 Poster: A snowHead
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For those intrigued by back-country skiing using touring skis - more specifically the specialised boots and bindings that make uphill walking easier - this article gives a good insight into the learning curve.
Dan A. Nelson, writing in The Seattle Times explains that he settled on this kit after trying snowshoeing and telemarking (which, as he explains, can be pretty demanding when the snow or gradient get tougher).
Would anyone else care to share their experiences of trying this type of hardware? Or maybe the conversion devices that can turn standard fixed-heel bindings into free-heel set-ups for climbing?
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 16-12-04 11:25; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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When I changed skis a couple of years ago I moved to AT gear because I do most of my skiing in Scotland and beeing able to tour gives me more options. I bought a pair of Atomic TC9 skis and fitted Fritschi Diamir bindings. I've mainly used them on piste and find them great for that, but have also been able to skin to the snow in Scotland. The only thing they don't do is kick and glide! If what you want to do is mainly up and down they are great. Skin up, remove the skins, lock down the heels and you are away for the downhill. For me no noticeable difference to skiing with my old alpine boots and bindings. However if there are a lot of flats its not so good as there is no real glide with the skins on as compared to nordic cambered skis.
This year I'm thinking of trying a pair of Fischer Boundless
http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1_65_69&products_id=233
or Outabounds skis
http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1_65_69&products_id=234
probably the waxless version as they are likely to be easier here in Scotland. Should give me the ability to do a bit more low level and flatter type touring and reserve the AT skis for on pist and the more up and down touring.
Don't suppose anyone has any experience of the Fischer skis?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I am off to Vail in March as part of a five week honeymoon (getting married in Vail) and don't want to be lumbered with all my ski gear for the whole trip. I would like to take my own boots though which are Scarpa Denali XTs.
Does anyone know if I am likely to be able to hire skis with Fritschi Freerides or similar binding with safe release for vibram soles. I have had no luck so far with the one ski shop I have spoken to and I don't want to lug my boots over to the USA if I am not going to use them.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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alicecat, Welcome to snowHeads - 5 week honeymoon wow is it all in the snow
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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alicecat, welcome to snowHeads and congratulations!
Hiring skis in the US is very expensive, especially if you are out there for 5 weeks. I went to Aspen last year for 17 days skiing. I preferred to hire skis but calculated that it was actually cheaper to buy skis whilst out there.
have you heard about the exchange rate? 
I got myself some Freerides and a nice pair of Voelkls plus plenty of other gear.
Have a great trip.
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I should point out that sadly we are only skiing for 12 days, and driving across country (doing sunny stuff) for the rest of the time - hence why I don't really want to be lumbered with skis. I suspect we would feel silly getting off a 'plane in Hawaii carrying snow skis!
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Alice, welcome!
Another suggestion would be to ask on www.epicski.com
It's an American forum, and there are a few skiers on their from Vail.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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alicecat, The best specialist shop for backcountry equipment in the valley is probably Mountain Quest Sports in Edwards (about 13 miles west of Vail), phone: 970 926 3867. I remember feeling very silly once getting off a plane in Hawaii, on the way home from New Zealand, carrying 8 pairs of DH skis...
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