Telemark / Alpine Touring Boots
Telemark boots occur along an easily-described spectrum, ranging between boots that emphasize touring and those that place emphasis on turning. Almost all Telemark skiers today (whether you ski lift-served terrain or hike for turns in the backcountry) are wearing boots that fall into the All-Moutain or Freeride category (see below); these boots have the pedigree to turn modern Tele skis. Check the following link for information on fitting Telemark boots.
Alpine Touring (or AT) boots can be broken down into the same categories as Tele boots, but for now we'll highlight the All-Mountain category (see below).
Touring
- made of lightweight, soft-flexing plastic
- usually possess two buckles and power strap
- touring ease is the focus of these boots
These featherweights are an excellent choice for those skiing on lighter setups and are more interested in the touring portion of backcountry skiing. The softer plastic and lower cuff reduces resistance while skinning. If your Tele skis are less than 70mm at the waist or you are using one of the beefier Rugged Touring Nordic skis, this type of boot will serve you well. Unless you were weaned on leather and laces when Tricky Dick was flashing his double V’s, you can’t expect these boots to handle anything bigger.
Garmont Excursion
All-Mountain
- stiffer-flexing then touring boots; can drive most of today’s skis with authority
- powerful enough for the resorts but light enough for the backcountry
- the most popular boot category
The boots that fit into the All-Mountain category usually have three buckles and a power strap. Combined with a higher cuff, it gives the skier enough power to tilt anything but the burliest models on edge. The stiffer the boot, the more quickly the ski responds to turn initiation because your movements are transferred directly to the ski rather than lost in a floppy boot flex. Skiers also feel more stable at higher speeds and through challenging terrain (to contrast, imagine skiing in rubber galoshes). Great for the lifts as well as the backcountry where the lighter weight is appreciated. Most people, regardless of skill level, end up in this type of boot.
Scarpa T2X and Garmont Syner-G
Freeride
- the stiffest boots with the most buckles (between three and four)
- requires the most energy and effort from the skier but provides the most downhill control
- designed for higher speeds and bigger terrain; great lift-service boot
Probably the most similar to alpine boots designed for advanced skiers with stiff lateral flexes; skiers enjoy unrivaled turning power. They can easily drive the fattest and stiffest skis out there, but the price paid is reflected in the boot’s weight. We usually sell them as dedicated resort boots, but those interested in control are sometimes willing to suffer a little more uphill fatigue for better downhill performance while exploring the backcountry. Make great boots for cross-over alpine skiers because of the extra support and control.
Garmont Ener-G
Alpine Touring - All-Mountain
- light and powerful four-buckle boots with heat moldable liners
- possesses a vibram rocker sole and a walk-mode for hiking and skinning
- compatible with AT bindings only
Though there are many different types of AT boots out there (in a spectrum ranging from burly and heavy to quick and ultra-light), we've decided to highlight the all-purpose, jack-of-all-trades category. These boots are stiff enough to drive almost any ski, but light enough to be comfortable on long approaches. Skis like an alpine boot, hikes like a mountaineering boot. 'Nuff said.
Garmont G-Ride
