Side-Step and Herringbone Techniques for Backcountry XC Skiing

Being safe while traveling in the backcountry during the winter, regardless of mode of transportation or travel, is paramount. Although you can’t change the conditions, you can come prepared with the appropriate skills (and gear) to negotiate challenging terrain. This is particularly crucial when cross-country skiing in the backcountry.

Cross-country skis are mostly designed to travel across long, flat, and rolling terrain. They’re not necessarily designed to negotiate the steeper and curvier aspects of mountains. But no matter what backcountry route you choose, you’re inevitably going to encounter angles of terrain that’ll require you to be creative. In fact, some of the most challenging sections of your day are simply the snowbanks between your vehicle and the actual trail on which you’ll be skiing!

In this video about backcountry cross-country skiing, I demonstrate and discuss some techniques that’ll enable you to travel more safely and confidently. The two main techniques I talk about are side-stepping and the herringbone technique. I also briefly demonstrate and discuss some variations of those techniques.

Side-stepping and the herringbone are underrated classic cross-country ski techniques. The reason I believe this is because they’re seldom seen in race culture. Neither technique is fast. Except for the steepest sections of a race course (when the herringbone is the only option), classic xc ski racers usually just sprint up the hills as if they were running. There’s nothing wrong with this. It’s just that in most industries gear and technique tends to trickle down from the pros. So if the pros aren’t using it (gear or technique), it often goes overlooked.

But racing on a groomed track with a handful of short and steep hills is a far different experience than traveling across variable terrain (i.e. icy and wind-scoured snow, deep and dry snow, and/or an unstable snowpack) filled with countless obstacles (i.e. rocks, trees, logs, and shrubs).

Although I like to cruise along in the backcountry whenever possible, every choice I make is with purpose and the mandate to return home safely. Therefore, I travel confidently yet cautiously when encountering angles of terrain that could prove dangerous to my health. Side-stepping and using the herringbone technique are essential skills that allow me to travel safely in a backcountry environment.

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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.

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

This video was filmed in South Lake Tahoe, CA, between 2019 and 2020.