This style of skiing is known by many names; backcountry touring, cross country touring, off-track skiing, XCD, or just skiing.
Regardless of what you call it, the experience is simple, it's all about exploring.
Each skier has their trails and equipment preferences, and in this type of skiing, there are no wrong answers. However, we have some favorite gear and trails that we believe are great starting points.
Below is our guide.
Skis:
The nordic touring ski category contains a wide spectrum of skis ranging from skis that fit into tracks at groomed nordic centers all the way to options that are wider than some downhill skis. As a result of the vast differences in this category, there is no one best ski for everyone. Rather, there are skis that fit the needs of each type of skier and terrain. Here are some categories of skiers, and a ski that fits the needs of the specific use.
The On & Off Track Skier
This skier wants to have a ski that skis well at nordic centers while having the capability to venter away from the groomed trails too. This would include skiing at Scott's Cobble or on the ADK Rail Trail.
- Metal edge gives this ski confidence to venter off trail.
-Can fit into tracks at groomed nordic centers.
- Fischer's famous crown fishscale pattern provides unmatched grip.
- Shorter than racing or older style skis to allow for better maneuverability on tight trails.
The Adventurer
This is someone who is looking for a efficient and versatile ski that can carry them deep into the backcountry. These trips would include trails like the Jackrabbit or the South Meadow Truck Trail.
- Soft tips and tail flex making a ski that is intuitive and confident to ski in all conditions.
- Wide enough to break your own trail while remaining lightweight for big days.
- Obvious side cut shape allowing for more confident downhill performance.
- Positrack fishscale pattern provides good grip.
- Kicker skin attachment mid ski for grip on sustained climbs.
The Powder Seeker
This is the dearing skier who is hunting for powder stashes where they can test their skills and make some turns. These spots would include the Scott's Cobble Backcountry Zones or the Whale's Tail Trail.
Recommendation:
Voile Endeavour
- Downhill inspired shape and construction provides a ski that is playful and confident even on the steepest descents.
- Strong enough ski for aggressive skiing with heavy duty boots and bindings
- long tip rocker gives good float for both making powder tuns and braking trail.
- fishscale pattern provides grip on rolling terrain.
- Tip skin attachment ski for climbing skin for grip on long climbs.
Boots and Bindings:
Just like the skis, there are many options for boots and binding systems for these skis. We recommend thinking about the equipment system as a whole. Meaning that it makes the most sense to go with a light weight boot and binding for lightweight skis and a more downhill focused setup for heavier skis.
ForLightweight skisfor use on and off track, we normally recommend NNN and NNN BC boots and bindings. Both of these are going to provide a overall efficient and light packaged that will not be a burden on flat and groomed trails. The NNN BC system will give more control on the descents out these two options.
TheMidweight skisrequire a little more control than the NNN binding can offer so for these skis we recommend either the NNN BC or the Xplore binding system. The Xplore system is both lighter and stiffer and is our number one recommendation. Xplore boots and bindings are more expensive than NNN BC, but for the price, you get a binding that is easier to step in and out of and different stiffness of flexor that can be used to tailor how the binding feels.
TheWidest skiswe normally promote the Xplore binding with the option of the stiff flexor for more downhill performance. Alternatively, lots of people still love the classic three pin system that can be skied with leather or a stiffer plastic telemark style boots for the most downhill performance.
Nordic Touring Areas:
Scott's Cobble Nordic Center and Backcountry Zones
You can find everything from groomed trails to sustained 300ft ski runs, making Scott's Coble a great place for the nordic tour regardless of what type of trails you are looking for. Remember to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant when you are done skiing.
This 40 mile ski trail spans from Paul Smith's to Keen and passes through Lake Clear, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid on the way. Over the 40 miles, there are flat, mountains, remote, and urban sections alike. This trail, maintained by BETA, contains some of the most iconic Adirondack ski trail sections.
Two Lake Placid stapel touring spots for close-to-town skiing. These sibling networks are multi use trails that have wide double track trails for easy skiing and steeper narrow, hiking style trails for challenging descents. These trails are popular for a quick pre or post work ski, and that is for good reason.
If you are venturing into the woods to ski you need to make sure that you are dress appropriately, and have the emergency items in case of a injury or mechanical failure.
HPC staff are always available to review your gear and give recommendations on gear that will make yousaferand morecomfortablewhile skiing.
Extra Layer
When I am venturing off into the backcountry, I always have a extra puffy jacket in my pack incase if I get delayed by a injury or mechanical issues. Here is one our top recommendations for a lightweight but warm jacket you shouldn't leave the trail head without.
The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody
Warm Gloves
Another extra thing that you should always have when you leave the trail head is a extra warm pair of gloves. here is a top recommendation for a pair of mittens that are deserving to have a place in every skiers pack.
The Hestra Heli Mitt
Binding Repair Kit
Although moden boots, bindings, and skis are more reliable than ever, we always recommend having some essentials to make repairs to your kit. This kit from 22 Designs consists of some small versityle items that can make the difference between post-holing or skiing back to the trailhead.
The 22 Designs Universal Backcountry Repair Kit
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