First Tracks : Cross Country Ski Gear Review

September 20, 2022

Mid-season, Mont Team Member Chris took the Alpina Cross Country Ski, Boot and Bindings out for a test run. As well as being our Backcountry specialist Chris is a current APSI Alpine/Nordic/Tele Instructor, a passionate tourer and KHA Caretaker.

The Gear

Alpina Alaska XP Boot

Explor Bindings

ALPINA DISCOVERY 102 XC SKIS

Click, click. Skis on!

Finally, on snow, bluebird day Perisher Trails.

I wasn’t really sure about this combo of gear at first. Coming from a strong Tele touring background, I was systematically evaluating each piece of the rig- especially the bindings.

Alpina Discovery Skis

The skis did what good skis do, track, turn, edge, grip etc. A strong ‘friendly’ ski. I figured a good Kosi- Kiandra option.

Explor Bindings & Alpina Alaska XP Boot

The bindings and boots are a unit, as is tradition with XC (Cross Country) gear. With easy use, line up the two spring pins on your boot with the groove on your bindings and press down, you're in.

The bindings have 3 flexors (the interface of boot and binding) options.
Soft-long flat travels
Standard - what they come with
Firm - for less heel lift when turning
Of course they aren’t a Tele binding but with -8 degrees powder in the shade I couldn’t resist.
Remarkable. I didn’t crash.
I didn’t stay in the trails long and soon started exploring and travelling.

This is what this set up excels at. AT style pivot and full boot width support gives this set up a clear edge over the Rotterfella NNN BC option. A bonus is a no fuss heel lift for climbing and a clean profile for strapping on your pack.

Come in and demo this set up or drop in for a chat with Chris and the rest of the team.

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