Tired of crowded slopes and perfectly groomed runs? Ready for something different than traditional alpine skiing? If you picture yourself in high terrain, making the first tracks in pristine powder-filled bowls or gliding along deep forest trails on the lookout for wildlife, you might be ready to leave the ski lifts behind and embark on a Nordic skiing adventure.
Nordic skiing isn't limited to leisurely cross-country excursions. Telemarking, alpine touring, and backcountry skiing are adrenaline-dumping, heart-pounding sports that can be done in the vast, wide-open wilderness.without a crowd in sight.
So whether you're looking to scream down unmarked descents or kick-and-glide through a winter wonderland, we've created this guide to help you understand each different type of Nordic skiing and find the gear you need to get off the resort slopes and get into the wild.
The Nordic Skiing Family
There are several categories in the Nordic ski family, each with a unique set of challenges to master. The one thing they all have in common is free-heel bindings, or those that attach boot to ski at the toe only.
Cross-country skiing, otherwise known as Nordic touring, is done on prepared trails, groomed tracks, and moderate terrain. Equipment for this type of skiing is designed for either the classic kick-and-glide technique, with skis running parallel to one another, or for the skating style, with the skis angled in a herringbone pattern for powerful pushes (the same motion used for in-line skating).
Backcountry touring is for skiers who would rather create their own path than follow in the tracks of others. Backcountry skiing uses the same kick-and-glide motion as cross-country skiing, but on unmarked trails and varying terrain.
Telemarking is focused around the graceful drop-knee telemark turn that allows skiers greater control of their movements on downhill runs. Telemarking can be done on ungroomed powder in the backcountry or groomed runs at the resort.
Alpine touring is your sport if you yearn for monstrous mountains, striking vertical relief and steep, unmarked descents. Alpine touring (AT), or randonée, requires bindings that allow a mix of backcountry, free-heeled climbing and fixed-heel alpine descents. AT skis let you hit the steep and deep without having to learn the telemark turn to safely get down the mountain.
Nordic Skis: Differences by Style
Cross-country skis, due to evolving technology and advanced designs, are shorter than their unwieldy forefathers. They are narrow for easy striding in groomed tracks and produce little drag to help you glide faster while using less energy. Cross-country skis come in waxable and waxless varieties, with the latter having fishlike scales on the base to grip the snow. Waxless skis are easy to maintain but offer less grip, making them a good choice for newbie or recreational skiers. Classic cross-country skiers generally use waxable skis because different waxes can be used to adjust grip and glide.
Backcountry touring skis are shorter and more manageable than classic cross-country skis to handle the deep snow, formidable obstacles and downhill slopes you may encounter in the backcountry. Because backcountry skis must provide flotation in deep, soft snow, they should have at least a 50 mm waist. These skis also come either waxable or waxless.
Telemark skis & Alpine touring skis come in various sizes; longer skis provide more control and stability on descents, while shorter skis are easier to maneuver at slower speeds and in varying terrain. These skis may have wider tips and tails to handle fresh powder and faster turns. Tele and AT skis are made to achieve peak performance on the downhill and have plush clip-on "skins" on the bottom to prevent slipping while climbing. These skis are often engineered with torsional rigidity to hold an edge on hard-packed snow without skidding or twisting.
Both tele and AT skis come in a variety of shapes and flexes. If your primary use will be backcountry, you may want skis that have a lightweight construction for enjoyable skiing on soft snow, long uphill climbs and cross-country navigation. If you plan on primarily skiing at groomed resorts (where weight is not an issue), you may want a heavier ski designed for more rigidity and power.
Nordic Skis: Primary Characteristics
Sidecut: While all Nordic skis have a sidecut (the visible width difference between the ski tip, waist and tail), the cut depth varies. Cross-country skis have a minimal sidecut because they aren't used to carve tight turns, while backcountry skis have a moderate sidecut between 10-20 mm to facilitate turning in varying snow conditions. Tele and AT skis have pronounced sidecuts with broader tips and tails to facilitate carving without getting caught in the snow.
Camber: Cross-country and backcountry skis have a pronounced arch (camber) that holds the skis away from the surface of the snow and rely on a skier's weight to flatten their profile for traction. This high camber acts like a spring, producing forward momentum for the classic kick-and-glide movement. Like alpine skis, tele and AT skis have very little arch for more contact and better control on descents.
Flex: Cross-country skis are rigid for efficient gliding while backcountry skis have more flex for control while turning. Both tele and AT skis have more flex than other Nordic skis to help you navigate deep powder.
Metal Edges: Like alpine skis, Nordic skis usually have metal edges that bite into icy or steep snow to make maneuvering on a slope easier. One exception would be high-end Nordic race skis, which forgo metal edges for less weight.
Your correct ski length will usually be based on your weight. As manufacturers' sizing charts vary, it's always advisable to consult each vendor's sizing chart to find the appropriate ski length for you.
Nordic Bindings
Cross-Country Bindings
For most all-around cross-country skis, there are two bindings that are typically used: New Nordic Norm (NNN) and Salomon Nordic System (SNS). These binding systems are perfect for gliding in groomed tracks because they're narrow and lightweight.
