Which bindings and should I even use these skis
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
MikeK and lilcliffy, I'm thinking of slapping on some Voile 75mm and using either Fischer bcx675 or Scott Excursion boots and packing my mountaineering boots, I'm not skiing down that type of terrain, I'm skiing in up to Bonney pass, going over snowshoeing over the glacier and climbing up Gannett peak, You guys think just the inbound to the mountain and back would require at or tele skis only?
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lilcliffy
- Posts: 4157
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:20 pm
- Location: Stanley, New Brunswick, Canada
- Ski style: backcountry Nordic ski touring
- Favorite Skis: Asnes Ingstad, Combat Nato, Amundsen, Rabb 68; Altai Kom
- Favorite boots: Alpina Alaska BC; Lundhags Expedition; Alfa Skaget XP; Scarpa T4
- Occupation: Forestry Professional
Instructor at Maritime College of Forest Technology
Husband, father, farmer and logger
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
Sorry man- did you already explain that? 
I don't always pay attention enough.
The BCX675 or Excursion would both perform very well on that ski. With appropriate use of grip wax and a Nordic boot these skis cover distance very efficiently.
I have never done any truly long-distance per day in a plastic boot (I have the T4 and have tried the Excursion many times). How many miles/kms you planning on per day? The BX675 might well be more comfortable if you are going to put on some serious mileage. The Excursion is the most flexible plastic Nordic boot available- but it is still a Telemark boot. I find that my metatarsus/BOF eventually gets sore when K&G skiing in a plastic Telemark boot (after about 15-20kms). I can easily ski 50kms in a BC-XC boot that is flexible enough for me to fully extend my foot as I stride (relieves pressure on my metatarsus). This may be a personal issue though?
Regardless- if your goal is long-distance comfort and XC-performance- over downhill power- I personally would choose a BC-XC boot (e.g. BCX6) over a Telemark-touring boot (e.g. Excursion/T4).
My suggestion on the "AT" or "Telemark" ski was if you were going to use the mountaineering boots.
Sounds like you got it figured out.
I don't always pay attention enough.The BCX675 or Excursion would both perform very well on that ski. With appropriate use of grip wax and a Nordic boot these skis cover distance very efficiently.
I have never done any truly long-distance per day in a plastic boot (I have the T4 and have tried the Excursion many times). How many miles/kms you planning on per day? The BX675 might well be more comfortable if you are going to put on some serious mileage. The Excursion is the most flexible plastic Nordic boot available- but it is still a Telemark boot. I find that my metatarsus/BOF eventually gets sore when K&G skiing in a plastic Telemark boot (after about 15-20kms). I can easily ski 50kms in a BC-XC boot that is flexible enough for me to fully extend my foot as I stride (relieves pressure on my metatarsus). This may be a personal issue though?
Regardless- if your goal is long-distance comfort and XC-performance- over downhill power- I personally would choose a BC-XC boot (e.g. BCX6) over a Telemark-touring boot (e.g. Excursion/T4).
My suggestion on the "AT" or "Telemark" ski was if you were going to use the mountaineering boots.
Sounds like you got it figured out.
Cross-country AND down-hill skiing in the backcountry.
Unashamed to be a "cross-country type" and love skiing down-hill.
Unashamed to be a "cross-country type" and love skiing down-hill.
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MikeK
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
My suggestion was the same. I had said some stuff about climbing with Nordic boots or soft hikers out here in the east with crampons and snowshoes, but seeing the terrain I would not do that.
Tele OR AT if you plan to climb in the same boots. Silvaretta if you want to use your mountaineering boots. Or ski with nordic gear and carry the rest. I think those are your best options as I can see it.
I'd be inclined for either of the first two based on the distances involved. I'm pretty sure picking up a used pair of Silvarettas for those skis would be the cheapest option too.
Tele OR AT if you plan to climb in the same boots. Silvaretta if you want to use your mountaineering boots. Or ski with nordic gear and carry the rest. I think those are your best options as I can see it.
I'd be inclined for either of the first two based on the distances involved. I'm pretty sure picking up a used pair of Silvarettas for those skis would be the cheapest option too.
