May 14, 2013 (Heber City, UT) – The Swiss Company, Toko, announced today the US release of Toko Care Line products. Formulated to be resource-saving and environmentally friendly, Toko’s Eco Wash and Eco Proof lead a line-up engineered to perform with legendary Swiss efficiency. Toko Care Line products are specially tailored to high-quality outdoor gear and footwear and draw from the company’s history as a ski wax provider as well as Toko’s partnership with outdoor titan, Schoeller Textiles. US Brand Manager Ian Harvey spoke on the end result of Toko’s work on the new line, “Every Care Line product has a significant advantage in some way over the competition – either in price or performance or both.”

Early stocks of Care Line products are available now in select Toko dealers and a larger product unveiling is planned for the summer Outdoor Retailer show in late July. The Toko Care Line is a complete resource for the care of outdoor gear including hiking, cycling, skiing and more. Toko Care Line Products Include:

– Eco Textile Wash
– Eco Wool Wash
– Eco Softshell Wash
– Eco Down Wash
– Functional Sportswear Care
– Eco Textile Proof
– Eco Softshell Proof
– Shoe Proof & Care
– Tent & Pack Proof

February 20, 2013 – Bjorn Daehlie North America proudly announces that effective today, they are the distributor for Rode ski wax for the US market. Rode will be on-site at the American Birkebeiner this week providing wax recommendations for all Birkie skiers looking to find their winning wax. Waxes and tools will be available for purchase at the Bjorn Daehlie/Rode booth at the Birkie expo Thursday and Friday, as well as at many of the leading nordic retailers throughout the country.

President of Bjorn Daehlie North America, Oyvind Solvang said: “Rode is an Italian, family owned company. Our connection with Rode was established in Norway. Per Knut Aaland, the Norwegian Olympic medalist and many-year national team head wax tech, built Rode to command the leading category market position in Norway. This is obvious at the Norwegian Birkebeiner, where I for years observed skiers waiting in long lines to purchase the Rode wax of the day form Per Knut. When I told Per Knut that we are the US distributor of the Bjorn Daehlie apparel, he said ‘you must distribute Rode also, it is the best wax and every American skier should know about it’. Bj Sport, the parent of Bjorn Daehlie, took over the distribution of Rode in Norway last year, so with Per Knut now ‘in-house’, the US distribution of Rode was a natural extension for us.”

The prior US distributor, Chris Axelson, agrees. “We have had a good run with the line and now it is time to grow it to the next level. We are confident that BDNAM will do that.”

A testament to the research based development of Rode is the launch of the new T-Line kick waxes and klisters to rave reviews this season. The demand for these new waxes has been so high that many stores are completely sold out.

As Rode is already known to be the #1 kick wax on the world cup circuit, Rode glide waxes continue to gain use amongst the waxing staff of the leading nordic teams based on a very focused line-up that carries over the magic associated with the kick wax.

Roberta Rodeghiero, the owner of Rode, added: “We are very happy that the Bj Sport organization is now distributing for us in America. They have such a huge market share in Norway and now that our glide wax is as strong as our kick wax, I think the Americans will come to love our wax as much as the Norwegians.”

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.

January 28, 2013 – While it sometimes doesn’t feel like it with the lack of snow, we’re jumping into the thick of the race season and there are a lot of events in the coming weeks. Over the next two months, Boulder Nordic Sport (BNS) will be providing race service around the United States, at Masters’ World Championships in Asiago, Italy, as well as providing wax recommendations for a huge selection of races, big and small. Check bouldernordic.com for the latest wax recommendations and racing updates.

The BNS Service Team brings an superior level of experience and expertise to these events (including work at the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup and NCAA Championships). Our goal is to provide World Cup-level service so you can relax and prepare for your event, confident that your skis will be the fastest they can be.

BNS Race Wax Service is $85 for domestic events with a $10 discount for signing up early online. This service includes: full base preparation, HF paraffin, pure fluoro powder, top-coat, and structure; we always test extensively to determine the fastest wax and structures. Not only do you get fastest skis possible prepared by professionals, but you don’t have to lug around your wax gear or buy expensive waxes. You can relax and prepare for your race while your competitors stress about their skis and spend hours on their feet waxing.

If our service staff is not at your race or you prefer to wax your own skis, no problem – just check bouldernordic.com for our latest wax recommendations and/or visit us on-site at the BNS Mobile trailer to pick up the waxes and tools you need to complete the job.

BNS Race Service Director and two-time SuperTour champion David Chamberlain just hit the road in the BNS Mobile trailer heading for the Midwest. Look for David at these races:

– Noquemanon Jan 26
– City of Lakes Loppet Feb 2-3
– Mora Vasaloppet Feb 10
– American Birkebeiner Feb 23

BNS founder Nathan Schultz, will be covering:

– Colorado Governor’s Cup Jan 26
– Master’s Nationals in Sun Valley Jan 30-31
– Boulder Mountain Tour Feb 2
– The Owl Creek Chase Feb 9-10
– World Masters in Italy Feb 15-22
– Snow Mountain Stampede March 2

We will also be covering local events and offering race wax service out of our shops in Boulder, CO and Portland, ME, so bring your skis in and we’ll make them fast.

Also, to help you save on the cost of shipping your skis to our Boulder location, skis can be dropped off for stone grinding at the Boulder Mountain Tour, the American Birkebeiner, and any events BNS is covering in Colorado. We can also deliver skis to races if you need some fast new boards or grinds before your big event. Enjoy the racing, and let us know how we can make it more fun for you!

