoor Retailer Winter trade show was in Salt Lake City from Jan. 23-26 in full force. Hundreds of manufacturers from around the globe converged to show off their hottest winter gear for the upcoming 2013/2014 season. SkiTrax was there to catch a glimpse and provide highlights of some awesome new high tech products that the Nordic world will be dying to get their hands on.

Fischer
The secret to Fischer’s new 2014 Speedmax skis lies in their construction. The entire ski is constructed separately from the base. It has long been known that high temperatures and pressure that are present in conventional ski pressing can damage the molecular structure of the base. Fischer worked hard to perfect their unique process of Cold Base Bonding. By bonding the base to the rest of the pre-constructed ski without heat, the Speedmax skis feature a base that is able to maintain the homogeneity of the original molecular structures. As a result, the base is able to accept more wax and features unrivaled gliding properties. The glue that bonds the base is also temperature neutral, so no matter what the temperature is, Fischer claims that the ski will maintain its flex profile. The Austria-based company hopes that these new skis will take more than a couple of athletes to the podium at the 2014 Olympic Games next year in Sochi.

Swix
Our visit to the Swix booth left us with a couple “wow” moments as the new Triac pole is in a class of its own. The pole is 20% stiffer than the previous model, while maintaining the same great swing weight. The pole features a triangular cross section and is set for a pre-launch at the upcoming World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy before a launch to the public this fall. However, according to Product Manager Svein Pederson, a sample pair has already been out on the World Cup course after he let Petter Northug test a pair a month ago, and the Norwegian star refused to return them.

Swix has also come out with a brand new wax iron. If you thought the T71 iron Swix sold last year was thick, wait until you see the T70 – this is an extreme waxing iron. The 35mm plate can hold high stable temperatures that enable the wax tech to apply high purity fluoros without burning the base. At a $1,000 retail price, the iron should be used by those seeking waxing perfection, regardless of cost.

Swix has developed a great relationship with Gore-Tex for their glove line over the past two seasons and this year they integrated Gore-Tex into a new line of warm, windproof jackets.

Rossignol

The X-ium lineup has some big changes for the 2013/2014 season. Some changes in the camber profiles and pressure distribution on the glide zones are the major changes on the cold skis the S1 (skate) and C1 (classic). The big changes for the skate line come in the S3 where more tip splay and a softer profile will allow the tip to fly over slush, and give the skis a nice, buttery feel. They feature a translucent base with no carbon added. The base is a bit denser, and allows the factory to put in a more stable, deep structure that will hold up over time, and eliminate suction in slush. The classic world cup level line features five different skis. The C1 will run great on cold hardpack while the C2 is a bit softer and is a wider range traditional classic ski. The C2 R-Grip has a synthetic kick zone that has a hairy zone that isn’t very aggressive so hardwax can be overlayed when conditions permit. For warm classic skiing, Rossi offers a traditional warm C3 ski, and just like on the skate side, there’s an additional C3 version with a harder white base on the tip and tail, with a softer traditional black base in the kickzone to hold wax more effectively.

Alpina
Alpina’s latest development comes in the form of the new ESK skate boot. The heel is a bit lower in the KSK Pro than in the traditional ESK. This works in conjunction with the new Rottefella Xcelerator bindings, to provide more force through the front of the foot, in addition to providing a more natural stance. The boot is a bit stiffer than in the past to provide a nice snappy feel. An improved lacing system and a removable cuff also provide the opportunity for a custom-style fit and feel.

Madshus

Madshus’ new Super Nano boots, already seen on the feet of top biathletes Emil Hegle Svendsen and Ole Einar Bjorndalen, along with rising US star, Noah Hoffman, were another show stopper. The new Nanos are significantly lighter and stiffer than previous versions as Madshus utilized more carbon fiber while limiting the amount of extra plastic in the sole. We tried on the Super Nano in conjunction with their new Redline carbon skate ski, and it felt like there was nothing on our feet. The swing weight and light feel were unparalleled and Madshus says the advances in performance don’t compromise the new boot’s comfort or warmth. Built with a lower volume in the forefoot, the Super Nano feels a bit softer on the top of the foot, while providing great stability on the bottom – a great all-around bomber boot worth checking out.

