Kat’s Korner
By KATERINA PAUL,
Former Australian national team member, Biathlon Australia board member, now working as a winter sports journalist and commentator.
WINTER is coming!
Or we hope… and that means it’s time to get the skis from out of the shed, swap out the bike Lycra for your thermals and get ready for another season of cross-country skiing at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.
I’m excited to be kicking off 'Kat’s Korner' - a new regular column dedicated to all things XC skiing at Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier, weekend warrior, or looking to try XC skiing this winter, there’ll be something here for you each edition.
We’re all crossing our fingers (and waxing our skis) for a snowy start to the season this King’s Birthday long weekend.
The opening weekend is always full of hope, and sometimes a few icy mud patches - but the XC community is nothing if not optimistic.
In the meantime, it’s the perfect opportunity to prepare your gear so you’re ready to go the moment the snow hits.
Start by pulling your skis out of storage and giving them a good inspection.
Check the bases for any damage – scratches, dings, or leftover klister from last season.
If they’re looking a little neglected, give them a proper clean with a base cleaner and cloth.
Glide wax will have dried out over summer, so it’s a good idea to scrape the old off and pop on a fresh layer.
A universal wax will do the trick early on or drop them into your local ski shop for a professional hot wax.
It is also a good time to check over your wax box to see if there are any restocks needed, and remembering now Fluro is banned across Europe and for FIS races.
It is important to make sure you are using Fluro-free products, not only for your health but for the environment.
If you’re a fan of classic skin skis, check that the skin isn’t matted or worn.
A gentle clean can help revive them and improve glide and grip.
Being prepared means that when the snow falls and the grooming gets going, you can make the most of every skiable day.
Because as we know, our seasons can be short!
This season, I’ll be sharing local stories, XC tips, interviews with local and international XC ski legends, and everything you need to stay inspired and informed on the trails. Have a topic you want covered or a question about gear, technique, or events?
Send it in!
See you on the trails!
