Ski/boot/binding suitability for back country tour camping

[300winmag]

I own a pair of Atomic TM22 Telemark skis but found they were not good at tracking straight in unbroken back country snow.

Sooo... I purchased a pair of Asnes Combi Combat skis at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder. Co, USA. After years of using old Rossingol Randonee (weak & break-prone) skis for back country trips I felt these Asnes Norwegian army skis would be good all around skis, especially for pulling a loaded pulk and doing some unloaded downhill runs in virgin snow.

I also got Voile' release plates (for safety).

Voile' heavy duty Telemark 75 mm. 3-pin bindings to put on the release plates.

And, lastly Voile' quick-attatch adjustable cable bindings.

As most of you likely know, these are U.S. made bindings. I happen to trust them. As a former Nordic National Ski Patroller I've seen enough XC accidents. I don't want to be another, especially in the back country of the Colorado Rockies and the California Sierrias.

My boots are the same ones I use with my Atomic TM22 skis, namely Scarpa T3 plastic double Telemark/touring boots. I do have myu old Vasque heavy leather boots but don't use them any more. Too wimpy in torsional stiffness.

Yes, the binding setup is a bit heavy but I'll be doing some nice downhill runs after a base camp is set up. As mentioned,I need the safety.

I'm 5' 10" and 180 lbs. My wife says the muscle is mostly between my ears but it's really in my legs and chest.

The Combi Combat skis are 210 cm. and, supposedly, a bit stiff in camber but I don't think they are stiff for my weight which will go to at least 190 lbs. fully dressed. Tail stiffness is medium and the skis are suprisingly light.

So I can get some opinions on this setup? Overkill? "Underkill"? Just right?

Thanks, Eric Blumensaadt

[Bear]

Sorry I cant help You Eric, but I know of a good sportswear and gear shop that you might like to call and check. Or you can try fax them.

Its atleast a place you can find out for certain.

http://www.oslosportslager.no/

Tlf +47 23326200 | Fax +47 23326299

[~R]

Hi Eric!

I live in Norway and have pretty much the same gear: Åsnes Combi Combat, Rottefella Super Telemark w/wire, 10 mm plate and Scarpa T4. But without a release oportunity like the Voilés. I bought this equipment with much downhill in mind. It is very much up and down where I ski.

If my touring had been more in flatter surroundings, I would have bought thinner skis and boots made of skin, and not so heavy and stiff. The Scarpas give me some pressure on my feets that I would not have accepted if the trips for the most part was straight ahead. But feets are individual, so that is my problem. I know people who have gone many miles without problems, day after day, in flat surroundings with T4s.

I have never tried T3s, but if they are much the same as T4 regarding walking comfort, they are probably OK for you.

After your information, I looked at the Voilé Hardwire 3-Pin CRB binding at their site. As far as I can see a very attractive binding. Absolutely a binding I would have had in mind if I should have bought my equipment today. If the release part works well and release when they are supposed to, and not everywhere else or not at all, it also seems like a good thing to have.

I'm 6 ft 210 lbs and have 200 cm ski. Maybe I could have had 210 cm too, but I think the shorter length give me more control downhill.

[Gemajohn]

especially for pulling a loaded pulk and doing some unloaded downhill runs in virgin snow.

Looks like a very good kit for the intended use. top shelf.

Scarpa T3 might be overkill for flat terrain. The T4 could be a better choise (but is also known to give pressure sores in front of the foot, as mentioned by ~R).

I prefer a leather ski boot for flat terrain (Alfa Skarvet GTX -exellent boot) and use T2 for up- and downhill.