Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Hi everybody,

I have been using Rossignol BCX9 shoes en Madshus Glittertind for a couple of years now, but am not happy with the durability (I use them for about 3-5 weeks of backcountry trips per year - they never lasted more than 1 season). After a lot of reasearch it looks like the Alpina Alaska Boot might be a good alternative.

However, I'm still a bit sceptic about how warm they are in very cold conditions. I often do trips in Finland with temperatures down to -30°C (-22°F) or even a bit colder. Does anyone have experience with the Alaska boots in such conditions? Are they sufficiently warm? We ski 5-8 hours per day but mostly sleep in backcountry cabins.

Thanks a lot,
Willem

if you are ok with the Rossi BCX9 in terms of warmth, I'd be surprised you get colder feet in Alpina Alaska (you might actually find them better in that regard). There is even a version with integrated warmer:
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5055-224/ ... ated-Boots

I have the Alaska 75's; I have worn them down to around 0F, or a few degrees below. I think my toes were a bit chilled at those temps, but my feet were not fully cold. My feet and hands get cold easily; I consider them warm for a single boot. I have not skied them at -20F, and we each have our own thermostats, so I can't sat at those temps.

I use the Alaskas in temps to -20F without getting cold feet. My feet don't get cold easily though.

We skied the Northern part of Kungsleden from Abisko to Nikkaluokta in Alpina Alaska. That is about 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle if I'm not mistaken. Never was cold. One day from Abiskojaure to Tjaktja was particularly windy...we were the only ones to decide to go out and made it and feet were warm too.

Wonderful photo TreeFallin- would love to hear more about that trip!
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I have toured in my Alaskas at lows of -34C many, many times.
These have all been high-output tours- I run warm to begin with, but especially when I am working/skiing hard.
I have never used the Alaska on a multi-day expedition that did not allow me to dry out and keep these boots warm at night.

Thank you. Maybe I'll refresh my memory and write up a trip report.

I wrote up a trip report and posted it under trip reports.

https://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2437

lilcliffy wrote:Wonderful photo TreeFallin- would love to hear more about that trip!
................
I have toured in my Alaskas at lows of -34C many, many times.
These have all been high-output tours- I run warm to begin with, but especially when I am working/skiing hard.
I have never used the Alaska on a multi-day expedition that did not allow me to dry out and keep these boots warm at night.

Hi!
If you are in Scandinavia it is easy to get the Lundhags guide bc. This is a super warm boot. Classic Lundhags outer shell with removable felt insole. Its the only boot i have tried so i have not comparisons but i am happy with it and its super stiff and nice for the downhill.

Cheers/Petter

Sorry, not insole, lining.

/Petter