All About Ski Preparation

Describes the recommended steps when waxing new skis or freshly stoneground skis. Explains why these steps are important and what the goal is of each of the three steps. For both Alpine and Nordic.

Describes many of the considerations when evaluating a Nordic Race ski fleet preseason, what base structure to start the season with, and other thoughts.

Ian Harvey gives a quick 6 minute summary of new exciting products that we will be offering this winter. Highlights include Soelden 15 Powder, a new Rotobrush system, and a Ski Holder/Rack. Ian also quickly covers the Toko philosophy. (Audio only).

This is an interview with Toko Chemist Stefan Jung about the development of fluorine free race waxes. Stefan relates some of the stories and challenges that he has faced as well as talks a bit about what he expects in the future.

Ian Harvey gives a quick 10 minute summary of new exciting products that we will be offering this winter. Highlights include a new vastly improved Structure tool, Soelden 15 Powder, Rotobrushes, and a Ski Holder/Rack. Ian also reports on our inventory status which is very positive.

Marty Hall was the first full-time paid US Cross Country Ski Coach and a true pioneer and innovator. Marty coached for the US Ski Team from 1970 through 1978 and for Cross Country Canada from 1981 through 1992. Most notably from my perspective are the many innovations and solutions that Marty found to common problems leading to breakthroughs in training and technology. This is a problem solver and man of action who changed the landscape of Nordic ski racing. If you want to be inspired by an animated interview full of great stories and by a uniquely capable person not afraid to share his opinions and ideas, this is your great opportunity. I present to you the iconic Marty Hall.

How are the Olympics different from a World Cup? Generally speaking the waxing and racing is the same but some other aspects of the Olympic Games are very different from that of a World Cup event. Here is a discussion with Olympic athletes Caitlin Gregg, Andy Newell, Ida Sargent, and John Bauer to explore this topic hosted by Olympian Ian Harvey. Some of the topics discussed include the Olympic clothing issue from the USOC, eating in the cafeteria with all of the athletes from other countries and disciplines, Olympic village security, the opening and closing ceremonies, increased media interest, supporting the team, and if the Olympics are more or less competitive than a World Cup.

After 35 years of coaching the Northern Michigan University ski Nordic ski team, Sten Fjeldheim retired in the spring of 2021. Wining 4 NCAA Nordic Ski Team National titles, coaching 12 skiers who represented the US in the Olympic games, and guiding 7 NCAA individual champions since NMU joined the NCAA in 1993 is amazing and impressive. So is being named the United States Ski Association coach of the year 6 times and being awarded over 30 times some type of coach of the year award. However, to me, none of these accolades capture why Sten is a true legend. His athletes and community revere him not only for amazing achievement but also for the profound change he has made in them.

This interview was so wonderful to do. I'm sure that any passionate Nordic skier would regard it as the treasure that it is and would enjoy every minute of it.

Chris Magerl has been the Toko Race Wax Tip Coordinator since 2008 as well as a Toko Tech Team member. Additionally, Chris has been a groomer at the Mountain Dell Nordic Course since 2002 and has been running the grooming crew since 2006. In addition to having had worked Nordic ski retail and been a Nordic ski instructor, Chris has also been a photo journalist and a newspaper editor. Chris is a key and long time member of the Toko US team.

 

Toko Race Wax Tips are the most important thing that we do as pertains to the US Nordic ski market. We talk specifically about his role as the Toko Race Wax Tip Coordinator and what goes into the generation of a Toko Race Wax tip. 

Dani Aravich is on the US Paralympic team for Nordic skiing and Biathlon. She was a member of the US Paralympic team this past summer in Tokyo in track and field. Her goal is to compete in the Paralympic games this winter in China.

We spoke about any differences there might be for a paralympic athlete compared to an able-bodied athlete, any technique adjustments that she might make or consider as a para-athlete, and a bit about the program and coaches.