How to Choose Your Next Alpine Touring Setup

Choosing a backcountry kit from the ground up can be a daunting task. Whether you're a seasoned veteran in need of an upgrade or you're gearing up for your first uphill experience, it's important to make sure your equipment is working to your advantage. When you're in the shop you may hear phrases such as 'uphill oriented', 'robust', 'all mountain boot', 'range of motion' or 'hybrid setup.' It can definitely be an overwhelming experience for some. Luckily, we're here to break it down step by step so you can ski happy from day one.

First Things First: Identify what you'd like to accomplish with your kit

There's a vast array of gear options available to the modern backcountry enthusiast, ranging from skimo race skis/boots to beefy freeride focused equipment. In between the two extremes lies a sliding spectrum of options, and figuring out what kind if skiing you'll be doing will assist in finding your place on the gear scale. The most important part of the buying process is being honest with yourself about what you'd like to get out of the experience. Do you want to move uphill fast and log thousands of vertical feet per day? Perhaps you don't mind moving a tad slower and want to hone in on the ride back down (we are out there to make turns after all). Maybe you just need a setup for fitness laps at your local resort. Whatever it may be, deciding what you want to use your equipment for before choosing it will only elevate your experience out there. Light isn't always right despite what some might say.

At this point, you may be wondering why the process needs to be so complicated. It's just skis right? Let me explain:

The boot and ski you select need to go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you end up with a super stiff, chunky boot attached to a featherweight mountaineering ski, said ski won't be able to support the boot and allow it to flex appropriately. This creates an unpleasant sensation, one that can only be described as skiing on toothpicks. Not to mention the added weight those boots would tack on only to provide a subpar downhill run. The averse is just as undesirable; a larger ski cannot be driven efficiently by a lighter uphill focused boot. In this case, you would lack control over the skis, a phenomenon that is exacerbated in variable snow conditions. If the two are paired together strategically, they work in unison to get you up and down the mountain in style.

It All Starts With a Proper Fitting Boot:

As the old adage goes, date your skis but marry your boots! Once you have decided the type of skiing you are most interested in, boots will be the first stop on your journey. You can expect that a majority of your time in the shop will be dedicated to dialing in the boot for your and finding that perfect fit, perhaps hanging out for a bit and enjoying a coffee while you see how they feel after a few minutes. 

Our offering of boots is generally divided into three categories: ones that prioritize the up, ones that prioritize the down, and the elusive and growing in between category.

Those boots that prioritize uphill efficiency will be around 1000 grams in weight (per boot), have greater range of motion, and contain more simplified buckle systems. Almost all of these boots will have a soft gaiter above the instep of your foot instead of a full shell overlap. This allows for less resistance when articulating your ankles back and forth, resulting in less energy required to hit the full range of motion while touring. Standouts in this class are the Scarpa F1 LT, Tecnica Zero G Peak, and the Dynafit Blacklight.

Boots that focus on the downhill will look and feel more like a traditional alpine boot, featuring 3 or 4 buckle designs with a snug performance fit at the expense of your range of motion and cuff friction. That being said these boots are now lighter than ever before, often tipping the scale at 1300-1500 grams. Check out the all new Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro, Scarpa Maestrale, or Dynafit Radical Pro if you are interested in this crop of boots.

Last but not least is the ever evolving and interesting collection of boots that fall in between the above two classifications. As technology advances, this middle category features boots that are getting lighter, touring better, and skiing harder. The brand new Dynafit Ridge Pro leads the way, with the Salomon MTN Summit, Scarpa F1 XT, and Fischer Transalp series being excellent picks as well. This style of boot is a great choice for those looking to drive multiple skis with different characteristics while using the same boot. They are also worth a look for those that want a bit more stability while skiing without weighing yourself down on the skintrack.

We do offer some boots that fall outside of the above classifications. Skimo race boots are in a league of their own and are best saved for those seeking their next podium finish or a dedicated fitness setup. On the opposite end lies the resort/touring hybrids such as the Tecnica Cochise. These are a good fit if you are looking for a new alpine boot while wanting the capability to take them on the occasional casual tour.

