{"id":10621,"date":"2025-09-18T10:25:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T16:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.voile.com\/blog\/?p=10621"},"modified":"2025-09-18T13:23:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T19:23:17","slug":"why-every-backcountry-skier-needs-to-try-xcd-skiing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.voile.com\/blog\/why-every-backcountry-skier-needs-to-try-xcd-skiing\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Every Backcountry Skier Needs to try XCD Skiing"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Cross-country downhill (XCD) skiing might sound like a throwback\u2014something your uncle\u2019s leather boots and a dusty pair of fish scales would be better suited for than a modern backcountry kit. But here\u2019s the truth: XCD skiing is having a quiet resurgence, and it\u2019s worth paying attention to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why XCD Skiing is Back On The Rise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While tech bindings, climbing skins, and downhill-oriented setups dominate most conversations about ski touring, XCD has been carving out a space of its own. Lightweight, versatile, and surprisingly fun, these scaled skis open up terrain in a way that feels refreshing against the grind of long approaches and packed trailheads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why now? Maybe it\u2019s the lingering impact of the pandemic that pushed more people to explore close-to-home adventures. Maybe it\u2019s the economy steering folks toward gear that covers more ground for less money. Or maybe people are just realizing that backcountry skiing doesn\u2019t have to mean going into big terrain every day. Whatever the reason, XCD skiing is back\u2014and it deserves a spot in your quiver, whether you\u2019re a skier, a splitboarder, or simply someone looking for a new way to move through winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s break down exactly why XCD belongs in your kit: from the versatility of scaled bases to the wide range of terrain and activities these skis unlock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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p: Ann Driggers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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p: Ann Driggers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why Go XCD?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fitness and Training Days<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

XCD skis are perfect for when you just want to move. Scaled bases make it easy to head out the door and start gliding\u2014no skins, no transitions, no fuss. Whether it\u2019s a quick lap on a forest road or a loop behind the house, these setups deliver a real aerobic workout and a simple way to keep your legs tuned all winter. Plus, you might be able to sneak some turns in while you’re at it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploration and Adventure<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Think of XCD as the ultimate tool for wandering. Rolling terrain, meadows, forest service roads\u2014this is their wheelhouse. They cover ground quickly, encourage you to explore new corners of your range, and turn even a casual outing into a small adventure. Multi-day excursion? Exploring the National Forest? XCD skis have you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Perfect Early Season Ski<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Before the snowpack fills in, XCD skis thrive. They handle mixed conditions, cover ground quickly, and make chasing those first flakes less of a chore and more of a reward. Early-season missions don\u2019t have to wait for midwinter gear. An XCD setup allows you to get nice and warmed up on low-angle terrain while focusing on the fundamentals of your touring and turning technique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Safe Choice on High Avalanche Danger Days<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Not every day is meant for steep lines. On stormy cycles or when persistent weak layers keep you grounded, XCD skis are the ticket to mellow terrain. You\u2019ll still get the joy of gliding across fresh snow, without putting yourself in unnecessary danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honing Your Telemark Technique<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Light, flexible, and unforgiving in all the right ways, XCD gear forces you to ski with finesse. It\u2019s a playful way to sharpen your telemark turns, dial in balance, and build skills that translate directly to bigger skis and bigger terrain. If you’re coming from an AT or splitboarding background, XCD skis provide a fun challenge for days when you’re looking for something new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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p: Luke Nelson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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p: Luke Nelson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Accessibility: Affordable, Comfortable, and Durable<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Compared to full AT or split setups, XCD gear comes with a friendlier price tag. Leather boots and simple bindings mean comfort right out of the box, and the durability is time-tested\u2014many 3-Pin bindings have lasted decades. It\u2019s approachable gear that just works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building Your XCD Setup: Skis, Bindings, and Boots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So you\u2019re convinced XCD deserves a place in your quiver\u2014now what? The good news is that building an XCD setup is straightforward. Here\u2019s a quick breakdown of the gear you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

XCD Skis<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Voile Endeavor BC<\/a><\/strong> is a prime example of what makes XCD so fun. Lightweight, durable, and built with a scaled base, it thrives on rolling terrain but has enough backbone to handle turns when the slope tips down. Think of it as the sweet spot between cross-country efficiency and downhill control. Coming in at 86 – 86mm underfoot, you have enough float in the powder but can still kick and glide efficiently. You could always size up to the UltraVector BC<\/a> if you want to focus primarily on the descent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Voile Endeavor BC. Perfect for XCD skiing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Bindings<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

XCD setups typically feature two main binding styles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n