OK, I finally made a somewhat better Ski Touring Techniques video for Youtube. Martha came out and taped me. This time the view is from the side and it's wide open -- in a swamp behind my parent's house.

As usual, I'm trying to give an idea of the Touring Stride and the Touring Doublepole -- the cornerstones for everyday-type skiers who aren't racers and who are skiing on self-skied-in trails.

What to call them? Ski-tourists? I've had quite a few people assume that "ski touring" is an extreme, long-distance overnight activity, even done mostly in the mountains. It's not exactly casual skiing, either, as homestyle skiers can be very accomplished.

I made a followup vid about Touring Uphills.

I don't bother showing the basic drills and standard info. My other vids do that fine. The standard stuff is meant for racing, but it also really helps anyone get a great feel for the rhythm involved. The rhythm is the key, after all. I'd suggest getting a feel for the basics and the standards and the usual drills. Then add the Touring stuff to the mix, if non-groomed or sightseeing/convivial skiing is what you'll mostly be doing. But the Touring Doublepole or Striding Doublepole should be part of EVERYONE's repertoire.