Using Star/Step Turns on Hills for Backcountry XC Skiing (Instead of Kick Turns)

Another uphill-oriented video for xc skiing in the backcountry. All of the techniques that I share are applicable to groomed xc ski terrain. But I find many of these to be more beneficial in an off-track/backcountry environment due to the perpetually variable nature of non-groomed terrain. Basically, you have to pull out all of the stops when xc skiing in the backcountry because you never know what you're going to find. And that's the fun part!

Here I'm demonstrating an uphill step turn instead of a kick turn for use when trying to change our direction or to simply reposition ourselves on a hillside. The reason for this is because it may be easier to do this star/step turn in some cases. That might be because we don't need to make a full 180 degree turn or the terrain (and its obstacles) prevent us from performing an actual kick turn. Or this could be an alternative for people who don't have the hip/knee flexibility or strength to do a kick turn.

Please note, however, that a star turn won't work on really steep hills. Most likely, you'll find yourself sliding backwards in those cases. So you will have to either do a kick turn or find another route up the hill.

The herringbone and side-step techniques are imperative to uphill climbing and can be mixed in with kick and step turns ( https://youtu.be/RbaFneTc2Ks ).

I encourage you to learn the kick turn ( https://youtu.be/y_m-wS0KUA4 ).

Learn step-turns because it's a critical technique to master in xc skiing. This is my video about step-turns ( https://youtu.be/nP6SwsRWo8Y ).

I was running Fischer Spider 62mm with NNN BC auto bindings, and wearing Fischer BCX Tour boots in this video.

• Discussing My Backcountry XC Skis and Philosophy for Backcountry Cross-Country Skiing ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slVsNllbwqY )

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Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.

Classic Cross-Country Ski Components (articles at Tahoe Trail Guide):

Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-1-introduction-to-classic-cross-country-skis/

Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-2-geometry-of-classic-cross-country-skis/

The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-3-the-grip-zone-of-classic-cross-country-skis/

Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-4-classic-cross-country-ski-bindings/

Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-5-classic-cross-country-ski-boots/

Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing-explained-part-6-classic-cross-country-ski-poles/

FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing
https://tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-about-classic-cross-country-ski-gear/

Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
https://tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-your-waxless-cross-country-skis-for-beginner-and-intermediate-cross-country-skiers-introduction/

FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
https://tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-about-waxing-your-waxless-cross-country-skis/

Considerations for buying cross-country ski gear (new and beginner xc skiers):

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cross-country-ski-gear-for-beginners-part-1/

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 © 2024 Jared Manninen

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

Видео Using Star/Step Turns on Hills for Backcountry XC Skiing (Instead of Kick Turns) канала Jared Manninen