Cross-Country Skiing in the Lake Tahoe Backcountry (Winter 2018-19)
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- Опубліковано 20 бер 2019
- Many people view cross-country skiing as a declining art, having been supplanted by alpine skiing as the quintessential winter pastime. On top of this, skate skiing has quickly become what many people associate with contemporary cross-country skiing, relegating classic or traditional (diagonal striding) skiing to an "easy" or "beginner" form of cross-country skiing.
This is very unfortunate because classic cross-country skiing, in spite of being a deceptively complex art, is aerobic (i.e. a great winter workout), relatively inexpensive, and is so versatile that it can be used at a groomed cross-country ski resort or off-track and in the backcountry.
In this short video I demonstrate different ways I adapt traditional cross-country skiing techniques for use in the backcountry. Please note, however, that although I provide a number of examples as to how I negotiate flat, uphill, and downhill terrain, this video features mostly a series of examples rather than step-by-step instructions.
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I wrote and produced this collection of articles and short videos about cross-country skiing with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the outdoor recreation industry at Lake Tahoe, so I treat these informational blogs as extensions of the conversations I've had with those customers. That said, expert cross-country skiers could probably take away something of value from these articles. Just know that I don't intend to specifically address performance or race-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection in this series.
Although I advocate venturing out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry, and always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.
For more information, visit TahoeTrailGuide.com
This video was filmed in South Lake Tahoe, CA, on March 20, 2019.
Copyright © 2019 Jared Manninen - Навчання та стиль
Hey, man thanks for your reply on the other video. I'm going to get me some skis probably tomorrow. I grew up cross country/backcountry skiing in South Eastern Idaho. It opens up the world to you in the winter when you can go across rivers and over whatever. It's liberating and I don't know why more people aren't into it. You might like my channel. I'm in Utah. Lake Taho is one of the last places in the US I haven't even seen. Maybe this winter I need to go check it out! thanks for your replys.
Hey Tyler,
Thanks so much for the feedback! And, I hope you end up getting those skis :)
I think there has been a renewed interest in cross-country skiing (and snowshoeing, for that matter) these past few years. But the numbers definitely pale in comparison to alpine skiing and snowboarding at resorts. I think the trend for a couple of decades moved toward resort skiing due to its ease (chair lifts), convenience (food, drink, and toilets), and safety (groomed snow and ski patrol). But, like I said, that trend seems to be swinging back toward exercising a greater amount of autonomy (i.e. backcountry travel in all forms) to get away from the crowds, test one's self, and to embrace the joy of adventure and exploration. At least those are some of my reasons for xc skiing in the backcountry ;)
Anyway, I think there's definitely going to be a big uptick in xc ski purchases this winter. I've already seen huge increase in traffic on my website (Tahoe Trail Guide) for a couple of my articles pertaining to buying cross-country skis (tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cross-country-ski-gear-for-beginners-part-1/). It's pretty cool since it's a little niche I've been trying to carve out on my site and here on UA-cam.
Thanks again for your kind words. Yeah, and you're channel is awesome!
Jared
@@JaredManninen I got some Fischer’s! I’m going tomorrow!!!!! Merry Christmas!
@@TJackSurvival Well, I guess it's definitely a big Merry Christmas to you then! That's awesome :) Have a great time, and a great holiday season!
I was bitten HARD by the XC ski bug from this video. This inspired me to get into learning classical XC skiing. I was never interested in XC because all I ever saw was people walking with skis. People bragged how fun it is but all I ever saw was people walking with skis like snowshoes. I kept thinking, how stupid. How is that fun? I could walk faster on foot or with snowshoes. LOL
That's until I saw this video. This video showed me what Classical skiing with proper technique of what you can be capable of doing. Like you said, speed skating is fun but it has its limitations. Seeing the speeds and versatility you get and can do with Classical along with proper technique that you preach so much about in your videos, you can have the best of both worlds and can go anywhere. The world is yours to explore. Thank you, for getting me addicted :)
Thank you for the really nice feedback! Glad I can be an inspiration :)
You may also be interested in this video (ua-cam.com/video/qb-djCQN80Q/v-deo.html) as it's a backcountry recap of my 2019-20 season with various locations and clips. For the past couple of seasons, I've filmed most of my dedicated Outdoor VLOGs in backcountry environments in lieu of doing a consolidated seasonal recap.
