Outdoor VLOG 69: 9-Mile Overnight XC Ski Adventure at Lake Tahoe (Carson Pass to Big Meadow)

I finally made it out for another backcountry cross-country ski overnight adventure! It's been a few years, but talking with a friend in January I got the idea that I'd like to do at least one overnight adventure each month for 2024. So, this was it for January!

Overall, the trip was a success. The conditions were, to be honest, more like spring skiing than full winter. That's because it was around 50 degrees (F) when we got to the trailhead on Monday! And the low temperatures Monday night into Tuesday morning (January 29-30, 2024) couldn't have been colder than 25 degrees (F). But this made for a relatively safe experience because we didn't have to worry about freak snowstorms or other severe weather.

This was also my friend Dave's first time xc skiing with a fully weighted backpack. And, let me tell you, that's no small task! All of the weight on your back constantly tries to bully you around by pulling you straight back or swinging around. And then when you faceplant, all of that weight slams into your back while you're already down. So there are some considerations to take into account when skiing while wearing a full backpack. But it's not impossible. It just adds to the challenge.

The backcountry xc skis that I used in this video were the Fischer Excursion 88mm with NNN BC Manual bindings. I was wearing Fischer BCX GT boots.

• BUYING CROSS-COUNTRY SKI GEAR, FOR BEGINNERS (PART 1): INTENTION, TYPES OF XC SKIS, AND WHETHER TO BUY NEW OR USED ( https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr... )
• BUYING CROSS-COUNTRY SKI GEAR, FOR BEGINNERS (PART 2): HOW MUCH GEAR TO ACQUIRE, EVALUATING YOUR COMMITMENT, AND THE VALUE OF TAKING XC SKI LESSONS ( https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr... )
• BUYING CROSS-COUNTRY SKI GEAR, FOR BEGINNERS (PART 3): CAN ONE SET OF CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS WORK FOR GROOMED AND OFF-TRACK XC SKIING? ( https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr... )
• BUYING CROSS-COUNTRY SKI GEAR, FOR BEGINNERS (PART 4): CAN I USE ONE SET OF XC SKI BOOTS FOR ALL OF MY CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING NEEDS? ( https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr... )
• OVERVIEW OF OFF-TRACK AND BACKCOUNTRY CROSS-COUNTRY SKI GEAR ( https://tahoetrailguide.com/overview-... )

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•   / jaredmanninen   (monthly contributions of $3, $6, $9, $39, or $99)
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• https://JaredManninen.RedBubble.com​ (merchandise account featuring my outdoor-related imagery)

Cross-Country Skiing Explained:

Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.

For the full library of articles and videos of the series at Tahoe Trail Guide, visit…

https://tahoetrailguide.com/tag/cross...

For specific cross-country ski topics at Tahoe Trail Guide, read my introduction to classic cross-country skis…

https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

For and introduction and tutorials about waxing your waxless cross-country skis read…

https://tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...

For information about buying cross-country skis and xc ski gear for beginners read…

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.

Visit https://tahoetrailguide.com/ for more information.

Copyright © 2024 Jared Manninen