Purchasing Equipment

Please note, all skiers are encouraged to have both skate and classic skis and poles, as well as a pair of NNN / Prolink "combi" boots. The season meets consist of both classic and skate technique races.

The Lottery

Eden Prairie High School has some skis and poles that are available to skiers grades 7-9. This equipment will be handed out on Nov 17, 2021. Lottery will get going about 5pm. Skis and poles are distributed on a lottery basis and you must be present when and if your name is drawn. All equipment will be appropriately sized to the skier. School skis use the Prolink / NNN binding system as SNS / Pilot binding system is being phased out by manufacturers. Purchase NNN / Prolink combi boots or a separate pair of classic and skate boots. As of this past year, all first year skiers were able to receive skis from the lottery. It is recommended to hold out on buying your first pair skis and poles until the lottery has occurred.

Fitting Skis

If you are interested in buying new Nordic skis you can look at following stores:

Finn Sisu

Address: 2436 Larpenteur Avenue W, Lauderdale, MN 55113

Phone: 651-645-2443 or (888)finn-sisu

Website: https://finnsisu.com/

Finn Sisu is the one place in the Twin Cities that sells Marwae rollerskis. They also have a good selection of skis, boots, poles, etc. Many skiers who participate in a summer training program purchase their Marwae Combi rollerskis here. They offer a 20% discount for high school skiers.

Gear West

Address: 1786 Wayzata Boulevard, Long Lake, MN 55356

Phone: (952) 473-0377

Website: http://www.gearwest.com/

Gear West has a very large selection of skis, boots, and poles. It is known to have the largest collection of skis nationwide. Also, it is a great one stop shop for all equipment needs. Gear West has an extensive online store. They offer a 20% discount for high school athletes.

Gear West Pig out Sale

The Gear West Sale is held mid to late September (check out website for this years sale dates)where you can find discounted ski equipment. They occasionally list demo skis for sale and these can be very good deals, if they fit.

Hoigaards

Address: 5425 Excelsior Blvd, St.Louis Park, MN

Phone: 952-929-1351

Website: http://hoigaards.com/

A great place to to buy equipment geared towards high school skiers. They offer a 20% discount on Nordic apparel, accessories and wax for high school racers. They do not charge to mount bindings on skis for high school Nordic skiers

Hoigarrds Tent Sale

All of last season's skis, boots, poles, clothing, etc. are sold at a discounted price during their annual tent sale in early September (check out their website for this years sale dates). Here you can find very good deals on Nordic equipment and clothing. In recent years, on the last day of the sale, an extra 15% discount is offered.

Note: When buying equipment or clothing at Boulder Nordic Sport, Finnsisu, Gear West, or Hoigaards make sure to ask for the 20% discount for high school athletes

Purchasing Used Equipment

EP Nordic Ski Swap: This is the easiest ski event to attend. Coach Boonstra is available to fit skis to students, and parents of experienced skiers are available to help. The amount of equipment varies from year to year.

MYSL Ski Swap: The Minnesota Youth Ski League (MYSL) swap is on a Saturday in mid-November (usually first weekend of the ski season). Check out their website here to find this years dates. The swap is held at Dunwoody College (818 Dunwoody Boulevard, Minneapolis MN). They have many skis, boots, poles, bindings and some clothing. The event is very popular and busy. You do need to get there early and prepare for the lines. The swap opens at 10 a.m., but people come very early, as in before 8 a.m. The swap ends at 12:30 p.m. Volunteer staff members will be available to provide more assisstance. Display prices are considered non-negotiable and all sales are final. Please come prepared with small denomination bills and several checks (no credit cards). Most of it seems to be excess inventory from local ski shops or last year's rental equipment, so reasonable, but not super deals. You can get more information at the MYSL website.

Wayzata/ Orno/ West Tonka Nordic Ski Swap: This ski swap is held on a Saturday in mid-November (usually the first weekend of the ski season) at the Otten Bros Garden Center at 2350 West Wayzata Boulevard, Long Lake, MN from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They typically have more used equipment for sale than the EP Ski Swap, but it is smaller than the MYSL sale. There are people available to fit skis, but you will need to know what you are looking for. You also need to get there early and stand in line in order to have a good shot at getting what you want.