Need help with ski's guys!

[cms829]

Hey everyone. Well I began my life skiing....switched to the board for years....but as I find myself wanting to get into further remote climbs and such....I am going to be buying a pair of ski's for this winter.

I found these on sale for 99 bucks....looks like a great deal to me but im sure you guys could give me a little insight. Can I throw skins on these things? And what about a bindings? What are my options as far as mountaineering goes....If I dont want to lug 2 pairs of boots.

http://www.evogear.com/outlet/skis/k2-omni-35-2005.aspx

Also do any tele binding lock heel for descent? I know this negates the whole "free heel" mentality but Im looking to get into some more technical descents.

[RR]

Those things are tanks.... try these 180cm Sipals* (sure, they are women's skis...so paint them!):
http://www.mountaingear.com/item_images/mnfct2//common/atomic%20ski%20usa/l_190302_f05_000.jpg
They are at http://www.mgear.com for $99.98

Call and ask if they can mount some Silvretta 500 bindings for your mountaineering boots.

* Soft flexing with decent torsional power but they won't overpower your Koflacs...

-------------
About tele and techniocal descents: Clearly you don't get out much...these days the gnarliest terrain is being aired, styled and just plain ripped on freeheels! When the Telemark Tips website is back up, go to TelemarkTalk and check out Eric O's Trip reports!

[cms829]

I was looking at them in the catalog that came to my doorstep yesterday! lol.

Actually you just brought up a solid point.....I dont wear plastics. I climb in Vasque ice 9000's. Uh oh. :(
Probably not good for AT skiing anyway.

no I havent looked at ski's in years. let alone tele.

[RR]

Something Shorter? MX9 (160cm) tele skis from Atomic.

Sierra Trading Post dot com...$110
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3074,71563_Atomic-MX9-Telemark-Skis.html

[cms829]

Well im 145 lbs 5'6"....

[RR]

Go with the MX9 skis...
Here is your binding for mountaineering boots (I use mine with Nepal Extremes):
http://static.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/GAR0044.jpg
Backcountry dot com has them for $210:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/GAR0044/Silvretta-500-LSV-Alpine-Touring-Binding.html?CMP_ID=SH_MSN001&CMP_SKU=GAR0044&mv_pc=r108&CP=MSNShop&CMP=SPC-MSNShop&ATT=GAR0044&GCID=C2000x027&keyword=GAR0044+500+lsv+alpine+touring+bind

Bear in mind you can get them from consignment shops for less...IME in North Conway and Ragged Mountain in Intervale are both worth checking for good deals on used gear.

[cms829]

Awesome RR thanks! I'll be ordering up the MX9's soon. I'll be checking around for those bindings as well.

You think my Vasque's are ok for some steep descents?

[RR]

Awesome RR thanks! I'll be ordering up the MX9's soon. I'll be checking around for those bindings as well.

You think my Vasque's are ok for some steep descents?....hummm, I wonder how stiff Toni Matt's leather boots were?
.
.
.
Forget serious carves on the headwall, but okay for controlled speed slip-turning.

[cms829]

I guess I should prob just get a pair of plastics that are pon compatible.

[RR]

for that money, check the consignment shops for AT boots. I have been on WI3 in my DenaliTT boots and better climbers have done all Alaska Grades in those. Don't hurry the boot biz, less'n you really want to.

Try TelekarkSki dot com for Demo AT boots...might be a deal there..

[cms829]

wait are 160's gonna be ok for me? 5'6" 145 lbs. + gear that could be anywhere up to 70 lbs at any time.

[RR]

Probably quite up to it...but, before you drop that dime, get to the basement at IME and see what's there. I got my Silvrettas for 75 bucks and they were mounted to some serviceable skis.

It comes down to dealing with the choices. Got leather mountaineering boots, want an approach ski? Gotta make sure the ski is not too much for the boots. Moderate to easy turnability is require in that case, making short skis a component part of the equation.

Slightly stiffer plastic boots can get you into slightly more ski...and so on.

[cms829]

I was up there a couple months back and they didnt have much of anything downstairs.... certainly no ski's or bindings. Who knows right now though. I'll head up there soon to climb and i'll stop in.

If those 160's will be a good approach ski/downhill ski....I'll jump on em for 110 bucks. thats cheap. I'll buy a used pair of Ski mountaineering boots and touring bindings and get to it.

[PWDR8S]

wait are 160's gonna be ok for me? 5'6" 145 lbs. + gear that could be anywhere up to 70 lbs at any time.

I'm same height + 160lbs and have been using 164cm skis for all things BC and find them just the right length. Even though I have a few pounds on ya, I do pack on the extra gear :rolleyes: (I gotta go light! I gotta go light!) at times. I tried 175's and found them to be just a tad longish for the tight stuff but loved them for downhills.

I opted for shorter for a number of reasons.....
1. less weight
2. maneuverability through tight trees and rocks(sometimes over rocks in which #1 comes into play)
3. short enough to haul a sled full of gear AND control it without skis hitting sled
4. less weight
5. when on a face somewheres out back, I can get outta tight spots easier...ie- sideslip between narrow rocks or chutes, hopturn easier, switch directions whilst standing in tight spots easier.
6. remove skins without taking skis off.... (sometimes! :rolleyes: ) But I'm getting better at it! :D
7. less weight

I'm sure I might think of a few other reasons but for now that's what popping into my head.

I use Garmont Mega-Rides for all my touring and alpine now. Thought of mountaineering boots but I needed a multtasking boot with stiffness. I'm coming from mostly alpine only background hence my pref for stiffness.

My Xcountry BC setup is with nnn touring bindings and leathers and very narrow 180's... makes for great hilarity when trying to look graceful on any real hills. I could not in my right mind use these on any grade more than 20.

[Affix Snow]

I concur 100% with RR....he the man.

Look into AT boots..they climb great! Dont know what the grade was, but I climbed vertical ice in Scarpa F1 Rando Racing boots....smooooooth.