Barely enough for some tracks

There was barely enough snow to set track at the Rod and Gun Club.  I groomed a short loop that goes over by the small jumps and back.  Watch out for bare spots, but it should be OK if you are really jonesing to get out and ski a little.  Please stay on the groomed trail, or be really careful if you ski off-trail; there are concrete pads around the skeet houses.  Also - stay off the greens!

I packed the DNR trails, but they clearly need more snow before anyone skis up there.  At least we have a nice level base to start with.  The trails got mowed and I put the bridge in, so we should have decent skiing once we get a little more snow.

How to: kick wax

Here is a short video on how to apply kick wax.  You will probably need to apply a few thins coats of kick wax to your skis every time you go out.  Check the temperature and apply the appropriate color wax; Toko Red is good down to about 16 degrees.  Toko blue is great in colder temps.

Kick wax demo

Thanks for watching.  Now I'm an influencer.

2021 Information

GEAR PICK-UP:

In order to streamline the process of picking up your gear, please take a few measurements for me:

A) Floor to wrist.  Your classical skis should come up to somewhere between your wrist and elbow; shorter for younger and beginning skiers.

B) Floor to "middle of shoulder". Classical poles should be somewhere between your armpit and top of shoulder.

C) Euro boot size.  Google a conversion chart if that helps.  I will have several pairs for your child to try on.

Text this info to me at 608-632-6272 and let me know when you want to pick it up.  $50 per set for the season.

WAXING:

I have gone away from grip tape in favor of using traditional hard waxes.  It requires a little work on your part, but offers better performance in most conditions.  I will send two waxes and a cork home with you.  I am applying 4 thin layers of Toko Red to all the skis before they go out.  This should be good for the first outing or two, but you will need to apply a little of the appropriate wax (temperatures shown on wax) before subsequent sessions.

CLASSIC/SKATE GEAR:

I am sending out classic gear for starters.  If your skier wants to switch over to skating later in the season, I can provide different skis (shorter) and poles (longer).  No charge.

CONDITIONS:

Skis are made for snow.  Do not ever ski across roads, sidewalks, etc.  Do not ski when there is not enough snow; if you see grass or dirt in your tracks; there is not enough snow and you will damage the skis.

I hope we get the forecasted 4-7" on Tuesday night.  That should be enough to start grooming at Timber Coulee.  I will update the blog when I groom.

2021 Season

Greetings Skiers!  I hope you are all well and looking forward to spending some time making tracks this winter.  I apologize for the lateness of an announcement this year.

Due to the Covid situation, we will have a loosely-structured ski program this winter.  You can rent gear as usual ($50 for the season).  We will try to organize 4 "ski outings" throughout the winter, based on trail conditions, temperature, community health, etc.  These will be free of charge and geared toward a casual outdoor and/or family-oriented experience.

I plan to groom at Timber Coulee whenever conditions permit, and you can ski there anytime.  Some of the outings will be at Timber Coulee on Monday evenings, but I hope we can meet other places as well, possibly at KVR on a Saturday. 

There will not be any facilities used this winter, so you need to show up prepared to ski.  We will only meet in small groups, only outdoors, and there will be strict Covid precautions in place, including wearing a face covering at all times.

I have all the gear at my house.  Call or text to set up a time to pick it up 608-632-6272

More info (and hopefully snow) to follow...

Return gear to Dan when convenient

Thanks for another great season of Nordic skiing.  I was hoping that we might get another chance to ski in March, but that does not look likely.  Unless you have a trip planned up north, you should think about returning your gear.  Please drop it off in my garage (S 3746 Bakkom Rd) as I am storing all the gear at my house.

I understand we are adjusting to big changes in our lives with the virus event, so there is no rush.

Thanks again.  I'm already looking forward to skiing next winter.
Coach Dan

Too soft, too slow

There is still some snow in the valley, but it would be too soft, too sucky and too slow to be enjoyable.
No practice Monday.

It could get cold and snow again, and I would be happy to groom if that happens.

When you are ready to return your gear, call/text me at 485-0876
Or drop it off at 3746 Bakkom Rd

Cook Out Monday

We will have a cook-out on Monday.  I will bring hot dogs, buns, ketchup & mustard.  I will also bring s'mores fixings.  You should bring something to drink.  You can bring another dish if you want, but you really don't need to.  It would be great if one or two parents can keep the fire going and start cooking the hot dogs around 4:45.

I groomed Saturday morning before it got too warm.  Please stay off the trails when it is too warm and you are leaving ruts.  It should be really good skiing Sunday morning.  I hope you can get out.

Monday will be our last official practice.  If we still have snow after that, we can have a few more practices. 

Weather coming on Monday

There is supposed to be snow coming in Monday afternoon, so keep an eye on the weather and the road conditions. 

I am going to try to make it down for practice, even if school has an early dismissal.  But, it's your call...

The skiing was really good today.  Saw a few other tracks out there.

Fresh tracks

The new snow groomed up nicely this morning.  It should be good skiing on Sunday; I hope you can get out.  Please try to stay off the trail when it is above freezing and you make deep ruts.

Sounds like more snow on the way on Monday.  We might have to break track, but we will enjoy having more snow.  Don't forget your costume.

Costume Day

Monday is Costume Day!  Everyone can wear a fun costume that you can ski in. 
The weather should be good and the trails should be firmed up and freshly groomed.

Giant Snow Cootie spotted at Timber Coulee

Enjoy the weekend

The trails were groomed Friday morning, and should hold up for practice on Monday.
The big unknown is how much foot traffic will be out there this weekend.  It will too warm to groom again until the temps cool off.
Try to ski early on Sunday before the snow gets too soft.

Grooming update

It hasn't happened.  I didn't have time on Thursday or Friday, and now the snow is too warm and wet to take the snowmobile out.  It is supposed to cool down tonight, so I plan to groom Sunday morning and we should have good conditions for practice on Monday.

In the mean time, you could check out the Viroqua Golf Course or KVR; both have been grooming this winter.

Skiing on Monday

We got enough snow to groom all the trails.  It looked pretty good when I finished grooming Saturday, but it was getting windy.  I'm sure the tracks will get blown-over in the exposed areas.  I will try to set new tracks on Sunday afternoon.  You should get out and ski on Sunday if you can.

It will be a little colder on Monday, in the low teens.  If you got grip wax at sign-up night, you might want to add two thin layers of blue or green to the kick zone.  We can always touch them up at practice.

Remember - you must carry your skis across the bridge!  Do not ski in parking lots, driveways, across the sidewalk, etc.  This has ruined our skis in the past.

If anyone else wants to sign up, just text me 608-485-0876 and make an appointment to come over and pick up equipment.

See you Monday!

Another Dryland Practice

I'm not going to post forecasts again... it leads to disappointment.

We will have another dryland practice on Monday, similar to last week.

Lots of "Chances for Snow"

Hopefully we can bring skis on Monday... stay tuned!

Dryland Practice

We will have a 'dryland practice' on Monday; warm-up, stretches, some trail running for the older group, and some games.  Even though the weather hasn't cooperated, we might as well get out and be active.

3:45 at the Westby Rod & Gun Club on Cty Rd P.  I didn't get a key for the building yet, so try to have all your changing and bathroom needs taken care of before practice.

9-year olds and up - bring your poles.  See you Monday.