Comparing Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Trails at Groomed XC Ski Areas and Terrain Management
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- I've sacrificed cross-country skiing days to produce this video! ;)
Actually, I've had to deal with lots of mundane life problems during the past few days due to the fact that Tahoe was hammered by gobs of rain and then multiple feet of snow (and everything in between). Basically, I've been shoveling snow non-stop for days. The entire west and south shore of Lake Tahoe lost power New Year's Eve (including my house, of course). And then my house's sewage line clogged up two nights ago due to root invasion, so I spent most of yesterday clearing out the line. So many disruptions and so little time...
But here's the video I had mentioned in the community tab that I've been working on for days. This topic of discussing the difference of the different rated terrain (green = beginner, blue = intermediate, and black = advanced) was a subscriber request.
I probably included way more stuff in this video than that subscriber was bargaining for, but you know me, I like to go big! So I've woven in a bunch of terrain management considerations into the narrative. Additionally, I included a bunch of text overlays, so pause as necessary. Ultimately, however, this is a POV footage extravaganza with a chatty voice over. So, turn the volume down if you don't want to listen to me! haha :)
Chapters:
0:00 Green/Beginner XC Ski Trail
6:25 Blue/Intermediate XC Ski Trail
10:41 Black/Advanced XC Ski Trail
13:52 Skiing Downhill from a Black Trail
Intro to Classic XC Skiing (Part 4): Basic Techniques for Cross-Country Skiing Downhill ( • Intro to Classic XC Sk... )
Tom M's "Ski Slope Angle, Part 1" ( • Ski Slope Angle, Part 1 )
This is an article I wrote espousing the merits of learning technique (over buying more xc ski gear).
tahoetrailguide.com/invest-in...
• / jaredmanninen (monthly contributions of $3, $6, $9, $39, or $99)
• www.paypal.com/paypalme/Jared... (option for making a single, one-time monetary contribution)
• venmo.com/u/TahoeTrailGuide (option for making a single, one-time monetary contribution)
• JaredManninen.RedBubble.com (merchandise account featuring my outdoor-related imagery)
Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.
Classic Cross-Country Ski Components (articles at Tahoe Trail Guide):
Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Considerations for buying cross-country ski gear (new and beginner xc skiers):
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...
I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.
Please note that, 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.
Copyright © 2023 Jared Manninen
For more information, visit… TahoeTrailGuide.com - Jak na to + styl
Thanks for posting your videos, they are super informative and I've learned a lot from you. My wife and I are new to XC skiing and went with back country XC skis (Fischer 98 and Asnes Ingstad) for versatility. We've hit up some snowed over hiking trails and multi-use trails here in Colorado, as well as the neighborhood and parks, but want to try some groomed terrain. How do Nordic ski areas feel about taking the BC skis on groomed terrain, on the skate side of course?
Would you ever want to do a video about XC ski etiquette?
Hey Greg!
Thanks for the kind words, and for the nice feedback :)
Those are some great skis you two have! You could totally use them in the skate lane at a groomed cross country ski area. We get a lot of people who do that at the resort at which I work. So long as you can move out of the way for skate skiers, it's all good.
That said, you probably wouldn't have as much fun as if you were running regular track skis. So, to that I'd recommend renting a regular setup at the resort and trying that out. It'll be a different experience and would be a good learning experience for you. At my xc ski resort we have group lessons that include the trail pass, rentals, and 1.5 hour group lesson (usually no more than 4-6 people per instructor) for a very reasonable rate. Not sure the situation in which you'll be skiing, but that might be worth looking into. But, yes, you can totally ski with your own skis. It would also be cool if you had new snow that you could ski off-piste with those wider xc skis that you have. Use the trails to access off-piste terrain and make some loops between trails. I've done that at my resort, too.
I will also eventually produce an xc ski video highlighting skier etiquette at groomed xc ski areas. That was another request I received earlier this season. I don't have a date for it, but I'll do my best to produce it sooner rather than later.
Thanks again for tuning in, and for the great questions!
@@JaredManninen Thanks for the reply and suggestions. We got 8-12 inches last Thursday in various areas near the house, so it was fun to go to the nearby open space and parks on them. Definitely will suggest to my wife trying classic skis, if I can keep her away from alpine. 🙂
@@gregbrannon9687 Awesome! We just got a bunch more snow, too. And it likes like more in the forecast. Get some use of those xc skis! :)
Thank you for sharing this and for taking my suggestion! Amazing! Although I feel like I'll be on the greens (and maybe some blues) for a while, I love how I'll still be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes. I feel like I've found my winter sport. :)
You're totally welcome :) Thanks for the suggestion!
And don't worry about taking your time progressing from greens to blues, etc... It's not a race. And unless you have the skills to negotiate the more challenging terrain, it's not fun and can be downright dangerous.
Lessons definitely help since skills are the deciding factor behind accessing more difficult terrain. Time on skis, however, is nearly important. So keep at it, and feel free to ask any/all questions :)
Thanks Jared. I'm just getting into XC, and this was exactly the info I was looking for.
Excellent! Glad I could be of service :) Let me know if you have any specific questions about the different types of terrain.
