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February, 2020

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Is a touring setup worth it?

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MikeStreeter
Posts: 46
I'm considering buying a touring setup from Sego Skis. I would buy their https://segoskis.com/collections/2019-2020-line/products/condor?variant=21670873890929 Condor 108 and https://segoskis.com/collections/bindings/products/salomon-mtn-alpine-touring-binding-with-brakes Salomon binding. I have a 45% discount from them right now since I broke my last pair of park skis (chunk of edge came out from the inside front foot grinding edge, still ski-able).
The other option is getting telemarking bindings and putting them on either this ski.

I want to try something other than just park because I am such a park rat and want to get into another side of the sport.
Any opinions?
Mar 2 2020 12:00AM
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Claytonc
Posts: 18
Honestly it all depends on if working for your turns is something that is rewarding to you. If you were into hiking and climbing mountains outside of skiing and enjoying the feeling of reward for finishing the trek then yeah definitely, but if you were only into skiing powder and always dreaded going up maybe not because its not always going to just be skiing perfect snow and sometimes you are going to work for a descent on less than perfect snow if it means stability.
Mar 2 2020 12:05AM
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skeirman
Posts: 663
Kinda depends on the level you're gonna get into and the area you're in. For the most part, the down sucks the majority of the time. Shitty conditions a lot, if not most, of the time, with smoked legs. You have to enjoy the whole process of the up with your buddies, including getting up terribly early. So, you need buddies that are into it. You also need avy gear and at least an AVY 1 course.

After doing a lot of touring and getting into some really technical stuff, anymore I just have no stoke for the process. Much rather ride a lift. But fuck, I'm glad I got into it, looking back. It's a great experience, with the right people. I hit a situation the year before last where I thought...man one wrong move right now and I'm going to die - why the actual fuck am I out here? Looking back now, I'm glad I had that experience, but I wouldn't want it again. If that makes sense.

But if you're going to stick to lower angle or below tree line type stuff, its a whole different scene and can also be a lot of fun if you like hiking and just being out there. If you have the itch just get after it. But be smart, get the training and know how to use gear. Too many stupid asses out there not even knowing WTF they're doing.

**This post was edited on Mar 2nd 2020 at 12:16:31am

**This post was edited on Mar 2nd 2020 at 12:18:23am

**This post was edited on Mar 2nd 2020 at 12:22:54am
Mar 2 2020 12:15AM
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Next_door_milf
Posts: 65
Know of a shop in Boise that loves supporting small companies. But thinks their skis are so bad they won't sell them or promote them.
Mar 2 2020 10:16AM
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pinkcamo1000
Posts: 2031
Next_door_milfKnow of a shop in Boise that loves supporting small companies. But thinks their skis are so bad they won't sell them or promote them.

lmao I've been wondering about this company and this says a lot
Mar 2 2020 10:31AM
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ConesForBreakfast
Posts: 699
skeirmanKinda depends on the level you're gonna get into and the area you're in. For the most part, the down sucks the majority of the time. Shitty conditions a lot, if not most, of the time, with smoked legs. You have to enjoy the whole process of the up with your buddies, including getting up terribly early. So, you need buddies that are into it. You also need avy gear and at least an AVY 1 course.

After doing a lot of touring and getting into some really technical stuff, anymore I just have no stoke for the process. Much rather ride a lift. But fuck, I'm glad I got into it, looking back. It's a great experience, with the right people. I hit a situation the year before last where I thought...man one wrong move right now and I'm going to die - why the actual fuck am I out here? Looking back now, I'm glad I had that experience, but I wouldn't want it again. If that makes sense.

But if you're going to stick to lower angle or below tree line type stuff, its a whole different scene and can also be a lot of fun if you like hiking and just being out there. If you have the itch just get after it. But be smart, get the training and know how to use gear. Too many stupid asses out there not even knowing WTF they're doing.