Craft/Karhu
Craft has improved upon their underwear lineup for 2014 with their new High Function models. The new line has improved on the seams with better fit adjustments compared to previous models.

One of the most exciting developments in the cross-country ski industry is the return of Karhu to the North American market. While Karhu never left the race scene in Scandinavia, they are making their return to North America in 2013/2014 featuring the skate 1.0 which is a high performance racing ski. The cold ski comes with a soft and stiff version as does the warm ski. We are really excited to get on the skis and see how they feel.

Karhu boots are based on the Rottefella sole and binding system. Due to the excellent vertical flex of the boot’s sole structure, kick power is transferred efficiently to deliver the maximum power to the forefoot and toes.

Karhu has further developed the fit, materials and skiing comfort of both their classical and skating ski boots. Light cuffs and other technical solutions will satisfy the needs of a demanding skier. The warm inner sock and flexible lace cover material possess water repellent properties.

May 14, 2012 (Denver, CO) – The 2012 SIA Snow Show, launching all that’s new for 2013, was held in Denver, CO earlier this year and SkiTrax caught up with many exhibiting companies to find out about their latest product offerings from the top end on down, including some fun stuff, for next season. Part 2 of our series of interviews offers a look at what’s new from from Rossignol, Atomic, Toko, and more from Swix – plus we stop in at the Madshus Aquavit Party…

January 18, 2012 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – We are excited to announce the winners of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest after the final 9km FR Stage 9 up Alpe Cermis and apologize for the short delay. Team Rob has made up ground in the contest’s final leg to leap ahead of the competition and take home the first prize, a Rossignol Xium WCS2 ski and boot package w/Rottefella Xcelerator skate bindings valued at $1,195, with a grand total of 1,252 points.

The battle was heated, however, with Team alpha super awsome cool dynamite wolf squadron trailing the leader by only one point to score the second prize, a Mont Ste-Anne lodging package valued at $800. The fabulous third-place prize – a choice of Salomon SLab Skate or Classic boots valued at $400/$450 – went to Fasterbutwithmoregriptds, who finished off the contest with 1,248 points.

Congrats to all of the winners and thank you to all the teams for participating in the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest!

For the final Contest Standings following the final Stage 9 Alpe Cermis 9km FR click HERE.

SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Final Winners

– Rob – Roberto Dallavalle – Croviana, Italy
1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis and boots, Xcelerator skate bindings (value $1,195)

– alpha super awsome cool dynamite wolf squadron – David Greenberg – Durango, CO
2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne –  2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)

– Fasterbutwithmoregriptds – Tim Haight – Saskatoon, SK
3rd Prize – Salomon SLab Skate or Classic Boots (value $400/$450)

– Team Skibunzov – Cyrus Kangarloo – Kelowna, BC
4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)

– karlos team pl – Karol Daszkiewicz – Gdynia, Poland
5th Prize –  SkiGo Kickwax Package (HF, LF & XC) and Scraper (value $235)

– Flying Oosik – David Smullin – Bend, OR
6th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Glacier Top (value $140)

– lafrasse – Christiane Ruet – Le Grand Bornand, France
7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)

– Skeila – Sheila Kealey – Ottawa, ON
8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)

– Broken Poles – Jan Rossiter – Ottawa, ON
9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)

– anty ski team – Andri Milov – Parnu, Estonia
10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate – anty ski team – Andri Milov – Parnu, Estonia
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate – karlos team pl – Karol Daszkiewicz – Gdynia, Poland

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.

SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

January 06, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest leaders following the 3km/5km CL races in Toblach, Italy. In an exciting development, Team Siggy’s Speedsters has broken the tie for first and moved into the lead with 508 points. karlos team and Team Skibunzov are now tied for second spot with 493 points apiece, with Team virtualprofit in third with 485 points.

