I’ve been a snowboarder the past 5 years (took to it very quickly) & feel very confident on all on piste terrain now, but haven’t been on skis since my teens (I’m 37 now). I’ve got long range plans of becoming more active in the backcountry sports. Figure the best way to enjoy it during the winter is on skis rather than a split board.

With that said, I found a pretty good deal on some Megarides that fit me, so I splurged & bought them. But now I’m wondering…. & asking for input….

Should I sell the Megarides & invest that money & little more on an intermediate alpine package set up as I move up the ski learning curve? Or should I just finish up buying the AT bindings & skis & use them as I go up the learning curve on-piste & eventually off?

TIA for your comments

First, I found one mention of the pre-drilled mounts size range starting at 25 on the small end, even with the adjustment range on the bindings. I tried on the F3s in a ski shop and was told that I was probably a 24.5 (though they didn’t have any in stock to try on). Assuming that estimate is accurate, I assume that means I would need to drill new holes anyway? And would the flexible toe on an F3 or Terminator cause any addition problems as far and mounting the bindings?

Second, I can’t find any length to skier weight charts. What length should I be looking at? Recall that I’m about 170 but expect to have a heavy pack. Probably put up around 200 even with a light amount of camera gear. Should I go for the 178 cm or the 187 cm for the additional surface area and better float? I expect the longer length would sacrifice some maneuverability and increase the weight a bit. Are there any other drawbacks?

Thanks again for your help. I can’t wait for winter to get here and start putting all this talk to action.

Stephen

As for width, I’d not worry about it. Though getting something super wide will indeed result in a ski that doesn’t tour all that great. I’d define super wide as wider than Manaslu.

I live in Colorado and am interested in getting into the backcountry this winter. I have done a good bit of research over the past year and am leaning toward some gear and would like your (and anyone else’s) opinion. I am a snowboarder, not skier, but am interested in learning backcountry skiing for the touring aspect. The touring is my priority, but I would also like something I can use on the occasional downhill without getting killed. I weight about 170, but am an amateur photographer and expect to be carrying a heavy pack of camera gear (and eventually winter camping gear). So, I want a set up that is study enough to be comfortable/safe, not so heavy that I’ll limit my range, and wide enough to have decent float in Colorado powder. I know those are some contradictory requirements, I’m looking for that happy median.

Okay, here’s what I have in mind. I’m pretty much sold on the Dynafit bindings. Just trying to decide if those new FTs are worth the cost over the STs. That being said, I’m leaning pretty hard toward Scarpa boots. In particular, the F3 or the Terminator X. I like the toe flex which just seems to make sense for touring efficiency and comfort (do those FTs still need the riser plate with these boots?).

That brings us to the skis. Since touring is my principle interest I have been thinking about the Karhu Guides since they have the waxless base which would eliminate stopping to take skins on and off (or at least reduce it since I have been told I will still need skins for really steep terrain anyway). I also like that the Guides are wider than most of the other cross country skis so it will give me better float on that great Colorado powder. Having said that, I am not completely closed minded to other suggestions. One thing I have eyed a bit are the Dynafit skis, but they tend to run a bit wider and would require skins for climbing. Am I making too big a deal about the skins? The Manaslus caught my attention since they are pre-drilled and I presume I could get the skis set up myself without a ski shop, but are they wider/heavier than makes sense for my touring focus? Am I too concerned about the effect of width on touring efficiency?

Being a novice I find the ski choice particularly perplexing. I’d love to hear some suggestions. Also, I’d like to hear what you think about the overall combination of gear based on my specific purposes. Thanks.