We have different equipment requirements, depending on LNST program. Skiers are responsible to purchase and maintain their own equipment. Equipment varies greatly in cost and quality. Please consult with the Coaches. Trying to figure out if your skier's equipment from last year still fit? Contact a Coach for assistance.
Ski Season Equipment Requirements
| Program |
| Classic Technique | Skate Technique |
|
| Elementary School (one set of skis) |
| WAXLESS skis+boots+poles | | |
| Middle School (two sets of skis) | | skis+boots+poles | skis+boots+poles | Returning? Suggest two pairs of classic & skate skis (See Pro Tip B-Skis, Rock Skis) |
| High School (two sets of skis minimum) | | skis+boots+poles | skis+boots+poles | Returning? Recommend two pairs of classic & skate skis (See Pro Tip B-Skis, Rock skis) |
Pro Tips:
- Get fitted for skis by a coach or ski shop! Proper pole & ski length/flex for a skier’s size are important to learn and have fun. Ski Shops & Discounts are listed under 'Helpful Hints' on the Home page. (Or, shop at our biennial Ski Swap in Mid November - see Coaches for details.)
- Bindings - Make sure the boot fits the ski binding! There are 2 major binding/boot systems (NNN and SNS) and they look very similar, so be sure to have the correct boot with the correct binding. In addition, some older boots are not compatible with newer bindings and visa/versa.
- Mark Kick Zone - Have the person who helped fit the skis to the skier mark the kick pocket on the skis so zones for kick and glide wax are clear for the season.
- Label Equipment - Put skier NAME, TEAM, and PHONE NUMBER on skis, boots, and poles. Many skiers have the same equipment and labels (stickers, tape, marker...etc.) help distinguish whose is whose.
- Ski Bag - Ski bags are worth the investment! Put a luggage tag on it with skier name, phone#, and team with classic & skate skis and poles and everyone's gear is organized, easy to carry, and ready to go!
- Ski Ties - Ski ties bind the two skis together for easy storage and transportation. They are small and can be tucked in a pocket or ski bag during practice.
- Combi Boots - "Combi boots" can be used with classic and skate skis. These are a nice option for beginner skiers just getting into the sport. Experienced skiers should get two pairs of technique-specific boots, one for skate and one for classic skis.
- "B-Skis" - If MS or HS skier is returning to the sport, we recommend at least two pairs of skate and two pairs of classic skis. One good pair is for racing and the other pair are usually used or old, called 'B-Skis'. B-skis are used on poor trail conditions because they already have scratches/knicks or used for prerace warmups while race skis are getting waxed, etc.
- Rock Skis - If MS or HS skier is returning to the sport, we recommend 'rock skis' for early season skiing with trail conditions are poor. These are junk, old, or beat up skis that can be further scratched by rocks during early season skiing.
Fitting Rules of thumb:
Skier weight is the most important factor in choosing a ski followed by skier height & experience!
These are just starting points to begin the fitting process:
SKATE –
SKI LENGTH, chin to forehead
POLE HEIGHT, chin to nose
CLASSIC – soft flex, check kick pocket for contact when weight is on one ski. Kick pockets must be check and remarked every year - skiers and skis change. Check ski flex and kick zone contact video
SKI LENGTH, They generally range between a few inches above your head to the distance of your wrist when you have your arm extended straight above your head. Classic skis are longer than skate.
POLE HEIGHT, arm pit to collar bone. Classic poles are shorter than skate poles.
Ski length: For either technique, shorter skis are easier to handle - error to shorter length for newer skiers; longer skis are generally faster, but more difficult to control and suited better for experienced skiers.
Dryland Practices (Early or Off-season)- Head lamp
- Watch
- Bounding poles
For dryland practices, skiers are required to have bounding poles. These poles can be cheap poles and about waist to chest height. Or, skiers can use their classic poles. LNST has poles that can be borrowed if needed – see Coaches.
Equipment CareKeep skis waxed. See Resources/
Wax webpage for details.
Off-Season Ski Storage & CareWAX-Applying a soft (warm temperature) storage wax to your skis is important to protect the bases from dirt and drying out during the off season. It is quick and easy. All kick wax/klister should be removed from classic ski kick zones.
-
DEMO video to apply storage wax by Coach Zeke!
STONE GRINDING
Stone grinding is offered by some ski shops. It is a procedure that "resurfaces" the base of your skis. There are multiple reasons to stone grind:
1. It refreshes your base, making it perfectly flat again, taking out small scratches or knicks, and allowing better penetration of wax.
2. It gives your base a new structure for the type of snow you ski on with that ski. There are a variety of grinds to choose from. The "Universal Cold" is by far the most common grind put on skis in this area, especially if you only have one set of race skis.
It is generally not necessary to grind your skis every year. By far the most important factor in your race ski is that it fits you correctly (flex and length). The next most important thing is to have a flat, smooth base with the proper grind. The last thing of importance is the wax. You can't take a improperly fitted ski and make it fast with a grind and great wax! However, you can take a properly flexed used or older ski and make it faster with a new grind and great wax.