Losing Popularity?

[Struckski]

I kind of independently connected the idea that the tele technique could be applied to xcountry skis. That got me into searching for xc equipment that was more rugged than soft shoes and track skis.

Thanks to Steve Barnett, I have discovered this incredible sport.

Reading about others' discovery of this middle ground of skiing is fascinating, and mimics my own entry into it...

I've been aware of "backcountry nordic" for many years, specifically due to the free, photocopied info packets available at Neptune Mountaineering that described this type of skiing and its historical roots. Back then, though, I was more eager to learn the telemark turn, and was easily convinced that I needed plastic boots, so I went that route. Even the "Telemark Tips" book--a book I really love and have benefited from--kinda ignores the potential for a middle ground (see photo). The authors present skinny "telemark" skis as antiquated, inadequate, and relics of a bygone era...

My experience cross country skiing never made me think that it would be possible to turn the dang things--quite the opposite.

This winter I simply wanted a bit more control while cross country skiing, and I scored a quality pair of metal-edged skis on craigslist. It didn't take long to recognize that "hey, maybe I can telemark on gentle terrain..." ...Then I found this forum....which led me to Steve Barnett's book...and holy cow, yes, you CAN turn them!!!

I have to think that other people, like me, will begin to realize--or revisit--the benefits of having:
1) a lightweight set up,
2) a relatively affordable set up
3) relatively safe terrain that is made more engaging on x-country skis

That said, I can also easily imagine the opposite--expensive AT gear dominating, etc.

For now, I'm just so happy that I finally figured out what works for me. I call it "simple skiing." TRIM THE FAT!!!

[freeheelfreemind]

... I had quite a few choices of ski last year when making a purchase, but I have found very little this year. I live in the United States.

REI has only 4 options, with no Fischer skis at all (was looking for 112s). Backcountry has only 3. My local shops might have some Rossignol 60-somethings (blech). The small online shops are generally sold out or don't list many options either.

Just grab some skinny skate skis and go out and do some awesome XCD skiing with rad Tele turns ...

[lilcliffy]

Man I love that video ↑- every time I watch it!

[ianjt]

... I had quite a few choices of ski last year when making a purchase, but I have found very little this year. I live in the United States.

REI has only 4 options, with no Fischer skis at all (was looking for 112s). Backcountry has only 3. My local shops might have some Rossignol 60-somethings (blech). The small online shops are generally sold out or don't list many options either.

Just grab some skinny skate skis and go out and do some awesome XCD skiing with rad Tele turns ...

Man...if I could have a fraction of the grace on display in that video...

[jyw5]

... I had quite a few choices of ski last year when making a purchase, but I have found very little this year. I live in the United States.

REI has only 4 options, with no Fischer skis at all (was looking for 112s). Backcountry has only 3. My local shops might have some Rossignol 60-somethings (blech). The small online shops are generally sold out or don't list many options either.

Just grab some skinny skate skis and go out and do some awesome XCD skiing with rad Tele turns ...

I always loved that video. thats here in Alaska...he skis the World Cup. he is one of the best athletes in the state. except thats like the best day of the yr that they are doing it...which rarely is the case here. the snow is usually...defective..to put it gently and the weather is...broken. In optimal conditions like that, you can ski that on any gear.

even in the spring/summer, unless you are high in mnts, there is a short window that the snow is good. it starts out icy/crusty early in the morning, then turns to mash potatoes really fast. the corn stage gets shorter and shorter as summer approaches. thats why crust skiing is popular...but crust skiing can literally be 2 wks/yr. and many times the ideal crust lasts about 1-2hrs. and this is assuming it's a clear day.

after skiiing several hundred days in south central alaska over the past 5 yrs, I have rarely seen anyone on non AT gear. when I do see ppl on nordic gear its a real treat because they are usually incredibly good skiiers (like in that video).

Alaska is a bitter sweet place for me. When its nice, the skiing is incredible. And the rest of the time, I question why I live here and put up with it.