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Making-Tracks

Ski and snowboard waxing basics for downhill, cross-country beginners

Waxing poetic about skis

For the past 20-plus years, the Ski Sheriff has posted tips about using the proper equipment for downhill and cross-country skiing, its maintenance and skiing technique.

The first downhill skiing columns, in the early 1980s, were all about where to go for the best powder. But then, the Sheriff met Constant Companion Carmen, who did both downhill and cross-country skiing. Both the two Virgos love practical advice and sharing it.

So, the Sheriff enrolled in a free introductory classic ski lesson at Kelowna Nordic Ski Club, now the Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club. The Sheriff wrote notes and took photos of instructor Cam Forbes as he demonstrated the proper classic technique (as opposed to skating).

Brenda, a long-time hiking,skiing and kayaking buddy, said, "Put this in your Making Tracks column because I'm never going to remember everything he said."

The Sheriff remembers hearing that people generally retain less than one-half of what they are told during verbal instruction. And a week after that, only a few points.

Many downhill and cross-country skiers do their own (ski) waxing. Real “keeners” even file their downhill ski edges. Cross-country skiers can be the most dedicated (and the process is more complicated), so here is a summary applicable mainly to cross-country, with some application to downhill.

There are three types of cross-country skis—waxless, waxable and skate. Contrary to the name, waxless skis aren't truly waxless and they are different in that the latest versions have a hairy "skin" grip surface under your boot. The hairs point toward the tail so they catch in the snow when you put weight on the ski and the other foot slides forward. They evolved from “fish scale” models, which have small sharp discs pointing toward the tail. Few retailers sell fish scale anymore but there are still a lot around. The Sheriff still uses a pair.

Do not put wax on the skins or fish scale because it ruins their grip on the snow. In fact, regularly check the skins and fish scale, and remove any wax with wax remover (use sparingly) that collected there from your skis or was left on the trail. If snow sticks to the fish scale, you can rub, or spray on, silicon. (It comes in a can with a foam applicator or spray nozzle).

The other parts of waxless skis—the tips and tails—require 12 to 15 grams of glide wax matching the snow temperature. Wax doesn't last all season, just five to seven days out.

Waxable skis require the same kind of glide wax on the tips and tails to match the snow temperature. But under your ski boot, the kick zone, special wax grips the snow just like skins or fish scale. This grip wax also has to match the snow temperature (not the air temperature). Some diehard skiers even bring a thermometer.

Skate skis have glide wax from tip to tail because they move across the snow like ice skates. The same is true for downhill skis and snowboards. It's all about the glide. The faster, the better.

The basics of hot waxing begin with a suitable work surface. Virtually all cross-country ski areas have a wax room or similar area where you can plug in your waxing iron and have a ski mounting system to firmly hold your skis.

As an experiment many years ago, the Sheriff bought a piece of plywood, covered it in plastic, and attached a flat clamp in the middle. It worked so well it is still used. YouTube has numerous videos to illustrate the waxing process.

The Sheriff likes to clean and wax skis at the beginning and then at season end to seal them for off-season storage. It's actually impossible to wax your skis too much.

The hot waxing essentials are all in a Princess Auto tool bag—waxing iron (max 225 F), plastic scraper, variety of waxes rated for temperature, nylon brush, wax remover, brass/bronze base brush and abrasive pads from soft to more stiff.

After the initial hot waxing in November, the Sheriff cheats a little by quickly wiping on a liquid glide wax just before rushing out the door.

Next week: Choosing the proper cross-country equipment, including boots, skis and poles.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.





Cold weather tips for mid-winter outdoor adventures

Staying warm at -10 C

Mother Nature kindly provided us with a warning this week that winter is still with us, and we need to remember everything we've learned from going out unprepared.

The Ski Sheriff has long arms and legs which means warm blood has to travel further to keep his hands and feet from freezing when the temperature dips to -15 C. That's his and Constant Companion Carmen's limit for most outdoor adventures.

Based on his long, sad history of inadequate preparation, here's what he has learned by trial and error, from goose-bumped bald head to numb toes.

Headwear

Choosing the proper tuque depends on your activity. If you are cross-country skiing, it's non-stop muscular effort which produces lots of heat. The Sheriff has several to choose from in the blue plastic Ikea bag used to carry ski, kayak and hiking gear.

He also has several balaclavas which can fit under a ski (or e-bike) helmet. He's also seen in a headband which has two pockets for chemical hand warmers.

Neck warmers or tubes come in a variety of thicknesses and lengths. The Sheriff prefers a thick one long enough to stretch over his mouth and nose, and tucked up tight to downhill goggles. Your hot breath will keep the nose and cheeks from frostbite. You can use a decorative scarf if you are in fashion mode.

