Backcountry/Crossountry skis

[fvrwld]

I know very little. I started this to find out

[ADKventures]

In the same boat

I don't know very much about backcountry skiing either. I have done a bit of research on it and there are a few types/methods of skiing the backcountry; alpine touring, telemark, randonee, and xc/touring. Each method of skiing involves particular gear (e.g. bindings, boots). From what i've read the free heel method (telemark) is by far the most versatile and most difficult. it allows you use various techniques (parallel, classical tele, jump turns...), u can climb uphills with kicking skins or full length skins as well as take on nearly any slope an alpine skier would chute. AT, IMO, seems the best option for those people looking to approach a serious slide/downhill on skis, hike to the top and bomb down the run. I"m still trying to figure out what randonee is exactly??? I think its some form of off-piste skiing that involves a specialized binding or boot for more flexibility/control. An important thing to note about backcountry from what i've read is that all of the skis (tele, xc, AT) are made for a specific purpose so they will vary depeding on what u r looking to do. Tele skis are usually longer, lighter and a lil skinnier. AT skis are sometimes fat, shorter, and more rigid for the steeper descents. And xc skis are very narrow and sleek. I'd recommend going to your local ski hill and demo some of the gear they have in teh rental shop so you can find somethign u like before making a purchase... Good luck and don't forget to check out the avalanche safety thread thats going on in the forum...lots of good info in there.

[fvrwld]

Actually, I have BC skis. This is the gear maintenance section and I'm looking for info on what to do to care for my skis. Maybe I should have been clearer.

[lumberzac]

Val, the next time you’re in Keene Valley, stop at the Mountaineer. The staff in there know back county skis and skiing and are very helpful. They will definitely be able to help you out with any maintenance questions you have.

[hillman1]

Randonee=AT. It's just french. My AT setup is Scarpa laser boots, and Fritschi daimir bindings on Tua Sumo skis. I use kicker skins for uphills. You can find some pretty serious deals if you google enough gear. Ebay has some good stuff also.

[JJW]

fvrwld wrote: I'm looking for info on what to do to care for my skis.

Howdy,
You would probably be fine just sticking them in a corner till the next winter.
But here is what I try to do (I'm not so good at doing it every year).

END of SEASON
Tops of the skis: fill in gouges or cracks in the deck with some epoxy or nail polish.

Bottoms of the skis: 1.repair the base if needed (I do as little as possible).
2.with sintered or extruded bases; I hot wax and leave it thick.
3. BC with metal edges, if I think they aren't covered with wax, lightly oil and wipe off.

Bindings: I look them over and then give 'em a shot of silicone spray.

BEFORE USE
Scrape off wax (till thin) (I might spray silicone on the bindings again) and off I go!

Good Luck,
John

PS: Important, do not wax the kick-zone on waxless skis.