Cross Country (Classic) Grooming Width & Back Country Skis

arcticlynx1

I am curious, has anyone heard of cross country ski groomers using different widths for the classic track grooves, so that that they can be used by backcountry skis? I am a 400+ lb person, with some leg injuries, and I find that backcountry skis are better suited for big people, because they are built heavier duty and they are better designed for turning. That helps out when you have less mobility, and less flexibility. Thus they help enable someone like me to get out and exercise in winter.

I got a pair of backcountry skis a couple years ago, and when I went to the nearby city there were ski trails that were well used there. They had a sprint track next to a parking lot where the classic tracks would get worn out oversized (larger then originally set) due to the high traffic, and they worked well for backcountry skis. That winter I lost roughly 30 pounds just doing a short mile (or so) a day loop on cross country skis. This year I am now in a small town, where their tracks are the classic width, and they are don't get worn out like the cities. I doubt and question them welcoming people using backcountry skis on classic tracks.

I was wondering if there was any precedents of other ski areas adopting wider backcountry skis track-groove widths, so they could be more inclusive for backcountry skis, telemark skis, and off trail touring cruising skis (and maybe randoneering (sp?) skis). If there was precedents in other places around the world, I might consider trying to convince my local ski area to change over. If they did it, they would be more inclusive not only to people with other types of skis, but also people bigger people, and those with injuries. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

ammo7

Hi there,
I also sometimes use my backcountry skis on groomed trails around the town I live in, and mine definitely don't fit in the classic tracks! It's considered bad etiquette to go in the thin tracks with our wider skis here, so I think you're probably right to question them welcoming it where you live now.

Since I don't go in the tracks for classic skis, I just ski next to them - is that something you could do too? As long as there is space alongside the tracks, you should be fine.

It is such a great workout, and I definitely encourage you to stick with skiing if you are able to find somewhere to ski.

Editing to add: I just checked out your profile. I love your reasons for getting fitter, and I'm jealous that you're in AK! (I'm in MT, and it's pretty great too)

Linnaea27

Huh, that is an interesting point/idea! I live near (and temporarily work at) one of my state's most popular x-c ski areas, and I've never heard of groomers using wider track setter things-- but then I am rather new to the whole scene. I imagine they do exist but might be expensive to change out on the grooming machines. It's certainly worth asking about just to see what they say.

Usually the more popular trails get worn in faster-- can you explore for the part of your ski area where this happens? Or could you try skiing on the groomed skating area, or on the edges of the trail? People do often classic ski on the skating part of the trail, and at least here it's accepted as fine. Since you have backcountry skis (with metal edges, I imagine?) it will probably be easier for you to classic ski on the packed skating track if you have to....

Glad to see someone else on here who loves x-c skiing!

meritage4

I second the idea of you skiing beside the racks.
There is a reason for the skinny tracks and widening them defeats the purpose.
You will also work harder outside the track.


At just shy of 200 and a good skier (and 5 6ft ) it took going to a good specialized store to get skis that were stiff enough for my weight and technique. Recreational skis just didn't work and were all too soft.
We actually found some skis too stiff.
I am skiing on 197s. and weight is dropping.