Tahoe Trail Guide

Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe

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Tag: buying xc skis

Overview of Off-Track and Backcountry Cross-Country Ski Gear

February 3, 2022
| No Comments
| Blog
Mountains and snow and pine trees

Cabin fever can get to the best of us during the winter. So, many people feel an inherent need to get outside and explore the world around them when the snow starts to accumulate. Traveling into the backcountry via cross-country skis can fulfill this desire in so many ways. Whether you’re an athlete who wants…

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Posted in Blog Tagged backcountry xc skiing, buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 4): Can I Use One Set of XC Ski Boots for All of My Cross-Country Skiing Needs?

November 28, 2021
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills
Crusty snow and snow-capped mountains with blue skies

New cross-country skiers looking to buy gear for the first time consistently ask me two questions. The first is whether or not they can buy one set of skis to use on groomed and backcountry terrain. My answer to that question is “technically yes, but functionally no.” Click the following linked text to read my…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills Tagged buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 3): Can One Set of Classic Cross-Country Skis Work for Groomed and Off-Track XC Skiing?

November 15, 2021
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Snowy meadow and mountains in overcast sky

The question of whether or not there exists one set of cross-country skis that’ll allow you to ski in all conditions is on the mind of every person buying their first set of skis. And, for good reason. People want to maximize their fun while spending the least amount of money. They don’t want to…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2): How Much Gear to Acquire, Evaluating Your Commitment, and the Value of Taking XC Ski Lessons

November 2, 2021
| 13 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

If you would’ve told me years ago that I was going to own multiple pairs of cross-country skis and sets of skis boots, I would’ve laughed. And then had you told me that I’d also own a full wax kit, wax profile, and loads of cross-country ski clothing, I would’ve laughed even harder. Not because…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained 13 Comments

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used

November 1, 2021
| 8 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2015 Jared Manninen

“I’m new to cross-country skiing. What type of skis should I buy?” Or, “Since I’m new to cross-country skiing, should I just buy a used set of skis?” People have asked me these questions countless times over the years. As a cross-country ski instructor and xc rental shop employee, it’s my duty to know the…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained 8 Comments

FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Ski Gear

May 1, 2021
| 19 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Snow covered mountains with evergreen trees

This article featuring frequently asked questions about classic cross-country ski gear is a “greatest hits” list I’ve compiled about classic xc ski gear. I’ve been asked these questions (and more) frequently enough to warrant collecting them in one convenient article. Please note, however, that the answers I provide are succinct and abridged. Like any art,…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged backcountry xc skiing, buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance 19 Comments

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The mission of Tahoe Trail Guide is to provide information, education, and inspiration to all people seeking to recreate outdoors.

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Top Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

FAQs about Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction
XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
XC Skiing Explained (Part 5): Classic Cross-Country Ski Boots
Discussing the Goal of Becoming a Better Cross-Country Skier and Embracing Backcountry and Groomed Terrain in Pursuit of that Goal
Overview of Off-Track and Backcountry Cross-Country Ski Gear
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used
XC Skiing Explained (Part 3): Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis
Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 4): Can I Use One Set of XC Ski Boots for All of My Cross-Country Skiing Needs?

Backcountry Skills Articles

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Recent Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • The Cross-Country Skiing Experience: Immersing Yourself in Winter
  • Discussing the Goal of Becoming a Better Cross-Country Skier and Embracing Backcountry and Groomed Terrain in Pursuit of that Goal
  • Considerations for Cross-Country Skiing During the Fall and Early Winter
  • Donner Party History: Series Introduction
  • Hiking Emerald Point (via north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
The next storm is starting to roll in ❄️😍❄️
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#tahoe #tahoelife #laketahoe #tahoenorth #tahome #crosscountryski #dailyadventure #discovertahoe #outdooradventure #exploretahoe #mountainliving #exploretahoedonner #landscapephotography #naturephotography #tdxc #nordicskiing #crosscountryskiing #xcskiing #xcski #optoutside #lovewhereyoulive #activelifestyle #wildernessadventure #truckeelove #adventurelife #outdoorculture
A light dusting today to freshen things up ❄️😍❄️
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Slow going, but it's worth the effort 😊 . . Wat Slow going, but it's worth the effort 😊
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Watch my latest XC Ski VLOG (43) to see more of today's beautiful scenery on YouTube.com/@JaredManninen
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Another stunner today ❄️😍❄️ . . YouTube Another stunner today ❄️😍❄️
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Patreon.com/JaredManninen
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PayPal.me/JaredManninen
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#tahoe #tahoelife #laketahoe #tahoenorth #tahome #crosscountryski #dailyadventure #discovertahoe #outdooradventure #exploretahoe #mountainliving #exploretahoedonner #landscapephotography #naturephotography #tdxc #nordicskiing #crosscountryskiing #xcskiing #xcski #optoutside #lovewhereyoulive #activelifestyle #wildernessadventure #truckeelove #adventurelife #outdoorculture
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Fun Vintage Lake Tahoe Map
Self-portrait of Jared Manninen
Jared Manninen has been a Tahoe local since 2005. He began building Tahoe Trail Guide (c. 2017) in order to inspire people to embrace the outdoors as a place in which to learn and play.

Popular Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • The Cross-Country Skiing Experience: Immersing Yourself in Winter
  • Discussing the Goal of Becoming a Better Cross-Country Skier and Embracing Backcountry and Groomed Terrain in Pursuit of that Goal
  • Considerations for Cross-Country Skiing During the Fall and Early Winter
  • Donner Party History: Series Introduction
  • Hiking Emerald Point (via north side of Emerald Bay in South Tahoe)
  • Considerations and Reasons for Doing a Big Year
  • Behind-the-Scenes Action Photos of Tom Cruise Filming Top Gun: Maverick (aka Top Gun 2) in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Trails

  • Tahoe Trails Overview
  • All Summer Tahoe Trails
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      • Short South Tahoe Hikes
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  • All Winter Tahoe Trails
    • North Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • South Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • East Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • West Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

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Although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility. Tahoe Trail Guide copyright © 2016-2023 by Jared Manninen. All rights reserved.  This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Per the Associates Program Operating Agreement I must disclose the following statement: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases” when you buy something via an Amazon.com advertisement.