What is a backcountry ski setup?

Think of your backcountry ski setup as an integrated system. Think of your boots, bindings, skins, and skis not as four distinct pieces of gear but as a single system designed to work together, Merriman says. Different bindings work better with different boots, and some skins work best with certain skis.

Can you hike in backcountry ski boots?

Also known as AT boots, these boots are for people looking to get into the backcountry or possibly take one chair lift to access it but hiking or skinning to skiing for the rest of the day. These lightweight boots are designed to work with pin-style Tech bindings or alpine touring bindings.

Do you need special bindings for backcountry skiing?

If you’re mostly backcountry skiing, choose tech bindings. With a tech binding, you’re connected to your skis only at the toes when traveling uphill; you only lift up your boots (less weight to pick up) when you stride, allowing for the most efficient uphill travel.

Do you need special boots for backcountry skiing?

Make sure you get backcountry boots that are compatible with your backcountry bindings. There are some alpine touring boots that are only compatible with lightweight tech bindings, while some others are only compatible with heavier frame bindings. If you’re a telemark skier, you’ll need telemark boots.

Do you need different boots for backcountry skiing?

The Bottom Line: Backcountry ski touring boots are different than downhill resort boots. Your boots will need hike/ski modes and tech binding compatibility in order to go backcountry skiing.

Should I ski with a backpack?

More specifically, you’ll want a small- to medium-sized, lightweight, waterproof backpack, especially if you plan to wear it all day on the slopes. If this is the case, make sure that you are indeed comfortable skiing or riding with a backpack.

What size backpack is good for skiing?

Our advice is to choose a pack between 30 and 45 liters, unless you know exactly how you’ll use the pack. Skimo racers will prefer packs in the 10-to-15-liter range, while 20 to 30 liters works best for short tours or easy backcountry adventures.

How do you pick backcountry bindings?

Match the weight of your bindings and skis: If you have lightweight skis, choose lightweight bindings. If you have heavier duty, downhill-oriented skis, consider heavier, burlier or stronger ski bindings that are able to drive the skis well.

What length backcountry ski should I get?

Your height will be the mid-point of a 30-centimeter range of ski lengths. For example, a 5-foot 9-inch person is about 175 centimeters tall. Assuming nothing else, that individual should probably be seeking a ski somewhere in between 160 centimeters and 190 centimeters long.

Is there a backcountry ski tour in Whistler?

Leave the lift lines behind this winter on a guided backcountry ski touring / splitboarding day tour. Step into Whistler Blackcomb’s vast untracked backcountry ski and snowboard terrain that stretches to the horizon in every direction.

Where can I rent ski and snowboard equipment in Whistler?

Rental shops are located conveniently close to hotels and lifts throughout Whistler Village, Upper Village and Creekside Kids 12 and under rent free with a paying adult! Book by November 26, 2021. This ski and snowboard equipment is best suited for beginner to low intermediate skiers or snowboarders.

Can skiers and snowboarders re-enter Whistler Blackcomb from the backcountry?

Skiers and snowboarders looking to re-enter Whistler Blackcomb’s ski area boundaries from the backcountry should check in with Patrol (604-905-2324) for up-to-date avalanche conditions and terrain closures within the ski area boundary.

Can you rent backcountry ski rentals?

Rent the gear and own the pow with our backcountry ski rentals. Try out this season’s highest-performance touring skis, we’ll set you up with the best gear for your skills and the mountain conditions. Alpine touring boots are available for rental. Rent the gear and own the backcountry with our splitboard rentals.