Outdoor VLOG 84: Telemark Turns on Backcountry XC Skis at Kirkwood Downhill

This is a long video. After my introduction, there's no explanation or discussion. I'm just performing lots of Telemark turns on four different sets of backcountry xc skis on an intermediate run called "Hole 'N' Wall" at Kirkwood Downhill Resort (between 0930-1130). For the most part, we're near the end of the 2024/25 xc ski season so I decided to go out and have some fun before I have to start storage waxing my skis for the summer.

The clips featured in this video are of every run that I made on this day, including any stumbles and falls. Perhaps you can see my confidence increase as the snow transforms from being firm and fast to something closer to spring corn (as the sun bakes the snow). Perhaps you can see the adjustments I make from ski to ski and even within the short sequence of runs on each set of skis.

The takeaway from this video is that so long as you have decent skills you should be able to make many different xc skis work in many different environments, even on the downhills.

You can always modify your technique to accommodate different gear or conditions. But you can't usually manipulate your gear or the conditions to accommodate your technique (or lack thereof). Technique is universal, gear is specific. So invest in technique more than gear.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
2:04 - Fischer S-Bound 112mm/Rottefella 3-pin bindings/Fischer Transnordic 75mm boots
10:15 - Fischer S-Bound 98mm/Rottefella 3-pin bindings/Fischer Transnordic 75mm boots
16:04 - Fischer Excursion 88mm/NNN BC manual bindings/Fischer BCX GT boots
22:08 - Fischer Spider 62mm/NNN BC auto bindings/Fischer BCX GT boots
27:55 - End Credits

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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:

• 10 Tips for Spring Cross-Country Skiing in the Backcountry - https://tahoetrailguide.com/10-tips-f...

• 5 Reasons to Love Spring Cross-Country Skiing - https://tahoetrailguide.com/5-reasons...

• 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 © 2025 Jared Manninen

For more information, visit https://TahoeTrailGuide.com