Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
People have been cross-country skiing at Lake Tahoe since the mid-1850s. The incredible Snowshoe Thompson is one of the most notable people to ever ski in the Lake Tahoe region. For 20 years, Snowshoe Thompson transported mail across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. His 180-mile, 5-day round trip journeys extended from Genoa, NV, to Placerville, CA….
Safety is paramount when traveling in the backcountry regardless of your mode of winter adventure. This is especially true for cross-country skiing in mountainous landscapes. Due to their long and lightweight design, cross-country skis are ideal for flat and rolling terrain. Unfortunately they’re problematic when it comes to dealing with the steep conditions associated with…
There are many design features that make a classic cross-country ski unique, but arguably the most distinct is the grip zone. This area directly underfoot accommodates kick wax or features a textured pattern such as fish scales, skins, or a surface designed to be roughened up so you can achieve grip on the snow. The…
Ski bindings, whether they be for Nordic skis, Alpine skis, Telemark skis, or Randonee skis (Alpine Touring), are the unsung heroes of the world of skiing. Without bindings, our skis would be rendered useless for they are the direct interface between human and technology (skis). Their purpose is to enable us to exert control over…
There are countless variations of classic cross-country ski boots in circulation. The styles range from vintage patent leather shoes designed for use with the 3-pin binding system (NN) and will most likely be found in a thrift store or at a garage sale to high-tech and high-top styles of backcountry boots that feature ankle support…
Presented to you in this article and collection of videos are some basic lessons on waxing your waxless cross-country skis. I prefer to use the term “functional” when describing my style of waxing. This is because I aim for function rather than high-performance results. I cross-country ski for enjoyment, exploration, and exercise (not racing), so…
The mountaineering adage of “there’s no bad weather, only bad gear” holds true in many ways with respect to cross-country skiing. But you could take that statement even further. Not only does choosing the correct cross country gear to run in challenging conditions help. But, also, modifying your attitude and technique will surely contribute to…
When I hand first-time cross-country skiers their ski poles (in the rental shop where I seasonally work), I’m often met with disbelief. New customers will say something to the effect of, “these are so much longer than my alpine ski poles” or “are you sure they’re supposed to be so long?” They are a lot…