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
lilcliffy, I don't think I said what I mostly decided on lol. Everything I've read is that skiing in mountaineering boots pretty much suck. I'm probably doing 10 miles in day 1, 10 miles day 2, climbing then back out same mileage. So a total of 40 miles roundtrip but in 10 mile jaunts.
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
gitrinec:
I have been hiking and backpacking in that area of the Winds since 2000. So I thought I would pass on some info. about some good resources and my thoughts about traveling from Elkhart trailhead to the the Seneca Lake trail/Indian Basin trail/Titcomb Basin. Hard copy: Climbing and Hiking Wind River Mountains (Kelsey), Hiking Wyoming's Wind River Range (Adkison), 7.5 minute map Bridger Lakes, WY and Hiking Map and Guide Northern Wind River Range, WY (Earthwalk).
From Elkhart trailhead to Eklund Lake (first 5 miles) the climb is gradual and the skiing would be pretty easy. From Eklund lake to Hobbs there is a lot of loss and regaining of elevation. My sense of the trail from there to Island Lake is that it is not a steady climb; instead, there are sections where you gain or drop in elevation. Winter/Spring conditions might involve a different route? However, Fremont Creek (west of the trail) follows a very deep gorge, so I don't think you would be going in that direction? A wide creek crossing as you go up Titcomb Basin trail. I wonder how it is in the WInter or Spring? I hope you will post after your trip detailing your adventure.
I have been hiking and backpacking in that area of the Winds since 2000. So I thought I would pass on some info. about some good resources and my thoughts about traveling from Elkhart trailhead to the the Seneca Lake trail/Indian Basin trail/Titcomb Basin. Hard copy: Climbing and Hiking Wind River Mountains (Kelsey), Hiking Wyoming's Wind River Range (Adkison), 7.5 minute map Bridger Lakes, WY and Hiking Map and Guide Northern Wind River Range, WY (Earthwalk).
From Elkhart trailhead to Eklund Lake (first 5 miles) the climb is gradual and the skiing would be pretty easy. From Eklund lake to Hobbs there is a lot of loss and regaining of elevation. My sense of the trail from there to Island Lake is that it is not a steady climb; instead, there are sections where you gain or drop in elevation. Winter/Spring conditions might involve a different route? However, Fremont Creek (west of the trail) follows a very deep gorge, so I don't think you would be going in that direction? A wide creek crossing as you go up Titcomb Basin trail. I wonder how it is in the WInter or Spring? I hope you will post after your trip detailing your adventure.
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
STG, I've got the maps that cover all of the wind rivers area, I've got Climbing and Hiking Wind River Mountains (Kelsey) and a reprint of Highpoint Adventures: The Complete Guide to the 50 State Highpoints. Any comments on the GPX track STG?
- Google Earth, gpx tracks
- Google Earth, gpx tracks
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
Though I'll probably need some guidance on waxing these things , lol
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
gitrinec:
Forgot to mention google earth, but you already have it detailed. I love my topos but I think google earth gives such a great sense of topography. Obviously you have been thinking about your trip and gathering info. If you get photos or video of your journey, please share them.
Forgot to mention google earth, but you already have it detailed. I love my topos but I think google earth gives such a great sense of topography. Obviously you have been thinking about your trip and gathering info. If you get photos or video of your journey, please share them.
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
Will do STG, thanks for that video link, they skied down to Dinwoody Glacier, crazy!
Re: Which bindings and should I even use these skis
gitrinec:
Yea, those guys are pretty amazing skiers. They are high on the mountain goat curve! i am on the lower end but XCD takes skill too. It's a long haul up to Titcomb and the peaks. Those guys hauled a lot of gear and still had the energy to climb and make beautiful turns down the peak. They are definitely big mountain skiers!
Yea, those guys are pretty amazing skiers. They are high on the mountain goat curve! i am on the lower end but XCD takes skill too. It's a long haul up to Titcomb and the peaks. Those guys hauled a lot of gear and still had the energy to climb and make beautiful turns down the peak. They are definitely big mountain skiers!