

Again, the wider the ski the more snow it can handle. Varieties of backcountry xc skis between 70-100mm wide are functional in fresh snow from about 4-8 inches deep.Or, I’ll use them at the beginning of the winter when there’s very little snow on the ground. Therefore, I use my skinniest off-track skis (62mm) for spring-like conditions where the snow is firm and consolidated. Off-track and backcountry cross-country skis that are between 60-70mm can’t handle much more than a few inches of fresh snow.This is why we own backcountry skis – to venture off the beaten path! But, like any tool, even backcountry cross-country skis have their limitations. I also appreciate that I don’t have to deal with crowds and lift lines when backcountry cross-country skiing.Īs you might imagine, a wider ski will bear weight more effectively in deeper snow. I love the exercise and exploration that off-trail skiing affords me. So, I take the opportunity to ski off-track and in the backcountry whenever possible. There are very few groomed cross-country ski areas close to my home (in South Lake Tahoe, CA). Exercise and embrace a healthy lifestyle.Explore locations inaccessible in warmer months.No groomed cross-country ski trails nearby.There are obviously countless other reasons that people would be interested in cross-country skiing off-trail. Whether you’re an athlete who wants a strenuous workout or a birder who just wants to make your way through the forest to find some winter species at your local park, backcountry cross-country skiing is your ticket. Traveling into the backcountry via cross-country skis can fulfill this desire in so many ways. So, many people feel an inherent need to get outside and explore the world around them when the snow starts to accumulate. Cabin fever can get to the best of us during the winter.
