Thread: Ski, Binding, & Avi Gear Help For Touring in Whistler

My Info: Almost 18, 5'10, 130, 26.5 FT's, expert skier, I currently own Rossi S4's with PX10's. I ride a 6.5 DIN on my s4's but I've grown so I'd probably go to an 8. I refuse to own K2, don't even mention it, same goes for salomon skis, I'll ride their bindings though. I like how Rossi's ski, their light and solid, very stable.

So I'm heading out to whistler, bc for feb-may next season and I need to get some new gear. I'm thinking of picking up a pair of 178 Scimitar's with fks 140's for my park/all-mountain ski, I can only really bring two pairs out and I need something to fill the gap between my s4's and pow sticks. My other option is to go for a more versatile daily driver touring/pow ski with a 110ish waist and then keep my s4's. The second isn't a bad option for me, a 110 waisted ski would keep things lighter.

1. Pow Skis: I'm pretty friging picky when it comes to skis. I like a stiff (I'm light so mid-stiff), nimble, lightweight, fast edge to edge, and durable ski that can handle everything from waist deep to crud to groomers to a bit of touring. I like a ski to be playful in the sense that I can whip it around really fast when I need to, I don't really care about skiing switch in pow, I might do a bit of jumping but most likely it will be the odd 360 or back flip into pow. I like cliffs, pillows, steep trees, open bowls, and tight chutes, so basically everything, haha. Right now I'm looking at JJ's, BG's, Caylors, and Chetlers, I'd go for the 181-186 ski. My main concern is weight, once I add a touring binding, things could get heavy, I'm a pretty light guy so I don't want my skis to out weigh me in a sense that its hard to control them. For the 110 waisted ski's I'm looking at live free's, blog's, sfb's, and S6's (not sure of the new name).

I demoed some Czar's back in Jackson and I hated them, I felt like I had rockets on a crash course strapped to my feet, they were so heavy and stiff. I do get 30-55% off most mainstream brands like Rossi, Atomic, Armada, and Salomon because of a connection at a local ski store, I can special order anything in. I know that everyone raives about on3p but is it worth the extra money when I need to pay for rent.

2. Bindings: Non-touring I'm going fks 140's 100%, I just have no idea where to start with touring bindings. Realistically I'm probably going to be doing short side country tours to start, and then some day trips, nothing overnight. I'm planing on purchasing a beacon/probe/shovel/avalung/skins/etc and I'm going to take a course when I get out west.

I know that people have been raving about the new Salomon/atomic's (discounted), as well as the MFD Plates (I don't get a discount on the plate, only the binding). The other option would be dukes or barons, between the two I'm leaning more towards the baron, I'll lose all the weight I can.

3. Avi Gear: This is my least concern right now but I thought I'd throw it in so I don't have to make a new thread. I'm probably going for a Tracker 2, but I have no idea where to start with a shovel and probe. I found this, it gets me the avalung and a smaller pack for when I don't have camera gear. As for skin's I can't start looking till I buy skis.

http://www.backcountry.com/black-dia...valung-package

Thanks guys,
Zack.

RAX skis and a stud finder is all you need

1. Lots of skis to choose from. At your weight, I think a 110 waist would float plenty. I don't think you'd be giving up much by going for a ski of that width over something else.

My advice for Whistler is to get something versatile. On the deepest of days, you'll be encountering a huge array of conditions and terrain and it's better to enjoy all rather than getting too specific.

I think a length around 180 is what you want at your weight.

2. Bindings - just get some Dukes or Barons. They're cheap on the used market, proven and you can use them inbounds with little compromise.

3. Tracker 2 is a good beacon. For probe and shovel, MEC sells a Black Diamond package that includes probe, shovel and 2 voile straps for around $50. Probe should be 250 - 300 cm. Otherwise, read reviews and get something that fits well in your pack.

In general, you need to read some reviews and/or demo some skis. There's lots of info out there for you and your questions are quite broad. Come back with more specific questions.

Originally Posted by D(C)

My advice for Whistler is to get something versatile. On the deepest of days, you'll be encountering a huge array of conditions and terrain and it's better to enjoy all rather than getting too specific..

