Backcountry XC Ski Gear: Fischer Easy Skins (EZ-Skins)

As a seasonal outdoor recreation-based worker at Lake Tahoe (cross-country ski center, outdoor summer resort, backcountry blogger – https://TahoeTrailGuide.com), I meet countless people beginning to explore the wonderful world of backcountry adventuring. Some of them are transitioning away from more traditional organized or club sports. Many others are completely new to outdoor recreation.

I love seeing so many people interested in venturing outside to explore nature. In addition to helping me stay employed, they’re also the people who will ultimately help to protect open and wild space in America. For this I am extremely grateful because I love to go outside, too!

As much as I want to encourage people to play outside, however, I always emphasize the importance of being able to safely return home from an adventure, especially under one’s own power. Bringing up safety concerns usually then leads to a more involved conversation (time permitting) about gear and other “what if” scenarios.

Fischer’s Easy Skin system for their line of backcountry cross-country skis has been around for a few years. I’ve had a chance to put them to use in various conditions and determined that I seldom need them. The reason I don’t use them often is because the aggressive grip zone Fischer incorporates into their off-track and backcountry cross-country skis is adequate enough to handle the vast majority of snow conditions I encounter.

That said, Fischer Easy Skins are always in my pack when I’m backcountry cross-country skiing. They’ve become a critical piece of my safety gear for when I’m cross-country skiing off-track and in the deep backcountry.

For me, Fischer’s Easy Skins essentially answer the “what if” question of “how do you negotiate extremely hard-packed and icy terrain on cross-country skis?”

Some notes about gear…

I purchase all of my own gear. I’m not sponsored or paid by anyone or any company to promote their products.

I have no interest in providing typical gear reviews. I don’t promote gear in the traditional sense (i.e. because I want you to buy it). I don’t care what you do with your own money.

I only discuss gear to illustrate the tools that I use based on my life experience, unique needs, and specific approach to travel in the backcountry. And this discussion is always fueled by the many people who’ve asked me over the years questions about what I do, or the gear I use, in “this” or “that” backcountry scenario.

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Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
https://tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...

I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.

Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.

Copyright © 2020 Jared Manninen

For more information, visit…
https://TahoeTrailGuide.com