New Nordic Norm (NNN) Systems use a metal rod mounted into the toe of the ski boot, which then clips into a matching ski binding. NNN bindings feature two ridges on the surface of the ski that fit into matching grooves in the sole of compatible boots.
Salomon Nordic System (SNS) uses a boot and binding connection like the NNN system, but instead of having two binding ridges with matching sole grooves, SNS features one binding ridge and a single sole groove.
Backcountry Bindings Because backcountry skiing is inherently risky, you want to invest in bindings that are durable, secure, and easy to repair in the field. Most backcountry bindings use traditional three-pin, 75 mm-wide extensions. Three holes on the front of the ski boot sole match a set of corresponding metal pins in the binding. The sole extension fits over the pins and a bale is shut down over the extension to hold it in place.
Both NNN and SNS bindings come in beefier versions for the backcountry referred to as NNN-BC and SNS-BC, respectively. These bindings, with a thicker toe bale, are meant to provide a stronger attachment point and transfer more power for backcountry applications.
Telemark Bindings Tele bindings are heavier and larger than other Nordic ski bindings to keep the boots and skis securely connected while withstanding the stress of continuous carving. Cable and plate bindings are popular for tele skiing, which feature toe-in entry, quick-clip heel cables and release plates that reduce the risk of injuries. Tele bindings sometimes have heel elevators that help relieve the strain on your calves.
Alpine Touring Bindings Essentially, the bindings are what separate AT skiing from the rest of the pack. In fact, some Nordic skiers do not consider AT part of the Nordic skiing class at all.
There are two major differences between AT bindings and other Nordic ski bindings. First, while AT bindings feature a free-heeled mode for climbing, they also offer a locked-down mode for downhill skiing. Secondly, AT bindings have a pivot point in front of the toe for climbing while other Nordic bindings pivot closer to the ball of the foot and require a skier to crouch into a telemark-style turn for downhill performance.
Additionally, AT bindings:
- Usually have a binding plate that attaches to the entire sole of the boot, which locks and unlocks at the heel and pivots on a hinge at the toe.
- Have a "DIN setting" which lets you adjust the force required for a release at the toe and heel when you fall.
- May have heel elevators to relieve climbing strain.
- May be leveraged, meaning they use the stiff soles of your boots for leverage instead of a plate. This makes leveraged bindings lighter in weight.
Boots
As with every other ski boot, comfort is your first priority when buying a Nordic ski boot. Your ski boots should hold your feet in place and - most importantly - should match your bindings!
- As a general rule, leather boots are more flexible and warmer for touring while composite boots offer more control, support and moisture protection.
- Composite/leather combination boots offer the rigidity of a composite and the flex and warmth of leather.
- Telemark and backcountry boots must support your ankles while turning and descending.
- Look for robust, aggressively constructed boots that also provide enough flexibility for forward motion.
- Tele boots may have "power straps" for more control.
- AT boots are stiffer and wider than other Nordic ski boots and offer more control when skiing tricky terrain and carrying a pack.
- AT boots resemble alpine ski boots, but with a lug sole made for walking in snow.
- Many feature power straps that increase stiffness for better downhill control.
- If you're skiing on groomed or cross-country trails, you will need poles that reach from the ground to slightly above your armpits and have adjustable straps that allow for a full range of motion.
- For all off-trail Nordic skiing, look for telescoping poles with medium to large baskets for use in deep snow.
Summary
Use the chart below as a quick reference guide to the differences in Nordic skiing gear.
| Skis | Bindings | Boots | Poles |
|---|
| Cross-Country |
Stiff, narrow with minimum sidecut; waxless and waxable varieties; high chamber | New Nordic Norm or Salomon Nordic System (NNN or SNS) | Flexible leather boots are comfortable, but composite boots provide support; composite-leather combo boots combine the best of both worlds | Must reach from the ground to above your armpits with adjustable straps for full movement; smaller baskets |
|---|
| Backcountry | Shorter and wider than cross-country skis; moderate sidecut, springy camber, and flex for touring; metal edges; waxless and waxable varieties | Traditional three-pin, 75 mm-wide extension; durable and easily repaired in the field (BC NNN or SNS) | Must support your ankles but provide enough flexibility for forward motion | Telescoping poles with medium to large baskets |
|---|
| Telemark | Wide, stable, and come in a variety of sizes for ease of maneuvering in varying snow conditions; pronounced sidecut, little arch, and soft flex; metal edges | Heavier and larger than other Nordic bindings; cable and plate bindings that generally do not release upon falling | Must support your ankles but provide enough flexibility for forward motion; lug sole; may have power straps | Telescoping poles with medium to large baskets |
|---|
| Alpine Touring | Wide with little arch and soft flex; need climbing "skins" for ascending; torsional rigidity to hold an edge without skidding; metal edges | Free-heeled mode for striding and locked-down mode for descents; heel plate locks/unlocks easily | Stiff, wide, composite boot with lug sole for walking; may have "power straps" for increased control | Telescoping poles with medium to large baskets |
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