How to choose skialp skis
Have you never been on a skialp skis before? Or just once or twice and now you're thinking of including them in your favourite winter activities? Good idea, because this is the sport for today. We'll advise you on how to choose the most important thing, a good ski.
It's not rocket science, but it's not exactly easy either. You need to know at least a little bit about how you're going to use them. Skitouring takes many forms and skis adapt to them. Not only in length and width, but also in weight and profile. Our experts at Ski a Bike Centrum Radotín will be happy to advise you on what to choose.
Skialp ski manufacturers have it easy. They have to make the ski so that it is lightweight and climbs well and easily, but at the same time, so that it goes downhill as well as possible. If you are on the slopes a lot you probably know where problem is. You can't deprive a good downhill ski of quality material. And that, even if you integrate lighter fibreglass or carbon, just weighs something. You have to make compromises with a skialp ski. A quality downhill ski can't and shouldn't be as heavy as a race giant slalom ski. That's why manufacturers play around with different combinations of lightweight woods, carbon, fibreglass and titanium to make the ski as light as possible while still making you happy on the downhill.
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- −45 %
- Our tip
- 160
- 174
- 167
- 153
The K2 Wayback 84 freetouring skis with a wood core are designed for off-piste skiing. The skis have a hydrophobic, snow-repellent top material that helps prevent snow from sticking to the tips of the skis. The All Terrain Rocker profile lifts the heel and toe to allow for better float out of deep snow
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- −45 %
- 160
- 174
- 167
The K2 Wayback 92 freetouring skis with a wood core are designed for off-piste skiing. The skis have a hydrophobic, snow-repellent top material that helps prevent snow from sticking to the tips of the skis. The All Terrain Rocker profile lifts both the heel and tip to allow for better float out of deep snow.
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- −30 %
- Our tip
- 155,2
- 161,3
The Black Crows Orb Freebird ski touring skis are designed for universal use, thanks to a width under the boot of 90 mm, a lightweight construction and a radius of 18 m, which can be easily and dynamically shortened while riding thanks to the ski's maneuverability. The rocker on the tip makes initiating turns easier. A softer and lighter paulownia core, reinforced with carbon and laminate for better dynamics, brings balanced stiffness and flexibility while maintaining low weight.
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- −45 %
- Our tip
- 160
- 167
The K2 Wayback 89 W women's freetouring skis with a wood core are designed for off-piste skiing. The core is reinforced with a titanium plate in the centre of the ski. The All Terrain Rocker profile lifts both the heel and tip to allow for better float out of deep snow.
There are roughly three types of skialp skis to choose from.
1) for racing or very sporty speedtouring
Their purpose is to get the skier up the hill at the fastest possible pace. They are short, narrow and lightweight. Walking or even running up the slope on them is awesome. It's worse going downhill. Unless you're an excellent skier, forget about any great comfort. It'll be a chore.
They are usually between 150 and 170 cm long and have a width of 65 to 75 mm under the heel. They should be bought by those who are very sporty, who like to run on dry land, but also on cross-country skis, simply those who are used to moving fast even in the mountains. Who wants to have skialps as a sport, during which they will give themself a good beating.
2) for touring to freeride
This is a completely different category, similar to cycling endurance. It includes the heaviest and most durable "skitouring" skis ever. They are also tailored for climbing, but must have different characteristics. Their purpose is to get the skier up only to then enjoy the ride down in the open terrain as much as possible. They are long, wide and close in weight to downhill skis.
The length is generally between 170 and 188 cm and the width under the heel between 85 and 110 mm. They will be bought by a lover of rough descents through the wilderness. Somehow to climb the hill and then have it out with the slope in a dizzying descent.
3) for pure skitouring
This category is very large and varied, but all of its skis range in distance and width between the first two groups. Ideal lengths range from 160 to 180 cm and heel widths from 75 to 95 mm.
This is where most customers will choose. "Ordinary" hikers who just want to get out and ride down a hill at a leisurely pace. But also lovers of romantic remote zones. Or very sporty skiers, who want to climb a high hill and possibly help themselves with climbing equipment. And finally, those who just want to play sports after work and hit the slopes once or twice.
Dynastar, K2 and Völkl
Followers of all of the above categories are sure to find their walk skis from the three global brands we have on offer. France's Dynastar, America's K2 and Germany's Völkl all know skitouring like the back of their hand and offer a wide range of skitouring skis. K2 in widths ranging from the subtle Wayback 80mm to the Wayback 106mm for serious freeride. Dynastar from the amazingly fast M-Pierra Menta 65 mm to the M-Tour 97 mm. And Völkl from the narrower Rise Up 82 mm to the brutally freeride BMT 109 mm.
Climbing belts and what is important to know?
An integral part of all skialp skis must be the climbing belts, which are adapted in length, width, attachment system and specific characteristics to the particular model. The furry part of the riser is no longer made of seal fur, but most often of a combination of mohair and nylon. A higher proportion of mohair improves the slip, nylon improves the climbing properties.
