Ok I've been trying to figure this out, but it seems there have been a lot of variations over the years. I want to get some skis, skins and boots to do some ski mountaineering. I guess is the new term. I'm not buyin new stuff, not going to be in the PNW long enough to use it to its full value.

•Are specific skis compatible with skins? I read you can 'trim' skins, is this true?
•I have no clue on bindings. I just want a binding that has a heel release to make trekking on them, pivot on toe only. Maybe a heel plate for steeper slopes, but can always switchback.
•The typical term for this is Alpine Touring, right?

Unless I see something desirable on craigslist, I was planning on going to the REI used gear sale in a few weeks.

Thanks, info appreciated!

kylenicolls wrote:Ok I've been trying to figure this out, but it seems there have been a lot of variations over the years. I want to get some skis, skins and boots to do some ski mountaineering. I guess is the new term. I'm not buyin new stuff, not going to be in the PNW long enough to use it to its full value.

•Are specific skis compatible with skins? I read you can 'trim' skins, is this true?
•I have no clue on bindings. I just want a binding that has a heel release to make trekking on them, pivot on toe only. Maybe a heel plate for steeper slopes, but can always switchback.
•The typical term for this is Alpine Touring, right?

Unless I see something desirable on craigslist, I was planning on going to the REI used gear sale in a few weeks.

Thanks, info appreciated!

- Skins will work on any ski. They work better if they are trimmed to fit correctly.
- Bindings: Others can give better advice than I can.
- Alpine Touring or Randonee are both correct terms.

kylenicolls wrote:Ok I've been trying to figure this out, but it seems there have been a lot of variations over the years. I want to get some skis, skins and boots to do some ski mountaineering. I guess is the new term. I'm not buyin new stuff, not going to be in the PNW long enough to use it to its full value.

If this is the case, you should rent the gear. Alpine touring requires significant investment of both time and money. My personal experience is it's better to rent the best gear, than it is to buy the low end gear. The cost will end up the same, but you'll enjoy the trip more.

Are specific skis compatible with skins? I read you can 'trim' skins, is this true?

Yes, but you have to buy skins that have the length and width to match your skis. You can't fit a pair of skins with 80mm waist on a 105mm waist skis. Note: technically, you can do that, but you won't like it.

I have no clue on bindings. I just want a binding that has a heel release to make trekking on them, pivot on toe only. Maybe a heel plate for steeper slopes, but can always switchback.

In general, there are three types of binding you can use for touring:
1. Tech binding. These are Dynafit and Plum bindings, they are light weight binding designed for touring. They require special boots (most touring boots are compatible with them in today's market). NOTE: THEY ARE NOT DIN COMPATIBLE.
2. Full binding. These are the Marker Baron/Duke/F10/F12, Fritchi bindings. They are full DIN bindings that can be use with resort alpine boots. They are bomber bindings, cheaper but heavier. More and more companies are release this type of binding now, they are marketed as "side country binding".
3. Telemark binding. These are the free heel binding, Voile and BD's O1/2 binding. I don't tele so I don't know much about them.

The typical term for this is Alpine Touring, right?

Alpine Touring (randonnee) isn't exactly ski mountaineering, it's ski touring. Because in general, the best line to ski is also tend to be perfect avalanche terrain, you really really should look into Avalanche I/II course. Bring shovel, beacon and helmet.


Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.

What's your budget? Ski mountaineering is fapping expensive.

Ben B. wrote:What's your budget? Ski mountaineering is fapping expensive.

Skis: Army surplus Karhu's (new): $25
Bindings: New 404's: $100
Boots: Use old resort boots or old climbing boots depending on goal: $0
Skins: about $100.
Poles: Have many set of trekking and alpine poles. $0

Not exactly state of the art, but it works and has for several years. I spend more than twice that on lift tickets each year.

No lift tickets for me, I get bored in resorts. Did the snowboard thing for like 6 years. Just want to do some roaming with moderate ascents. Any more I'd stash the skis and kick-step or use crampons. I had a concussion in a terrain park in high school. Since then I lost interest in going big in really any way, although fast can be fun.

I'd like to keep it under 600. It's one of those things that I sell off a past hobby and get a new one. While Dynastar seems to be the most appealing by weight, functionality and boot compatibility, its bare minimum costs is around 200 for bindings only, according to old ebay auctions. If I went this way, I speculate 600 boots-bindings-skis minimum.

There are some skis with Naxo's on them on that seems good priced nearby. Naxo's take DIN compatible boots, right? I know DIN is a binding rating, but I am under the impression that had to be compatible with certain boots (not just AT boots). Which confuses the hell out of me because only a few boots on BC's site mention DIN anywhere. I was trying to use BC's boots section as a guide, but not all boots have a binding compatibility listed on them.

Any input on this ladies/fella's?

EDIT: So I read something. Are there 2 types of DIN bindings? A 'Standard DIN' and a 'AT DIN'? Which I would guess Naxo's would be AT boot compatible, right? Weather or not the boots are DIN compatible?

I believe Naxo is discontinued and replaced by Marker/Fritschi. Naxo accepts both AT tech and alpine boots.

I don't know enough technical detail about DIN to give you a full answer. But as far as I know, Fritschi/Marker binding are full DIN support, while tech binding like Dynafit/Plum/Sportiva aren't and required specifc boots (most BC boots are tech compatible now, you can tell by looking at the toes with two little holes and the heels with slots ).

If your budget is $600, then buy used. I'm sure you can find something more modern. Go to TGR, I'm sure those maggots will sell you a decent set (ski, skin, binding) for less than $600.

It took me a while to figure it out, that AT basically means it clamps to the boot similar to heel + toe bail crampons. Which made it all make sense.

I found and just picked up what seems to be a pretty good starter deal for me. Some used but decent (needs a small Ptex repair on one ski) 178cm ski's, with the Naxo's and very good shape trimmed BD skins. The guy was helpful, sold me a few things, how the bindings work etc. I think I will be pretty well set on my projected spending goal.

THanks for the assistance!