EQUIPMENT
What equipment do I need?
Skate skis
Classic skis
Skate poles
Classic poles
Combi boots (used for both skate and classic or 1 pair of boots for each style)
Ski bag (Find a way to label your bag so it stands out from all the others (example: a ribbon on your ski bag to easily distinguish it from all the other identical looking ski bags. )
Minnesota high school skiers race two different techniques: freestyle and classic. Each technique requires different equipment. Skate skis are shorter with a stiffer camber, classic skis are longer and the camber should compress when fully weighted. Skate poles are longer than classic poles. Skate boots are usually higher, offering more ankle support and a stiffer sole to prevent twisting, classic boots are meant to bend. Ahhh! So what do you do?
If you are new to the sport, we try to alleviate the expense by having skis, boots and poles available for rent. We will do our best to fit as many skiers as possible. We may need to ask a skier to invest in some equipment if we don't have enough. We will work with families to help figure out equipment for each skier. Skiers can choose to just ski one technique-classic is recommended.
Rental fees:
Skis – $40, Boots – $40, Poles – $10
Classic Skiing Package: $80
Skate Skiing Package: $80
Both Packages: $150
Other Costs
It is important that any MA student be able to participate in Nordic and not be limited due to cost. Please let me know if cost is a barrier as scholarship opportunities are available. Costs for the season include both the athletic fee and passes to Mpls Parks (Wirth) & Ramsey (Battlecreek):
-Athletic Fee/Ski Passes Fee for 7th graders and older-$150
-Athletic Fee/Ski Passes Fee for 6th grader-$110
Sign up for Rental at MA HERE
Skiers and families meet in the wax room at North Campus to get fitted for equipment for the season.
If you recognize your skier is going to stick with this sport, then is a good time to start investing in quality equipment. You could plunge in and buy it all, or buy a set each year, renting until your purchases are complete (for the time being anyway).
What size skis should I get?
Skis are sized for a person’s weight and not their height. When buying skis the sales person should check if the ski’s flex is appropriate by having the skier stand on the ski. This is a big reason why skis should be purchased at a ski store specializing in Nordic skiing. The ski swaps will also have trained people to assist with sizing skis.
PLEASE LABEL EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.
Coach’s favorite places to shop for ski equipment:
Always be sure to ask for the high school team discount, as most ski shops do offer a discount for members of high school Nordic teams.
FinnSisu, 2436 Larpenteur Avenue West Lauderdale, MN 55113
Pioneer Midwest, 415 County Road 81, Osseo, MN 55369
GearWest, 1786 Wayzata Boulevard Long Lake, MN 55356