telemark binding with brakes and ski crampons

[Lhartley]

Thanks,

My present thoughts are to go with perhaps Elan Ripstik 96 in 168 length (my old skis are Atomic Backland 95 in 164) and the Meidjo 3 bindings, no brakes. Skiing Norway and the Alps is very inconsistent - you can get everything in one day - powder, ice, crust, wind slab, spring, slush. I could be skinning up on consequential steep icy slopes using ski crampons for 200m - then have perfect neve for the next 200m - then powder for the next 200m - then 50m of boot crampons and ice axe to a summit - same on the way down. So I can't say "here is my set of skis for the resort and here is my powder set, and here is my hardpack set etc etc. I need one set up for everything.

I have managed that with my old set up of Backlands 95 with Freedoms but my skis and bindings are pretty well trashed now. I bought that set-up in 2017 I think and that's all I've skied for everything each year. Except for Norway hut to hut tours when I use lightweight Nordic touring kit (hardangervidda, jotunheimen, hallingskarvet et al).

I'm hoping that the slightly longer and slightly wider Ripstiks (and their rocker profile) will make powder a touch easier - and the Meidjo 3 with the toe tech will help with edging on harder snow. And the whole set-up will be a little lighter. I'm not looking for miracles - a 10% improvement on my present set-up would be fine!

For info: I'm 5'7" and weigh 155 lbs - I'm 64, reasonably fit, and a solid intermediate telemark skier. I'm very comfortable in all off-piste conditions on moderate terrain. I've not worn a set of downhill boots for over 20 years - all my skiing is free heel. I had 7 weeks skiing this winter, a mix of resort and touring in the Alps and Norway - all on my Backland 95s and Freedom bindings.

"One setup for everything". I need this kind of self control