Trail Pass: You can purchase it online Casper Mountain Trails Pass | Natrona County, WY or in person at the Natrona County Roads Parks and Bridges office in Mills. Mountain Sports, Zeelos, and 42 Degrees North also sell them.
Wax: Kick wax - violet, blue (Required) / red, green (optional) any brand is fine, but you need your own (write name on them). and a Synthetic cork
Equipment: We compete in 2 different techniques. Freestyle (skate) and Classic.
Beginners: Combi skis are acceptable, however it is ideal to have equipment dedicated for each technique.
Additional skis for warm up or race equipment can be added over the years as a skier becomes more competitive.
Varsity: A dedicated pair of skis for each technique is highly recommended.
Skis: Flex is based on body weight, and race skis are selected based on this. Generally speaking, freestyle skis are shorter and stiffer, and classic skis are longer and softer.
Poles: Skate poles are longer and classic are shorter. Dedicated poles for each technique are required
Boots: Skate boots have a stiff ankle cuff, and stiffer sole to provide support, and better lateral push-off. Classic boots do not have an ankle cuff, allowing for a more flexed ankle/foot. Try your boots on with the socks you plan to ski in.
Combi boots with cuffs are a great option for beginners.
Ski Bag and Ski Ties: Required. We do not want loose skis or poles under the bus. Make sure the bag you purchase is a Nordic bag and not Alpine. Nordic skis are longer. You want to make sure your skis will fit in the bag.
Clothing: Dress in layers! You will sweat and need to take layers off during practice.
You will need a non cotton base layer. There are lots of great options -you just need something that will wick moisture away from your skin.
You need wind pants (no jeans or sweat pants), a light jacket, and either a fleece jacket or vest.
Boys be sure to invest in a good pair of wind briefs, or at least double up on underwear for COLD days.
Invest in a warm coat to put on after practice and races
2 hats are highly recommended. You will need a lightweight hat for skiing and a dry hat to put on after you ski.
2 pairs of socks are highly recommended. One pair for skiing, and one dry pair to put on after. Again, avoid cotton.
2 pairs of gloves are highly recommended. You will want lightweight gloves for skiing and warm dry gloves to put on after you ski. We also recommend investing in liners.
Headbands optional - not recommended when the temperature is below 20 degrees or if it is snowing.
Buffs are highly recommended - have at least couple of these (and wash them regularly) -they are very versatile for all types of weather.
Miscellaneous:
We highly recommend water bottles -you may not share! Ideally get one that you can carry while you ski.
Please don't hesitate to ask your coaches for advice on any of this information!
SHOP LOCAL!!
Mountain Sports, Zeelos, and 42 Degrees North have everything you may need as well as season rentals. Be sure you tell them you are on the team.
In addition to steep discounts on equipment Mountain Sports offers team members a 20% discount on all Nordic related items. Clothing, wax, water bottle holders, etc.
42 Degrees North offers a 10% discount off of all hard and soft goods related to Nordic skiing.