New content for 2009/2010 coming soon.

10.26.09 - Severl winter storms have hit the high passes around Steamboat Springs. Another storm is forecasted to move into the Yampa Valley tomorrow. We're not skiing on the passes yet but we will be soon enough. Do you know where all your gear is? Get ready!
Freeman Nord Style

SKI HAUS NORDIC & CROSS COUNTRY - 2008

The wonderful thing about Nordic skiing is it can mean many different things to many different skiers. Noridc skiing can mean skating at the track, classical skiing on a double track, light touring around the ranch or on the pass, or even slightly heavier skis and boots that provide stability, security, and the ability to make telemark turns. It can even mean full-on tele style at the ski area. Ski Haus stocks it all because we know our customers want to do it all. Go Nordic! Explore! Tour! Skate! Get your Nordic on!

Here are some highlights of the Nordic gear you can find at Ski Haus this winter.

Salomon: Salomon has redesigned their entire Nordic ski line. We can't tell you who has the lightest skate ski on the market (there are at least three manufacturers who claim to have the lightest) but we can tell you that when we pick up Salomon's Equipe 10 off our retail rack it sure feels like it is the lightest. The Equipe 10 has a carbon fiber - low camber design to provide plenty of power and feedback from the ski. The Nomax core is incredibly light and dead-on when it comes to edging.

Ski Haus stocks the Salomon Equipe 10, Equipe 9 and Elite 8 for skate skis. We also stock Salomon's light touring skis the Snowscape 7 for men and the Snowscape 7 Siam for women.

For skating Salomon's SLab Carbon Skate rulesls the roost. New for 08 is the women's RS Carbon. The RS is one step down from the SLab but it finally comes in a women's last. Better fit for women means better skiing for women.

Salomon's Pilot binding system for both skate and classic skiing is effective and effecient. Both systems increase stability with two contact points. A fast ski return to boot after the kick is awesome. Ski faster uphill, kick stronger in classic, hold increased speed on the downhills with stability. It's all good. Ski the Pilot. Ski to win.

Fischer: The Fischer Carbonlite skis are still in high demand and low inventories. If you find your size and flex in a Carbonlite our advice is to buy it immediately. Don't wait. If you wait, that ski may not be there the next day. 'Nuff said. Carbonlite is one of the lightest and most responsive skis on the market. AirCore through the core of the ski, AirCore on the sidewalls, carbonfiber tip and tails, and very responsive. Great return energy from this ski. This ski won lats year's 90k Courer des Bois race just north of Steamboat Springs.

Ski Haus stocks the RCS Carbonlite, RCS, RCR, Superlight in both crown and waxable bases, Summit Crown, BC Country Crown, and Outbound skis. We also stock the RC9 and RC7 Noridc Poles.

Ski Haus also offers a throw-back 3-pin boot from Fischer. This style of boot faded away for a couple seasons but we’re seeing a resurgence in the 75mm Nordic Norm style. Check out the Fischer BCX 675 for ball-of-the-foot flex, great control, and comfort.

Rossignol: Rossi is making headway with its integrated NIS skate ski/binding/boot system. The Xium comes with a binding plate “bonded” to the top sheet of the ski. No screws. The flex of the ski is not affected by the binding mount. This produces an amazingly tight interface between ski/binding/and boot for increased control. This system allows you to move the binding forward or back to customize your position for conditions and technique.

When choosing between NNN or SNS let your boot fit be your guide. If your feet feel good you will ski good. Both systems are superior to one another.

Atomic: We took a season or two off from Atomic but they are back and back with a vengence. Ski Haus carries the Atomic World Cup, Race Skate, and Pro Race Classic G2. Both of the World Cup and the Race Skate are awesome skate skis. The return energy you get from these skis offer an incredible amount of feedback off your kick. This may be something you have never felt from a skate ski before now. These skis are stable and wonderful to be on...

The Pro Race Classic G2 is a no-wax ski with a difference. The new G2 no-wax base provdies plenty of kick and outstanding glide. The majority of no-wax classic skis tend to be slow. Sure you can kick plenty hard but your effort is now rewarded with longer glide. Isn't it about time you felt great glide from your kick with a no-wax ski? We think so.

Yoko: Yoko poles are a brand new offering for Ski Haus 2008. Ski Haus carries the Unica, Loppett, Gold, and Platin. The Gold and Platin have the power grip strap/grip system (similar to the old Toko 232 system). Upgrading your Nordic poles poles this winter should be high on your list!

Swix & Toko: Swix and Toko offer the waxing and tuning supplies and breathable outwear that make our sport absolutely fly! These two companies offer it all. Check out the ever expanding wax/tune supplies downstairs at our repair shop. Keep you boards healthy. Wax ‘em often (even your no-wax skis need wax and maintenance) and get your Nordic on!
We offer equipment and clothing from the following companies:

Fischer

Atomic

Rossignol

Salomon

Swix

Craft

Toko

Jytte Nordic Hats

V2 Roller Skis

Patagonia

Sugoi
Above photo: Yellowstone Rendezvous 2002. Lots of local Steamboat
skiers make the long drive north to participate in this spring classic.
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, Vista Verde, 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!

Mighty Howelsen Hill.
World Cup Nordic Skiing in Steamboat

An adventure in skate skiing can be as easy as going downtown to Howelsen Hill. Accessed from the 5th Street vehicle bridge or the 9th Street pedestrian bridge,

Howelsen Hill has miles of groomed trails ranging from flat to heart pounding steep. The flats are conveniently located at the base of the hill with groomed skate and classic tracks laid out for the novice skier to get the feel of the glide or skate and for the more advanced skier to work on technique and speed.

Venturing above the jumping complex via Mile Run gives access to the Orton Meadows, a long time favorite area for cross country skiing. Although an uphill skate is required to get to the meadows, once there, rolling hills are the reward.

At the top of the meadows the trail winds through pine trees giving you the dark forest and solitary skiing feeling. Breaking back out in to the meadows you look out over town before getting the free ride back down.

A third and new-last-year section to Howelsen named Phase I starts with a steep uphill behind the rodeo arena. At the top of that incline, a variety of groomed, rolling loops give access to great vistas toward Mount Werner and the Yampa River core trail. Phase II, slated for work next summer, will stay lower on the hill, offering mellower terrain and eliminating the lung dropping climbs that Howelsen can be known for.

Check out all the trails at Howelsen Hill. This city owned facility is a gem and tons of 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