XC/BC skiing with young kids

[montcalm]

Thanks for the info, but I'm on the other side of the state.

Still haven't figured out what to do with my kids. I asked them if they wanted to go to ski school but they aren't convinced they want to yet (for DH). As far as XC I don't know - I don't want to buy gear. The toddler skis I have will still fit them but they boots they have now will have the same issues I had earlier. Not sure if I want to mess with that or just wait until they can use a system binding and boot.

[MrKawfey]

Also, I should add, check out the iskyny program. 3rd and 4th graders get a card that lets them ski free 3 times at most places in NY. That's 3 free passes at EACH resort, not 3 total. Plus Monday evening and Tuesday evening at West Mountain are $25 for adults and kids 6 and under are free. That made for some cheap skiing when my kids were learning. Kudos West Mountain!

[MrKawfey]

This weekend is the West Mountain Ski Swap. So far that's where I've gotten all the equipment for our kids. They usually have some XC gear every year too.

[Kyler]

Does anyone know if they will open this year? I see it's for sale, and read that the Adirondack Mountain Club is considering buying it to make an educational center...

ADK has finalized the deal to purchase, but Cascade will operate as normal this winter, until April 1st.

https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/adk-cascade

The ski shop opens tomorrow (Friday the 29th). Fall hours are FRI-MON 10AM-5PM.

[WinterWarlock]

The Cascade XC Ski Area has (or had) some used skis on consignment - maybe it would be worth checking with them.

Does anyone know if they will open this year? I see it's for sale, and read that the Adirondack Mountain Club is considering buying it to make an educational center...

[MTVhike]

The Cascade XC Ski Area has (or had) some used skis on consignment - maybe it would be worth checking with them.

[greatexpectations]

bumping this because i am having some of the same concerns. hoping to get a little one going on skis this winter, some combination of stomping around, gentle downhills, or having an adult pull them.

i haven't seen much out there in the usual online marketplaces and the prices for new gear seems a little daunting. anyone have anything to add to what was said in this thread last year? or perhaps have any of your kids grown out of their XC gear?

[montcalm]

My Rossi's have NNN BC, and my older Alpinas have SNS Pilot

Nice. So I assume you have some nnn bc boots you like?

If so, then I’d recommend a binding change on the woodies. You might not like the Montana (new ski boots are always a gamble) and it’ll cost twice as much for those boots as it will for some nnn bc autos.

[WinterWarlock]

Do you have nnn? On the other skis?

If so it would probably be cheaper just to put new bindings on the woodies. Plenty of people use them with system bindings these days

My Rossi's have NNN BC, and my older Alpinas have SNS Pilot

[montcalm]

I'm a new xc skier as of last year, and have a pair of Rossi BC65s, which I love. I really wanted a pair of wooden skis just to have vintage and to play around with waxing.

[ATTACH]19876[/ATTACH]

Do you have nnn? On the other skis?

If so it would probably be cheaper just to put new bindings on the woodies. Plenty of people use them with system bindings these days

[WinterWarlock]

You bet. Let us know how they are if you buy them.

Knowing where you live you'll likely get some more modern skis at some point - there's a lot of great XC/BC skiing within an hour from your back door that you won't want to miss - Hoffman Notch, Botheration Pond, Pharaoh Lake, Satanoni, Upper Hudson Loop, Essex Chain, etc... Get after it!

I'm a new xc skier as of last year, and have a pair of Rossi BC65s, which I love. I really wanted a pair of wooden skis just to have vintage and to play around with waxing.

PXL_20210221_181231954.jpg

[montcalm]

You bet. Let us know how they are if you buy them.

Knowing where you live you'll likely get some more modern skis at some point - there's a lot of great XC/BC skiing within an hour from your back door that you won't want to miss - Hoffman Notch, Botheration Pond, Pharaoh Lake, Satanoni, Upper Hudson Loop, Essex Chain, etc... Get after it!

[WinterWarlock]

For sure.

The Antarctics are awesome and less expensive, but will take some break-in and a lot of maintenance i.e. oiling/sealing.

Alpina does make some less expensive boots, but I've not tried them i.e. Montana or something. I don't think they have the waterproof liner like the Alaska. Probably a lighter duty sole, but the Alaska is pretty soft.

https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/alpina-montana-75mm-3-pin-boots/

A little cheaper, and maybe they have them in stock.

The Montanas could definitely work...thanks.

[montcalm]

For sure.

The Antarctics are awesome and less expensive, but will take some break-in and a lot of maintenance i.e. oiling/sealing.

Alpina does make some less expensive boots, but I've not tried them i.e. Montana or something. I don't think they have the waterproof liner like the Alaska. Probably a lighter duty sole, but the Alaska is pretty soft.

https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/alpina-montana-75mm-3-pin-boots/

A little cheaper, and maybe they have them in stock.

[WinterWarlock]

Yeah, that's problematic right now, or so I hear.

Hmmm - the Alaska would be great for those. Very warm, supportive and great flexibility (zero hot spots for me). Might be tough to find though until next season. I wouldn't hesitate to buy those used though if you find a pair in good conditions in your size. They stay soft and pliable and have a rubber rand that kind of keeps the footbox in the same shape. The stock inserts suck, so if they have them, toss 'em and put in some from your hiking boots or some Dr. Scholls, etc...

I wouldn't buy any old 3 pin boots - two issues. They usually mold to the persons foot who broke them in, then the leather gets old and dry and won't reform. Blister madness. Second is they tend to crack on flex line or at the pin holes. Pin holes can be fixed, sometimes, if it's not a full split. The others need a resole and that can cost far more than what the boots are worth, not to mention it's getting hard to find cobblers who do it anymore.

Awesome - I'll look. I was hoping to find a pair of those Whitewoods. They're cheap but would work for what I want these for. But the Alaska look good, but are a lot more coin.