I was wondering if anyone with backcountry cross-country skiing experience could give me some suggestions and feedback on finding a pair of waxless skis to use for Nordic/cross-country skiing on flat, hilly, and mountain trails I currently hike on.

I'd very rarely be using them on a groomed Nordic trail. I will likely be "ski backpacking" much of the time, carrying a backpack of at least 30 pounds for a multiple night stay along hiking trails and forest roads. I'm 5'8" and weigh 225.

I rented a pair of classic narrow cross-country skis once last year, but am still a complete novice at skiing of any type. I do really need to buy a pair of skis, as renting or travelling to a ski center isn't likely to happen often. I want to be able to just go out into the backyard or local golf course or park to work on my technique.

After a little research, it seems like a backcountry ski would work best. Here are the two models I'm considering:

Rossignol BC 65: 195 mm length (longest produced), sidecut: 65-53-60

Rossignol BC 70: 189 mm length (longest produced), sidecut: 70-60-65

I prefer the BC 70 due to its increased width, but due to availability of various package deals, I can get a BC 65 package (with boots, poles, bindings) for almost $100 cheaper. Both have metal edges.

Or maybe I'm completely going down the wrong ski trail here?

I used to cross-country ski in the midwest, tried it and gave up in the more hilly PNW. I mostly snowshoe now. I do ski occasionally, when I do I rent packages from REI - they have some good advice on choosing skis and equipment, have a look: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/crosscountry+ski+touring+gear.html. afaik both Rossignol 65 and 70 are good, they resemble what I rent. The BC70 may feel better because they are wider, give you more float on the snow, and may hold your weight better. If you're not sure, rent the BC65 somewhere one more time before you buy it. I'm all for the most comfortable ski when the price difference is $100.

It sounds like you are on the right track.

You might find better information asking at:

http://www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/

And there is a lot of information here:

http://home.comcast.net/~pinnah/DirtbagPinner/quick-picks.html

Sounds like you want to cover a lot of different terrain and the narrow and longer BC65 would be better on the flat and slightly hilly parts but the wider and shorter BC70 might be better on the hiking trails. I am around your same weight with my weekend pack on and find that I do not get very good glide over flat areas using my 190cm skis but I am still able to cover a lot of distance.

Steep and tight Mountain hiking trails may be difficult on either of these skis and you might need to look at something heavier like telemark gear if that is terrain where you really want to go but would not be something for a novice user.

Always look for comfortable boots first and they will determine what type of binding you will need and to some extent how wide of a ski you can use.

Some boot and ski options to give you some idea of what you might look for:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302725815&bmUID=1228156445021

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302726463&bmUID=1228156538854

Another option that you might consider are snowshoes which are slower but much easier to use if you are hauling a pack but you will not cover the same distance in a day.

I use to Xcountry ski a lot as a kid. Like everything, once you get use to it its not that bad. If you can skate, you already have the form for the 'skating techique' (good for going up a slight hill and flat ground when its packed down).

Going downhill on Xcountry skis is a technique that I never mastered in over 15 years. I can do it, but sometimes you'll still fall hard on your backside or come close in hitting a tree!!!!

I'm at a lost for present day equipment, but good luck in your search! Just remember... its a good workout and you will work up a sweat no matter the temp outside.

KRis

My wife likes these

http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_862467_fischer_bc_country_crown_cross_waxless_reviews

I like these with tele-boots

http://www.skinnyskis.com/Products/Fisch...9002971012.aspx


Get some skins too, and they act like snowshoes for steep uphill or
brushy terrain.

Keep your pack weight at 25 lbs and use an internal frame
if you want to be able to turn and have fun.

If you have access to ski swaps, you can sometimes get used
gear for a fraction. I just picked up skating and diagonal stride
skis for my little boy for $10 a pair.


Oh, and if you venture "off piste" on steeper terrain
(+30 degrees) be sure and take an avalanche course and
a buddy.

Take a look at the Karhu XCD line as well.

I have the XCD GT model with the Traverse boots and Voile Super Mountaineer 75mm bindings - works great for exactly the conditions you're talking about.

http://karhuskico.com/products/product.asp?ID=12

Thanks for your suggestions everyone.

I think I'm going to go with the Ross BC 70 skis with large ("Magnum") NNN-BC bindings. These seem to be best suited for my current slow, low-risk approach to downhills.

This link provided by PackRat is a great resource. The author of that site has much experience doing exactly what I want to do in the same type of terrain I'll be in:
http://home.comcast.net/~pinnah/DirtbagPinner/quick-picks.html