AT ski recommendations

[gonefishing05]

How wide (under foot) are your preferred at skis for spring skinning and skiing in CO?

I have the option to get a really good deal on some Salomon mtn 86 pros. My down hill skis are even wider. Seems to me these would be fine without powder present but hoping for someone more experienced to weigh in.


Thanks!

[Jorts]

That's a solid all-around width. You should be able to ski any conditions on those. Pair them with a lighter binding and a light AT boot and you'll be sitting pretty.

[JacobW]

This could be a very contentious subject. I typically think that ~110mm is perfect for an everyday backcountry ski, and then 90-100mm for a lighter, mountaineering ski. But, I also don't mind the extra weight.

[SnowAlien]

I agree with JacobW. I've been really enjoying my 107 Atomics this winter, and even slightly hesitant to switch back to my 96 Camox for spring (but the weight difference is significant). 5 years ago I tried skiing 88 mm ski (BD Helios) and had to get rid of them - just too unpredictable in variable conditions. I wouldn't go anywhere narrower than mid-90s. Skinny skis are not for skiing, they are for getting down.
Depending on the terrain, I would also pay attention to stiffness. Softer skis like Voiles and Salomons are good up to 40 degrees. Once you get into steeper terrain like couloirs, I prefer a stiffer ski.

[Bale]

It’s mostly personal preference and all relative. I’m going with Jorts, 86 is great for spring. Also, light gear has come a long way in the last decade. And remember, with fat skis come wider skins, and potentially heavier boots and bindings as well. That said, I have a pair of 112 Voiles for pow days and boy have they been nice this year in UT!

[9patrickmurphy]

My current quiver is:

• 86mm G3 Findr: super light, for fast and light spring objectives (the only skis I don't have tele bindings on so I can keep the boots light too). Mostly about the up but rips corn on the way down.
• 96mm Liberty Origin: all mountain ski and my daily driver for resort, also works great for backcountry days where I'm not as concerned about weight.
• 115mm BD Helio Carbon: powder ski. Hardly ever gets used in Colorado, though I've made lots of use of it this season while powderchasing in the West. Tours fine if need be, but again, seldom used in Colorado.

So basically, it depends on what you're using them for. I disagree with Natalie that less than 90mm is too skinny, though I do agree with her point that it is more for the up than the down. Though if you're spending 4 hours up and 15 minutes down, that might appeal to you. If you're looking for a quiver-of-one, I've heard fantastic things about the Salomon QSTs as a great hybrid resort and backcountry ski. Hopefully this helps.

[SkaredShtles]

Just get the red ones.

[cottonmountaineering]

i like ~100 for spring, floatation is still necessary in spring and snow can be super rotten below treeline, below 90 seems way too skinny

[pvnisher]

105 for all conditions, everywhere, every day

[SnowAlien]

Just get the red ones.

Your advice is always on point
i.e. Black Crows Camox Freebird

Patrick - I demoed Salomon QST. I'm not tall and not overly aggressive skier and they felt soft and floppy.

[Jorts]

Doing both skimo and backcountry skiing, I have friends who think my 99s are too fat and others who tell me I need some powder skis.

I use 82s most often. They make jump turns on the steeps effortless. They ski powder fine. Ski corn superbly. They ski mank okay. And they ascend fast. Which does matter unless you’re just doing yo-yo laps at Loveland.

Here is a friend on 77s back in Feb down here in the LPs on a 6” day. It’s often more about the skier than the skis.

[SchralpTheGnar]

Depending on your exact objectives, but I like 95-105 and something stiff, I once had a pair of voile carbon surfs and took them up a steep, hard packed 45 degree couloir and that was one of the scariest descents of my life, it absolutely could no hold an edge and I basically did an out of control side slip for 1500 feet.

I’m still on pocket rockets, which are like 95 and reasonably torsionally ridged.