So I charged the first 10–15 turns, tele-skiing in the wider funnel-like entrance. I don’t get the chance to ski couloirs like that in the winter very often. The snow was somewhat dense, coastal like. Conditions were perfect, 10 cm of fresh snow, avalanche hazard was low, stability tests were negative. Two years ago I skied a 50-degree chute north of Whistler-Blackcomb. I will change from the 2.1 to the 3.0 when I receive them. And I will say that it’s never been better. Still the combo of boots, binding and ski makes for a very decent kit to enjoy the backcountry. I’ve heard that Scarpa is working on a new NTN boot that should provide this but it’s not yet ready. If you go with a TTS like binding, you will have the freedom and Range Of Movement (ROM) to hike uphill like any alpine tech binding.Īll we are missing is the ROM of modern alpine touring boots. This alone makes telemark able to keep up with the alpine tourers. Pins hold the front of the boot, giving the best ROM (Range Of Movement) and resistance-free stride. I suggest you choose from the original TTS, the Lynx or the Meidjo. Those bindings are the go-to options for touring. If you go NTN, you definitely have to go with a TTS like binding or as Pierre Mouyade, inventor of the Meidjo, calls this binding family: TTN.
#Black diamond helio free
This binding is light, provide a free pivot and the feeling of the downhill will satisfy all the 75mm lovers out there. If you go 75mm, I think the Voile Switchback is your only real option. Bindingīecause of the NTN, you have to choose to go 75mm or NTN before anything else when you build up your touring kit. Here is what I use and also some alternate choice I think are good options. I received this setup late January 2020, so I’ve actually skied them quite a bit. I will keep my Crispi Evo WC boot for a 3rd year. My setup for this season is the Helio 115 (now OK to mount with a telemark binding) with the Meidjo.
Today’s equipment is almost on par, thanks to the binding manufacturers. This has been my quest for the last 10 years, trying to keep up with my alpine friends in the Backcountry. This is one of the reasons a lot of people have switched from telemark to alpine setups.
This industry has made giant leaps in the last 5–7 years and the question is now can a telemark skier keep up with an alpine tourer. Today’s telemark gear needs to be compared to alpine touring.
#Black diamond helio skin
Skin up, ski down, I first tried in 1996-97 in the Chic-Chocs.Įquipment has evolved and the 2020s should bring a very exciting era. And I can surely say whatever I want about the gear I use.īackcountry is the essence of telemark. I can tell you right away that after a very satisfying set up last year, I will go back to what has worked for me in the last few years.ĭisclaimer: I don’t pay for much of the stuff I receive but I can choose pretty much all I want. Because of the pandemic, this is probably going to be the biggest season ever for earning your turns, so it might apply to you as well. This year, I will talk more about my backcountry telemark set-up since it’s this one that I will change this season. Oh, by the way, this gear selection is often what you guys ask advice about.