Nordic hiking, the 100% % eco-responsible activity of winter?

A little bit of history of Nordic hiking skiing

The Nordic hiking skiing It takes us directly back to the origins of skiing. For several millennia, the populations of snowy regions have used boards to move more easily on the snow. Well before cable cars and groomed slopes, skiing was primarily used to traverse snowy territories.

With the development of sports skiing, various disciplines have gradually emerged. Two major families in particular have taken off: Nordic skiing and alpine skiing. Between the two, Nordic hiking skiing has retained a particular philosophy: move freely on the snow while keeping your heel free.

For a long time, the available equipment closely resembled that of cross-country skiing. The thin and lightweight skis made progress on less rugged terrain easier, but limited the possibilities in more technical descents.

However, manufacturers have significantly upgraded the equipment. Today, you can find devices that are Larger Nordic hiking skis, They feature generous tread lines and sometimes pronounced rocker. The scales located under the sole make progress on many terrains easier without systematically requiring the use of leather.

In terms of mounting systems, the principle of the free heel remains at the heart of practice. Telemark-inspired systems thus allow for great freedom of movement during ascent while offering greater control during descent.

Finally, shoes also play an essential role. Some practitioners prefer leather models for their comfort and flexibility. Others choose more rigid shoes when they seek greater precision on demanding terrains. In any case, the material must allow the foot to maintain a natural movement during progression.

Nordic hiking skiing, a real invitation to escape

The Nordic backcountry It remains primarily an activity of hiking. As in alpine hiking skiing, a certain effort must be made before enjoying the descents. However, Nordic skiing has a major difference: it allows for much more natural combinations of climbs, descents, and relatively flat sections.

On a hilly terrain, the skier can thus climb a few dozen meters, immediately enjoy a short descent, and then continue his progress. He does not need to constantly modify his equipment with each change of terrain.

This simplicity brings a true sense of freedom. Instead of considering the ascent as a step before a big descent, the practitioner takes advantage of every movement of the terrain.

Furthermore, the free heel promotes a natural movement of the foot. The ankles and feet contribute more to the movement during progression. The stride therefore approaches that of walking while taking advantage of the glide provided by the skis.

The Nordic hiking skiing This allows you to travel long distances, cross various terrain, and above all, explore the mountain at your own pace.

The freedom of Nordic skiing

The terrain undoubtedly constitutes one of the main attractions of this discipline. Nordic hiking, There is no need to systematically seek a long slope or a peak to climb. On the contrary, the hilly terrain becomes a formidable area for skiing.

A few curves in a small slope, a natural compression, a short climb, then five or six new turns: the terrain imposes its own rhythm and constantly transforms the exit.

This succession of ascents and descents brings a lot of variety. Where a classic alpine hiking ski trip can be organized around a long ascent followed by a descent, the Nordic version allows for more play with the small relief features.

However, the two disciplines share the same pleasure: evolve in natural spaces away from the developed trails. The calm, the landscapes, the snow and the sense of freedom take center stage in the experience.

Nordic hiking also calls for taking your time. A break before a panorama view, a stop in a cabin, or a picnic with local produce can easily add to the day.

Ultimately, there’s no need to constantly strive for performance. Nordic skiing also allows you to slow down, contemplate the scenery, and simply enjoy the pleasure of being outdoors.

Nordic hiking skiing: an accessible activity

The Nordic ski touring is aimed at many different types of practitioners. Alpine skiers will simply have to adapt certain habits to master free-heel skiing and shoes that are generally more flexible.

Practitioners who have done cross-country skiing, on the other hand, have several useful skills. They already know the feeling of the free foot and generally have good control of the movements necessary to progress on uneven terrain.

However, a beginner can also discover this discipline. Nordic ski touring offers good stability and allows you to gradually learn the various techniques of movement.

When descending, several solutions allow you to control your speed and trajectory. Depending on your level and equipment, the skier can use the snow groomer, the parallel turn, the skidded descent, or techniques inspired by telemark skiing.

Thus, everyone can gradually enrich their technical repertoire. The goal is first and foremost to find the necessary ease to adapt to different types of snow and terrain.

A multitude of terrains to explore

One of the great advantages of Nordic backcountry It lies in its versatility. An outing can take on a contemplative, sporting, or playful dimension depending on the terrain and the day's mood.

Some will choose a quiet walk around a snowy village. Others will prefer to explore the vast expanses of the Vercors, the landscapes of the Maurienne or the glaciated slopes of the Jura.

Plateaus, valleys and moderate relief are particularly interesting terrains. They allow for alternating movements of the terrain while fully enjoying the landscape.

However, venturing outside of secure areas requires knowledge of the specific risks of winter mountaineering. Therefore, before each outing, it is advisable to check the weather conditions, the snow cover, and the avalanche risk forecast when the route crosses a terrain affected. A mountain expert can also accompany practitioners who wish to explore this activity in good conditions.

Another way to enjoy the mountains in winter

Nordic hiking skiing does not necessarily seek the highest peaks or the most challenging descents. Its strength lies rather in its ability to transforming a snowy landscape into a true field of exploration.

A slight slope provides an opportunity to make a few turns. A valley allows you to prolong the slide. Then a climb leads you to resume your progress calmly before the next descent.

This freedom explains in large part the charm of the discipline. With the right pair of skis, a little technique, and a good understanding of the terrain, every outing can take a different direction.

Between hiking, skiing, discovering the landscapes and the pleasure of free-running, the Nordic hiking skiing Finally, it offers a simple and authentic approach to winter mountain activities. An ideal activity for those who want to get out of the slopes and rediscover the pleasure of exploring the vast snowy expanses.