xc skiing in the winter

 Cross country skis are one of the best ways to experience the gorgeous scenery of the Tetons. There are no lift lines or huge crowds between your experience with the pristine nature of a Jackson Hole Winter

Teton Backcountry Rentals can outfit the entire group for a day of fun on the trails with all inclusive classic cross country ski packages including skis, poles, boots, and more. Teton Backcountry Rentals is the premier cross country ski outfitter in Jackson Hole with brand and style options to choose from.

Cross country skiing basics

Cross country skiing is also known as Nordic skiing. It is an activity that works out the entire body – arms, legs, and core! It’s learning curve is much easier than downhill skiing so it’s fun for beginners and seasoned skiiers alike. It’s a great alternative outing to the traditional lift access resort skiing.

What do you need?

Since this is going to be an active workout, you’ll want to dress in breathable (not cotton!) moisture wicking layers. This way you won’t be stuck with a sweaty wet mess of clothes that’ll zap your body heat. It also makes sure that as you get warmer you can remove your clothes in layers. See this great article about how to layer.

Don’t be caught in the outdoors without the proper safety equipment. Wear a daypack, carry bear spray, and a first aid kit. For viewing wildlife, we recommend picking up a pair of binoculars to accompany your ski rental. And don’t forget the water and snacks!

Four Types of XC Skis Offered at Teton Backcountry Rentals

Classic Cross-Country Skis

Classic cross-country skis are ideal for the many groomed trails in Jackson Hole. They are typically narrower (44-55mm), allowing for greater speed and ease of movement on prepared tracks. This type of skiing is perfect for those who enjoy a steady, rhythmic pace and prefer to stick to designated paths. Classic skis are best suited to flatter terrains where the trail is your guide, making them a great choice for Jackson Hole’s scenic groomed trails.

Metal Edge Cross-Country Skis

For those who crave both groomed trail locomotion AND off-the-beaten path adventure here in Jackson Hole, hybrid classic metal edged cross-country skis are the ideal choice. These skis are slightly wider (60-65mm) and provide enhanced float and stability while forging your own trail in deeper snow. The metal edges offer better grip and control on hilly/variable terrain, making them perfect for exploring beyond the groomed.

If you think you will leave the groomed trail on your adventure, and expect variable snow, choose the Adventure Cross Country Skis below instead of Classics, above.
Adventure Cross-Country Skis – NNN BC

For those who seek off-trail exploration and adventure, and the thrills of hills, light touring, or adventure cross-country skis are the ideal choice. These skis are wider (80, 105, 120mm in the tip) and provide enhanced float and stability while breaking your own trail in deeper snow. The metal edges offer better security and control on harder snow and variable conditions, making them perfect for exploring untouched wilderness. NNN BC has a wider/beefier bar-system boot-binding interface for better transfer of edging and steering movements.

Adventure Cross-Country Skis – Premium Demo

For those who seek off-trail exploration and adventure, and the thrills of hills, light touring, or adventure cross-country skis are the ideal choice. These skis are wider (80, 105, 120mm in the tip) and provide enhanced float and stability while breaking your own trail in deeper snow. The metal edges offer better security and control on harder snow and variable conditions, making them perfect for exploring untouched wilderness. The Xplore boot-binding interface uses spring pins in the boot toe and pin receivers in the binding for optimal transfer of edging and steering movements.

Products

Classic XC Ski Package

Metal Edge XC Ski Package

Adventure XC Ski Package – NNN BC

Adventure XC Ski Package – Premium Demo

Teton Backcountry Rentals offers cross-country ski rentals as a full package for ease and convenience. Get a pair of Atomic Savor classic XC skis or Salomon Escape Backcountry skis, boots, and trekking poles. Save more when you rent for multiple days!

Classic XC Ski Price                                                                                                                                                                             Metal Edge XC Ski Price

Day 1 & 2 = $30/day                                                                                                                                                                                    Day 1 & 2 = $35/day Day 3+ = $15/day                                                                                                                                                                                              Day 3+ = $20/day

For those looking to experience more remote or backcountry environments we  check out our adventure cross-country ski fleet! These skis are wider, stiffer, and have metal edges to help help perform better on fresh snow and un-groomed terrain. These rentals come with your choose of several brands for the NNN or Rossignol XP cross country skis. All packages also include poles and boots.

Adventure XC Ski – NNN Price                                                                                                                           Adventure XC Ski – Premium Demo Price

Day 1 & 2 = $45/day                                                                                                                                                                                    Day 1 & 2 = $60/day Day 3+ = $27.50/day                                                                                                                                                                                        Day 3+ = $60/day

  • Price includes Atomic Savor classic XC skis or Salomon Escape Backcountry (Metal Edge) skis, boots, and poles.
  • Selecting ski length: This is determined using skier weight ranges so the camber of the ski is flexed appropriately when weighted. During pick-up, switching ski lengths are welcome but will be subject to availability. The weight ranges for each length of skis are the following:
    • Classic XC Skis Metal Edge XC Skis
      163cm = 121 – 154 lb 165cm = 110 – 143 lb
      173cm = 132 – 165 lb 175cm = 132 – 165 lb
      183cm = 154 – 209 lb 185cm = 154 – 187 lb
      193cm = 165 – 220 lb 195cm = 176 – 209 lb
    • Adventure XC Skis – NNN Adventure XC Ski – Premium Demo
      160-169cm = 120 – 155 lb 160-169cm = 120 – 155 lb
      170-179cm = 135 – 165 lb 170-179cm = 135 – 165 lb
      180-189cm = 155 – 210 lb 180-189cm = 155 – 210 lb
      190-200cm = 165 – 225 lb 190-200cm = 165 – 225 lb
  • Selecting boot size: Our boots are unisex, though they come in US Men’s shoe half-sizes. If you wear Men’s shoes, we recommend selecting a half-size down from your US shoe size (if your shoe size is a rounded number) or a full-size down. If you wear Women’s shoes, we recommend selecting a size and a half down from your US shoe size (if your shoe size is a rounded number) or two full sizes down. During pick-up, switching boot sizes are welcome but will be subject to availability.
  • Selecting pole length: These should come up to about where your neck meets your shoulder when the pole is sitting on the ground. Another formula you can use is your height in cm x 0.83.

Add-ons

Make the most out of your hike by bringing along a few add-ons. Don’t miss out on spotting a few elk, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. Always keep a safe distance between you and any wildlife.

Not sure what you need?

We’re happy to answer any questions about snow safety and which rentals are best for you.