In 2022 the Skirack partnered with the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, and sent a Wintersteiger Race NC that had been in our shop from Burlington, VT to Estonia. The U.S. Ski Team had a plan to move that grinding machine into a mobile ski work truck. This would allow the service team to massively expand their capabilities in preparing athletes skis for World Cup competition.

Well, this multi-year project is finally taking off for the 2024-25 World Cup season!!! We recently had a chance to catch-up with Paul Choudoir, from the U.S. Ski Team, who is leading the project. For those unfamiliar, ski stone grinding is a process where a specialized machine uses a grinding stone to remove a very thin layer of the ski base. This refreshes the surface by flattening it, removes scratches and damage, and exposes fresh pores to better absorb wax - all of which improves ski glide and performance. The micro pattern of the stone, which gets transferred onto the ski base, is cut by a small diamond. This allows the skis to be optimized for different snow conditions. The Ski Team will look at everything from temperature, humidity, snow pack, and snow crystal shape to decide on this grind pattern.

As the chilly fall air rolls in and with it dreams of snow and skiing, the former racer in me can’t help but feel the excitement that comes with an upcoming race season. A new start, a chance to let hard work and a love for the sport pay off. Whether you’re a seasoned collegiate skier, a master-blaster, or someone trying out racing for the first time, here are some useful tips for getting race ready!

Nordic Race Wax Clinic with Jacob Huseby
hosted by Skirack, 85 Main St Burlington, VT | Tuesday, January 23

Learn advanced methods for preparing cross country skis for the upcoming Craftsbury Marathon, talk shop, learn about ski manufacturing, and have fun!

Junior Lease Fit Night at Skirack
Reserve Your Spot | Space is Limited
Thursday, Dec 14 - 6-8PM

Bring your junior lessee to get fitted for Cross Country, Downhill Ski and/or Snowboard gear during a dedicated and convenient time after store hours with our junior lease fit experts.

One of the best ways to keep your cross country skis gliding and functional season after season is by caring for the bases by waxing. Waxing your skis prevents the skis from drying out (eventually damaging the bases) and repels water, thus improving glide. There are so many wax options out there, but it is best to do a hot wax. The heat from the iron allows the wax to get deeper in the bases and lasts longer than a rub on or liquid wax. For hot waxing at home, you will need an iron, wax, scrapers, and brushes. But how do you go about choosing all of that?

Toko Nordic Race Wax Clinic

hosted by Skirack, 85 Main St Burlington, VT
Wednesday, October 25

Skirack welcomes Adam Terko, Mansfield Nordic Club Head Coach 
for an evening of high performance race wax tips and techniques.

Perfect for coaches and local racing clubs.

Event has ended. Walk-ins are available.

Junior Lease Fit Night at Skirack
Reserve Your Spot | Space is Limited
Tuesday, Sept 26 - 6-8PM

Bring your junior lessee to get fitted for Cross Country, Downhill Ski and/or Snowboard gear during a dedicated and convenient time after store hours with our junior lease fit experts.

Last winter, the Hollenbach family explored 23 cross country ski centers around the state of Vermont, one of the U.S.'s top Nordic destinations. The project was dubbed the “Tour de Hollenbach” - an incredible adventure for Jake, Helen and their 3 year old, Johannes.

In this short video, we catch up with the Hollenbach family as they navigate the fun and challenges of cross country skiing with a 3 year old. Jake and Helen made it a positive experience for their son with appropriate gear, groomed trails and plenty of snacks.

Fischer and Skirack are proud to present #livetoski “Tour de Hollenbach”.

Junior Lease Fit Nights at Skirack
Reserve Your Spot | Space is Limited
Oct 13 + 19 - 6-8PM

UPDATE: Nordic spots are now full for Thursday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct 19.
Not to worry! Junior Lease fitting can be done any time during store hours.

Avoid the weekend rush!
Come with your junior lessee during a dedicated + convenient time - after store hours.

We're back for the third and final part of our winter adventure to ski all 23 of the cross country ski areas in Vermont!

To recap from Tour De Hollenbach Part 1 and Part 2:
Helen, 3 year old Johannes and I started a winter 2021/22 adventure to ski all 23 of the cross country ski areas that are part of the Ski Vermont reciprocal pass program. If you get a season pass at any participating area you can get one free day ticket at every other ski area.