Satchel’s Neophyte Nordic Backcountry Adventure Thread

[Young Satchel]

Well...... I got out for a quick pre-work Valley tour yesterday after the recent snow, and in spite of my enthusiasm, I gotta say it was probably the worst time I’ve had on skis this season haaaaa [emoji23].

If I didn’t enjoy Type II fun so much, I prolly woulda packed it in ASAP and headed for coffee, but no, instead I slogged it out. Here’s some visuals from the journey.....







So why was it so bad, you ask? Truth be told I’m still so green at this BC Nordic thang that I can’t say for sure. In my estimation, it was the fault of the snow, and perhaps a lack of wax. Temps have been fluctuating mightily this season, and though we got a good 8” of fresh in the valley, it was kind of granular and over a base of warm, slushy ground....





The effect was EXTREMELY frustrating to say the least. There was zero glide. I was breaking Trail on the way out, and literally every step I would feel the Fish scale base sucking at the slush below. Then the ski would get stuck under the heavy coat on top and I would have to kind of wrench it out. I would have been way faster in snow shoes honestly.

It was still pretty beautiful so I made my way (sloooooowwwwwwwly) out to the partially frozen pond before turning back towards the car....









When I made it back to the car and took my skis off I started dying laughing [emoji24][emoji23][emoji24]......



Hahahaha hahahah. Shit.

Well, if this ends up being the last outing of the season for me it will certainly have been a memorable one, if not for exactly the right reasons....


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[connyro]

Wow. What a mess. Hey, at least you burned a bunch of calories while fighting with those conditions! I wonder if rubbing paste wax on the entire base of your skis would have helped. I really enjoy your photos: there's a couple great ones in your post. The rocks embedded in snow on your ski bases is pretty funny!

[lowangle al]

Yep, that kind of snow sucks, but at least you got out.

[Rock_Doc]

I've been enjoying your photos from the season -- your area reminds me of my days growing up in Ohio. I used to use this stuff called "Maxi Glide" on my waxless XC skis for that kind of snow/conditions. I have not really kept up on that stuff in recent years/decades, so could not even begin tell you if MaxiGlide (or a similar product) is on the market for waxless skis. BUT, your images definitely conjure up memories of trying to XC ski in Ohio with similar conditions, and this stuff made it slightly more bearable. Thanks again posting such lovely imagery!

cheers,
JT

[Cannatonic]

the picture of the gravel and snow sticking is a classic!!! You absolutely need Maxiglide or Swix F4, I applied as much as I possibly could yesterday in similar conditions and it really helped.

[Young Satchel]

Thanks for the photo-love + advice on all fronts gentlemen. In my estimation, it’s always better to get out than not, so I ain’t mad at it.

I’m just really wanting to get some extended quality time on these new skis of mine, and I can’t say this winter has cooperated. Hoping for a couple more goes of it before spring comes, but that may or may not happen at this rate.


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[Woodserson]

Always carry a scraper.

Don't let your skis get wet.

Hot wax the glide sections and keep the scales lubed up with F4 or Maxiglide.

Persevere.

[Young Satchel]

Always carry a scraper.

Don't let your skis get wet.

Hot wax the glide sections and keep the scales lubed up with F4 or Maxiglide.

Persevere.

1/4 ain’t bad [emoji24][emoji23]


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[t-$]

Keep rocking it satch... There's always next season...

& I have to Agee that your photos are great! I also love the one of the loaded ski....misery loves company!!!!!

[12gaugesage]

Its like that bad girl that you know you should stay away from, but you keep going back for more. On days like those I question my decision to go out, but by the time I get back Im dreaming about the next outing. Experience points, thats what I tell myself. Great pics!