Make This Winter Super Fun — Embrace All Skiing!

At Gear West, we believe winter is meant to be lived outside. Whether you’re skating down the Birkie Trail, carving turns in Lutsen, or exploring quiet woods on a pair of metal-edge skis, there’s no wrong way to ski, and no better way to make the most of a Minnesota winter. This season, we’re embracing it all because the snow will fall!

Cross-Country Skiing: Glide, Kick, and Enjoy the Journey

We all love the magic of cross-country skiing—the rhythm, the quiet, or even the social loops on manmade snow. The ability to Nordic ski turns cold days into fun and fitness. The first real snowfall always feels like a small miracle, and with any luck, we’ll get plenty of it this year so we can finally say goodbye to rollerskiing and hello to real glide.

For many of us, the American Birkebeiner is the heartbeat of winter. It’s a goal, a gathering, and a reminder of why we love this sport. Whether you’re training for your first Korte or chasing a wave upgrade, Gear West has everything you need to get ready for your ski from Cable to Hayward. Fast skis. Lightweight poles, boots and insoles which feel great and work even better. And of course, wax, tools and service for speed and glide.

We stock the best from Fischer, Salomon, Rossignol, and Atomic—brands that define Nordic skiing from the World Cup to the Birkie Trail. The Fischer Speedmax and Salomon S/Lab lines deliver incredible glide and precision for those who live for speed. The Rossignol X-Ium series brings a lively, responsive feel that makes classic skiing fun again. The Atomic Redster skis blend reliability and performance for everyday training.

Not racing? Skin skis and no-wax options make it easier than ever to get outside and explore!  The Fischer Twin Skin and Atomic Skintec's are great low-maintenance options that perform in almost any condition on groomed trails. For exploring off the beaten path, Rossignol BC 80 and Fischer Spider 62 skis are perfect for venturing through the Minnesota River Bottoms, your cabin lake, the Boundary Waters or just your local park.

 Skijoring! Don’t forget your dog, because they love it! All you need is a harness, a lead and a human “belt” to hook you all together. We fit both your four legged friend and you at Gear West. Skate skis work best for skijoring.

Wherever or however you ski, the goal is simple: get outside, glide more, and ENJOY OUTSIDE!

Alpine Skiing: Carve, Cruise, and Go Big

If your version of winter fun involves chairlifts, crisp turns, and après-ski stories, alpine skiing is where it’s at. Minnesota offers plenty of options, from Buck Hill and Hyland Hills to weekend getaways at Lutsen Mountains. When you’re ready for something bigger, plan a trip out west—Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Alta, or Aspen all deliver the kind of powder and terrain that make you fall in love with skiing all over again.

Gear West carries the skis that make every run more rewarding. The Rossignol Experience and Sender lines are versatile and smooth for all-mountain skiers. Salomon QST skis balance agility and stability for a mix of groomers and glades. Atomic Bent Chetler and Maverick models are playful, easy-turning choices for anyone who likes to mix things up. And the Fischer Ranger series offers lightweight power that’s just as happy on Midwest groomers as in western powder.

If you’re curious about ski mountaineering or uphill travel, we also have full backcountry setups—ideal for earning your turns at Buck Hill or taking your adventure west when the snowpack deepens. Lightweight touring boots and bindings make the climb comfortable and the descent even more fun.

Chasing Dreams on Snow: The Olympic Spirit

This winter, the excitement of the Winter Olympics reminds us what skiing is all about. The drive to improve, the joy of movement, and the community that supports it all. We’re proud to back two incredible athletes, Zak Ketterson and Alayna Sonnesyn, as they chase their World Cup and Olympic dreams.

Their stories inspire all of us—whether we’re training for the Birkie, carving with family at Lutsen, or taking our first ski lesson. Zak and Alayna show what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. Watching them race brings the whole spirit of skiing home.