Easy entry into the sport

[IceHeeler]

As I was doing rehab last year, chomping at the bit to get back on the mountain, the PT recommended I try Nordic but on my tele gear. The guy was brilliant. I posted online; a friend called up with a "I got you, meet me at the ballfields." Using my tele gear, we did laps around the mostly flat baseball and soccer fields. It was so much fun and a gentle way back onto my skis. My friend made some other suggestions on slightly harder trails I could do as I progressed. I don't know why this never occurred to me in previous years. I always go straight to uphill. If you're starting out, I recommend doing some flat laps to build up confidence and endurance.

I've had others join me when they're trying out new setups. Most of my friends are on ATs or split boards. I admit it might be nice to have brakes on the skis instead of leashes. I'm kind of miserly about buying new gear though.

 

[Pequenita]

It's a good idea - I'd say that an xc bc ski or something with scales would work best. AT on flats or up and downs can get frustrating.

 

[Beckster]

It's a good idea - I'd say that an xc bc ski or something with scales would work best. AT on flats or up and downs can get frustrating.

I 2nd your opinion. Plus a basic XC set up is relatively inexpensive and a terrific way to stay in shape between bc tours. I bc 2-3 times a week, but go XC when I only have an hour to get outside. It’s a great and fast full body workout.

 

[Amie H]

I got a new, inexpensive XC setup last year and found the scales very helpful for uphill climbs.

In college, I didn't have access to dedicated XC trails, so my friend and I skied the snow-covered public golf course and then we rode the El back to our dorm skis in hand!

During the pandemic, I dusted off my old college XC setup and did laps in my backyard!

Good luck w your continued wellness.

 

[geargrrl]

Look for a local ski swap. I just got home from ours. She sells off her XC rental fleet every fall for very reasonable.
Trying to XC on AT gear is not going to be satisfying: that's just not what it is designed for. At best you'll get a nice shuffle along and not any real classic technique going. It's way heavier than you need unless you are breaking trail... even then they make backcountry Nordic setup if you are touring only, not doing laps. Speed/climbing/descent is controlled by base surface (wax or waxless) and camber. Nordic skis have neither brakes nor leashes. I also suggest see if your local Nordic club has a "try it out" day. Our club does a day with $10 rentals and $5 lessons!!

 

[IceHeeler]

Trying to XC on AT gear is not going to be satisfying: that's just not what it is designed for. At best you'll get a nice shuffle along and not any real classic technique going. It's way heavier than you need unless you are breaking trail... even then they make backcountry Nordic setup if you are touring only, not doing laps.

I suppose it depends what you're goal is. Mine was to be on snow after a major injury. I needed the stability of a wider ski. Laps around the ball field was a great recovery exercise. I was able to rebuild leg muscle in a lower risk environment. I wasn't winning any speed races for sure.

 

[Rainbow Jenny]

@IceHeeler, sounds like a successful rehab!

I love my Voile Vector BC with scales. I’m on striders 8-10 times per season but always feel a bit out of control on the descent without locked heels and metal edges. Whenever out with friends on bc xc skis, I know they are all envious of my setup.

I also own a pair of bc xc skis bought used 20 years ago, with the leather boots long lost during one of the moves. But they were rehabbed last fall after years of neglect. I’m looking forward to getting back on them on modern boots!