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March, 2024

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Should I start touring?

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dboe
Posts: 0 - Karma: 24
I am a DEVOTED park skier. currently riding on3p mags w pivots n full tilts. im from the midwest and only skied midwest and east coast... until last year when i spent some time in CO/UT/WY. i had 10x more fun actually ripping through trees and drowning in powder than i ever have in the park. ive talked to some people about a touring/backcountry setup. i want my set up to be badass but also have some inbounds capability. im pretty set on on3p woodsman but have heard so many opinions on what binding/boot. i like the full tilt ascendants, and keep bouncing between atomic shift, marker kingpins (and considering the duke pt but they're very bulky and heavy). anyways tell me what you guys think and if full on pin bindings r too hardcore for inbounds.
Dec 29 2021 3:28AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13038 - Karma: 18,203
First, read this: https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/799788/-What-Do-I-Need-to-Get-Into-Ski-Touring--

Then, read this:https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/799402/Avalanche-Awareness---Safety

The big mountains hide so many dangers. Its not just avy dangers that are problematic. You have to consider injuries, weather, gear malfunction, physical failure and getting lost, just to name a few. I recommend the basic skills course, then find someone to mentor you into the sport. Like rock climbing, you dont throw yourself into the sport unprepared. However, when done right, touring is a wonderful sport.
Dec 29 2021 7:50AM
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r00kie
Posts: 5190 - Karma: 58,763
So you know someone who could take you out and loan you some gear to do so? I went touring a couple summers ago for the first time with someone and we went through basic beacon procedures, how to read slopes, transitions, and the bare basics of everything. If you haven't had an experience like this yet, try to before dumping tons of money on gear you don't really know how to use.
Dec 29 2021 8:08AM
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goatmaster
Posts: 373 - Karma: 2,392
Touring and backcountry is alot of fun. The one down side is that the risk increases exponentially. Don't cheap out with your safety. By the right safety equipment and take an avalanche course. Don't ski alone in the backcountry. If you have never gone touring before sign up for an avalanche course and rent or borrow a set up for the day on the snow. You will get minimal skiing in but get a better understand whether or not you like it. I know this isn't really related to your question but just though that you should consider this before you buy an expensive set up.
Dec 29 2021 9:41AM
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ProfessorOak
Posts: 94 - Karma: 874
Nothing like an LCC dawn patrol then laps at alta after, you should do it after getting educated, how to survive in a avalanche terrain is a great book on top of what is listed above
Dec 29 2021 10:17AM
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Hometownerz
Posts: 182 - Karma: 1,067
If you’re just skiing soft snow, get kingpins. They ski well and transition super fast, but the lack of lateral toe release is kinda dicey on hardpack. Otherwise get cast, especially if you have metal pivots already
Dec 29 2021 10:23AM
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ericforman
Posts: 722 - Karma: 6,209
Touring is mostly about getting away from crowds and being out in the snow in winter. Avy conditions rarely allow “ripping through pow” and even if they do it’s not like you are gonna be doing 10k vert. It’s a couple “runs” unless you are super dedicated and get in great shape and really understand the terrain and snowpack. Also pin bindings in the resort is incredible stupid please don’t. I fucking love touring but for charging hard through steep soft snow honestly imo it’s better to do in bounds.
Dec 29 2021 12:04PM
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dmcdmc
Posts: 206 - Karma: 1,422
Try it before you buy it. You might hate it. You do need to ski differently. Generally more slowly and with more caution.

Try pin bindings and see if you can feel the difference. I rented a full pin setup and loved touring but hated the way the skis felt. When it was time to get bindings I got kingpins but I still don't like pins for the toe and my next setup will be a heavier binding with traditional toes and heels (shift).

Better to rent a few times and see what setups you like/hate and get used to the pace of backcountry so you can make more informed decisions.
Dec 29 2021 1:30PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3336 - Karma: 5,677
kingpin mwerks
hoji boots for everything
i like mammut transceivers
a sturdy shovel, and long probe.
get educated and
have fun!

i took 2x dawn laps today and had my best 2 runs of the year.

**This post was edited on Dec 29th 2021 at 5:03:33pm
Dec 29 2021 5:01PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6594 - Karma: 69,697
There's a really good reason there's a lot of used touring gear out there. It's a ton of work getting to the top of a mountain with your gear, skiing down it once, and then doing it again. On top of that, it can be very dangerous. If you're use to lifts you really have to be in it to win it to really enjoy touring.
Dec 29 2021 5:07PM
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Casey
Posts: 7774 - Karma: 23,358
You decide your own level of involvement in Fight Club
Dec 29 2021 5:15PM
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