For this year's gear guide we've gone deep, with reviews based on feedback from racers and recreationists alike, and have awarded the best in class products for 2020 with our coveted Editors' Choice Award. But the issue doesn't just go deep on gear. Also inside, Adam Howard talks with the president of Swix Sport U.S. about the EPA's investigation into fluorinated waxes and what it means for the sport, Brad Rassler travels to Norway in search of frilufsliv, and Danny Kuzio investigates the future of Salomon's SNS binding system.

FEATURES

2020 GEAR GUIDE
What happens when you combine the year's freshest technology and more snow than ever before at a Cross Country Skier gear test? You get 32 reviews of skis, boots, poles and children's equipment packaged into our fourth-annual Gear Guide special feature. Inside we've gone deep, with feedback from racers and recreationists alike, and have awarded the best in class with our coveted Editors' Choice Award.

FINDING FRILUFTSLIV
Late last autumn, contributor Brad Rassler became so inspired by a skijoring video that he had to know more. He sought out the place—Sjusjøen, Norway—and the video's subject—Karoline Conradi Øksnevad—and, come winter, found himself immersed in the life he'd seen on the screen. Through gliding along the region's abundant trails alongside Conradi, Rassler learned what skiing means in Norwegian culture.

DEPARTMENT CONTENTS

Mass Start

CONTRIBUTORS
Nordorks and skinny skiers

WAX BOX
Really into real skiing

EDITOR'S NOTE
Setting tracks and changing lanes

ESSAY
Some gear went extinct for a reason

Nordic Nation

WAR ON WAX
What the EPA's investigation into Swix means for the U.S. waxing scene.

END OF AN ERA
In early 2019 Salomon announced they would no longer be making new SNS boots. What's next for SNS?

DESTINATION

COPPER HARBOR, MICHIGAN
More than just monster snowfalls and small towns, here's what you'll see in the U.P.

The Final Stretch

WET WAXING
The dos and don'ts of liquid paraffins

LOCAL HERO
Jim Galanes is an inspiration to the technical stars

SENIOR MOMENT
Tele binding tales

PHOTO FINISH
The Pony Express