Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

So I've got Alaskas for my Gammes, S Bound Outabound 88s, and Nordic tour skates, but they're kind of overkill for Southern Ontario, and I'd like better kick-and-glide.

However, I want to keep the ankle support, or most of it. What's your opinions of Alpina Snowfields, or BC 1550s? Is Alpina's sizing consistent?

Alternatives? IME, I've had better luck with more traditional, less fussy, ski and hiking boots. The Rossignol and Fischer boots don't appeal; however, you can tell me I'm wrong. Alfa and Crispi are expensive...

Cheers.

Why do you need the ankle support if you don't need the Alaska's? Sounds like you are at cross purposes here. If you need ankle support, Alaska. Otherwise, forego the ankle support.

When I want a lighter less stiff boot for more flatland touring I use the Rossignol BC X10. I've had two pairs. Very capable, budget friendly. I use them a lot. Even use downhill with good success. The Alaska's I keep for charging hard, deeper snow, colder temperatures.

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Woodserson wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 9:25 am

Why do you need the ankle support if you don't need the Alaska's? Sounds like you are at cross purposes here. If you need ankle support, Alaska. Otherwise, forego the ankle support.

When I want a lighter less stiff boot for more flatland touring I use the Rossignol BC X10. I've had two pairs. Very capable, budget friendly. I use them a lot. Even use downhill with good success. The Alaska's I keep for charging hard, deeper snow, colder temperatures.

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Thanks. Why? Mostly for a lighter Nordic tour skates set-up; however, that's less needed than lighter XC, so your point stands. Just hoping to have my cake and eat it too.

エイダン.シダル wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 10:19 am

Thanks. Why? Mostly for a lighter Nordic tour skates set-up; however, that's less needed than lighter XC, so your point stands. Just hoping to have my cake and eat it too.

Ah. I use my Alaskas on my skates, and am very happy with them, but I don't know the difference. I have not used my Rossi BC X10's on the skates, mostly because of the better ankle support on the Alaskas.

Lots of people use Lundhags for skating (per the videos I watch on youtube), and I have a pair of Expeditions, which are sold as skating boots, but they certainly don't have a lot of ankle support. Maybe I should try them next time and see, maybe I don't need the support I think I need. Maybe I'm a wuss after all.

Woodserson wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 12:35 pm

エイダン.シダル wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 10:19 am

Thanks. Why? Mostly for a lighter Nordic tour skates set-up; however, that's less needed than lighter XC, so your point stands. Just hoping to have my cake and eat it too.

Ah. I use my Alaskas on my skates, and am very happy with them, but I don't know the difference. I have not used my Rossi BC X10's on the skates, mostly because of the better ankle support on the Alaskas.

Lots of people use Lundhags for skating (per the videos I watch on youtube), and I have a pair of Expeditions, which are sold as skating boots, but they certainly don't have a lot of ankle support. Maybe I should try them next time and see, maybe I don't need the support I think I need. Maybe I'm a wuss after all.

Yes, Alaskas work great on the skates, especially over rough ice patches, but I bet a lighter boot would be just fine on better ice - and lighter. I've used Alico NATO Snow March boots and Voile Mountaineer bindings on skates. Works fine. Don't recommend for the weight, LOL.

エイダン.シダル wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 06, 2022 4:05 pm

Yes, Alaskas work great on the skates, especially over rough ice patches, but I bet a lighter boot would be just fine on better ice - and lighter. I've used Alico NATO Snow March boots and Voile Mountaineer bindings on skates. Works fine. Don't recommend for the weight, LOL.

I see a fair amount of people with skate bindings and combi boots. If you're going to go all out for the lightness and spend the money anyway. Unless you want one skate with one bindings, then this doesn't work, obvs. We had fantastic skating here in central NH for 2 weeks last month. It had rained a bunch, melted the snow, and then froze rock hard. Wonderful stuff.

Italian leather comfort and style $159 at Telemarkdown. Great deal imo and quite a bit lighter than the Alaska. Great kick and glide boots. Crispi Norland Hook

I would put a plug in for Madshus Glittertind boots actually! I find mine very comfortable, fairly flexible for kick and glide, and light. They also have a ratcheting strap across the upper part of the boot that really locks the ankle and heel in when it's needed. It can be loosened or undone entirely if you want more range of motion.

I've got a line on some lightly used Fischer BCX 6s, I'll pick up for $80 CAD (the price of a tank of gas now) if they fit. Hard to go wrong at the price, though wouldn't pay retail for them.

Just a note-
Every model Fischer BCX6 I have seen (including the two gens we have here) are significantly stiffer than the Alaska.

ALFA Kikut/Skarvet/Guard are softer and lighter than the Alaska.

Crispi Svartisen/Lofoten softer and lighter than Alaska.