Outerwear

The Sheriff has several Arctic-level winter coats for downhill. Remember, there is a wind just from the speed of high-speed chairlifts and you are sitting without creating much body heat.

For cross-country skiing, he believes in layer, layer, layer. Long underwear and stretchy ski pants, plus plastic snow pants for when it's frigid or windy. Merino long-sleeved shirt (maybe two), merino zip sweater, down vest (when it’s -15 C) and a windbreaker. The rule is to be cool in the parking lot. The zippers of the windbreaker and sweater can be fully or partially undone for temperature control. Sweating is bad. However, wool can be wet but still keep you warm.

If in a lesson, there could be some standing around before you start practising or if you are skiing with someone slower and have to stop regularly to let them catch up, so take that into consideration.

Footwear

Some downhill ski boots (like CCC's) come with battery heaters. The Sheriff tried battery-heated socks from an automotive retailer but found the D cell on the top of each sock heavy. The electric wire to the toe heater eventually broke, leaving a scratchy wire end under his foot.

The second option is heated insoles. Some have a remote control for low, medium and high heat, while the Sheriff's latest models have the heat control in the heel so you have to remove your boots and insoles to change settings.

You quickly learn the best setting for 0 C, -5 C and -10 C but remember the higher the heat setting, the shorter the burn time.

Hands

Battery-heated gloves are available but pricey. Mitts are warmer than five-finger gloves. The Sheriff has thick winter mitts, plus thick mittens inside plastic outer mitts, and adds chemical hand warmers. One pair is expensive so the Sheriff buys multi-pack boxes.

Remember to open the package before you arrive, shake the iron oxide inside to start the chemical reaction and put them inside gloves to warm up before hands go inside.

There are also chemical warmers for the torso and feet. However, proper-fitting footwear may not have enough room to place them (possibly with a sticky pad) on the bottom or top of your feet (without the warmer sliding around). Underfoot, your foot pressure squeezing out the air could slow or stop the warming.

Ultimately, if it's that bone-chilling, you can shorten your outing or stop at a heated cabin to warm up with the thermos of hot chocolate, tea or coffee in your backpack or waist pack. An energy bar will work from your insides. Those packs could also hold alternatives to what you are wearing or extra layers.

Almost every sunny day this winter (with no snow), the Sheriff and CCC have been e-biking in the valley bottom, using their cross-country ski gear. Shorter outings but pleasurable, thanks to the above warmth protection.

•••

Big White Ski Resort is launching its new Learn and Turn Beginner Friday Night program this month. The Ski and Snowboard School has affordable instruction for complete beginners to skiing or snowboarding at the Magic Carpet area. Masters Monday and Ladies’ Day programs are also back.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



South Okanagan cross-country ski area goes snowshoe-only

McKinney ski club changes

The sad demise of the McKinney Nordic Ski Club's cross-country ski operation for three seasons is a cautionary tale for other cross-country ski areas.

At the onset of the 2024-25 season, the Ski Sheriff got the impression McKinney, located on McKinney Road, east of Oliver, was on life-support for the past two seasons and had passed away. Its ancient groomer was sold and no trails were groomed last year due to the groomer's ill health. But its website (mckinneynordicskiclub.com) said it had nine kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails and five kilometres of marked snowshoe trails.

In mid-November, the Sheriff sought more information through its Facebook page but eventually received only a forwarded message about snowshoeing. Since then, there are signs of life, thanks to two dedicated seniors.

As snow began to accumulate, Trevor Gambell and Jerry Monahan spent many hours developing and maintaining snowshoe trails. However, their combined age is just under 160 years. So, of course, the Sheriff wondered how much longer they can, or are willing to, continue.

On Nov. 28, the McKinney Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Forum on Facebook (195 members) confirmed: "To all skiers and snowshoers! As the new season (is) approaching, we would normally be getting our trails ready for our trails users. With the retirement of our groomer Al and Grumpy the Snowcat, we aren't able to groom our ski trails again, but snowshoe trails will be maintained (to our) our volunteers best ability. Our club executives are currently working on finding solutions to be able to groom again. Please note: We are not seeking memberships and not collecting donations at this time. And we thank you for understanding, your patience and support. More updates to come!"

Since then, the only Facebook updates have been about which snowshoe trails were packed.

On Dec. 9, Julie King posted: "The trail from Lower Shelter up to Eagle Shelter has now been tracked. There is a lot of deadfall on this trail, so be prepared to go up and over or around many fallen trees. And (it’s) best to stay on the tracked trail."

