Crosscountry skiing Steamboat Springs Colorado
Madshus Epoch
We offer equipment and clothing from the following companies:

Fischer

Atomic

Rossignol

Salomon

Swix

Craft

Toko

V2 Roller Skis

Patagonia

Sugoi
Madshus Epoch
The last entry on our crosscountry page was about all the different ways a person can crosscountry ski. One of the fastest growing and most popular growth segments for Ski Haus is the midfat to fat, nowax, crosscountry ski.

These skis are wider and more stable than traditional cambered and traditional sized xc skis. The wider boards are designed to be skied shorter so not only are you gaining stability but the design enhances downhill control as well.

One of the most popular skis this season is the Madshus Epoch. This is a go-anywhere ski that tours nicely up and around or down hills and anything in between. The noxwax base provides easy kick and glide with the progressive, positive-set waxless pattern, while the progressive radius sidecut and full-length edges turn effortlessly with the Epoch’s lively flex.

We ski this ski from old road grades and backcountry trails to forested glades and low-angle bowls, the Epoch skis with ease. Two thumbs up from the Ski Haus staff.

Length: 165-195/10cm
Sidecut: 99-68-84mm
Weight: 2530g/185cm
Core: Multicore
Base: Omnitrak® NoWax Base
Cross Country Skiing is not one dimensional
We get this alot in Ski Haus... A customer comes in and says they are new to crosscountry skiing and want to buy new skis. In the first place this is fantastic because there are not enough XC skiers in the world and the world can use all the Nordic skiers we can get. However, this does present a challenge because the next question is what kind of crosscountry skiing do they want to do?

We count at least six different ways to go crosscountry skiing.
1. Race/High Performace Skate & Classic at the track (dedicated to the sport).
2. Performance/Fitness Skate & Classic Skiing at the track (fitness motivated).
3. Light Touring (very light equipment designed for a groomed track and casual skier).
4. Backcountry light touring (traditional camber skis and skinnier width skis designed to cover distance easily).
5. Backcountry Touring with turns (medium width skis, more sidecut, good for touring and turning).
6. Backcountry Telemark on the burliest skis and boots with the main goal of making backcountry turns and harvesting powder).

As much as we wish it, there is not one ski or boot/binding system that will do all of the above skiing for us. So the challenge is to figure what you want to do most often and buy that first. Once you have some fun with that it's a great idea to expand your crosscountry experience and add some additional styles and techniques to your Nordic repertoire. Becoming a complete Nordic skier is a worthy goal.

There are lots of different ways to crosscountry ski and they are all wonderful. Crosscountry skiing is not one dimensional and you're not locked into skiing only one kind of trail. This is the ultimate beauty of xc skiing.... Crosscountry anyone? You bet!
The Ski Haus Crosscountry Skis
The Crosscountry ski selection at Ski Haus. We have a Nordic ski for everyone!
Steamboat Nordic Camp Steamboat Nordic Camp
This past weekend the Steamboat Nordic Camp was held. Ski Haus has been a sponsor since the very beginning and will continue to do so in the future.

This event is exceptional.

The Nordic Camp offers great instruction with small groups. You will always feel like your coach is with you on a 1 to 1 basis.

Beyond the great instruction in both skate and classic techniques there is great food to keep your energy up, fast demo skis and boots for you to test, new friends to make, and fun.

This is the best way to start your Nordic season....on the right foot with ideas and techniques you can use and practice all winter long.

Atomic, Fischer, Madshus, Salomon, Siwx, Rossignol, and Toko came with demo fleets of skis and boots for everyone to try. Quite a few skiers had their eyes opened on how easy good equipment can help you progress (or at least not hold you back like gear that doesn't fit you can hold you back).

Each year the Nordic skiers who particpate have come away feeling very happy with their instrucion, the skiing, and the comraderie they all share.

Don't miss the Steamboat Nordic Camp next year. It is held the second weekend of December.

Zup! Zup! Zup!
Steamboat Nordic Camp
Steamboat Nordic Camp
Redesign! Fischer S-Bound 98
Many of you will recognize this ski as the old Boundless ski from Fischer. Fischer kept the same sidecut but that is where the similaritites end. There is a new no-wax pattern and a new flex on the S-Bound 98. First the no-wax pattern - the depth of the pattern is deepest under foot to enhance kick and the depth of the cut is reduced as it goes towards the tip and tail to enhance glide. As far as I am aware, no other xc ski manufacturer is doing this. It is not unusual for companies to adjust the pattern towards the tip and tail but to also adjust the depth of the pattern is very cool and very smart.

