Freedom in the mountains and fields. "BC Cross Country" gear for walking and skiing with ease

If you decide to start backcountry cross-country skiing, what kind of gear should you choose?

Should I choose the width and length in the same way as when skiing on the slopes? What kind of boots and bindings do I need? We asked Mr. Ito of Well-tuned, Japan's only shop specializing in BC cross-country skiing, about these basics

The board has a step sole with edges

When starting out in BC cross-country skiing, the basic spec is to choose skis with step soles and edges.
This allows you to grip the snow and walk on flat ground as well as going up and down slopes. The ideal length is about your height plus 10 cm, so that it is easy to handle when skiing.
It also affects how easily you can change direction while walking, so if it is any longer than this, you will lose agility.

The most important factor is the width of the skis.
For a light and nimble walk, which is one of the joys of backcountry cross-country skiing, we recommend a stable waist width of 60-80mm. Many rental skis are in this size, so taking part in a tour with a rental before purchasing can help alleviate any anxiety about choosing the right gear.

Also, because cross-country skis are measured by the thickness of the top, the number in the product name often indicates the thickness of the top. Don't forget to check the sidecut when you pick up a board

Fischer/ Traverse 78 Crown/Skin

Length = 169, 179, 189, 199cm
Dimensions = 78-61-69mm
Weight = 1,880g (179cm pair)
Lightweight and well-balanced shape. An all-round model that has been adopted by many guide clubs in Japan.

Fischer/ Excursion 88 Crown/Dual Skin

Length = 169, 179, 189, 199cm
Dimension = 88-68-78mm
Weight = 2,050g (179cm pair)
- Suitable for any snow condition, and provides high maneuverability even on tracksless routes. A standard model used by guides.

Fischer/ S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin

Length = 159, 169, 179, 189cm
Dimension = 98-69-88mm
Weight = 2,200g (179cm pair)
- This wide model is recommended for use in heavy snow areas, as it offers high potential for stability even in deep snow.

MADSHUS /PANORAMA M68

Length = 162, 172, 182cm
Dimension = 99-68-84mm
Weight = 2,530g (182cm pair)
- Deep side curve provides excellent control and buoyancy. This model also excels in downhill performance.

MADSHUS /PANORAMA M78

Length = 162, 172, 182cm
Dimension = 109-78-95mm
Weight = 2,530g (182cm pair)
・The top is 109, and the wide design provides excellent buoyancy. Recommended for users who want to ski firmly even in deep snow.

ROSSIGNOL /XP 85 POSITRACK

Length: 165, 175,
185, 195cm Dimensions: 85-61-75
Weight: 1,246g (195cm)
- New model compatible with Xplore bindings for improved downhill performance. The low-density core provides light handling and high durability, while the deep side curve improves gliding performance.

Salomon /OUTSIDE 82

Length: 172cm,
Dimensions: 82-62-70,
Weight: 1,700g (172cm)
. This exciting new model in the BC cross-country category features a recycled ABS core and a see-through topsheet for a truly eco-friendly look.

Kästle /XT 84

Length: 170, 180,
190, 200cm Dimensions: 84-62-72
Weight: 917g (170cm)
Kessle is a long-established brand that has been making a name for itself in Nordic racing in recent years. This versatile model is suitable for the deep snow conditions in Japan, especially in the BC cross-country category.

NNN BC standard bindings and boots

Only the toes of bindings are fixed to the boots, allowing for heel-free walking.
One thing to be aware of is the difference between NNN and cross-country ski bindings. For BC cross-country skiing, we recommend choosing the NNN BC standard, which provides greater stability. The wider toe area compared to the NNN standard for cross-country skiing allows for smoother walking and skiing on uneven terrain.

You also need to choose boots that are NNN BC rated to match your bindings. Most boots are mid-cut to high-cut, allowing you to walk through ungroomed areas with fresh snow, and are made of lightweight leather, making them easy to put on

■Bindings

ROTTEFELLA /BC AUTO

Length = 242 mm
Width = 57.9 mm
Weight = 444 g
・ Simply insert the boot to lock it in place, and remove it with one touch. This classic model is easy to use even for beginners.

ROTTEFELLA /BC Magnum

Length = 242 mm
Width = 68.0 mm
Weight = 529 g
The wide frame design accommodates wide skis. Power transfer to the edges is strengthened, improving gliding and stability.

■ Boots

Fischer /BCX GRAND TOUR

Sizes: 36-47 (EU)
Weight: 740g / 42.
Features a durable and stable leather upper. The breathable construction keeps your feet warm and dry, making it ideal for long trips.

CRISP /STETIND GTX® BC

Sizes: 36-46 (EU)
Weight: 860g/42
. These mid-cut boots feature GORE-TEX technology. Made entirely of full-grain leather, they'll become more comfortable with every use.

CRISP /NORDLAND HOOK GTX® BC

Sizes: 36-46 (EU)
Weight: 729g / 42.
Lightweight yet stable GORE-TEX boots with side support.

Also worth checking out: ROTTEFELLA's new binding "Xplore"

ROTTEFELLA, a Norwegian manufacturer of cross-country ski bindings, has released the pin-type Xplore binding system, designed for all terrains.
In addition to being easy to put on and take off, the flexible flex pads allow for greater ski control and natural directional changes.

The heel support ensures smooth walking, even on steep climbs. Compared to the previous NNN BC standard, the increased strength and stability improves glide.
The compatible boots are from Alpina's classic ALASKA series, the benchmark for BC cross-country boots. While providing a firm hold, the rubber reinforcement covering the toe and heel provides a sense of rigidity underfoot.

ROTTEFELLA /Xplore BCOff-Track Binding

Length=---
Width=---
Weight=374g

alpina (Alpina) / ALASKA XP

Size: 36-48 (EU)
Weight: 860g

Poles affect the ease of walking

Generally, any pole designed for backcountry use can be used, but considering the ease of shifting your center of gravity when walking, specialized poles are easier to use.
In particular, poles with a grip that is easy to hold when walking and a powder basket with a wide range of movement are ideal. ONE WAY's BC VARIO, designed specifically for BC cross-country, allows for smooth pole work and allows you to push firmly in the direction of travel all the way to the end. It features a BC grip that extends to the bottom, which is useful when traversing.

Furthermore, the soft powder basket with a wide range of movement is suitable for any slope or snow type, and the rounded ferrule makes it easy to thrust in various directions.
Equipped with a quick lock system that can easily adjust the length from 115cm to a maximum of 160cm, it supports high mobility even on long, flat routes, and is a consideration that is appreciated for its attention to detail.

ONE WAY (One Way)/BC VARIO

Size=Free

The shop that told me