Without knowing technique, xc skiing often does wind up being a "snowshoeing with skis" type of experience. I can't fault anyone for wanting to get outside and and explore, but it's unfortunate that more people don't invest in learning classic diagonal striding technique. Sure, it takes time to learn but the experience is so much better when you know how to operate the equipment in which you're using. And, it's a lot safer too!
I've spent a bunch of years learning classic technique at the groomed resort at which I work, and then I take that knowledge and apply it to the backcountry. And, it really is so much more fun. I can travel longer distances with less effort (although it's always a workout!) and in a safer manner. You can't necessarily perform good technique in all environments, particularly when the snow is really deep or the it's really icy. In those cases, you do often just end up snowshoeing with skis. However, there's a lot of room to use technique in-between those extremes. And, you could always choose different locations and times of the day in which to ski in order to work around some of those extreme scenarios.
Anyway, classic skiing is super fun so I highly encourage you to give it a try. I also recommend pacing yourself as classic skiing is definitely deceptively complex. It takes time to develop your technique, but the rewards are worth it!
I guess this is an older video, but it just came up on my feed--and I thought it was an appropriate follow-up to your recent video about using classic technique in the backcountry. Loved it for the way you showed how there is so much more to out-of-track nordic skiing--going uphill or down. There seems to be some sort of mass amnesia in this country, since the time when XC skiing first made its appearance in the '70's--and the activity has taken on a kind of "lost art" status, as you commented in the video. Thanks Jared for reminding the viewers that XC skiing is SO much more than walking around on flat ground in the local park like you were on snowshoes! (Major eye-roll.) I've been enjoying it for forty-plus years and am still discovering new reasons to love it!
Hey David,
As always, I really appreciate your kind words and inspiring feedback :)
Yes, this video was from a few years back and while I was still learning (do we ever stop?) and experimenting. But I knew backcountry xc skiing had to be more than the shuffle across the meadow. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but there's so much more out there to experience!
I still marvel at the fact that I came to xc skiing so late in life despite having Finnish blood in my veins and growing up in the upper Midwest (with lots of Swedes and Norwegians). But, we can't go back in time so all we can do is work with what we've got and how much time we have left. So, I've dove in head first to cross-country skiing. And I'm so glad I did!
I will continue to sound the call and try to inspire others to take up this "lost art" because it's so much fun and such a great way to explore the world and the winter :)
Thanks again for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation! Maybe one day we'll be able to xc ski together :)
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this... cheers.
I appreciated it! Thanks for watching :)
I used to ski on Fischer 109s in the backcountry. Flat for the most part, metal edge. Kick wax would stay on quite long even though they had no wax pocket. Did not telemark but I could turn them a little in powder. Still have the boots which are fantastic. Had to buy them directly from Fischer because no one in the US stocked the model.
Very cool! I've thought about picking up a set of E99s or 109s, but I already have so many skis. haha
Thanks for the comment! And I hope you're still getting out in the snow :)
Thanks for the great demonstration
Thanks for the kind words, Erik! I was mostly hoping to show how classic xc technique could be applied in a backcountry environment. I find that it's definitely more fun playing on xc skis when you know some technique 😁
Awesome! Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, Marc! And I appreciate the kind words :)
Nice video. Looks like you were having a blast out there
Thanks so much, Richard!
When the snow conditions are stable and fairly uniform, you can cruise just about anywhere :)
I got a pair of madshus panorama 78's, and this winter its been all about smashing through thick boreal forests in alaska and seeing how steep I can take them. The base repair candles are a small price to pay for so much exploration
Sounds like a blast! I wish I had a set that's 78mm wide. Seems like a great size for all kinds of adventures. I like your approach to not worrying too much about the bases. Just get out and have some fun exploring!