Next, the new 98 has a bit of rocker built into it. In the store, when you squeeze the skis together you will notice the tips splay apart just a bit. This is the rocker showing itself. When you are on snow think about yourself weighting the ski - and tip naturally rising above the surface as you kick and glide or turn. You can't make a ski much easier to ski unless you pay someone to go out on them for you! But what fun is that? Come on into Ski Haus and pick yourself up a pair and go ski them for yourself. You will be glad you did. See you out there!

Sizes: 159, 169, 179, 189. Price $319.95
Atomic SkinTec Classic Skis
NEW! Atomic SkinTec Classic Skis
We skied these skis last Spring and had a really fun time on them. I think this ski bridges the gap between a mechanical no-wax cut pattern and a kick waxed ski.

The "kick" on this ski comes from the mohair insert that is held in place with 4 strong magnets. There are two inserts, one is wall to wall mohair and the other has a small space creating two strips of mohair. More kick with one, more glide with the other. Choose between the two considering snow conditions and technique abilities.

The inserts are smaller than mechanically cut patterns, maybe even smaller than some traditional kick wax kick zones, so the glide is enhanced over a mechanical pattern. They transition nicely into the glide from a very reliable kick. These are fun skis that definitely improve the performance of "no-wax" skis.

Atomic says, "With one easy motion, this ski can be adapted to any snow conditions thanks to two different high-performance grip modules which ensure a solid and dynamic kick at all times. The Step Down Sidewall construction distributes power evenly across the entire kick zone, providing the cross-country skier with perfect grip with every step. At the same time, the World Cup coating and symmetrical camber maximize the glide phase. Making the Skintec the ideal race and training ski for athletic and race-oriented cross-country skiers who prefer to invest their energy in speed rather than waxing."
Sizes: 184, 191, 198, 205.
Bjorn Daehlie Olympic Jacket NEW! Bjorn Daehlie at Ski Haus
Even if you know only a little bit about crosscountry skiing, skate skiing, or classic skiing, you have probably heard of Bjorn Daehlie. Bjorn is the most successful male Olympic Nordic skier in histoy. He is a legend.
Ski Haus tried a couple times over the years to stock Bjorn Daehlie clothing with little success. But now the distribution in the USA is solid and we're excited to have this line in our shop. This is some of the best fitting, best designed Nordic wear we have seen in a while. Highlighted here is the Olympic Jacket for men. We also stock pants, hats, and gloves

The Olympic Jacket features:
3-Layer elastic soft shell with waterproof membrane in front
2-Layer elastic soft shell in back with inserts in Thermolife Light for breathability and moisture management
Full length front zipper with inner placket and chin guard
Two zippered hand pockets
Inner zippered chest pocket
Reflective elements for safety and visibility

Come check out the latest from Bjorn Daehlie at Ski Haus!
Madshus Eon Nordic Ski
Madshus Eon
Around Steamboat Springs, the first skiing of the season is always up on the pass. Cross country skiing up there is a blast and it is any easy way to get your mind wrapped around winter. The Madshus Eon XC ski offers the perfect blend of touring and turning performance. This ski is ready to go explore anywhere and equally adept at making turns along the way. This ski packs some muscle without being a heavyweight. That allows you to tour light and easy and negociate any snow type from early season mank to midseason powder and more. The no-wax pattern is high-tech allowing for a reliable kick that won't inhibit glide. Ready to ski? We are! Ski Haus has the Eon for sale and once we have enough snow up on the pass we will have them to rent, too. Try out the Eon from Madshus only at Ski Haus.
Steamboat Nordic Camp and Festival Steamboat Nordic Camp & Festival. December 9,10,11, 2011
This is a great way to kick-off your ski season with the area’s top coaches helping you improve your skills. This camp is open to all ability levels: true beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone. Whether your goal is simply to learn to XC ski or to improve your racing results, this is a camp for you.

In order to meet skiers needs/desires, clinic groups will be divided by ability and group size will be small (you can expect 6 or less skiers to 1 coach). Skiers can choose clinics in skating or classic techniques, or both (we encourage skiers to clinic in both techniques).

Also, try before you buy. Demo skis,boots, and poles from Fischer, Salomon, Swix, Atomic, Rossignol, Madshus, and Toko. Industry representatives will be on site to answer your gear questions and offer great advice. This is an excellent opportunity to try the equipment and learn about products before you purchase.

On snow video analysis is also included in this camp. Video analysis is one of the best tools for improving technique and overall efficiency in your skiing. Last but not least skiers can look forward to hearty lunches, a fun and festive happy hour on Saturday afternoon and prize drawings both days.

Come join the fun!
Register at Active.com or in person at Ski Haus.

