To put it mildly, it was a glorious winter’s day in Bad Gastein, Austria. The sun was shining over the ski arena where, in two days, the first event of the Ski Classics Season XIV will take place.

One Pro Team after another has lined up a large number of skis to test ahead of the coming weekend and season:

“We are more used to the types of snow that we have at home in Scandinavia, so now we are trying to get the right skis, but also waxes,” says Team Engcon’s Pro Team Director Jerry Ahrlin.

Linn Sömskar and Frida Hallquist came to Austria on Wednesday evening; Ida Dahl, on the other hand, was in Livigno. Notable, the trio skis for three different ski brands:

 “The group that has been in Italy has tested there, but it’s about getting a ranking on the skis,” says Ahrlin.

And how do you select the skis?

“We glide ‘two and two’ and then measure the distance and see how the ski feels. So, it is both about the glide and also the feeling you have with each ski. This early in the season, it’s about removing some skis and sorting out the material. Then it’s a challenge now that the sun is shining compared to the fresh snow we expect for the competitions this weekend. But regardless of this, it is good to do the tests,” says Ahrlin.

How many skis do you choose from on race day?

“It varies. Sometimes you can know in advance that skis are perfect in that weather. But in other cases, it may be about two, three, or four pairs to choose from. Then I would say that generally there is another uncertainty this early in the season,” says Ahrlin.

Who makes the final decision?

“It’s the skier, but sometimes they can ask us to decide. But it’s always about cooperation,” says Jerry Ahrlin before returning once more up the small hill to be able to do another test between the different pairs.

More info about the Ski Classics Pro Tour you can find at skiclassics.com.

Access videos and complete broadcasts from Ski Classics Season XIV through SC Play.

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