How to Break Trail on Nordic Skis

Once you are familiar with the basics of Nordic skiing, it is fun and exciting to break your own trails. Your Nordic skis will open up acres and acres of back country for exploration. It is best (and least frustrating) to start in areas that are relatively flat. Golf courses and large meadows are good places to practice "breaking trail".

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cross-country skis
• Topographic maps (optional)
• Water

1. To break trail on cross-country skis, you will want to invest in back-country Nordic skis. They are wider through the deck of the ski, which gives you more float over deep snow. A back-country binding system is a good idea if you think you will be skiing back country frequently; the equipment is heavier and sturdier. You will also want to invest in poles with big baskets at the bottom.

2. To break trail on Nordic skis, you will use the same kick and glide motion as when you are skiing on groomed trails. In deep snow, you will need to stomp down with your skis occasionally to pack down the snow in front of you. You will also want to use shorter glides, or steps, to ensure you keep your balance and maintain good form.

3. When you are breaking trail and can not see your skis under the snow you want to concentrate on keeping your knees and ankles straight, as this will ensure that your skis are straight.

4. To keep the tips of your skis from getting buried in the snow, you will want to mount the binding of your skis back or lean back very slightly when you are skiing.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to build up too much speed. Getting up in the powder after a big fall can be exhausting.
• Always ski back country with a friend.
• Unless you are trained in avalanche awareness, stay out of the back country for the first few days after a big snow, and stay away from ridge lines.