Thanks! Actually the opposite, I had Nansens (an unfortunate accident with a tree and a nasty side gash) and use the NATO planks.

The NATO planks are stiffer and less noodly but perhaps not as good at gliding. Overall, about the same if more durable.

For rolling terrain, I like my Fischer Europa skis and suspect I’d use something similar for MN.

I use Black Diamond adjustable ski poles (forget the exact model off hand) If you take any kind of moderate terrain, adjustable poles come in extremely handy vs. the classic fixed length Nordic pole. For flat or less steep terrain, classic Nordic poles work well and perhaps preferable (lighter; less likely to break)

The Asnes skis are Norwegian ski troop issued aka “Combat Skis”. Camouflage…or easy to lose, too. 🙂 Long history of white skis used by winter troops. https://www.businessinsider.com/us-and-norwegian-troops-reenacted-wwii-operation-2015-3

Hey Mags, why do you think the Asnes are totally white? Does that make it easy to loose them in snow?

Great. I will look out for deals on a similar setup. Thanks!

Got it.

The Asnes or similar is what I have used for many years. Works well for hut trips, and I’ve used it above treeline in LOW angle terrain. Does not glide as well as my skinnier skis nor turn as well as my tele skis. But I can do what I need to do. And work beautifully for heavier packs. The removable cable bindings also help.

Thanks for the quick reply! 🙂

I did buy and read the book based on your recommendation in your excellent TrailGroove magazine article. Also borrowed some other books on the subject from the local public library. But none explicitly demarcates where XC ends and Tele begins beyond saying ‘wider skis provide more floatation, less glide, more sidecut and stiffer boots suit turn-ability’ etc. Thats why I asked the question here. I understand a lot depends on ability and comfort, but wondering if there some rule of thumbs.

I am 30, from Pune, India. After spending last 5 years in California, I moved to Boulder, Colorado last year. I have decent non-winter hiking experience (half dome trail, 3-day backpacking to Mt. Whitney etc) and some snowshoeing experience (in RMNP). But a major introduction to CO winter outdoors was snowshoeing Quandary this January (http://hrishichandanpurkar.blogspot.com/2017/01/1st-winter-14er-experience-quandary.html) which got me thinking of a faster way to hike than to snowshoe. Consequently I read about nordic skiing and took a lesson just three weeks ago, and got hooked! Since then have gone to a couple of short ski outings (Brainard Lake and Trout Lake trail near Lizard Head Pass) with rental gear. So my skiing experience is extremely beginner-level. However, I did learn to play ice hockey (though there is room for ‘major improvement’), so I think eventually I would do well in skiing. I have attended an avalanche awareness seminar. As my background is in earth science, I think I got the science behind it quite well. While I would eventually like to take a proper field class, I think for now I will save money for now by avoiding the avalanche terrain altogether. I did take a winter survival class with REI but it wasn’t super helpful in terms of learning new things (everything was there in the Freedom of the Hills).

I have been trying to rent different types of ski setups to see how they feel and chase the remaining snow, but I also know that my abilities would improve, hence not sure how much value to give to my current judgements. And its just unfortunate that the season is ending so I can no longer experiment with diverse rental setups. Hence I thought of asking if certain setups (mainly XC vs tele/AT) are more suitable for my purpose so then I can look for deals/ used gear and assemble a decent rig for the next season.

Based on your response, I guess the Asnes-type setup is the way to go. Do you use that setup above treeline as well?

Thanks!

A bit beyond some good answers without knowing you, your abilities, and comfort level.

Having said that.. o.

1. The Asnes is my old Toyota Pickup and lets me get through most things esp at the lower angles you mentioned. All depends on your comfort and ability.
2. Again, depends on you and your abilities as well as pack load.
3. For low angle skiing in the trees? I’ve never brought a beacon personally. Shovel, absolutely. Above treeline is going to be a different ball of wax. I suggest taking an avalanche safety class and doing what you think is correct.

Since you mentioned Quandry, sounds like you are in Colorado. The CMC has a great class for Nordic backcountry in addition to avalanche safety classes. This book is a good resource as well: https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Really-Backcountry-Revised-Better/dp/0762745851 It focuses on the backcountry part of the phrase “Backcountry skiing”. 🙂

Happy trails!