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Forum » Community Forums » General Discussion
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Another skis advice post


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Written on: Mon Jan 10, '11  4:12 pm
pjcampbell
Topic creator
registered since: 10.01.2011
Posts: 1
 hello,

we are a new catamount trail member family, just moved to a place right smack in the middle of section 18 literally on the trail itself (cool!).

i have never really xc ski'd before other than 1 lesson but am a competitive cyclist and am looking for great cross training.

i am looking for some skis that would work primarily on the trail which in this section is generally gently sloping or rolling up or down, fairly well traveled but not groomed by any means. i would also like something that will take some downhill skiing OK if i do the occasional hike up and ski down at the local mountains.

would like to spend $500 or less on skis, boots, bindings and poles. i have been recommended something like a madshus eon with 75mm 3 pin voier HD bindings, and Alpina 1575 boots. Black diamond adjustable traverse poles. Another option is the Alpina Lite Terrain ski which is a full 6" shorter and a bit wider than the Madshus. any suggestions?
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Written on: Mon Jan 10, '11  8:15 pm
Lynn Fisher
registered since: 14.11.2007
Posts: 67
 Hi! Lucky you to be so close to the trail!

I don't think that the same ski that will cover the miles on Section 18 will also be satisfying on typical lift-serve terrain, if that's what you mean...and since you're so close to the trail, I'd recommend a no-wax full-edged shaped backcountry touring ski. That'd be sufficient for skiing down Lincoln Gap with some style and definitely with control!

I'm not familiar with the skis you mentioned, but the equipment (75 mm bindings) sounds like it's touring-worthy, so you're headed in the right direction in my opinion. Just know that a 3-pin binding isn't going to be appropriate for hard-packed and steep ski-area terrain, but it's totally what I'd use for skiing Section 18, and for that matter, most of the CT.

Do you ever go near Rutland? Mountain Travelers does a great job interviewing and figuring out which ski is going to meet your needs most closely. So will Onion River Sports in Montpelier. If you don't mind shopping on the web, the live chat on backcountry.com can yield some good info.

Hope to see you skiing! Lynn (near Section 11 and 12, not too far south.)
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