For the Contest Standings following the 3km/5km CL races click HERE.

Enter our FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Contest HERE – final deadline is Jan. 7/12.

SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Prizes
————————————————————————-
*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis and boots, Xcelerator skate bindings (value $1,195)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne –  2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Salomon SLab Skate or Classic Boots (value $400/$450)
*4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)
*5th Prize –  SkiGo Kickwax Package (HF, LF & XC) and Scraper (value $235)
*6th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Glacier Top (value $140)
*7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.

SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

January 04, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest leaders following the TdS  Skiathlon in Obertsdorf, Germany. We have an exciting three-team tied for first place between anty ski team, pumpkinpie, and ZURICH XC – with 400 points each. Team Pekkies is in second spot with 399 points, followed closely by Siggy’s Speedsters with 398 points. The battle is tight with top 15 teams separated by only 7 points – the maximum points following the Skiathlon is 420.

For the Contest Standings following the Skiathlon click HERE.

Enter our FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Contest HERE.

SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Prizes
————————————————————————-
*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis and boots, Xcelerator skate bindings (value $1,195)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne –  2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Salomon SLab Skate or Classic Boots (value $400/$450)
*4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)
*5th Prize –  SkiGo Kickwax Package (HF, LF & XC) and Scraper (value $235)
*6th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Glacier Top (value $140)
*7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.

SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

January 07, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings after Toblach-Cortina for the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Tour de Ski 2010/11 Contest. The current contest leader is jbskiin with 597 points and a very narrow two (2) point margin over 17 teams, all tied for second place with 575 points. Team les pitchounes is now ranked third with 572 points.

Congratulations to jbskiin the winner of our second Rest Day prize of a $100 $100 Gift Certificate to High Peaks Cyclery.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS TdS 2010/11 Contest Prizes
—————————————————–

*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis/boots, Xcelerator skate bindings, One Way DS 10 poles (value $1,620)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Atomic WCup Classic boots (value $370)
*4th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*5th Prize – Halti Blow Down two-piece race suit (value $270)
*6th Prize – Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup 2011 jacket (value $200)
*7th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Summit top (value $140)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*9th Prize – Skadi Package – BootBuddies, BootMates, BootDocks and Ski Scraper (value $90)
*10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
*Jan. 4 – $100 Gift Certificate Fresh Air Experience
*Jan. 7 – $100 Gift Certificate High Peaks Cyclery

Thanks to FIS and all of our great sponsors including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Atomic, Swix, Halti, Masters World Cup 2011, Sporthill, Rottefella, Skadi, Auclair, Fresh Air Experience and High Peaks Cyclery….

SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

January 06, 2011 – Winter Trails takes place this Saturday, January 8, 2011 at over 80 locations nationwide. Winter Trails offers children and adults, new to snow sports, a chance to try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing FREE at venues throughout North America. There is no charge for the use of equipment or trails. Most locations offer snowshoeing AND cross country skiing. Some locations only offer snowshoeing. Current alpine skiers and/or snowboarders are also encouraged to try an alternative snow sport.

Winter Trails locations, hours and offerings are posted at www.wintertrails.org as they are announced. Venues include alpine resorts, Nordic centers, state parks, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service land. Details accompany each event’s listing on the Winter Trails website. Registration is also available on-site at each location.

There is no charge for equipment or trail fees. While most events take place on the “official date,” some are held on alternative dates. One of the largest – at Estes Park, Colorado – is being held on January 15, 2011 and is part of the Estes Park Winter Festival.

Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are winter outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by individuals, groups of friends and family members,” said Reese Brown, a Winter Trails organizer. “They are affordable, easy to learn and provide moderate to vigorous exercise, depending on an individual’s effort. With obesity rates in the U.S. at an all time high, Winter Trails can introduce active and not so active children and adults to sports that provide winter outdoor recreation.”