January 25, 2013 – Check out this great YouTube video of Swix USA waxing guru Zach Caldwell’s young son, Gunnar, teaching the basics of kick waxing.

October 03, 2012 (Vantaa, Finland) – The Finnish Nordic Sports brand ONE WAY will launch during the upcoming winter season a new high-end ski wax range with a wide program in Premio Fluor powders, high-Fluor and low-Fluor gliders. In addition OW will present a professional tool range for ski service with Roto brushes, hand brushes, wax iron, structure tools and other important tools.

The ski wax range is a perfect match with the ONE WAY cross country ski range combining a lot of experience and tests developing the fastest and best products for a Nordic athlete.

The testing phase for the new products with several National teams continues during this fall and the racing service team is aiming for the first medals during the World Championships taken with the support of OW SKI WAX.

www.onewaysport.com

October 02, 2012 (Boulder, CO) – German ski wax manufacturer Holmenkol AG has announced the completed sale of the company to Sporto-med GmbH, a family-owned German business specializing in physiotherapy, sports medicine and health. A new company, Holmenkol GmbH, has been formed as a subsidiary of Sporto-med and will continue the operations of Holmenkol AG. Business at Holmenkol continues as normal and the season’s first shipment of wax and tools has already arrived at Holmenkol’s US distributor. The sale was completed in early September and marked the company’s exit from insolvency proceedings.

Skiers in the United States will notice no difference in the lineup or quality of Holmenkol waxes and tools for the 2012-2013 season and should expect to see improvements and new products in years to come. “In the future too, Holmenkol will retain focus on the World Racing Team in Nordic Skiing and Alpine Skiing,” says Dr. Oliver Temme, chemist and director of Sporto-med GmbH’s research and development department since 2004. “Continuing development of waxes for racing skis has a high priority for us.”

Holmenkol’s production facility in Heimerdingen, Germany and team of employees remain unchanged during the transition and will continue to produce highly-innovative chemical surface systems for skis and snowboards as well as textiles.

April 27, 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. In Part 1 of our series of interviews here’s a look at what’s new from from Fischer, Alpina, and Swix…

April 03, 2012 – I just got back from a product development trip (Coreteam meeting) in Switzerland. These were the best meetings that I have ever taken part of as part of this team. Generally we have meetings in November to initiate the next 2-3 years or more products and direction.

These meetings involve 15+ countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Canada, US, Austria, France, Italy, Czech, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and then some other countries like England, Belgium, etc). The focus here is to see what the different markets need as they are different as well as to try to develop a consensus as to what is needed for the future. Then in late March we have another meeting where things are really decided more specifically.

At this meeting, fewer countries are represented. This year we cut the number of participants way down and had a core group with super high competence. Product manager Thomas Knecht, Events manager Christian Stalder (with Toko for 15 years), Swiss sales rep and WC racing service icon Heinz Kolly (with Toko for 15 years), head of Toko Austria Christoph Schober, and head of Toko USA (me).

Before attending this meeting, I compared ideas and findings with Doug Hartwick from Canada and John Vickman from Sweden. We all had great cooperation and moved forward really well. Thomas Knecht also did some great work in the meantime since our meeting in November.

Developments were made in grip waxes, klisters, vises, glide waxes, irons, brushes, workbenches, and stones. We also have new top coats on the way that are being worked on now, but will be released later.

That’s it for this season from Toko. See you in the fall!

Need to Storage Wax your Skis or Board for Summer? Click HERE to learn how.

April 05, 2011 – I just returned from product development meetings in Switzerland. As a company, we meet a few times each year to look at opportunities to go in new directions and take advantage of opportunities. The World Cup race service team is there as well as the team of scientists. Additionally there are representatives from the major markets. There is always a great synergy and passion. There were follow ups on initiatives that were taken since the last meeting. Also, some new ideas. Most exciting are some new products that involve some new technologies (new raw materials that nobody else has). Good stuff!

Summer Storage Waxing
Here are Toko’s recommendations for storage waxing of skis. First, brush the base out with a copper brush. Then drip on a generous amount of System3 or LF Red. Iron it in making sure that there is enough wax to provide a thick layer on the base and that the iron is hot enough to ensure a good bond between the wax and the base. This ironing procedure is normal, but sometimes a person rushes through storage waxing and the wax is not really heated outside of that it becomes liquid. The ski bases often times don’t even become warm. This will result in air between the base and the ski and less protection.

Red is our choice for storage waxing as Blue is so hard that it is more difficult to make sure that there is no air between the ski and base and Yellow is so soft that it gets “eaten away” quicker. System3 Red is good, but LF Red is even better as its consistency is perfect. If waxing skis or a board with metal edges, slop the wax over the edges and cover them too.

A SUMMARY:
1. Brush skis out well with Copper Brush
2. Iron in System3 Red or LF Red making sure adequate wax is used and that the wax is heated in well.

See you on the Flip Side!
It was an epic season. The US had a super winter in terms of snow coverage. The industry posted some very good numbers. Toko USA had an all time record year (and the 4th in 4 years). The US had some solid results internationally in all disciplines. Gotta love it!

This is the final Toko newsletter for the season. Thanks for your interest! We’ll leave you alone until the late fall unless something remarkable happens.

Have a good one!

Ian Harvey, Toko USA

December 30, 2010 – The Toko Race Wax Tips have been posted for this weekend’s events.  Our goal is to have the tips posted 48 hours or more before each event.  There are some events (that are on Sunday for example) that we have not received good information on yet.  These recommendations will be posted in the next day.  Also, should the situation arise that we need to update the wax recommendation, we will make the changes directly on the website.  The Toko Race Wax Tips can be accessed directly HERE.