Cross-country skiing has many different styles, including skate, traditional and nordic backcountry. Nordic backcountry skiing is one of the best ways of touring the backcountry and getting out of the ski area set-tracks.
A Cross of Styles
As a hybrid between traditional cross-country skiing and telemarking, nordic backcountry skiing focuses on exploring the backcountry and untracked areas. A free heeled binding is used on slightly wider, metal edged skis, much like traditional cross country set-ups.
Nordic Touring and Winter Camping
Nordic backcountry skiing is often used by winter campers as a means of going from hut to hut or campsite to campsite. The wider skis provide more float through deep snow, letting the skier carry backpacks or use pulks, a sled that carries gear.
Specialized Gear
Nordic backcountry equipment is specialized. New Nordic Norm bindings are commonly used on the skis. Poles have larger baskets to accommodate the deeper snow. Leather over the ankle boots, with metal bars for the bindings, provide heat retention and support.
Snow Conditions
With the backcountry element of nordic skiing, nordic skiers need to have a knowledge of different snow conditions. Crusty, powdery, sticky and packed snows affect the nordic ski differently.
Multi Day Tours
Unlike its traditional cross-country ski cousin, nordic skiing often takes users on multi-day ski tours.
About The Author
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Coufal now resides in California. He has written for publications including "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Coufal attended Syracuse University and was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey, Belize and much of Alaska.