SnowSports Industries America (SIA), a national, non-profit trade association for snow sports suppliers, manages Winter Trails. Winter Trails sponsors and media partners included: Atlas, Backpacker Magazine, Crescent Moon Snowshoes, Cross Country Skier Magazine, MSR, Rossignol, SkiTrax, Snowshoe Magazine, Tubbs, Whitewoods, XCSkiresorts.com.

January 05, 2011 – Rossignol’s Nordic Team Athlete, Torin Koos, started the New Year off strong winning the CL Sprints at the 2011 U.S. XC Ski Championships in Rumford, ME. The win is a great start to the season. Torin trained hard this summer and was not surprised by his fitness when he spoke with press post-race. “I had great training this fall, went to Europe and had some good races over there. It should keep get better and better,” said Koos.

Torin races on Rossignol’s X-ium Classic package, including X-ium NIS Classic Ski, XCelerator Skate NIS Binding, X-ium WC Classic Boot, and Oneway’s DS 10 pole. It is the lightest weight classic race package Rossignol has ever offered.

The X-ium Classic ski offers a great compromise between kick and glide using the sure-kick concept. The X-ium boot’s seamless lace cover and more accurate heel hold results in better envelopment of the foot and weight reduction. The XCelerator binding has a flexbit system, closure system and unnecessary material has been removed to decrease the weight.

Oneway’s DS 10 Titanium pole is 100% Carbon reinforced with titanium making the pole stiff and ultra light weight. The rabbit strap allows for twice the adjustment of a regular strap and the cork grip provides warmth, comfort and anti-slip grip.

Watch for Torin and the rest of Rossignol’s Nordic Team throughout the season on the X-ium Race packages.

December 26, 2010 (Toronto, ON) – With over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs team registration is well underway for the third annual international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2010 Contest for contestants around the world. The 2010/11 Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear begins very soon – Dec. 31-Jan. 9 – so don’t miss your chance to win fabulous prizes while following the amazing showdown as the world’s top xc skiers battle for glory over 10 days, in 8 races, at 4 venues starting in Germany and ending in Italy.

Here’s how the FIS Tour de Ski 2010/11 Contest works
Register your team of four (4) men, and four (4) women including two (2) Outlaw Skiers (one male and one female) not in the top 15 of the FIS World Cup overall rankings. The menus for all skiers are at registration as well as a link to the FIS World Cup Ranking where you can find more details on each skier.

Deadlines, Points, Prizes
The deadline to register your FIS Tour de Ski 2010/11 team, or to make any changes, is 10pm EST on Dec. 30 – the day before the TdS launches. Earn bonus points such as Kick and Glide or Val Climb Points along with other opportunities to score points – all contest rules and information are available at TdS registration.

Points will be awarded following each TdS stage based on each skier’s performance and published regularly at skitrax.com so you can follow your team’s progress and see how you compare with the actual TdS standings and other players.

Register HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS TdS 2010/11 Contest Prizes
—————————————————–
*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis/boots, Xcelerator skate bindings, One Way DS 10 poles (value $1,620)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Atomic WCup Classic boots (value $370)
*4th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*5th Prize – Halti Blow Down two-piece race suit (value $270)
*6th Prize – Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup 2011 jacket (value $200)
*7th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Summit top (value $140)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*9th Prize – Skadi Package – BootBuddies, BootMates, BootDocks and Ski Scraper (value $90)
*10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
*Jan. 4 – $100 Gift Certificate Fresh Air Experience
*Jan. 7 – $100 Gift Certificate High Peaks Cyclery

Thanks to FIS and all of our great sponsors including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Atomic, Swix, Halti, Masters World Cup 2011, Sporthill, Rottefella, Skadi, Auclair, Fresh Air Experience and High Peaks Cyclery….

SkiTrax is North America’s premiere Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

December 22, 2010 (Toronto, ON) – We pleased to announce that the third annual international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2010 Contest is now live for team registration for contestants around the world with over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs. This year the Tour de Ski runs from Dec. 31. to Jan. 9 with the first event in Oberhof, Germany.