Skis: Everyone's Favorite Part

If you're anything like me, looking at a wall of skis makes you feel some type of way. All different shapes, styles, and colors - the possibilities are endless! Having so many choices can also be overstimulating and make the decision impossible to make. The good news is the boot you've already selected allows you to filter your focus onto those skis that work best with your boot and the type of skiing you are most interested in. Some characteristics to consider are weight, turning radius/sidecut, stiffness/flex pattern, waist width, and effective edge (rocker/camber profile). Skier ability, aggressiveness, and the terrain you will be skiing will help shorten the list of possible options even further. Read on for more info on different ski classifications. 

The Daily Driver: 

Skis that are roughly 95mm underfoot are the sweet spot for a one ski quiver here in the East. At this width skis are wide enough usually with some tip rocker to keep you on top of that fresh overnight snowfall while still being capable of handling the more common firm conditions we find ourselves navigating. The good news here is that there are plenty of options in this class to pair with your boot from light and fast to hefty and damp.

Some lighter weight options in this category are the Blizzard Zero G 95, Hagan Core Carbon 89, and Voile HyperVector. For a bit more downhill performance check out the Hagan Boost Series (94/99), Black Crows Camox, and the Blizzard Hustle 9. For the in-betweeners look no further than the Salomon MTN Carbon 96, Fischer Transalp 98, and Black Crows Orb.

Narrow & Light:

Its not secret that a narrower ski allows for better edge to edge transfer, and therefore better grip in firm snow. They often have less tip rocker and are more cambered which allows for a longer effective edge when you need it the most. If your focus is mainly on the uphill, you may want a ski that is a tad skinnier in the waist as these skis are often lighter than their burlier counterparts. Skis that are in the mid 80's underfoot are the norm in this class. Our top picks are the Fischer Transalp 86, Blizzard Zero G 85 and the Ski Trab Magico2. These skis pair well with a lighter boot with the same emphasis on uphill efficiency.

Even further down the rabbit hole lies the ski mountaineering sub-class. These skis are ultralight and are often 80mm underfoot or less, examples being the Black Crows Mentis and the Blizzard Zero G LT 80. Reach for these skis if you are putting in long hours in the alpine, perhaps with some climbing involved as well. This type of ski also makes a great choice for a resort fitness ski due to their light weight and ability to hold an edge on firm snow. For those that find themselves above treeline often, a setup of this nature makes a great complement to a daily driver.

Now for some bad news: skis that are in this class are often too light to handle a burlier four buckle boot. This makes it tricky to find a narrow ski that pairs well with a stiffer boot. It can certainly be done, but might require some imagination on the buyers part. A narrow and light alpine ski could be the move if this is what you are after.

Powder Planks:

Its easy to get along with the waterski looking powder planks in your quiver because you're likely having a great time if they are your tool of choice for the day. A powder ski is sometimes difficult to define as different areas of the country (and world) get varying amounts of snow. A 105mm or so waist would be considered a pow ski in the East but to those out West that is likely their daily driver. If you're heading to Japan you may need a snorkel if you don't have a 120mm boat under your feet. You'll want to keep this in mind when choosing what works best for you - don't buy the widest ski in the shop if you never plan on traveling for a trip (I see you dude who tries to carve with his Bent 120s).

The ability to pair a powder ski to your boot of choice is much easier than the prior category. Here in the shop we carry light and nimble options as well as the heavyweight hitters for those that want to charge hard. Some great East coast oriented options are the Black Crows Navis (a personal favorite), Fischer Transalp 105, Blizzard Zero G 105, and the Elan Ripstick Tour 104.

If you need a bit more bulk for a trip or if you just want to send it check out the Black Crows Corvus, Blizzard Hustle 11, or Black Crows Draco. This lineup will also fare well in the confines of a ski resort and would be a good choice for some sidecountry skiing out West. The downside is of course a heavier package to haul uphill, which can sometimes be a key factor when deciding to take another lap with your buddies.

A great pick for those that want to enjoy the pow without weighing themselves down on the up would be the Voile family of skis. The Hyper V6 is best for more moderate storms while the HyperManti is a true East coast powder ski. The Hyper V8 is the ultimate lightweight pow ski for your next deep day or Japow trip.

There are definitely skis out there that blend in with multiple categories or those that have a specific use case with multiple offerings depending on the conditions. Each brand we carry has their own unique flavor that makes them special. Blizzard skis are a favorite of the more aggressive skiers due to their longer turning radius and effective edge while Voile skis are reserved for those that find themselves playing in the trees after a fresh snow. Whatever you may be looking for there is a ski out there for you, don't worry if its not listed above!

