Intro to Classic XC Skiing (Part 4): Basic Techniques for Cross-Country Skiing Downhill

In this fourth part of my “introduction to classic cross-country skiing” series of videos, I present a broad range of basic downhilling techniques. Before you get too excited, though, know that the techniques I present here are very basic. This is not an advanced cross-country downhill tutorial. I produced this video specifically for beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers who want to learn how to safely negotiate hilly terrain. And, my emphasis is on the basic snow plow. So if you’re looking to become a master downhiller on cross-country skis, look elsewhere.

I also discuss and demonstrate staying in the classic tracks on the downhill, stepping out of the tracks while skiing downhill, performing a half snow plow while skiing downhill in classic tracks. Additionally, I talk about and illustrate step turns, kick turns, and stem christie turns. Again, though, this is a very broad and basic overview of the options that you have on cross-country skis when faced with downhill aspects of terrain.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:31 Dealing with Classic Tracks
5:22 Snow Plow
13:27 Side-Step
15:09 Step-Turn
16:45 Kick Turn
18:49 Pseudo-Parallel Turns
19:10 Closing Thoughts
22:30 POV Downhill Run

On the groomed xc ski trails I was running a set of old, beat-up (rock skis) Fischer Summit Crowns with NNN bindings and a pair of basic Fischer touring boots. In the backcountry setting I was on Fischer Spider 62mm skis with NNN bindings and that same pair of Fischer touring boots.

XC Downhill Video Series:
•    • Intro to Classic XC Skiing (Part 4): Basic...  
•    • Revisiting a Basic Snowplow for XC Skiing ...  
•    • Snowplow Turns for XC Skiing Downhill (Par...  
•    • Performing Step Turns with Your Cross-Coun...  
•    • Performing Hockey Stops with Your Cross-Co...  
•    • Embrace the "Tuck" When XC Skiing Downhill  
•    • Practice the Pizza/French Fries Drill When...  
•    • Practice Using Active Feet When XC Skiing ...  
•    • Discussing Terrain Management and Combinin...  
•    • Side-Step and Herringbone Techniques for B...  
•    • Learning Cross-Country Ski Downhill Techni...  

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Please note that I include accurate subtitles/closed captions for all of my videos. So if you're having a difficult time hearing me, enable the "CC" option (bottom right of video player).
You can change the speed of the video (slower/faster) by accessing the "Playback Speed" option via the settings gear icon (bottom right corner of the video player).

Read these Tahoe Trail Guide articles for more information:
• Invest in Technique More Than Gear - https://tahoetrailguide.com/invest-in...

• Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1) - https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...

• Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1) - https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

• FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing - https://tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...

• FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis - https://tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...

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 © 2021 Jared Manninen

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