Here’s how the FIS Tour de Ski 2010/11 Contest works
Register your team of four (4) men, and four (4) women including two (2) Outlaw Skiers (one male and one female) not in the top 15 of the FIS World Cup overall rankings. The menus for all skiers are at registration as well as a link to the FIS World Cup Ranking where you can find more details on each skier.

Deadlines, Points, Prizes
The deadline to register your FIS Tour de Ski 2010/11 team, or to make any changes, is 10pm EST on Dec. 30 – the day before the TdS launches. Earn bonus points such as Kick and Glide or Val Climb Points along with other opportunities to score points – all contest rules and information are available at TdS registration.

Points will be awarded following each TdS stage based on each skier’s performance and published regularly at skitrax.com so you can follow your team’s progress and see how you compare with the actual TdS standings and other players.

Register HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS TdS 2010/11 Contest Prizes
—————————————————–
*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis/boots, Xcelerator skate bindings, One Way DS 10 poles (value $1,620)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Atomic WCup Classic boots (value $370)
*4th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*5th Prize – Halti Blow Down two-piece race suit (value $270)
*6th Prize – Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup 2011 jacket (value $200)
*7th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Summit top (value $140)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*9th Prize – Skadi Package – BootBuddies, BootMates, BootDocks and Ski Scraper (value $90)
*10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
*Jan. 4 – $100 Gift Certificate Fresh Air Experience
*Jan. 7 – $100 Gift Certificate High Peaks Cyclery

Thanks to FIS and all of our great sponsors including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Atomic, Swix, Halti, Masters World Cup 2011, Sporthill, Rottefella, Skadi, Auclair, Fresh Air Experience and High Peaks Cyclery….

SkiTrax is North America’s premiere Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

December 22, 2010 – Still stumped on what to get your favourite skier this holiday season? Whether it’s a racer, recreational skier, or young gun that you’re buying for, these gift ideas will help keep the skier you love warm and gliding along. From clothing to skis, skate or classic gear, you’re sure to find something to put a smile on the face of that special skier on your list – happy holidays.

Swix Overmitt – $42
When the temperature suddenly drops or you’re standing around outside before or after hard skiing your hands can get cold quickly. Swix’s new over mitts fit right over your racing gloves and keep those digits nice and warm. www.swix.com

Fischer RCR Skatecut JR – $159
Kids that want to skate will love this ski. It looks just like the full race skis they saw on the Olympics. It sports a World Cup Pro base and Ultra Finish grinding to make them fast. You’ll like its durability and nice price. www.fischerskis.com

Sporthill Infuzion Splice Top – Men’s $90
Skiers get a full range of unrestricted motion with this super soft and stretchy top. Use as a base layer for cold weather or single layer for less chilly days. www.sporthill.com

Rossignol Evo Action JR AR kid’s skis – $130
If you want your kid’s to enjoy skiing they need to have skis that provide good grip and fun glide. They also need to be easy turning and narrow enough under foot so small feet and legs can control edge to edge movements. The Evo Action JR does all of this and looks cool too. www.rossignol.com

SkiGo Easy-Glide LF wax – $20
This fast, low fluoro wax is designed for all snow types from +10° to -10°C . It contains no solvents to dry out bases or stink up the room and is very easy to apply. www.skigo.ca

Skadi Nordic BootMate with BootBuddies – $30
BootMates are a clever device that snaps under the boot to fill the space that would otherwise collect snow. When not wearing the ski boots the BootMates snap into the BootBuddies for a handy handle making boots easy to carry and store. BootMates come in NNN, Pilot or Profil models. www.skadinordic.com

Cross Country Canada calendar – $10
This 14-month calendar is filled with great images and deserves a space on any Nordic skier’s wall. Your purchase supports Cross Country Canada as well. Checkout their website for other great gifts: www.cccski.com