Nordic in the Yampa Valley

Nordic skiing and cross country skiing in Steamboat Springs has a long and rich history. Even so, over the past couple winters we have seen the popularity of nordic skiing absolutely skyrocket. Whether you like to nordic skate, classic ski, or go for simple tours on the high passes.... The skiing is fantastic and we have the terrain to match!

One of our favorite places to ski groomed track is Howelsen Hill, located right in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs (ok, maybe just to the left a little bit). Howelsen is a gem. This city owned facility offers downhill skiing, jumping, freestyle, ice skating, snowhoeing, and of course, nordic skiing. The track skiing is world class. Skate and classic track is offered. Many World Cup Nordic Combined and Cross Country events have been held here. If you would like to test your skill level or your conditioning fitness, come ski at Howelsen.

Other great places to track ski in the valley are Catamount, The Steamboat Touring Center, and Steamboat Lake State Park. If you combine all the nordic areas together we have well over 100 kilometers of groomed track in the Yampa Valley.

When we aren't at mighty Howelsen Hill we can usually be found breaking trail in the backcountry. For a list of Where to Ski and What to Take scroll down to more kickin' and glidin'!

And finally, we love to race, too. The Local Nordic Challenge Series (each local nordic area hosts a race throughout the winter season) is a huge success. Come join the fun!
Where to ski and what to take

Steamboat Springs is located in the Yampa Valley and our home is surrounded by great places to cross country ski and snowshoe. The hardest thing about these activities is deciding where to go! Ski Haus stocks a great selection of maps from USGS and Trail Illustrated. We can also offer some ideas

Here are some suggestions on what to take with you on a tour and where to ski.

- extra coat or sweater
- extra hat and gloves
- water and food
- fire starters (candle and matches)
- sunglasses, sunscreen, goggles

- first aid kit
- wax kit and ski repair kit
- knife or leatherman
- thermal tarp, space blanket
- topo map, compass, and camera



Rabbit Ears Pass - This area is an all time classic for cross country and snowshoeing. The west side of Rabbit Ears is suggested xc / snowshoe use. Snowmobiles are recommended to use the east side of the pass. West Summit, Bruce's Trail, Fox Curve, and Walton Peak are the access parking lots to use. These areas provide marked trails (marked by blue diamonds on trees or stakes in the meadows) and a wide variety of terrain from easy to expert only to tour, turn, and explore. Generally, we send first timers to the West Summit on Trail 1A. Walton Peak is wonderful to explore and make some turns.

Hogan Park - If there were a 50 classic tours in Colorado this could be #1! Hogan Park connects Rabbit Ears Pass with the top of Mount Werner, Steamboat's ski area. This 7 mile trail tours through dark timber, wide open meadows, crosses creeks, and climbs and descends steep hills. Watch the weather, this tip can take a couple hours or last a lifetime. Good orienteering skills are a must as well as good conditioning for the skiers, overnight gear, repair and first aid kits.

Steamboat Touring Center and Howelsen Hill - Steamboat Springs is blessed to have easy access to two areas that offer groomed track skiing for classic or skate skiing. The Touring Center offers 30k of track and Howelsen has approximately 20k. Both areas have snowshoe trails and both places are located within the Steamboat's city limits.

Hahns Peak, Sand Mountain, Steamboat Lake - 30 miles to the north of Steamboat is the little town of Clark, gateway to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. It is here where the terrain turns wild. Hahns Peak and Sand Mountain will test your backcountry skills and provide some awesome telemark terrain. Avalanche skills and awareness are a must. Experts only.

You can try skate skiing and classic skiing up at Steamboat Lake State Park, too. They have been grooming for about three years and the terrain is great. The spectacular views will keep you skiing for hours! Either a Colorado State Parks Pass ($50) is required to ski the trails or a day parking pass ($5).

Soda Mountain - North of Buffalo Pass, (Colorado's deepest snowshed) is Soda Mountain. A big mountain that provides long vistas and challenging terrain. The long route takes you up Buffalo Pass and over to Soda, down Soda and reconnect to Buffalo Pass. (close to 20 miles round trip but a classic loop) Easier access is from the Dry Lake Parking Lot, ski up Soda Creek Drainage to the mountain. Many opportunities to do some laps and yo yo skiing.

Dunckley Pass - You can find more marked ski trails here. Beginner to intermediate terrain. Located to the south of Steamboat Springs, access Dunckley Pass from the town of Oak Creek. A wonderful area that doesn't see a ton of use. Quiet and peaceful!

There are limitless opportunities to ski and snowshoe in our area. Please call or email us for more information and maps.
Ski Haus
1450 South Lincoln Avenue
Steamboat springs, Colorado 80477
1-800-932-3019
info@skihaussteamboat.com
Ski Haus
Steamboat Springs
Colorado
Cross Country Skiing . Skate . Classic . Touring . Backcountry