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This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips / Telemark Francais Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web since 1998. East, West, North, South, Canada, US or Europe, Backcountry or not.
This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web. We have fun here, come on in and be a part of it.
I know I don't like waxing it's the just the question of whether or not I get the knack for it (I'm a lot more patient than I used to be) and whether I feel the benefit of the added labor.
PS Just a note - all this snow we are getting, right now, mid 20s and I can't ski it (no snow in the flatlands). Supposed to be mid 30s Friday and Sat (with more snow) in the mountains. Again, this is why I'm cool with the scales
Woodserson wrote:That being said, I'm OK paying a little extra for a real ski that's made with hard use in mind... quality counts in my book. Especially a company like Asnes, which pretty much has this part of skiing dialed and isn't compromising lines and product in a futile quest for the snowshoe crowd.
Me too. I agree about paying for a reliable product. I've spent alot of my life in the middle of nowhere and what I've learned is a) bring less, and b) make sure that what you do bring works as intended. For me, its peace of mind, plus I don't plan, and have never had, an extensive quiver of skis... So, a couple of pairs that I pay a bit more for is okay.
Last edited by athabascae on Tue Jan 12, 2016 8:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
MikeK wrote:I know I don't like waxing it's the just the question of whether or not I get the knack for it (I'm a lot more patient than I used to be) and whether I feel the benefit of the added labor.
Waxing is really straightforward - unless, of course, you are an elite racer. Nothing to worry about, just carry some extra wax in your pocket in case you got it wrong. And, for me its all part of the experience of getting ready to ski.
As you know Mike, the only question is which is better for your part of the world. Where I live waxing makes sense most days - we have cold, dry snow - maybe not so much in New England or Colorado - I dunno. You would know what works for your region.
In my experience, quality- especially when it produces exceptional performance, and durability- is worth some extra cash- and even a little more weight on your feet.
And you're right- at least in the Canadian market- Asnes products are not more expensive than Fischer.
Yeah- Fischer stock goes on sale late in the season- but there is almost no range in sizes left...
I have been watching for a 205cm E-109 waxable to go on sale for years now- they are sold out long before they go on sale.
Short Nordic skis are all the rage these days- much easier to get on clearance. Same with waxless compared to waxable.
(BTW- waxable Fischers (E-89/E-99/E-109) are available in the US- I have seen them- they just sell the small stock quickly each season)
And I just got a response from Sportsnett in Norway:
"Arne (Sportsnett)
13. jan., 08.07
Hi Gareth
We do not ship skis outside Norway, sorry
Regards Sportsnett"
I think I am going to talk to the folks at LaCordee and see if I can put a deposit on a 210cm Ingstad (or preferably Combat Nato) for next season...
They did import the 210cm- but they sold them immediately!
Waiting for a 210cm Asnes ski to go on sale, will be even less frutifull than the 205cm E-109- it ain't gonna happen!
Cross-country AND down-hill skiing in the backcountry.
Unashamed to be a "cross-country type" and love skiing down-hill.
It's a real easy ski along an old carriage road out to the lake. None of it is flat, but it's very mild grades. I recall I was coming back out to the parking area and I was kicking and gliding down a mild hill. A guy passed me at a good clip on wax skis who just poling along lightly. I'd skied well waxed skis like that before and recall that smooth, effortless glide. I was certainly jealous at the time.
lilcliffy wrote:
(BTW- waxable Fischers (E-89/E-99/E-109) are available in the US- I have seen them- they just sell the small stock quickly each season)
I agree, sizes go quickly early on in the season. I've asked my local Fischer dealer and they called the US distribution center, and said that the Wax 99 and 109 are not available in the US. How long ago was this?
If you really want a Canadian ski, I may be able to twist a certain individuals arm to receive them and ship them out from VT.
I ordered a set for said individual from Neptune and he picked them up at the border and got them into Canada. I'm not sure about taxes or whatnot though.
I'm positive I saw both E-99 and the E-109 "tour" (waxable base) at Backcountry.com- I know this because they had 205cm E-109 tour xtralite- I was stubbornly waiting for the sale price and they sold out!
I thought I saw them last season- but maybe it was two years ago?
The US market is so much larger than Canada...I find it hard to believe that you can't get the waxable bases...
But if all the shops, techs, and "experts" are pushing waxless skis- then that is what people buy- and distributors supply.
The classic, "old school" xcountry skiing culture in central ON and QC is enough to keep distributors supplying waxable bases in Canada. Even my local shop always stocks waxable E-99s.
Cross-country AND down-hill skiing in the backcountry.
Unashamed to be a "cross-country type" and love skiing down-hill.
So LaCordee is the Montreal shop that stocks Asnes? Cool! I will be up there next month.
I suspect that Neptune's deal with Asnes is an exclusive dealership for the US market which also bans them from selling to people outside the US. This is common for distribution contracts. Absolutely you can find someone to bring them over the border for you. I would consider doing this for people in Quebec, I get up there a few times per year, if you want to order from Neptune let me know. (of course you'll have to trust me to actually give you the skis )
but seriously, I'm happy to reward Neptune for offering these skis and Asnes for continuing to offer waxing skis. btw did you know it's pronounced "Oh-snes"???
The Asnes skis are built to last, it should be worthwhile in the long run. If you're like the KTB and ripping it up on 6 inches of snow you do NOT want to buy Asnes! I've got a gorgeous pair of 210cm waxing E99's I bought for $100 at a local XC shop, they were sitting there for years….craigslist ad. It pays to watch craigslist!!
Last edited by Cannatonic on Wed Jan 13, 2016 12:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"All wisdom is to be gained through suffering"
-Will Lange (quoting Inuit chieftan)
it's the just the question of whether or not I get the knack for it (I'm a lot more patient than I used to be) and whether I feel the benefit of the added labor.
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