Ski tracks in Rocky Story and photos by Marlene Borneman Winter is a special season in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park and there's no be er way to experience it than on a pair of skis! Rocky offers two styles of skiing: backcountry skiing which requires technical skills and equipment for steep off-trail terrain in high eleva ons; and, the more classic tradi onal cross-country skiing on ungroomed trails.
Marlene Borneman skiing in RMNP in the 1970s. I'm here to tell you about cross-country skiing in Rocky. When you hear “cross-country skiing,” you may think of cross-country touring skiing on groomed trails at resorts. Cross-country touring skis are longer and narrower for these types of smooth and groomed trials. But first-class cross-country skiing can be found in Rocky on ungroomed trails. Here is an overview of equipment needed: skis, boots and poles. Pre y simple. I have a pair of 1970's waxable hickory wood skis without metal edges but I can say I'm happy to no longer ski on them. I also have a pair of very long waxless, Fischer skis which I'm also very happy no longer to be using. I now ski on shorter Rossignol waxless skis that have metal edges with a side-cut shape making for superior maneuverability, especially on turns. The metal edges are more suitable for skiing Rocky when gripping the steeper terrain, making turns, and in icy condi ons. Waxless skis have scales on the bo om along the midsec on of the ski. These scales enable you to climb moderate slopes without slipping while providing the right glide on the downhill. Waxable skis use special waxes to apply to the bo oms of the ski depending on