Her Dec. 10 update: "The parking lot has now been cleared and two volunteers tracked trails again today. The trail from the lower shelter to the upper shelter has still not been cleared, however, more tracking is planned."

In mid-December, Monahan reported: "It's a bit of a mess on ss trails. Temperature inversion plus big wind put a crust and lots of debris on the trails. We are in the process of creating a new map which will name our trails (as of now only Dogleg and Big Tree Loop are named) and colour coded for degree of difficulty."

Last weekend, Gambell posted: "Now the Dogleg Trail is fully functional, but we have yet to set the Eagle Shelter Trail. We do not recommend using this trail, especially if you are a beginner."

On Monday, Gambell emailed the Sheriff: "Jerry and I will be getting some distances measured out for the maps. We have the first draft as a very good start. We hope to meet up with JAFA Signs in Penticton at the end of this week to hopefully complete the map, possibly mounted at McKinney by the start of February. As for skiing, there has been no track-setting this year, though some people have skied between the parking area and the lower shelter which is basically all flat."

"I guess too soon for an obit. Probably a reasonable chance we follow thru on purchasing a snowmobile and track-setter but need an operator. We have the $$, trails and motivation. Snowshoe trails are in good shape, progress is being made on a proper map and trails are being used,” Monahan added.

Establishing an official cross-country ski and snowshoe area is challenging since provincial permission is required. Then, opening environmentally-sensitive and navigable trails presents a second challenge. Maintaining ski trails requires machinery, at the very least a snowmobile capable of packing and tracking.

In addition, you need maps, trail signs, season pass and day pass collection to pay for expenses, a website, a Facebook page and an official non-profit society with a board of directors, constitution, bylaws, budget and regular meetings. The Sheriff wonders how many cross-country skiers and snowshoers truly appreciate the time and effort it takes.

The Southern Interior's cross-country ski and snowshoe areas all go above and beyond. Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club offers free beginner ski classes, paid instruction, social skiing groups and special events from the Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe on Feb. 8 to Family Day on Feb. 17 and the Cabins and Cookies Tour on March 9.

Telemark Nordic Club has similar introductory lessons, coaching, an annual ski swap, youth competitive programs and events like Ski with Santa which took place Dec. 21 and the One-hour Cross-country Ski Challenge that took place Jan. 1.

Nickel Plate Nordic Club offers classic, skate, family and private lessons, beginner waxing clinic, an evening group snowshoe on Jan. 23, new group snowshoe tours, and the Moonlight ski and potluck on Feb. 1.

Ski areas also face financial challenges. Kelowna Nordic has a 16-year-old groomer that is well past its useful life and its other machine was made in the last century. So it launched a fund-raising campaign (almost $90,000 to date) but its application for a 50-per-cent provincial grant toward a $500,000 groomer was recently denied.

Telemark has plans to add a small cabin to its trails ($40,000 of the $100,000 cost has been raised) with construction possible next summer. Sovereign Lake Nordic Club plans to replace its 30-year-old, 3,800-square-foot lodge ($1.8 million has been raised so far with $1.4 million from partner B.C. Parks toward its $4.9-million goal). The target is to break ground this spring.

As for McKinney, keep your fingers crossed (but not your skis)!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.





West Kelowna cross-country ski area enjoying a successful season

Telemark Nordic is rollin'

Telemark Nordic Club has had a banner year, with regular snowfalls, successful fund-raising drives and community events, both before and after its ski area near West Kelowna opened on Dec. 15.

"Telemark is dedicated to promoting the sports of cross-country skiing, biathlon and snowshoeing and fostering a sense of community among outdoor enthusiasts," said general manager Mike Edwards.

"Located in the heart of the Central Okanagan, nine kilometres up Glenrosa Road (in West Kelowna), the club boasts an extensive network of groomed trails, modern facilities and a vibrant, welcoming community of skiers."

Preparations for the 2024-25 season began with summer grooming.

"We do a lot of brush-cutting, rock-picking and hole-filling, that kind of stuff. Every year, that gets better and better so we can open up as early as possible. We have a skid steer and a mowing machine that we use regularly in the summer and that really helps," he said.

A bottle drive team fundraiser on Oct. 6 involved collecting and sorting donated bottle and can recyclables, which raised $5,000 for the youth competitive program. The annual Telemark Ski Swap on Oct. 19 at Kelowna Cycle raised another $5,000.

Volunteers were back at the ski area for a combined work party, free barbecue and annual general meeting on Oct. 26, splitting firewood, painting, doing trail maintenance and other odd jobs.

