Happy Holidays from Colorado
Posted in Racing by Brian SchaningSince I went home for Thanksgiving we didn’t make it back for Christmas this year. I had really been hoping ski season would be in mid-season form at this point- but its been pretty sparse in terms of the white stuff. I was pumped to give Winter Park a try as I had never skied there; but conditions were super disappointing. Rocks everywhere, ice, and very limited terrain. After a couple hours of the sub-par conditions we gave up on that. Since the downhill wasn’t up to snuff we gave the Nordic a go at Snow Mountain Ranch. I was pleasantly surprised- the conditions were awesome, and I loved the trail network! It certainly is the best Nordic I have skied in Colorado. The grooming was pure corduroy, rolling terrain, and flat trails (vs. off camber). Absolutely perfect! And to top it off- its free with the AWAY program from the YMCA! I hope to put a good number of K’s in here this winter.
The little mini trip to the mountains gave me the opportunity to test out some new gear from the sponsors:
Thule Atlantis 1800XT Cargo Box
This may be the best investment I’ve made lately! I previously used a basic ski rack but have wanted to give a box a try. I hated having to put poles and wet gear in the car and ruining your interior, and really don’t like putting the nordic skis on a ski rack. This box solves all those problems quite elegantly! Additionally it is super quiet- not a hint of noise on the roof, while there is a distinct whistle with a ski rack. Nor have I noticed any decrease in gas mileage. Not to mention all your gear is protected from the elements. I had debated going between the Thule 1200 and 1800, and glad I went with the larger one- it fits longer nordic skis to 200cm, and once you start throwing snowboards and big powder skis in, it fits it all without having to struggle. The new locking mechanism Thule has put on it is awesome- it has had no trouble with below 0deg temps and snow.
Thule 87L Rolling Duffel
I was in need of a new piece of luggage- as both wheels fell off my last piece from all the traveling I’ve been doing. The Thule 87L has fit my needs perfectly- the size is ideal (not too big or small), and the large wheels and metal appointments are nice and durable. The extendable metal handle is the best one I have seen on any luggage. I like the dual compartments that it has; this is great for separating training gear from business attire. The only thing it is missing is a small little pocket on the outside for throwing things like charging cables and small little nick-nacks.
Nathan Sports Flurry
This is perhaps the perfect H2O carrier for nordic skiing when the temp drops into the teen’s and below. Having the bottle completely insulated from the cold means its not going to freeze up. After skiing in temps between -1 and 15deg at Snow Mtn Ranch- it certainly proved itself; the nozzle didn’t freeze up. The side pockets are perfect for your car key and some energy product.
I hope everyone has some new gear they get to try out after the holidays- Merry Christmas!



























