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Thinking about trying out skiing this winter and looking for affordable ski boots? You've come to the right place! There are likely tons of ski boots on the shelves of the shop and while they all look similar, there are some distinct differences that are important when choosing the perfect boot for your new winter adventures.
Alpine Touring Boot. Alpine touring boots are designed specifically for backcountry skiing. AT boots offer the lightest and most efficient way to travel in the back country but are not designed for resort skiing. AT boots are packed with technology such as a walk mode allowing for a more efficient uphill skiing. AT boots also require a specialized pin binding. This boot is recommended for experienced backcountry skiing only.
Downhill Ski Boots.Downhill ski boots are the resort specialists. They are the most commonly used boot and are designed to offer the most controlled and comfortable ride down any resort slope. Downhill boots use a more traditional alpine binding with toe and heel pieces but cannot be used in a pin binding and are not recommended for backcountry excursions. This is the recommended boot for the average skier who is spending their day at purgatory and other resorts.
Hybrid Ski Boots. Hybrid ski boots are the mixture of Alpin Boots and Downhill boots. They offer a great way to blend resort skiing and backcountry skiing into one boot. Hybrid boots allow the integration of both pin bindings and alpine bindings. Hybrid boots are not as efficient uphill climbers as a true Alpine Touring boot and not as efficient as a Downhill boot when it comes to everyday resort skiing. This boot is recommended for experienced skiers who are spending time in both the backcountry and the resorts.
Maybe you’ve seen other telemarkers carving beautiful turns on the mountain, maybe you are looking for a new challenge, or maybe you want to really work those quads–either way, getting into telemarking is fun and challenging.
Telemark skiing is a blend of Nordic and alpine skiing that combines the grace of cross-country with the thrill of downhill turns. Central to this style is the telemark binding, which allows the heel to lift, enabling a skier to lunge gracefully through turns.
Ready to pick up some telemark gear? Here’s some great news: Unlike downhill bindings, telemark bindings don’t get put on indemnified lists, meaning there is no set age at which they cannot be mounted. This meansbuying used telemark gear can be a great deal.
Backcountry skiing lets you carve fresh tracks in untouched snow far from the crowds. You can explore, conquer, test yourself, and more, all far from the resort boundaries.
With access to untouched, remote slopes comes the need for specialized equipment. Going into the backcountry unprepared can mean not only a rough time, but it could create real safety problems. The right gear ensures not only performance but safety, enabling you to handle the unpredictable nature of the wilderness.
No, getting a high-quality backcountry skiing setup is not cheap, but the good news is you can buy almost everything used.Durango Outdoor Exchange has top-quality used gear that will have you climbing the mountain in style. This guide will show you what you need to get started.
Don’t let winter’s cold keep you indoors, and don’t let the expense and crowds of downhill skiing keep you out of the mountains. Cross-country skiing lets you get outside to enjoy the mountains and winter but costs very little. Whether you're new to the sport or a veteran, one of the best ways to enjoy cross-country skiing without breaking the bank is by opting forused gear. Buying used gear makes the sport affordable and accessible to a huge audience. Read on to learn more.