Thanks for watching, and the comment 🤗
HI Jared. I am really enjoying your videos here in Cleveland in November, 2020. Hoping for snow. I too graduated from Michigan Tech in 72'. Met a nice Finnish girl from L'Anse, and have returned many times. Best was in the winter. Skied the Sweedetown trail many times and loved it. Another great place is down the road from the In-laws in L'anse. It is a trail at the end of the Indian Cemetary Road. Very mystic. My wife and I loved it when the Ravens barked at us as we entered the trail.
Thanks for the kind words, Barry :)
It definitely sounds like you have some fond memories of the UP! I know that wishing we had a different past is a fruitless endeavor, but there are times I do wish xc skiing would've been part of my life back when I was little and living in the UP, or when I returned to go to MTU. Such an incredible place, to say the least. I did my fair share of winter adventuring while going to college, but (rightfully so) I was more focused on my school work. Life is what it is, so I'm extremely grateful that I at least found xc skiing a little later in life.
Thanks again for the feedback and for tuning into my channel :)
Thanks for posting this. I want to learn how to cross-country ski on groomed and ungroomed snow this year :-)
You're welcome, Frank! Glad I could provide a little inspiration for you to get out and explore :)
Hey, nice video!! I used to CC ski a lot but was self taught but I did a lot of roller speed skating and inline skating many years ago which is a lot like CC skiing so it translates pretty well to the sport. I have been wanting to get some CC skis because lately we've been getting a lot of snow and being an avid cyclist I'm bummed when I can't get out and ride. I live at the base of the foothills just west of Denver so I live near some very steep terrain and with the combination of my downhill skiing, skating and cycling and your video, I feel so motivated to get some backcountry style CC skis. I assume the ones you were using in the video have metal edges so help with downhill turns. Well anyway, thanks for the video and sharing your techniques!!
Hey cyber bri68, thanks so much for the kind words!
It sounds like you should definitely give xc skiing another try. I wish we were getting as much snow here in Tahoe as you guys are out in Colorado. We've mostly had a drought-type of winter with our last real snowstorm being back in January. Ugh. But you don what you can with what you got!
Anyway, yeah, the backcountry cross-country skis that I use do incorporate a metal edge. I have a number of different widths ranging from 62mm to 112mm (tip widths). I have a number of articles and at least on video that might be relevant to you if you're looking to buy something for the first time. Although, I haven't written anything specific to backcountry cross-country skis yet. Alas, there's only so many hours in a day! But here are some links to some of my other work that may help you to decide...
ua-cam.com/video/Dak-G7E0JKc/v-deo.html
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cross-country-ski-gear-for-beginners-part-1/
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-1-introduction-to-classic-cross-country-skis/
Let me know if you have any other questions. And, again, I appreciate the feedback!
I got a pair of nordic backcountry skiis today. I've never done it, I don't know a damn thing about it, but I'm really looking forward to learn. I'm in the upper peninsula of Michigan so it's a huge activity up here, lots of ungroomed spots to explore.
Very cool. I admire your ambition :) And, believe it or not, I was born in Calumet. I lived in the UP until I was 10. And then I came back many years later to get a bachelor's at MTU. Some beautiful country up there and some great xc skiers, too. Definitely dive into it and explore the backcountry!
Hey, man I just found your videos. Good stuff. I like your web site too. I'll be back!
Hey Jonathan,
Thanks so much for the kind words. I appreciate it :)
I'm not very prolific when it comes to publishing videos and articles (mostly because I don't currently have the time or resources to do it full-time), but I like to think that what I do post is quality and worth watching. So, thanks again!
Great video Jared. Thanks for posting. I am thinking of getting a pair of Rossignol BC 80 ski package. Are these good quality backcountry xc skis in your opinion? I am mostly going out on frozen lakes in Minnesota and a few snowshoe trails in some local parks. Thank YOU! Steve
Hey Steve,
Thanks for the kind words :)
I think the Rossignol BC 80s are great. I like all of Rossi's line of backcountry xc skis. And, for the terrain on which you'll be skiing I believe you'll be more than happy with them.
Thanks again for the feedback and for watching :)
Great! Thanks Jared!
Nice video. Looks like a lot of work. Would like to learn how to cc.
