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October, 2024

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Are Touring boots necessary??

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EdogEdog
Posts: 8 - Karma: 30
Just like everyone else I am super bummed that 90% of the resorts in North America have shut down. My last day of skiing was pretty lackluster and I would like to get a few more turns in before all the snow is gone. If I bought a pair of skis with touring bindings could I use them with my regular alpine boots (no hike mode)? Yes I know it will suck and I would be better off with a different boot, but is it doable? Thanks everyone
Mar 17 2020 1:05PM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5017 - Karma: 50,751
it depends if they're pin bindings or not and if your boots are compatible with that. I have shitty frame bindings and alpine boots, I've never experienced anything better but I can definitely see how it would be hahaha
Mar 17 2020 3:30PM
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EdogEdog
Posts: 8 - Karma: 30
pinkcamo1000it depends if they're pin bindings or not and if your boots are compatible with that. I have shitty frame bindings and alpine boots, I've never experienced anything better but I can definitely see how it would be hahaha


My plan was to pick up a used pair of cheap frame bindings/skis/skins and just get out there to get at lease one more run in before all the snow is gone (the closest mountain is big bear and I am not sure how much longer there will be snow if they are not making it every night). It sounds like it is doable so hopefully I can find a setup at the right price.
Mar 17 2020 3:55PM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,354
It's clearly not ideal, but it's all I do. There's another thread that I'm too lazy to find that tells you how to buckle your regular boots while skinning with frame bindings and I do it all the time. Actually, I did it all last year because the east coast winter in my area sucked this year and prevented me from skinning even once.

You're going to get a great workout, so cheers to that.
Mar 18 2020 11:55AM
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extravert
Posts: 1112 - Karma: 3,174
i climbed mt baker in alpine boots and frame bindings. Yeah it sucks in comparison to a touring setup, but way better than nothing
Mar 19 2020 6:29PM
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FapMasterFLEX
Posts: 608 - Karma: 333
If you want to get into touring, you're better off spending a bit more and getting a pin set up with true touring boots. Touring in alpine boots is miserable, and you're just wasting money to "try it." Get the right stuff, sell it again if you don't like it. It's better than paying for new stuff twice. I hated my frame bindings. This is coming from someone who did exactly what your post is about 8 years ago btw lol.
Mar 23 2020 9:29AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
Can you tour in regular boots? Yes.
Will it suck? Probably especially if you have your boots fitted for more of a tight fit.
Would I do it if I was near a mountain without extra dweebs skiing around? Yeah, 120%.
Mar 24 2020 11:58PM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,036
If you're only doing short tours you'll be fine, doing lapping the pass shouldn't give you too much of an issue.

I did twelve miles in a day touring around in full tilts and duke frame bindings on a research trip. My big toe nails fell off a few days later. I've now invested in a more touring specific setup and it makes a huge difference.

Touring in alpine boots is totally doable but can definitely get miserable on long days.
Mar 31 2020 4:38PM
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