"We had about 70 people helping out, including many of the programs’ kids. We accomplished so many jobs and enjoyed a great barbecue with burgers, hot dogs, snacks and drinks," said Edwards.

Telemark also hosted an orienteering event, organized by the Sage Orienteering Club, on Oct. 27.

"There were more than 70 participants in this (to be) annual event—all the kids from the race team," said Emily Young, coach of the competitive program.

All 250 pairs of custom Telemark-branded crew socks were sold by Christmas.

"We're looking at maybe getting another set of socks at some point to keep raising funds for the program," said Edwards.

Young also organized a Purdy's Chocolates fundraiser, to which Purdy's generously contributed $800, or 25% of sales.

Telemark also had successful early-bird season pass sales, thanks to $1,000 in prizes from sponsor partners, Fresh Air Experience and Kelowna Cycle.

"An adult season pass is paid off in only 11 visits and you have the flexibility to come to Telemark whenever you want for any amount of time," said Edwards. "Additionally, with a season pass, you are automatically a club member and can participate in one of our many programs. There is again a 25% discount on rentals."

Thanks to early-season snow, Telemark began rolling and packing in mid-November and got its big Pisten Bully groomer out the weekend before opening for the season on Dec. 15.

"We like to make sure we've got good, safe conditions when we open," he said. "We really manicure the trails and really groom only as necessary in the early season. We find in the long-run that helps us with much better conditions and much earlier skiing than we would (have) otherwise."

The club started the season with more than 350 pairs of new Salomon classic skis and boots to rent and they will also be used by 2,000 School District 23 students in the Ski S’Kool program.

"That's our biggest thing for this year. It's not cheap to buy that amount of equipment—a $90,000 hit to the budget—so we had to plan for it. We've got a really good relationship with Salomon Canada and were able to pay for it over a couple of years and get some good discounts. In a couple of years, we're going to replace all the skate gear too."

Over the holidays, you could join Santa on the ski trails on Dec. 21. However, the big event was the one-hour cross-country ski challenge on Jan. 1, when participants tried to complete as many laps of a beginner-friendly loop as possible in just one hour.

"It was great, was super well-received (and had) a lot of enthusiastic people. We had 29 people ski 111 laps of a 2.75-kilometre course for a total of 305 kilometres. That’s about halfway across the province as the crow flies. Entry was a food item, so we were able to donate a couple of big bins to the Central Okanagan Food Bank," said Edwards.

This season, the club is also offering “Icebreaker Sessions,” free introductory ski lessons and a guided ski for beginners or those who have only tried it a couple of times. Its youth programs are focused on developing ski skills, fitness and a love for the sport for children and teens of all skill levels. Expert coaches will offer adult clinics and group skiing for beginner and experienced skiers in technique improvement, fitness training and more. Discounted family memberships are available making it easier for families to enjoy the sport together. For more information on membership and programs, or to register for events, go to: www.telemarknordic.com or call 250-707-5925.

The club will host the 2025 Odlum Brown Biathlon B.C. U13 Championships Feb. 8 and 9 for 100 to 125 up-and-coming youth athletes, and the 2025 Teck B.C. Championships, a big deal with 550 kids from all across the province, according to organizers, from Feb. 28 to March 2.

In the longer term, Telemark still has plans to build a small cabin on the trails. Most of the approvals are in place and about $40,000 of the $100,000 cost has been raised so far. Final engineered drawings are needed with construction possible next summer.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

J.P. Squire arrived in the Okanagan Valley from flatland Chatham, Ont. in the middle of the night in the spring of 1980. Waking up in the Highway 97 motel, he looked across the then-four-lane roadway at Mount Baldy and commented: "Oh my God, there's mountains." Driving into downtown Kelowna, he exclaimed: "Oh my God, there's a lake."

The rest is history. After less than a month in Kelowna, he concluded: "I'm going to live here for a long time." And he did.

Within weeks and months, he was hiking local hillsides, playing rec hockey at Memorial Arena and downhill skiing at Big White Ski Resort. After purchasing a hobby farm in the Glenmore Valley in 1986, he bought the first of many Tennessee Walking Horses. After meeting Constant Companion Carmen in 1999, he bought two touring kayaks and they began exploring Interior lakes and B.C.'s coast.

The outdoor recreation column began with downhill ski coverage every winter as the Ski Sheriff but soon progressed to a year-round column as the Hiking, Biking, Kayaking and Horseback Riding Sheriff.

His extensive list of contacts in Okanagan outdoor recreation clubs, organizations and groups means a constant flow of emails about upcoming events and activities which will be posted on Castanet every Sunday.

You can email the Sheriff at: [email protected].



The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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