seeker

this may help. im 5'8 #185. i normally ski wide 170 w/randonee boots and can go almost anywhere. last year due to injury i used old 150 cm GLM skis and found that you cant go fast because of lenghth but had all kinds of control on steeps and cliffs that i wouldnt even look at before. i did several 4 day traverses in canada and had good enough flotation even with a full pack. many people used short skis like this in the 70's. also try this. i skied for 10 yrs exclusively in my plastic climbing boots on 170's.i used ski boot liners and cuffs from old k2 ski boots with an instep strap that ollowed me to adjust the ankle angle perfectely [no shims].it was easy to put them on and off as comfort and climbing dictated. a cord is not needed using this system.they worked great and were only a little softer than my tourlites. i still use them occasionally when i dont want to use my touring boots for a climb. so, try it, you'll like it!

check out my post on :shnice protection"

the smc "T" shaped pickets cut in half have worked well for me for many years. metal conduit really doesnt have enough strength or resistance for climbing, but has been used extensively on big mountains for rappelling long routes[its cheap]. also, if you live near seattle, go to boeing surplus and buy the W shaped aluminum aircraft framing. it has large surface area, you can choose your thickness [strength vs weight] and make them any length you like.i feel they hold better than regular pickets. give thought to how you thread them so you dont compramise the webbing. if you avoid shnice, youll miss out on alot of better ice further on:}

Dachstein Randonee Boots sz 29.5. i used these boots once and they didnt fit me. they are purple and red 'DC Tour' model in perfect condition. This is an excellent deal for $150. e-mail or call me at 781-3570.