This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips / Telemark Francais Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web since 1998. East, West, North, South, Canada, US or Europe, Backcountry or not.
This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips / Telemark Francais Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web since 1998. East, West, North, South, Canada, US or Europe, Backcountry or not.
This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web. We have fun here, come on in and be a part of it.
I currently have the Fischer BCX 5 NNN BC boot for use with my quiver of skis. I am in the market to purchase a replacement boot for the BCX 5 that are hurting my feet due to the snug fit of the size 42 cm that I purchased last year. I am leaning towards the Alpina Alaska as the replacement. Also considering the Fischer Grande Tour or an Alfa Guard Advance.
Skis that I will use the boots on are Fischer E99/TN 66, Excursion 88, and Asnes Ingstad. Primarily BC touring with hopefully some Teleturns. There are a number hills in my area on which I can approach the speed of light on as well.
Any advice on boot selection would be appreciated.
Alaska is a good boot… more for sub light speeds and lower-than-blackout-turns though. Ha ha
It’s warm, reasonably supportive, has good flex in the sole, breathes OK, etc. Somewhat easier to find than Alfa leathers, which are more supportive/less flexible and also a very high quality boot.
Personally, I’d go with whatever fits best. Could be a Alpina, could be Alfa. Depends on the foot… and budget.
We dreamed of riding waves of air, water, snow, and energy for centuries. When the conditions were right, the things we needed to achieve this came into being. Every idea man has ever had up to that point about time and space were changed. And it keeps on changing whenever we dream. Bio mechanical jazz, man.
As stated above the Alaska BC is a really nice boot. If you can’t try it on in the UP, which would surprise me, you can try on via REI. Returns should be easy through REI. If the Alaska fits I would ski the Alaska. The Alfa is supposed to be a higher volume fit. I’ve read that the Guide has a softer flex, but guys like it at least as well downhill and enjoy the softer flex on the flats.
Alaska fits me like custom made with the stock footbed. I’ll be sticking with my Alaska BC & 75!
BTW If my Falketind Xplore had it’s way it would live in the UP!
The Alpina Alaska is probably the boot that I will go with through Varuste due to their great pricing. Even with shipping they are much cheaper than domestic suppliers. Its always a gamble when there are no options to try them on before purchasing. There is a local ski shop that does has Fischer Fischer Grande Tour which is a good fit with lots of volume. Another local shop does have the Glittertind but it is very pricey.
From my personal perspective: sole is typical NNN-BC sole, made by Rottefella, upper part is iteration of newly designed line, first seen on Pioneer Pro Xplore. Pricewise (at least locally) is identical to Alaska XP.
Will try to go to the shop to do some weigh comparison with classic Alaska. Should you have some other ideas what to compare, please propose. However, my foot is different as well I am unexperienced shoe tester
If your snug fit problems are due to needing a higher volume boot, the Crispi Nordland is another boot to consider. A lot of volume all around, EE width in the toes that tapers mid-foot (I have gotten the toe box successfully stretched out for my EEEE feet using a shoe stretcher), lots of instep, heel, and ankle room. I really like them paired with a Fischer TN66. Telemarkdown has them for a great price.
I tried Alpina Montanas (what the store stocked) and they were very narrow and low volume even when going up a size. Not sure how much different the Alaskas are.
Alaskas are average, +1/8. They stretch out to 1/2 size larger. So sports car fit becomes just right after a few sessions.
Moderately wide in the toe box, but that tapers at the top. Pretty much true to size (D width) in the mid sole. Slightly larger in the heel, but not enough to make them sloppy.
We dreamed of riding waves of air, water, snow, and energy for centuries. When the conditions were right, the things we needed to achieve this came into being. Every idea man has ever had up to that point about time and space were changed. And it keeps on changing whenever we dream. Bio mechanical jazz, man.
I currently have the Fischer BCX 5 NNN BC boot for use with my quiver of skis. I am in the market to purchase a replacement boot for the BCX 5 that are hurting my feet due to the snug fit of the size 42 cm that I purchased last year. I am leaning towards the Alpina Alaska as the replacement. Also considering the Fischer Grande Tour or an Alfa Guard Advance.
If the 42 Fischer BCX5 is too narrow- then you may need a 43 Alaska BC.
The 42 Guard BC will give you more width and waaay more volume than the Fischer/Alpina-
you may need to take up some of that volume- depending on the volume of your foot.
I cannot wear- cannot even lace them up- my 42 Guard BC without a very thick insole.
For reference, I have medium-width, small-volume feet.
I can make the 43 Alaska fit me with a thicker insole than what I have in my 42 Alaska.
Cross-country AND down-hill skiing in the backcountry.
Unashamed to be a "cross-country type" and love skiing down-hill.
Thanks for the input. I ordered the Alaska from Varuste for $225 delivered, hard to pass up at that price. BTW the Fischer BCX 5 that I have is a very nice boot that is very warm and provides good support for all my skiing needs, too bad the size 42 was too small. It will be interesting to compare the Alaska vs the Fischer boots.
