Tom,

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying XC > backcountry rigs like yours > snowshoeing in terms of difficulty???

I have to disagree with that. I took a class on XC skiing many years ago to learn (largely because people claimed it was so difficult) and most people had the kick and glide motion within a few minutes and the skate motion by the end of the 1 hr class. It really is just as easy as snowshoeing.

Either one is going to be a serious workout. . . it is tough work breaking trail, traveling with a pack, etc at any decent pace. But really, I don't think XC skiing is difficult at all.