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Interested in a new challenge this winter? Ready for something different than traditional alpine skiing? If you picture yourself in high terrain, making the first tracks in pristine powder-filled bowls or gliding along deep forest trails on the lookout for wildlife, you might be ready to leave the ski lifts behind and embark on a Nordic skiing adventure.

Nordic skiing isn't limited to leisurely cross-country excursions. Telemarking, alpine touring, and backcountry skiing are adrenaline-dumping, heart-pounding sports that can be done in the vast, wide-open wilderness… without a crowd in sight.

If you're intrigued by, but unfamiliar with, Nordic skiing, check out our new Nordic Skiing Guide for insight and answers. Here's a sneak peek at the guide...



The Nordic Skiing Family

There are several categories in the Nordic ski family, each with a unique set of challenges to master. The one thing they all have in common is free-heel bindings, or those that attach boot to ski at the toe only.

Cross-country skiing, otherwise known as Nordic touring, is done on prepared trails, groomed tracks, and moderate terrain. Equipment for this type of skiing is designed for either the classic kick-and-glide technique, with skis running parallel to one another, or for the skating style, with the skis angled in a herringbone pattern for powerful pushes (the same motion used for in-line skating).

Backcountry touring is for skiers who would rather create their own path than follow in the tracks of others. Backcountry skiing uses the same kick-and-glide motion as cross-country skiing, but on unmarked trails and varying terrain.

Telemarking is focused around the graceful drop-knee telemark turn that allows skiers greater control of their movements on downhill runs. Telemarking can be done on ungroomed powder in the backcountry or groomed runs at the resort.

Alpine touring is your sport if you yearn for monstrous mountains, striking vertical relief and steep, unmarked descents. Alpine touring (AT), or randonée, requires bindings that allow a mix of backcountry, free-heeled climbing and fixed-heel alpine descents. AT skis let you hit the steep and deep without having to learn the telemark turn to safely get down the mountain.

Read the rest of the Nordic Skiing Guide.