Alpine Trekkers - Practical?

[gertlush]

A friend of mine is keen to try backcountry skiing, we had her out on a pair of tele's but she didn't like that. So I've picked her up a pair of used alpine trekkers. Before we go out though I wonder if anybody knows of any issues or problems with using them that we should look out for?

 

The one thing I was worried about is skinning up. She'll be using her regular downhill boots so they don't flex, is that going to really suck? I'd be interested to hear people's experiences using them.

 

Thanks,

[BigWave]

Her alpine boots won't be optimal but they will work. As far as the trekkers it will quickly be obvious why AT binding exist. The trekker is heavy and akward, but it will help get her uphill. If she is going to ski much it may be worth it to just get into some fritshi's or something like that.

[gertlush]

Thanks, that's good to hear. It'll just be the first couple of times to get her into it. We wanted to rent her a setup but nobody will rent gear yet. I think once the season proper starts the trekkers might find their way back to the used gear shop.

[Argus]

What Big Wave said. Also, they are pretty awkward since you are so high up off the ski. Still, it beats using snowshoes.

[hafilax]

I don't have any experience with them personally but have read a bunch of reviews. I think they work well enough as long as you don't have to do any side hilling or edging. They have poor torsional stiffness.

 

Alpine boots will be fine for going uphill but the forward lean is really painful along the flats.

[fear_and_greed]

Remember to bring bandages and sticky tape this weekend.

[gertlush]

haha smartass

 

She'll be on tele's again this weekend after some consideration.

[NuClimber07]

Considered randonee? Best of both worlds. Can rent the gear to try it.

[benb]

Alpine treckers are junk. Save some pain and frustration. Rent a set-up, fall in love, then throw down for some Dynafits.......