Choosing the Right Backcountry Ski Gear
When choosing the right backcountry ski gear—skis, boots, bindings, poles, etc.—the type of backcountry skiing you’re planning to do helps dictate what’s best. If you are heading out for some quick sidecountry laps from the top of a chairlift, you may be able to get by with traditional skis and bindings if your uphill travel is a short bootpack. Longer ski tours require uphill capable bindings like the Shift or Tracer Tour as well as climbing skins. A lot goes into deciding what ski gear is right for you—such as prioritizing uphill efficiency or stability when charging downhill—so be honest about what type of skiing you do most and choose your gear accordingly.