This is a great topic for many new skiers. Thanks for covering all the angles. I might also consider the camber of the trail when on blues and above.
Thanks so much, Kory! And I hope you like all the POV footage in this one ;)
I think I'll put that idea on the list for a future video ... dealing with angles and camber. I always see beginners skidding out to the side when we're traversing across even the slightest angle. Maybe it'll be part of a slightly larger topic of "using the uphill edges of your skis."
Again, thanks for all the support and for contributing to the conversation :)
Happy new year dear Sir.
The theory you give has always been the most practical. This theory is always based on experience you gained on ground.
People may say you talk theory, but it is fact based. So 100% marks to you.
Hey Rahul,
Happy New Year to you, too 🎉
As always, thanks for the kind words and nice feedback 🤗 Direct experience and repetition always seems to yield good results. When they don't, it's time to reevaluate the plan and come up with a new strategy. And then try out the new approach.
Thanks again for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation 🤗
I understand the approach, but personally I prefer seeing you ski for the technique over the point of view, but still an interesting video!
I totally agree. I'd much rather watch a person doing the thing versus seeing the experience from their perspective. I've never been a huge fan of POV footage but, like I said, it was a request (and an experiment to one degree or another). I don't mind a bit of POV footage peppered throughout a video as it does provide an additional camera angle, but I don't see myself producing more longer format videos that primarily feature POV footage.
Thanks for the feedback, and for tuning in. I appreciate it!
I really like your videos and theyve been helping a lot!
A small feedback that the subtitles block the explainatory notes as they are on the basiclally same area of the frame. It didnt really bother me or imo any audience as switching cc on/off isnt a thing. Just thought a small feedback is all I can do to express my appreciation and contribute to better videos if perfection is what you'd care.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and the feedback! Glad I could be of service :)
I actually have considered the placement of the explanatory notes in relation to the subtitles. But I just can't reconcile putting the explanatory ones anywhere else as they seem so natural (i.e. out of the way) at the bottom of the frame. But you're absolutely right in that they do create a minor conflict for those viewers who use closed captions. I'll keep considering other options, though.
Again, thank you for tuning in and for the feedback :)
Excellent
Thank you :)
Hi Jared, sure would love to ski on some of those Tahoe trails that look like they literally go on forever!
Question for you: I thought I noticed a groomed track on each side of the trails you were on. Where I live, there us a Nordic club that looks after grooming and managing a couple of trail areas. Their "convention", where there are 2 tracks is generally stay in the left track. The signage indicating this leaves a lot to be desired and with the North American style of driving on the right side of a road, most new skiers to these areas ski in the right track ... usually until someone informs them of the few signs and left side convention. I'm just wondering what the convention is on the Tahoe trails and if you know of any historical or cultural reasons for the left side skiing-perhaps because of left-side driving in Europe?? Thanks, Brad
Hey Brad,
We do have a lot of kilometers of trails out here :)
You pose an interesting question that I probably have considered from time to time over the years, but never actually confirmed. haha. Honestly, I don't know the specific reasons for track placement other than for safety and snow availability. That said, I think most of the tracks at the xc ski resort at which I work tend to be on the right side. Not all, but most. So I suspect that the reason is based on driving on the right side of the road. When there are two sets of tracks (one on either side of the trail), I do find that I (and everyone else) gravitate toward the set on the right. But then when there's only one set, it's going to be on the right traveling in one direction, and then the left traveling in the other. So, I do ultimately ski on both sides eventually.
An interesting question indeed, and if I find out more I'll let you know!
Thanks again for watching! Hope you're doing well in this New Year :)
Have you found a preferred method for slowing down while skiing icy groomed classic tracks weaving downhill on narrow timber trails? These were so narrow it was tricky to take one ski out of the track. Maybe should have tried using inside edges while in the tracks???
Hey Doug,
I've been meaning to put together a video on survival skiing, particularly on icy terrain. However, I've been dropping the ball all winter as we've had so much snow. Basically, we haven't had too many days of icy conditions for me to film some of that type of skiing!
That said, it sounds like you tried a half snow plow, which is my preferred method, but on a really skinny trail which wouldn't accommodate it. I don't know if using the inside edges of your skis while being in the tracks would've helped. That sounds pretty challenging. Not knowing the exact conditions, though, I might consider trying to run the tail of the half snow plow ski into the edge of the trail and/or dragging ski poles on one side (like an old "lurk"). It sounds like it was icy, but running one ski out of the tracks and in the snow could be an option. But if it was just crusty, icy snow, I don't know that that would've been very helpful.
Other than those couple of suggestions, I can't think of anything else off the top of my head. Again, I have to spend some time experimenting in icy conditions. I honestly just don't come across too many icy and narrow trails. Usually, there's some type of option for me to ski around to avoid a rutted out trail.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. But I will work on putting something together this season regarding skiing in hazardous snow conditions.
Thanks for tuning in, and for the questions.
Hello again Jared. Just curious, what are your fishscaled tracks skis? Seem fast enough of you're hitting 24mph lol.
