Norway  puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

Norway puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

Leaders, Money & Finance
"...at the entrance to the ( Planica ski) stadium, the Norwegian Skiing Association has left its mark on the arena by parking a large trailer that will delight the association's VIP guests during the championship…" Have to give a credit to Nettavisen & the rest of the Norwegian media: they didn't skip on the most interesting story of the world championships so far.   The reaction of the rest of the xcski world was pretty much summed up by the Slovenian xcski legend  Petra Majdic:    " What the hell is Norway doing? Does Norway need to make smaller ski nations even smaller? Fair enough that they can afford to pay 6,000 euros to park here for their sponsors, but the cross-country skiing needs now more than ever that there…
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Are modern skis any better than those made 25 years ago? Two experts lean on the issue

Are modern skis any better than those made 25 years ago? Two experts lean on the issue

Gear News, Leaders
If  we were to pick a subject skiers like to discuss the most, it probably would be " are the best modern skis that retail for 1000 euros/ dollars any better than what was sold in the past ( often for half price)?" Now no lesser figure than a coach of Alexander Bolshunov and Natalia Nepryaeva decides to speak. In interview with a newsportal 7startov.com Yuri Borodavko does not mince his words: " The skis that were made 25 years ago glide about the same as the new Fisher Helium or 3Ds, which are advertised so heavily, or the new Salomon, for instance, who's makers say they employ the latest technology." Borodavko goes to explain that there is particular hill in one of the top ski centers in Siberia that's…
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Arne Idland wants to change World Cup , drastically

Arne Idland wants to change World Cup , drastically

Leaders
Arne Idland is а name everyone knows and respects in both  international xcskiing and  biathlon.  In the last decade or so quite a few previously big events in snow sports have withered and faded away from the calendar. The popularity of skiing as pro-sport is declining. Arne's brainchild, however, is totally bucking the trend. Starting as a simple local rollerski race, Blink under Mr.Idnald has developed into a must- attend, must-watch event of the summer. Both for the athletes and spectators,  at least in Norway.    Now Arne Idland publicly proposes for the things to go forward and to incorporate a big summer rollerski event as a part of of the winter, snow World Cup.    When we spoke, Arne avoided naming Blink specifically as a candidate. But it is…
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Yelena Vyalbe: For Olympics 2026 We Will Prepare In Caucasus Mountains Rather Than Alps

Yelena Vyalbe: For Olympics 2026 We Will Prepare In Caucasus Mountains Rather Than Alps

Leaders, Newsfeed, Training & Outfitting
In interview with the Daily Skier Yelena Vyalbe reveals that Russia is serious about building world-class snow-sports facilities in the Caucasus mountains, a region of snowcaps with hitherto untapped potential . ".... Ever since I became the chairman of the Russian XCski federation some 11 years ago, I was arguing for creating of top-level ski resorts/ training centers in the Caucasus mountains. The snow is there, the right altitudes are there. But zero history of dealing with cross-country skiing in particular..."   The Northern Caucasus region, a part of the Russian Federation,   rivals the Alps in the amount of suitable places for world-class ski resorts , yet has a very limited history of providing for fans of snow-sports. Even in the Soviet times the training centers were located on the…
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All That Moves Skiing World

All That Moves Skiing World

Gear News, Newsfeed
November to March each year the Big Skiing Circus is on the move. Station wagons, minivans, full size vans and, top of the chain, full size, custom built tractor-trailers - all busy carrying skiers and their equipment from one European venue to the next. Some vehicles are standard, but many are custom built and, as the current ski fashion dictates, are covered with photos of the team's top skiers. Here they are, massive element of success ( or failure) in each ski team and skier's career [caption id="attachment_7363" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Team Sverige truck is among the biggest[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7366" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] ...but not as big as a massive, two-level Norwegian one[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7370" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] THE biggest vehicle in cross country skiing, however, is travelling headquarters of the Visma Ski…
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