Cross-country skiing is definitely a physically demanding sport, but once you get proficient at technique and develop your cardio it's super fun. See my other comment about my work schedule and, like I said on the other comment, let's stay in touch!
You're a good skier. Why are there so many dead trees btw?
I appreciate the kind words :) I practice as much as I can (i.e. when Tahoe gets enough snow!). All of the dead trees are a result of an illegal campsite/campfire that was not properly extinguished (Angora Fire of 2007). Nobody died, but 250+ homes were incinerated in the fire. Makes for a surreal environment particularly in the winter.
Jared, could you help me understand: if using an Alpine Touring Ski on a groomed trail with no track setting, with constant roller coaster, should I keep the heel locked (like for downhill) or should I keep it unlocked (walk mode for uphill)? Thank you very much!
Hey Rahul,
That question is a little out of my area of expertise. I don't actually have or use alpine touring gear. And your question is part of the reason I prefer to use xc gear (I don't have to think about locking down the heel because it doesn't 😉).
But I suspect it would be more convenient not to have to lock it down on rolling terrain. Again, though, I don't know if that's a standard for most people. Or whether or not that places too much stress on the binding.
I wish I had somebody to refer you to, but I'm sure somebody out there has a video about it.
@@JaredManninen thanks for the honest response Jared.
No prob. Good luck!
Where were you skiing? I'll be skiing Spooner tomorrow around 11 am
On the west side of town, near my home on the south shore. Let me know how Spooner is. I still haven't made it over there this season. Hopefully the snow is holding. I have to head to work today, otherwise I'd join you!
Is this around Echo Lake?
On the eastern side of the ridge from Echo Lakes. In and around the 2007 Angora burn area.
Good! Not much videos like that on youtube. As far as downhill goes, you should take a look at Steve Barnett book «Cross country downhill and other stories». It would give you some tips about many downhill turns... But you are right; going up is also pleasing...
Hey R Belan, thanks so much for the kind words :)
Before the season is over, I'm hoping to produce another, similar video. Unfortunately Lake Tahoe has had a pretty dry winter, so I haven't been exploring quite as much as I'd like to, but I keep finding new pockets of backcountry terrain to play in. And I've been working a lot more on my downhill skills this season. Although, I'm still far from where I want to be :)
Anyway, thanks for the lead on the Steve Barnett book too -- I just ordered a copy. Looks super interesting, and I probably share on some level, a similar appreciation for using lighter and faster gear. I love the nordic backcountry stuff and the freedom of exploration inherent with the discipline.
Thanks again for your feedback!
Which skis are you using in this video?
Thanks for the question, Eric :)
In this video I'm running a pair of Fischer Spider 62s. I tend to use them mostly at the beginning and ending of the season. At the beginning when there's a little snow on the firm ground. And then toward the end of the season when the snow has set and become consistently firm.
Because they're a relatively narrow ski (tip width of 62mm), they don't do too well in deep snow (6+ inches of fresh snow). That's when I use one of my wider sets of skis.
They don't have a very deep sidecut (no backcountry xc skis really do), but it's more pronounced than track skis. And, they do have metal edges. So, overall, I find the Spider 62s to be fun skis for lighter use. And, I've actually logged a lot of miles in my set particularly during spring conditions.
Here's the link to another of my videos that specifically features this ski, which may be of use to you...
XC Skiing Explained: Buying One Set of Classic Cross-Country Skis for Groomed and Off-Track Skiing (ua-cam.com/video/Dak-G7E0JKc/v-deo.html)
Thanks again for the question!
@@JaredManninen Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Would you suggest this ski for in track use or like in your other video is it still best to have a separate set of track skis?
No prob, Eric! Honestly, if you were to be spending a lot of time track skiing, I'd get something dedicated for it and then buy something wide for off-track (like I recommend in that other video). But if you were to buy only one set of skis and planning to ski somewhat equally on and off-track, something like the Spider 62s would be fine. Buying skis for every condition is a rabbit hole, no doubt, so it's really up to you how much you want to invest in the sport. If you eventually decide to buy other skis, though, having a selection is pretty nice.