**This post was edited on Mar 2nd 2020 at 12:16:31am

**This post was edited on Mar 2nd 2020 at 12:18:23am

**This post was edited on Mar 2nd 2020 at 12:22:54am

Pretty much this. Having friends who are into it makes all the difference. If you enjoy regular hiking, chances are you'll enjoy touring, but if not then you won't.
Mar 2 2020 10:35AM
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lil.Boye
Posts: 1063
a touring setup is worth it if you wanna hit some freshies without being the first one in the lift line, just to get 3 good laps of pow. i have used my dad's setup. hate the skis since they are stiff as a rock and not made for deep stuff. i think it is worth it if you are going to get out there and use them.
Mar 2 2020 10:44AM
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cydwhit
Posts: 4123
Hard to decide for you specifically, but I can say that the first pair of climbing skins I ever bought was the most important purchase I've ever made. They shaped the trajectory of my life more than anything I can think of.
Mar 2 2020 11:42AM
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armchair_skier
Posts: 186
Are daymakers a viable touring set up or they too cumbersome? I don't trust touring bindings and don't want to buy a pair of skis just for touring.
Mar 2 2020 12:38PM
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.nasty
Posts: 9641
armchair_skierAre daymakers a viable touring set up or they too cumbersome? I don't trust touring bindings and don't want to buy a pair of skis just for touring.


Why don't you trust them? They sure as heck have come a long way in recent years. If you're really worried about then just start out on a guardian/duke/baron (or even a shift or duke PT if you have touring lugs on your boots).

Personally I think daymakers or trekkers are a pain in the ass, they don't fit in packs especially well and the walk motion on your skis is quite awful in anything but deep snow.
Mar 2 2020 12:45PM
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AndrewGravesSV
Posts: 2134
It really depends on your fitness and whether you have a fun group to get out there with. You gotta keep in mind that you're going to ski a ton less so its more about getting out into the mountains and enjoying being out. I like it to get away from crowds and get exercise plus hopefully better turns than I would have on the hill
Mar 2 2020 2:18PM
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Cade2
Posts: 1903
if you have to ask then the answer is no
Mar 2 2020 5:44PM
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ConesForBreakfast
Posts: 699
Cade2if you have to ask then the answer is no

I disagree. Some people have no idea what it's like so they can't judge for themselves. When you hear a bunch of hype about touring you probably get interested even if you never thought about it before
Mar 2 2020 6:03PM
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No_Gorby_Gap
Posts: 64
Got a few friends with aegis and they absolutely rip. Not sure what this is about
pinkcamo1000lmao I've been wondering about this company and this says a lot
Mar 2 2020 11:27PM
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Biffbarf
Posts: 1199
I'm gonna second what @skeirman said. You expect blower pow but the reality is, unless avvy conditions and snowpack are prime, often timss you're gonna climb a whole ass mountain for breakable crust, coral reef, and everything in between. The companies marketing touring gear do an excellent job of overhyping conditions and downplaying how dangerous things can get.

That all being said, it is excellent exercise and being secluded in the mountains can't be beat. It just isn't always the best for skiing
Mar 2 2020 11:44PM
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Titus69
Posts: 8088
cydwhitHard to decide for you specifically, but I can say that the first pair of climbing skins I ever bought was the most important purchase I've ever made. They shaped the trajectory of my life more than anything I can think of.


Kinda this, been losing interest in park lately and touring a lot this season has opened up a new side of skiing, having the wasatch close by really helps cause classic movie zones and just good pow lines aren’t far out of reach and having skied some classics already is pretty cool. Only wanna explore more and start skiing some spicier zones when the time is right.
Mar 2 2020 11:44PM
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b0ss
Posts: 297
Do u like hiking in da summa
Mar 3 2020 12:19AM
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Casey
Posts: 5948
In my opinion the best way to start is to convert your old set up into touring. Whatever 100ish mm set up you have and some used Dukes or whatever on the cheap, skins and you are there. It kind of depends on where you live but it is very easy to get in way over your head quickly in unmanaged terrain. It’s also really easy to fool yourself into thinking you know your head from your own ass in the back country when you don’t. People study snowpack for years, ski the same zones over and over and yet still get killed in avalanches. Buying a touring set up is like buying a gun, use it wisely.
Mar 3 2020 12:21AM
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Cream_Sauce
Posts: 287
skeirmanKinda depends on the level you're gonna get into and the area you're in. For the most part, the down sucks the majority of the time. Shitty conditions a lot, if not most, of the time, with smoked legs. You have to enjoy the whole process of the up with your buddies, including getting up terribly early. So, you need buddies that are into it. You also need avy gear and at least an AVY 1 course.