^^^^ This, but not just for deepest. Whistler can have three climate zones on the same mountain. Get a ski that has enough to it that it'll handle the inevitable near-slush and stiff deep chop, punctuated by patches of ice. IMO that means you're on the right track with the ON3P models, although they can get heavy, way off track with the JJ, slightly off track with the BC - but depends on how you ski - and would suggest checking out Prior. They're right down the road from Whistler, now have an option of full carbon so very light weights, but still substantial skis with maple stringers. The Husume full carbon in 181 might be your ticket. Some of the Fat PM Gear models are also nice for front and back.

Originally Posted by Beyond

^^^^ This, but not just for deepest.

Sorry, I should have said even on the deepest...

Originally Posted by zbphoto

My Info: Almost 18, 5'10, 130, 26.5 FT's, expert skier ..... I refuse to own K2, don't even mention it, same goes for salomon skis, I'll ride their bindings though. I like how Rossi's ski, their light and solid, very stable.

OK, you're 18 and you clearly know everything. But let me just suggest: be willing to try anything. Be willing to admit you're wrong. Be willing to say "that's a decent ski, but it's not the right ski for me." Rossi skis are made in many different factories around the world. So quantifying them all as "light" "solid" and "stable" is a bit like saying all K2s suck - it's off base and makes you look ill-informed.

If you can't control a ski like the Salomon Czar, there are two options: it's a shitty ski, or you're not really an "expert" skier.

Demoing many, many different skis will teach you how to modify your skiing style to match different tools and different terrain. You might even find a K2 that you love. (PS: Obsethed might even be a good match for you.)

^^Of course he's an expert. PX10's set to 6.5 DIN.

Originally Posted by zbphoto

My Info: expert skier. I ride a 6.5 DIN. I refuse to own K2, don't even mention it, same goes for salomon skis

1234

Originally Posted by skimaxpower

OK, you're 18 and you clearly know everything. But let me just suggest: be willing to try anything. Be willing to admit you're wrong. Be willing to say "that's a decent ski, but it's not the right ski for me." Rossi skis are made in many different factories around the world. So quantifying them all as "light" "solid" and "stable" is a bit like saying all K2s suck - it's off base and makes you look ill-informed.

If you can't control a ski like the Salomon Czar, there are two options: it's a shitty ski, or you're not really an "expert" skier.

Demoing many, many different skis will teach you how to modify your skiing style to match different tools and different terrain. You might even find a K2 that you love. (PS: Obsethed might even be a good match for you.)

I skied the czars at whistler for 3 days and they were perfect for the 70 cms of new snow. I don't see why you would hate them if your such an expert

You want 185 JJ's.

Coming from an Ontario transplant:

You probably won't listen, but stay the fuck in bounds. If you're keeping your eyes open, you'll see plenty of little activity in bounds. Learn what you can, then come back to it next year.

I agree with 110 underfoot being damn versatile. If there's not enough float, you're not going fast enough, plain and simple. Stiffer skis are more comfortable (or should I say easier) for landing in pow. I remember my first few cliffs, felt like I did everything perfect, but my skis just flexed into a banana and stopped dead, full on double eject and facefirst into the snow.

You aren't an expert. You being the hottest shit on your ontario bump equates to being slightly better than the people who are on vacation. The faster you lose that mentality, the sooner you can start to learn.

I suggest you get something used, cheap, and relatively beaten on already. As a newcomer, you will have a tendency to find every single rock on every ridge that's just under the snow. It's something you build an eye for. If you can grind the shit out of your skis and still have a good run, only then are the skis cheap enough.

If Czars are too stiff for you, ON3Ps will feel like a 4x4 on your foot. Also, see last point.

You better have a helmet. It's just stupid not to. Also, look into a back protector. It was only by sheer luck that the crash that ended my first season and fucked up 3 of my limbs didn't fuck my back too.

Have fun, but keep it slow. All the local rippers have been doing this shit for a couple decades on that mountain. If you're hell bent on getting to their level in a couple months, you'll just end up hurting yourself.

Originally Posted by angrysasquatch

Coming from an Ontario transplant:

You probably won't listen, but stay the fuck in bounds. If you're keeping your eyes open, you'll see plenty of little activity in bounds. Learn what you can, then come back to it next year.

I agree with 110 underfoot being damn versatile. If there's not enough float, you're not going fast enough, plain and simple. Stiffer skis are more comfortable (or should I say easier) for landing in pow. I remember my first few cliffs, felt like I did everything perfect, but my skis just flexed into a banana and stopped dead, full on double eject and facefirst into the snow.