Hey William,
I usually run a set of Fischer SuperLite crowns. They're on the higher end of recreational waxless skis. I've always find them to be a solid set of xc skis ☺️ And that was a pretty steep pitch (even though it was a blue) where I reached 24mph in this video. After I checked my speed rounding the corner on top, I just b-lined it downhill 😁
What's your opinion on Roller skiing for off season XC skiing? Have you tried it? Did you like it? Can you mimic Classic Diagonal Stride?
Great to hear from you again!
I've tried roller skiing a few times, but after eating $#i+ hard once I decided to hang it up. I'm not necessarily opposed to trying it again as I'm a better skier now, but the only way I'd do it would be with skate ski roller skis and to only work on uphill technique. I don't have any interest of going downhill (regardless of how much tension you can put on those wheels).
Also, I personally wouldn't bother with classic style roller skis. When I first started looking into it a couple of years ago, I the feedback that I received was that classic style roller skis have the potential of causing you to develop bad habits if your technique isn't already spot on. Basically, they employ a brake system to prevent the roller ski from rolling backwards. The problem is that you don't necessarily need great technique in order to cause those brakes to work. Push off (setting the grip zone) is probably the most important element of classic skiing. So if there's a possibility of being able to fudge that because of the technology (brake system) I'd be very careful with that.
If I was a professional xc skier I'm sure I'd be doing it all. But as an amateur I just don't feel the need. It's not the same experience (i.e. not nearly as fun as gliding over snow) and it involves exponentially more risk if you fall. I didn't break anything when I took a digger, but I had lots of road rash (even with elbow pads) and I jammed my thumb super hard that my grip was weak for weeks.
Unless you're in it to win it, I'd recommend implementing dryland training and strength training specific to xc skiing in the off-season. I only have one dryland training video (czcams.com/video/Dx4PXcAL8M8/video.html) which only features a few exercises, so that's one thing that I want to eventually produce more of. And, Atomic Nordic, actually has a bunch of short strength and balance exercise videos (czcams.com/video/0QheGqQtCRU/video.html) that are really cool. I think they have a playlist of at least six different short vids with really helpful exercises.
Anyway, that's my ten cents! haha. The bottom line is that I'm just getting too old to take a fall on asphalt ;)
@@JaredManninen Thank you so much! You answered what I was thinking about some issues that a person might have with Roller Skiing. You just saved me money, time, headaches, road rash and possible broken bones . Appreciate the links. Oh.. I learned how to Classic XC ski from your videos. You need to put a warning label on your videos saying XC skiing can be HIGHLY addictive. ...or something like that ;)
@@deltafour1212 No prob! Roller skis are really expensive, too. I couldn't believe how much they cost. Fortunately, I was able to borrow a pair from a friend for the few weeks I was giving them a try.
Yes, xc skiing can definitely be addicting! It opens up a whole new world in the winter :) So I'm glad I could be of service.
How's it snowing up there right now? I'm seeing all the floods in Sac...
It's been pretty epic these past couple of weeks. Most recently it was a 4-5 inch rain storm followed by a 1-2 foot snowstorm with lots of heavy, wet snow. Then we've gotten a few inches in the past two days. And there's another storm inbound today and then another in a couple days. I'm not going to lie, though, but I could use a break from all the shoveling! haha :)
@@JaredManninen hmmm, I remember 4-6 foot dumps in 2006 covering our car... I'm not impressed unless it's over 10 feet, ha ha.
@@VenturaIT Haha! That's a pretty high bar ;) I don't think we'll reach it in the next week, but we're supposed to get a decent amount just the same.
@@JaredManninen I usually came up there in Feb and months after...
@@JaredManninen Mammoth got over 40" and Park City got 4 feet if you watch the Lucas Catania channel.
XC ski areas are lame by me. Somehow I jumped straight to backcountry. Backcountry NYC!
40.7506248537975, -73.44339420388262
Hello from the Backcountry of NYC
hello from the cracks in the concrete where trees sometimes grow
hello from Bethpage Black golf course: Forbidden cross country Zone
hello from the hawks that feed on the geese guts on Bethpage Black
hello from the pee stains forbidden cross country skiers and rabbits leave in the snow
Ha Ha 😆 Sounds like you've been on some stealth mission xc skiing! I hope that means you've received enough snow this season to actually get some ski days in ❄️❄️❄️
I love the backcountry, too, but ultimately groomed or ungroomed is all good to me. As long as there's snow, I'm in!
@@JaredManninen Unfortunately, all stealth missions were last year. I need an all- white snow camo suit like Marky Mark, sniper. Bethpage Black is way more extreme to xc ski than where youre allowed. Bethpage Pink and Bethpage Yellow are for Elf-Shoe-ers in CamelToe pants. NYC got one dusting so far winter 2023.
I live just forty feet above sea le vel
New York City aint no Courchevel
At the gentlemen's club we mutter "Bada Bing"
and give thanks to Martin Luther King
@@cannonsovercharged Gotcha! Bummer that you haven't hardly any snow this season. We're in for another (potential) couple of feet over the next 10 days. I don't really know how to feel about it at this point because we already have so much!