After doing a lot of touring and getting into some really technical stuff, anymore I just have no stoke for the process. Much rather ride a lift. But fuck, I'm glad I got into it, looking back. It's a great experience, with the right people. I hit a situation the year before last where I thought...man one wrong move right now and I'm going to die - why the actual fuck am I out here? Looking back now, I'm glad I had that experience, but I wouldn't want it again. If that makes sense.

But if you're going to stick to lower angle or below tree line type stuff, its a whole different scene and can also be a lot of fun if you like hiking and just being out there. If you have the itch just get after it. But be smart, get the training and know how to use gear. Too many stupid asses out there not even knowing WTF they're doing.

This is completely unlike my experience touring around Alberta/BC and Hokkaido. 9/10 days I tour I'm making untracked pow turns, or spring corn. Never felt particularly in danger either, including some long day tours into big terrain in rogers pass.

If the snow is shit, I go ski park. If the avvy danger is high, I go ski resort or low angle trees.

Never had an issue with tired legs either, even on overnight tours on MFD plates with metal pivots, which is a heavier setup than dukes.

Smoking weed when you're touring helps a lot to really mellow out the uptrack and help you appreciate just being out there.

Usually don't wake up early either. On an average day we probably start touring at 9 or 10. Sometimes get up really early. Getting up super early to ski isn't a big deal anyways. If you can stay up till 8am partying and go skiing you can wake up at 5am to ski pow.

I'm moderately athletic and enjoy hiking, but I'm also not an endurance athlete or a hardcore outdoorsman either.

If you have any inclination to be in the outdoors whatsoever, and love skiing, then touring is a no brainer.
Mar 3 2020 6:36PM
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skeirman
Posts: 663
Yeah, agreed, that's why I was saying it depends on the level you're getting into and the area. My experience is in the Colorado Rockies, and a typical day would usually involve steep long bootpacks with with crampons and axe, or outright climbing, to get to a summit. A place like Japan is gonna be entirely different.
Cream_SauceThis is completely unlike my experience touring around Alberta/BC and Hokkaido. 9/10 days I tour I'm making untracked pow turns, or spring corn. Never felt particularly in danger either, including some long day tours into big terrain in rogers pass.

If the snow is shit, I go ski park. If the avvy danger is high, I go ski resort or low angle trees.

Never had an issue with tired legs either, even on overnight tours on MFD plates with metal pivots, which is a heavier setup than dukes.

Smoking weed when you're touring helps a lot to really mellow out the uptrack and help you appreciate just being out there.

Usually don't wake up early either. On an average day we probably start touring at 9 or 10. Sometimes get up really early. Getting up super early to ski isn't a big deal anyways. If you can stay up till 8am partying and go skiing you can wake up at 5am to ski pow.

I'm moderately athletic and enjoy hiking, but I'm also not an endurance athlete or a hardcore outdoorsman either.

If you have any inclination to be in the outdoors whatsoever, and love skiing, then touring is a no brainer.
Mar 3 2020 8:12PM
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DeebieSkeebies
Posts: 28928
Id personally get an all-mountain setup, go rip upper mtn, build up a bit more skiing skill-sets, and then try your hand at touring assuming you go the education route as well. IMO far too many people touring out nowadays that can barely hold an edge on a groomer.
Mar 3 2020 8:45PM
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Titus69
Posts: 8088
DeebieSkeebiesId personally get an all-mountain setup, go rip upper mtn, build up a bit more skiing skill-sets, and then try your hand at touring assuming you go the education route as well. IMO far too many people touring out nowadays that can barely hold an edge on a groomer.

I’ve seen firsthand some people who shouldn’t be touring in certain areas, I was surprised in my avy 1 to see a couple weren’t very good skiers at least in more advanced terrain. Only the splitboard kid was also eager and skilled enough in being able to eventually get out to bigger zones, thought I’d have some cottonwood hardos in there.
Mar 3 2020 9:14PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 43873
If you like hiking and riding non resort stuff it's absolutely a yes.