You aren't an expert. You being the hottest shit on your ontario bump equates to being slightly better than the people who are on vacation. The faster you lose that mentality, the sooner you can start to learn.

I suggest you get something used, cheap, and relatively beaten on already. As a newcomer, you will have a tendency to find every single rock on every ridge that's just under the snow. It's something you build an eye for. If you can grind the shit out of your skis and still have a good run, only then are the skis cheap enough.

If Czars are too stiff for you, ON3Ps will feel like a 4x4 on your foot. Also, see last point.

You better have a helmet. It's just stupid not to. Also, look into a back protector. It was only by sheer luck that the crash that ended my first season and fucked up 3 of my limbs didn't fuck my back too.

Have fun, but keep it slow. All the local rippers have been doing this shit for a couple decades on that mountain. If you're hell bent on getting to their level in a couple months, you'll just end up hurting yourself.

This is all very good advice.

Also, find somebody to show you around. And take an avi course. And read some books on the subject.

I'll second a vote for 185 JJs. When I first started riding them I was 6'0" ~150lb and they were a revelation to me. Very light for their size (2100g), which is good when you're skinny, plenty stiff and floaty for your weight, and seem to handle everything at Whistler quite well.

I'm going to agree that if you're coming straight from the east, I'd spend your first year in bounds. There's plenty to explore for a year and plenty to learn. You're not going to get bored. I came from the east when I was 18 and spent my first 4 years working on everything the mountain had to offer. Then after taking an avalanche training course, knowing a bunch of locals to go with who have experience, reading a bunch of stuff here, etc. I started to venture out cautiously and learn my own backcountry skills.

I'd recommend skis with robots and red boots.
That's what all the expert kids ride.
and don't worry about polls.

damn that's ICE COLD

Originally Posted by angrysasquatch

Coming from an Ontario transplant:




You aren't an expert. You being the hottest shit on your ontario bump equates to being slightly better than the people who are on vacation. The faster you lose that mentality, the sooner you can start to learn.

ya buddy no way you are skilled enough for OB at whistler - you dont need OB at whistler fkn JONG

how much does OP weigh like 160

Here's a little story for you young fella. Twenty years ago, as a newbie from Onterrible, I moved to Whistler. So one day while skiing by myself out toward Boundary Bowl which was then OB, I thought to myself "hey why not duck under that rope and go ski that fresh stuff." It was toward the end of the day. You know how one mistake can lead to another, and then they start compounding? Pretty soon I was in a world of shit making every mistake possible. Well I came out along Fitz creek (not Singing Pass trail) and it had been dark for a long time. I was soaking wet, freezing my ass off and starving. At one point I thought "that's it I'm going to fucking die out here" after one particular grievous error.
Anyway, I made it out and walked straight into the bar I was working at and started pounding JD. Listen to the above advice and have fun, cause shit happens every year to the newbie experts.
Oh yeah, if you end up in the sack with my God daughter I'll hunt you down and kill you.

Originally Posted by dynamike

Here's a little story for you young fella. Twenty years ago, as a newbie from Onterrible, I moved to Whistler. So one day while skiing by myself out toward Boundary Bowl which was then OB, I thought to myself "hey why not duck under that rope and go ski that fresh stuff." It was toward the end of the day. You know how one mistake can lead to another, and then they start compounding? Pretty soon I was in a world of shit making every mistake possible. Well I came out along Fitz creek (not Singing Pass trail) and it had been dark for a long time. I was soaking wet, freezing my ass off and starving. At one point I thought "that's it I'm going to fucking die out here" after one particular grievous error.
Anyway, I made it out and walked straight into the bar I was working at and started pounding JD. Listen to the above advice and have fun, cause shit happens every year to the newbie experts.

Newbie, listen to what this veteran has to say. Consider yourself lucky if the worst that happens to you is having to walk out cold, wet and tired.

Originally Posted by dynamike

Oh yeah, if you end up in the sack with my God daughter I'll hunt you down and kill you.

You have to bang dynamike's god daughter now...

Originally Posted by digitaldeath

...
ya buddy no way you are skilled enough for OB at whistler - you dont need OB at whistler fkn JONG

how much does OP weigh like 160

how much do most of the world's great non-racing skiers weigh again?

hint, way closer to 160 than 200

edit, oh, nm he said 130#... Louie Vito skis too?