The aim of this page is to explore possibilities the Alps offer to a nordic backcountry skier. We will try to rethink if a blend of the Nordic and Alpine is possible. We will talk about the contemporary Nordic backcountry skiing equipment, which allows us to rediscover once again the original spirit of skiing when also the Alps had been skied with the free-heeled equipment.
At that time melting English with domestic alpine languages was a reality of the skiing communication. This is the reason why this web page is designed as a multi-lingual presentation, as a blend of English, French, German, Italian and Slovenian.
And also, at that time a hybridized skiing was popularized and it was suggested that alpine skiers use the strong points of both the Nordic and Alpine skiing techniques. Turing and turning had been blended together in the skiing experience that we almost forgot. In the Alps we could find combination of great horizontal expanses and steep alpine terrain. To ski these places we need the synthesis of a new way of skiing that combines the pleasures and strengths of Alpine and Nordic skiing styles.
Nowadays the backcountry Nordic equipment is a new trend. Thirty years ago Steve Barnnett wrote that “no one yet knows the full capabilities of Nordic gear and cross-country downhill skiing.“ Today we have the answer: with the same equipment we can take cross-country trails, winter-walking paths, snow-shoe directions as well as traverse the woods, powdered open lands and enjoy the smoothness of prepared skiing slopes and tobogganing runs. Yes, Steve, nowadays we live your dream “to cover ground as quickly and rapidly as the Nordic racer and still have the capability of skiing downhill as powerfully as the Alpine skier … to ski long river valleys and steep chutes, huge glaciers and powder-covered forest slopes, long access roads and wide-open bowls.“
Nordic backcountry skiing today can be thought of as a little of everything: free heeled bindings are used on slightly wider, metal edged skis and it is not as downhill-oriented as telemark or alpine skiing. But you can make telemark or parallel turns.
So, join us and rediscover the original soul of skiing as it was in the Alps before the joy of skiing turned into a speedy downhill adrenaline sport.
