By: Johannes Griesshammer

With cooler nights and the first dustings of snow on Mount Rose, our thoughts are starting to change over to winter. If you’re looking for a reason to stay active this winter, a cure for cabin fever, or are as excited about the upcoming winter as myself, there is some fantastic news for you in the world of cross country skiing! First off, I’ll talk about some great new gear available at the shop, and I’ll follow it up with some new skiing opportunities at ASC Training Center.

Winter 23/24 Gear

This year, we are bringing in the Atomic Redster S7 and Redster S7 Gen S. Atomic is using updated technologies to create a ski that is more efficient, and glides further with the same amount of input energy. Racewall is a new sidewall construction that generates a closer connection between ski edge and snow, delivering more power transmission and acceleration. Paired with a Densolite and Carbon construction in the core, the result is a lightweight ski that maximizes glide with each step.

Gen S skis ready to go!

The Gen S version of the ski features a special geometry, dubbed Speedscale, which allows the ski to be shorter than usual, while boosting precision, agility, and maneuverability.  These skis come in at 183cm, and are available in different flexes to suit the skier. The secret behind Speedscale is a slight sidecut to the ski, which aids forward progress while skating, and also aids in steerability. So if your idea of fun includes climbing to the summit of Hawk’s Peak and careening down I’m OK, Euer OK, then this is most definitely the ski for you!

For those interested in skiing out the backdoor, we have also expanded our offering of metal edged skis. Joining the Fischer S-Bound and Fischer Spider skis, this winter we have the Salomon Outpath 64 skis. Featuring a light sidecut, along with a 64 mm wide tip, this ski is perfect for cruising on Forest Service roads or the golf course, while still managing to fit in the tracks at a nordic center.

This ski pairs perfectly with their new Escape Outpath boot. This boot has a comfortable touring last, an ankle cuff for added stability and control, and a waterproof gaiter that keeps snow out and heat in!

If you’re excited, make sure to stop by the shop or visit our website early for the best selection!

ASC Training Center to offer night skiing

Experience the magic of winter nights at ASC

The development in our local nordic world that we are looking forward to the most is the ASC Training Center’s Lights Project. When fully completed, the lights project will have lit night skiing on 2.1 km of trails on Donner Pass. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed by this winter, and will offer 800m of trail lit by permanently installed lights. This will allow for after-school practices for local youth, as well as allowing anyone in the community to train after work.

Laying conduit and pouring concrete for lightposts

What does building a lighting system entail? Over the past year, ASC has had to upgrade their electrical systems to handle the extra load of adding lights. From there, they have had to dig lines for laying conduit, and construct concrete bases for the light posts themselves. The final step will be to install the lights!

Local Junior athletes taking advantage of night skiing.

This upcoming winter, ASC plans on starting night skiing on December 14th, and will have skiing available until 7:30 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays! Season passes can be purchased for $189, and are good for trail access all season long, Wednesday-Sunday (ASC is closed Mondays and Tuesdays).