Easy backcountry Trails

[awf170]

Would really like to start getting into some backcountry skiing next year. SO what are some good easier trails, right now I know of Cardigan and Firescrew, GoS slides trail, and the Sureburn. What else would be good. By easy i dont really mean that it is that is flat and really lame, i just mean easy for BC standards.

I would like to get some AT binding but i probably wont... so i would just probably snowshoe up if it is needed. Anyway this may sound stupid but you need AT boots right, you just cant use regular ski boots right

[JimG.]

You can use alpine boots with AT bindings...lot's of folks do.

[awf170]

Originally Posted by JimG.

You can use alpine boots with AT bindings...lot's of folks do.

nice, but it is a lot better skinning with AT boots though, right?

[JimG.]

Definitely more comfortable having the hinged cuff.

[awf170]

Originally Posted by JimG.

Definitely more comfortable having the hinged cuff.

so what do you use???

[JimG.]

My everyday ski boot is the Garmont Adrenalin. It's an AT boot that's designed to be as stiff as an alpine ski boot.

That's one thing about most AT boots...as stiff as they might be advertised to be, they are nowhere near as stiff as regular alpine boots. That throws alot of folks off when they try to ski them.

The Adrenalins addressed that issue extremely well. The biggest adjustment I had to make with them was to get used to the lightness (1/2 of an alpine boot). Felt like I had bedroom slippers on the first few runs.

[awf170]

Originally Posted by JimG.

My everyday ski boot is the Garmont Adrenalin. It's an AT boot that's designed to be as stiff as an alpine ski boot.

That's one thing about most AT boots...as stiff as they might be advertised to be, they are nowhere near as stiff as regular alpine boots. That throws alot of folks off when they try to ski them.

The Adrenalins addressed that issue extremely well. The biggest adjustment I had to make with them was to get used to the lightness (1/2 of an alpine boot). Felt like I had bedroom slippers on the first few runs.

so how much does an average AT binding cost and boot. And what is the performance difference against a alpine ski and boot. You cant use a AT boot on alpine skis right.

[NHpowderhound]

The Adrenaline is the Caddilac of AT boots. I use my Atomic alpine boots but am looking to get some dedicated AT boots.
As Jim said, stiffness and downhill preformance is compromised but comfort for the ascent is gained. I got blisters a couple times last year from skinning with my downhill boots.Although I had never had that problem before. But I was also glad to have them a couple times in very deep wet snow.
If you want to get into the BC start by getting the bible of backcountry by David Goodman "Backcountry Skiing Adventures in Maine and NH" Healso publishes a VT/NY edition. Try Doublehead in Jackson.
((*
*))NHPH

[thetrailboss]

OK, here are some good resources you'd like:

For Maine and New Hampshire:



And for Vermont and New York:



I have the NH/ME one and it has some good trips in it arranged by ability. Good advice. The VT/NY is interesting as well. Both are published by AMC and are easily found at EMS, LL Bean, etc. I got my copy on closeout at the Discount Book Store in the Tilton Tanger Outlet strip (RIGHT off of I93) for like $5 because it had a small typo. They have a lot of good outdoors books there.

Good reads for you, Austin

[JimG.]

Originally Posted by awf170

so how much does an average AT binding cost and boot. And what is the performance difference against a alpine ski and boot. You cant use a AT boot on alpine skis right.

Figure no more than $250 for a solid Randonee binding like the Fritschi Freeride.

NHPH is right about the Adrenalin...few ski boots are as expensive. With a pro-form discount and some begging, mine ran $550 with custom footbeds and all the boot fitting. There are other rigid AT boots out there (the Dynafit Denali and Lowa Struktura come to mind) for less. The Garmonts are totally worth it.

AT boots are softer than alpine boots. Alot are softer laterally which is bad for the downhill but good for the touring. So it's a trade-off. Most of us would prefer the more robust boots mentioned above. Even those are softer than a regular alpine boot. I guess it depends on your definition of stiffness. I much prefer boots that are flexible fore and aft but very stiff laterally. Again, My Garmonts are perfect.

I've seen people ski AT boots with alpine bindings just fine. In fact, my Garmonts have 2 sets of soles, one for DIN adjustable alpine bindings and the other the rubber AT sole. You can switch from alpine to AT by removing 11 screws and changing soles.