Backcountry Touring

Expert’s Picks: Backcountry Touring

  • The Best Cross Country Skis for Backwoods Skiing

    Backcountry skiing can encompass everything from those seeking steep and deep powder chutes to those who use skis to hike through the woods in winter. Backcountry touring gear, as it is called, differs substantially from downhill gear and also has subtle differences from standard cross country ski equipment, which is designed for skiing in pre-cut tracks. Ba… read more

  • How to Size Cross Country Ski Poles

    Cross country skiing, which is the original form of skiing, is less flashy than its alpine cousin, but is a great form of exercise and a good way to get out and avoid the winter blahs. Cross country skiing has evolved into multiple disciplines, including race skiing, skate skiing, recreational skiing, and backcountry touring. Sizing your ski poles depends la… read more

  • How to Backpack With a Karhu XCD GT

    The Karhu XCD GT is a waxless cross country ski ideal for winter tours in moderate backcountry terrain. Although the ski isn't fat enough for really deep snow, it can be used on moderately steep hiking trails to backpack in the winter. The XCD GT has full metal edges for better traction on traverses and better carving performance on downhill sections. read more

  • Selecting Cross Country Skis

    Cross country skiing is an excellent form of exercise in the winter, and it offers many possibilities for fun and adventure, from track skiing at cross country resorts to light backcountry touring or "hiking" on skis. Selecting a pair of cross country skis for your needs is a simple process. read more

  • Rossignol 7X Pro Ski Review

    Made in 1995, the Rossignol X7 Pro is an all-mountain touring ski. The X7 Pro comes in lengths from 170 mm to 201 mm. Rossignol made the ski out of kevlar, making it flexible and lightweight. The ski was originally marketed as a downhill, resort style ski. The ski accepts downhill, telemark and modern alpine touring bindings as well as NNN backcountry tourin… read more

Related Backcountry Touring Articles & Videos

  • Gear to Pack for Backcountry Snowboarding

    Riding the backcountry is the way to escape crowds and gain access to big terrain and unlimited powder. But before setting boot in the backcountry, it's imperative to prepare properly and carry the right gear. In addition to the necess… read more

  • Major Ski Resorts in Colorado

    Colorado is blessed with a long ski season, which is characterized by frequent snowfall. During World War II, Colorado was home to Camp Hale, which was the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division. After the war, members of the… read more

  • Back Country Ski Boot Review

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  • Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

    South Lake Tahoe is situated on the south shore of Lake Tahoe in California near the Nevada state line. This area features a wide variety of outdoor summer activities, including hiking trails, camping, swimming, boating and backcountry… read more

  • Casino Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

    South Lake Tahoe offers visitors an outdoor adventure with backcountry tours, hiking and biking trails as well as several ski resorts featuring downhill and cross-country skiing during the winter months. Spend your days enjoying the sc… read more

  • How to Fit Cross Country Ski Boots

    Unlike alpine ski boots, which are heavy, stiff and unwieldy, cross country boots are flexible, comfortable and fit almost like tennis shoes. Cross country skiing is an aerobic activity, whether you're causally exploring the backcountr… read more

  • How to Size Cross-Country Skiing Equipment for Children

    Taking your children cross country skiing can instill a lifelong love of winter outdoors recreation in your children. It can be an ideal family outing, because your child's ability level is not as critical to his enjoyment of cross cou… read more

  • Classic Ski Tours in Stowe, Vermont

    East Coast skiing isn't just icy mountains with rules, regulations and boundaries. Grab your backcountry skis and prepare yourself for a ski touring adventure in Vermont. Stowe, an East Coast ski destination, has many trails and routes… read more

  • 5 Places to Ski and Snowboard Throughout the Summer

    Most Americans hang up their skis around April or May, if not a little earlier, and turn their attention to spring and summer pursuits. However, for the most die-hard skiers and snowboarders, there are plenty of options for skiing and… read more

  • Aspen Ski Tours

    Aspen, Colorado sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. While Aspen is known for celebrities and glitz, the mountains surrounding the city are a ski touring mecca. Options for 10th division hut to hut tours, day telemark or alpine to… read more

Backcountry Touring Photos

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

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  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

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  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

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