What is Nordic backcountry skiing?

Nordic skiing is a winter sports category that encompasses any sport where your heel is not attached directly to your ski, also referred to as "free-heel" skiing. While the term technically includes sports such as ski jumping and biathlon, it is most commonly used to refer to cross-country or telemark skiing.

Backcountry

Backcountry skiing involves traveling into the wilderness rather than skiing at a resort or Nordic ski center.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is often done on trails that cross gentle terrain, with small hills and valleys. The sport is easy to learn and considered a great full-body cardiovascular workout.

Telemark Skiing

Telemark skiing takes the free-heel concept and applies it to downhill skiing. While far more difficult to master than standard cross-country skiing, it allows you to access much steeper terrain and ski untouched downhill runs.

Backcountry Ski Touring

Depending on where you intend to ski, your backcountry Nordic ski trip is likely to fall somewhere between cross-country and telemark. You should be prepared to navigate more difficult terrain than what you would encounter at a Nordic center and be comfortable with maneuvering down hills, all on trails that are not machine-groomed.

Benefits

Backcountry Nordic skiing can give you the opportunity to access areas many people can't or don't visit in the winter. You can ski on trails in state and national forests and parks, enjoying the scenery in a season you may not usually get to experience. Although snowshoeing can bring you to the same areas, Nordic skiing is a faster way to travel.

Risks

Backcountry travel of any kind involves risks, and when you're backcountry skiing, snow and winter weather can add further complication. Expert skiers plan backcountry trips carefully, always let someone know their route and when they expect to return and pack items that will help them survive an emergency situation if they get injured, lost or trapped by bad weather.

Source:

David Mann: Dave's Nordic Backcountry Ski Page

Cross Country Ski Areas Association: About Cross Country Skiing