A Closer Look at Kick Turns for Backcountry XC Skiing

Apparently, I'm producing a mini-series of videos about uphill climbing because I have another video coming out in a few days related to this subject. Regardless, I wanted to take a closer look at performing the kick turn for xc skis in the backcountry because I had yet to produce a specific video addressing this critical skill.

The main takeaways when performing kick turns is that you have to commit to turning that kick ski 180 degrees (or somewhere thereabouts based on terrain and snow conditions), as well as to commit 100% of your weight to that kick ski when you're ready to bring around the swing ski. Poles can be helpful, but they should only be supporting elements. You should be able to perform kick turns without poles once you've committed your weight to the kick ski. Of course, this requires hip/knee flexibility and stability (i.e. one-legged balance), but this is something that you should always be striving for when xc skiing.

Learning the herringbone and side-step techniques are imperative to uphill climbing and can be mixed in with kick turns. Here's my video about performing them ( https://youtu.be/RbaFneTc2Ks ).

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

In my intro to classic xc skiing (part 4) video about basic downhill technique, I also discuss step-turns and kick turns ( https://youtu.be/-dFqBEG4mW4 ).

I was running Fischer Excursion 88mm with NNN BC manual 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 )

• https://Patreon.com/JaredManninen (monthly contributions of $3, $6, $9, $39, or $99)
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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/

Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis (for beginner and intermediate xc skiers):

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 © 2023 Jared Manninen

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

Видео A Closer Look at Kick Turns for Backcountry XC Skiing канала Jared Manninen