Bindings: Time to Put Everything Together (literally)

Bindings are similar to boots in the sense that the heavier they get, the more features are present and the more complicated they can become. At this point in the process you have figured out the path you'd like to go down which makes selecting bindings a breeze. We are proud to carry ATK Bindings in the shop as they engineer and manufacture some of the finest tech bindings currently on the market. We also carry select Dynafit and Plum bindings to round out the largest collection of tech bindings in the valley. Bindings generally fall under three categories: race, lean, and full featured. The first is fairly self explanatory so we'll take a closer look at the latter two. 

Lean:

Often brakeless, leaner bindings are designed with simplicity in mind. Less moving parts means less potential failure or snow buildup which leads to binding malfunction. Many of these bindings feature a single heel riser flap with a "U" spring that has a predetermined release tension. This allows for a durable heel platform and a lightning fast transition as the need to twist your heel tower or fiddle with a brake is eliminated. Lean bindings are often reserved for light weight setups but can also be used with a powder ski as some folks try to shave weight through bindings before sacrificing their ski or boot performance. Examples of this style binding are the ATK Trofeo, ATK Kuluar 12 SL, Plum Pika and the Ski Trab Titan Vario. 

If you seek just a bit more dowhill performance while still remaining within the confines of the 'lean' family of bindings, the ATK Haute Route, ATK Kuluar 12, and Plum Oazo are your best bet. These bindings feature multiple heel riser options and provide a bit of a smoother ride on the way down, keeping you comfortable without tipping the scale.

Full Featured:

Bindings that fall into this category have fully adjustable release values, multiple heel risers, and are typically accompanied by brakes (which can be removed most of the time). They also have elastic travel that assists in dampening the vibrations felt while flexing and turning your skis. Some are now featuring an adjustable release tension in the toe piece for more assistance preventing pre-release while also contributing to a more uniform release when you take a tumble. Examples of this are the ATK RT 11 EVO and the ATK Raider series, both of which are the cream of the crop when it comes to freeride performance at an uphill friendly weight. Rounding out this group are the Plum Guide 12 and Karibou 14. Choose a binding in this category if you are a bigger and/or more aggressive skier who wants stability and security on the ride down.

Skins: The Final Piece of the Puzzle

Many brands have their own pre-cut skins to accompany your selected ski, utilizing the skis specialty tailored tip attachment. But when you need something a little different or your selected ski doesn't have a pre-cut, we have you covered. Pomoca skins set the standard of performance, balancing grip and glide in various packages. Contour and Montana round out our selection of aftermarket offerings, each offering a unique set of features that make them worth looking into.

Other Things to Consider:

There is a backcountry specific iteration of essentially every piece of gear you can think of from head to toe. Some are much more important than others. As your round out your first kit, consider the other hardgoods that will make your experience more enjoyable: poles, pack, and a helmet. As you progress your backcountry journey you can fill in the rest as you see fit.

You should definitely consider poles when you are first putting your kit together. Look for an adjustable pole with a longer grip and a wider pole basket. You will want a longer pole on the uphill (think nordic style) and will want to shrink it down to your typical length for the ski back down. A longer grip helps keep you balanced when you are on a side hill and need to choke up on the pole. Check out our custom branded poles here.

Backcountry specific helmets are lighter, have removable earflaps, and will often be double certified for usage as a climbing helmet as well. This allows an extra layer of safety when bootpacking in more exposed terrain with potential overhead hazards. They will be well ventilated for warmer days but keep in mind you may want a beanie underneath in the dead of winter so size accordingly. Other features are google or headlamp hooks which allow you to keep your light secure at night.

Packs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and your selection will depend again on the type of terrain you find yourself in and your packing style. Most folks will land on a pack between 30 and 45 liters of volume. Look for a pack that has an either a diagonal or A-frame ski carry, an option to store an ice axe, and an external helmet carry. A dedicated avy pocket is essential as well, with enough room to store your shovel, probe and other safety equipment. More technical packs will have additional features specific to their intended use (ie skimo or mountaineering).

Thats it for now! Hopefully the above information helps you on your quest to find the perfect setup for you. If you or anyone you know needs a hand selecting equipment for backcountry use reach out to us via email at help@whitemountainski.co or via phone at 603-383-3142.

See you on the slopes! - Greg