AdventuresNW
At Backcountry Essentials, we’ve expanded into alpine skiing with more services and boot-fitting. Now in addition to carrying the best of backcountry ski boots, we also carry boots for inbounds skiing that will provide the performance and comfort you’re looking for. And we guarantee that fit when you buy boots and custom footbeds (come in to learn more)!
Wherever you ski, the ski boot is your point of control and comfort, and – we think – the most important component of your ski gear. I divide boots on two axis: first, where do you want to go; and second, what type of foot do you have? The boots below are men’s models, but the same rules apply to the women’s models.
Are you skiing volcanoes and doing long traverses where efficient travel is most important? The Dynafit TLT 6 or Atomic Backlands are both made to be extremely efficient, both in weight and in the range of motion that their walk-mode allows. The main difference between these boots is the foot shape that they fit best.
If you will mostly be in the ski area, but want to leave the door open for some touring capability, or are willing to take on more weight to ski in the backcountry, check out the Tecnica Cochise 120 or Scarpa Freedom. These two are compatible with all alpine and AT ski bindings. Again, one of the main differences here is the type of foot shape that will best fit the shell.
Chris Gerston owns Backcountry Essentials, an outdoor specialty shop located at 214 W. Holly in Bellingham, WA.
