Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-7
F 10-5, Sa 10-4, Su closed
 2436 Larpenteur Ave
Lauderdale, MN 55113
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Welcome to Finn Sisu!


Expert Advice

Since the doors opened in 1978, Finn Sisu has developed an expert staff unmatched in the industry. Our staff can help you find exactly the right equipment and fit to match your needs from international competitor to weekend tourer.

Over the years we've worked with Nordic skiers, coaches, clubs and schools at all levels of competition from around the country.

Finn Sisu has provided the ski com, waxing, race course design, race event promotion, product development, as well as being goodwill ambassadors of cross-country skiing throughout the Midwest.

Finn Sisu's sister organization, the Sisu Nordic Ski Foundation, runs one of the largest Masters cross-country ski training programs in the country. Sisu Skiers, with well over 100 participants, range from nationally recognized masters skiers to those simply seeking the enjoyment of the sport.

Contact Info

Finn Sisu
2436 Larpenteur Ave
Lauderdale, MN 55113
tollfree: 1-888-finnsisu
phone: 651-645-2443
email: info@finnsisu.com  


Expert Staff


Ahvo Taipale - Owner
  • Finnish born native
  • Started Finn Sisu in 1978
  • Member of the Finnish Ski Coaching Association
  • Coached the University of Minnesota women's team to two national titles
  • Numerous age class wins, including races such as Vasaloppet and Kortelopet
  • Coaches the Sisu Skiers training group
  • Started Team Birkie with Steve Gaskill

Armen Hitzemann
  • Started in the ski business in 1982
  • 20 American Birkebeiner finishes
  • Leads St. Paul Circuit Training Group

Tom Novak
  • Started in the ski business in 1971
  • Ski tuning since 1975
  • In 1980 began work in the cross-country ski business
  • With Finn Sisu since 1992
  • 25+ years cross-country skiing ("middle pack" racer, retired. Current "fitness" skier)
  • Expert stonegrinder and tuner
  • Plays hockey


 

Devin Arenz

  • Started skiing from the time he could walk
  • Likes Peltonen... a lot
  • Builds and races canoes
  • Won the Mora Vasaloppet in 2007
  • Great all-around guy

Greg Weier

  • Worked in ski business 20+ years 
  • Head Mahtomedi Nordic Ski Coach
  • Sisu Skiers coach

 

 

Nichole Porath

  • Soft goods buyer at Finn Sisu since 2005
  • Began skiing in 2006, now part of the Vakava team
  • Top 10 finish in the 2007 Mora Vasaloppet, finished 99th in the 2009 Birkie
  • Competes with the Run N Fun race team
  • MBA graduate from the U of M Carlson School of Management

Tony West

  • Started skiing in High School
  • Finn Sisu employee since 2007
  • Biomedical Engineering student at the University of Minnesota

Emily Tobin

  • Skied since 1992
  • Finn Sisu employee since 2005
  • Studying Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota