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How to choose the right back-country cross-country skiing equipment?
6 minutes
For cross-country skiers who want to explore the backcountry over long distances, backcountry skiing is for you! With your equipment, you'll be able to traverse less-traveled terrain to discover unique snowy natural environments. The goal of backcountry skiing isn't speed or performance, it's distance and endurance, as well as the pleasure of traversing mountains that are inaccessible by classic cross-country skiing.
Contrary to classic or skate cross-country skis, backcountry cross-country skis are wide at the tip and equipped with metal edges. They will allow you to open your own trails and float better on the snow. You can also ski with control and precision on hard surfaces and steep downhill terrains.
To enjoy the joys of this sport that deserves to be known, discover our tips for choosing your backcountry cross-country ski equipment.
What width of backcountry skis should you choose?
Backcountry cross-country skis have a tip width of 55 to 115 mm. Keep in mind that the wider the skis, the more ideal they are for powder snow.
- Width of 55 to 65 mm: this width is ideal for busy areas with terrains often packed by other skiers. It offers more stability on less well-maintained trails. It also allows you to ski on mechanically groomed trails in a cross-country ski center. Skis of this width are also better suited for long distances and polar expeditions.
- Width of 70 to 95 mm: this is an ideal width for powder snow, for less crowded terrains and to be able to make your own tracks.
- Width of more than 98 mm: models of this width are a little closer to telemark skis. They are designed for downhill skiing and turning in powder snow.
How to Choose the Right Backcountry Ski Size?
Backcountry cross-country skis are often shorter than classic cross-country skis for better maneuverability on uneven terrain. To choose the ideal length for you, you need to take into account your weight with your backpack, as well as your skill level. A more advanced skier will opt for longer skis, while a beginner skier can choose shorter skis, as they will be easier to control.
However, the longer the skis, the stiffer the camber. Therefore, a camber that is too stiff for your weight will prevent the skis from being completely in contact with the snow. They will have neither the grip nor the performance needed during pushes.
Shop our backcountry cross-country skis.
Waxing or Scales?
Scale skis are easier to maintain and use, and they are generally compatible with most snow conditions. It is still very important to have skins or half-skins in your backpack in case of ascents on steeper terrains.
On the other hand, waxing requires a little more maintenance than scales, but it is more efficient uphill. In backcountry cross-country skiing, waxing is mainly used for effective grip uphill and can therefore be more basic. It therefore requires less attention to detail than in classic cross-country skiing where waxing is the key to establishing the balance between an ideal push and efficient glide.
With waxing, it is less important to have a pair of climbing skins in your backpack than with scales. They are still recommended if you plan to do long, steep climbs or even trails where you will have to break your own trail in powder snow.
Which Backcountry Cross-Country Ski Bindings to Choose?
There are 4 types of backcountry cross-country ski bindings on the market, for different uses.
1- The NNN binding system: this system is used in classic cross-country skiing, but it is also often used in backcountry skiing for short outings and for its compatibility with lighter and faster boots.
2- The NNN BC binding system: these bindings are widely used in backcountry cross-country skiing, especially in the Laurentians region and for polar expeditions. It is a good compromise between gliding and pushing without sacrificing control on descents. This binding system is similar to the NNN system, but it is equipped with a more robust and wider metal rod.
3- The 3-Pin (75 mm) binding system: this is one of the oldest systems used in cross-country skiing. However, it is not compatible with mechanically groomed trails. On the other hand, it has the advantage of offering enhanced control on descents. Some 3-Pin models are lighter for cross-country ski touring, and other models are more robust and only intended for telemark skiing.
4- The Xplore binding system: this binding system is the most recent, dating back to 2022. These bindings position themselves between the 3-Pin system and the NNN BC system. They are as efficient on descents as the 3-Pin system, and as efficient on ascents as the NNN BC system. However, they are wider than the NNN BC bindings. Several cross-country skiers use Xplore bindings to replace their 3-Pin bindings.
Shop our backcountry cross-country ski bindings.
What cross-country ski boots for off-piste skiing should I choose?
There are several types of backcountry cross-country ski boots that are designed for different practices.
Some boot models are similar to classic cross-country ski boots. These are flexible boots that offer a push as well as enhanced breathability for short, fast outings on mechanically untracked trails.
On the other hand, there are stiffer boots that are more similar to telemark ski boots. They offer better downhill control on steeper terrain. However, over long distances these boots are less fast. They still offer comfort and increased warmth for flat terrain at low speeds.
To find the best boots for you, you just need to know first of all what kind of terrain you like to ski on. Afterwards, you can get boots that meet your needs.
Shop our backcountry cross-country ski boots
To complete your equipment, get the clothing suitable for off-piste cross-country skiing. Then, you'll be ready to venture off the beaten path. The mountain is waiting for you! If you have any doubts about the ideal equipment for you, come and meet our advisors in one of our stores.
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