Sometimes the hike is better than the ride. I usually ride resort because Im at the mtn in the morning but I love getting a nice skin in.

If it's not something you feel like you want to do don't through. Getting the gear isn't cheap and if you're not into it you're not into it.

Do whatever you want to do though.
Mar 3 2020 9:20PM
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Cream_Sauce
Posts: 287
skeirmanYeah, agreed, that's why I was saying it depends on the level you're getting into and the area. My experience is in the Colorado Rockies, and a typical day would usually involve steep long bootpacks with with crampons and axe, or outright climbing, to get to a summit. A place like Japan is gonna be entirely different.


Hokkaido is definitely mellow, but I skiied the Candian Rockies most of my life. I don't do technical mountaineering because it's not good skiing. What you're talking about is mountaineering, and there's no reason to do that if you're just interested in ski touring and skiing good conditions/terrain.

My point is that you're reccomending this guy to think twice about ski touring because of your experience ski mountaineering, which is not applicable to his situation.

The more relevant point to make is probably that this guy has only skiied in the park, and might not have the basic skills to even sk the terrain, let only go after technical summits.

I'd reccomend that he get comfortable skiing the type of terrain he wants inbounds before he starts skiing that terrain in the back country.

**This post was edited on Mar 4th 2020 at 12:00:24am
Mar 3 2020 11:57PM
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skeirman
Posts: 663
Cream_SauceHokkaido is definitely mellow, but I skiied the Candian Rockies most of my life. I don't do technical mountaineering because it's not good skiing. What you're talking about is mountaineering, and there's no reason to do that if you're just interested in ski touring and skiing good conditions/terrain.

My point is that you're reccomending this guy to think twice about ski touring because of your experience ski mountaineering, which is not applicable to his situation.

The more relevant point to make is probably that this guy has only skiied in the park, and might not have the basic skills to even sk the terrain, let only go after technical summits.

I'd reccomend that he get comfortable skiing the type of terrain he wants inbounds before he starts skiing that terrain in the back country.

**This post was edited on Mar 4th 2020 at 12:00:24am


Yeah dude, I recommended that if he has an itch for it that he does it. And mentioned that lower angle stuff is gonna a different story to technical stuff. But depending on the area, the snow is, in fact, a lot of the time straight up lousy. In Japan? No. On the Front Range and Summit County? Yes, a lot of the time, if you're sticking to stable conditions, no matter what angle. I'm not recommending he necessarily think twice, I am saying that things really depend on what he's doing where he's doing it.

**This post was edited on Mar 4th 2020 at 12:21:07am
Mar 4 2020 12:11AM
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Cream_Sauce
Posts: 287
skeirmanYeah dude, I recommended that if he has an itch for it that he does it. And mentioned that lower angle stuff is gonna a different story to technical stuff. But depending on the area, the snow is, in fact, a lot of the time straight up lousy. In Japan? No. On the Front Range and Summit County? Yes, a lot of the time, if you're sticking to stable conditions, no matter what angle. I'm not recommending he necessarily think twice, I am saying that things really depend on what he's doing where he's doing it.


I think my problem was your insinuation that anything that isn't technical mountaineering is automatically low angle trees. Difficulty of the climb isn't the same as difficulty of the descent. Gnarliest terrain I've ever skiied was accessible through low angle touring less than 3 hours from the parking in Rogers Pass.
Mar 4 2020 12:16AM
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mcswizzle
Posts: 711
skeirmanYeah dude, I recommended that if he has an itch for it that he does it. And mentioned that lower angle stuff is gonna a different story to technical stuff. But depending on the area, the snow is, in fact, a lot of the time straight up lousy. In Japan? No. On the Front Range and Summit County? Yes, a lot of the time, if you're sticking to stable conditions, no matter what angle. I'm not recommending he necessarily think twice, I am saying that things really depend on what he's doing where he's doing it.

**This post was edited on Mar 4th 2020 at 12:21:07am


I've been skiing non-stop pow in Summit County since November /claim. Why else would you get a touring set up?
Mar 4 2020 11:28AM
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