Backcountry skiing or snowboarding is one of the most popular winter sports around the world. The ability to spend time in the outdoors, away from the crowds, ski racing, and fresh powder is appealing. However, not everyone should try it; if you want to have a safe and enjoyable experience, you need to be mindful of the right equipment and know how to use it.
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Length
When it comes to cross country skiing, there are three general lengths you need to know about: short, medium, and long. The first two correspond to regular skiing, while the third one is more like a hiking trail. The only difference is the way you carry your ski equipment. Short skis are perfect for beginners, while long and/or double-bladed skis are best for expert skiers who want to explore more trails and gain more control while skiing. Here is more information about each length category.
Short
Short cross country skis have a length of between 10′ and 13′.5′, with the majority between 11′ and 12’6′. They are perfect for beginners who want to have an enjoyable yet safe experience on the slopes. Despite their length, they are not heavy and can be transported and stored easily. A perfect fit for kids who want to learn how to ski, as well as for adults who want to enjoy an unforgettable ski vacation with their family. They feel sharp and responsive on the snow and are easy to handle, especially in heavy snow conditions. They do require more work than long skis when it comes to storing and transporting them, as they are more susceptible to damage. They also need to be sharpened frequently because of their short length, and this reduces their lifespan. Although short skis are ideal for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers can also have fun on them. If you are an expert skier and want a longer ski experience, consider getting a longer ski or buying a ski pack that can hold several pairs of skis. The extra weight is negligible and will make you feel like a real pro on the slopes. Just make sure you are knowledgeable about how to ski properly on a short ski.
Medium
Like the short ones, medium-length cross country skis have a length between 10′ and 13.5′, but they are a couple of inches longer. The extra length provides better stability and sensitivity while skiing, especially on longer trails or in expert terrain. This is also the length most often chosen by adults who want to engage in a little skiing activity with their children. Although they travel easier and are more stable than short skis, they are also a bit more expensive and require a bit more work to transport and store. They are also more likely to get damaged due to the increased likelihood of collisions. If you are an intermediate or advanced skier who wants to improve your experience on the slopes, the medium ski would be the perfect choice. Just be careful when transporting them, as they are quite a bit heavier than short skis and require a lot of room when stored. Just make sure you are mindful of the right storage methods and have them properly packed to prevent any damage or injuries while traveling or storing them at home post-vacation.
Long
Finally, we have the long or double-bladed skis, which are the ones most often associated with expert skiers who want to explore more challenging trails and gain more control while skiing. These are the kings and queens of the winter sport, as they allow for more tricks and more exhilarating maneuvers. They also provide better stability and faster speed than the other two categories. Despite their advantages, they are quite a bit more expensive and require a lot more work to transport and store. If you are an expert skier who wants the best for your experience on the slopes, the long or double-bladed ski is the perfect choice. Just make sure you are properly trained before taking on any expert maneuvers. If you are an advanced beginner who wants to improve your experience on the slopes, consider getting a couple of shorter skis to have some fun on the lower slopes, and then upgrade once you have mastered the art of skiing on two skis.
Hopefully, this article will help you determine what type of cross country skiing equipment you need, based on your experience level. If you want to enjoy your winter vacation and want to have a safe and enjoyable experience on the slopes, consider getting a short or medium ski. If you are an expert skier who wants to explore more trails and feel more stable while skiing, the long ski is the perfect choice. Just make sure you know how to ski properly on a long ski, as there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. If you are a beginner, consider getting a shorter ski until you gain more experience and master the art of skiing on two skis.