More AT gear perplexity

[vlw]

As an Australian with no experience of AT gear I will shortly be visiting the US, partly with the purpose of buying some skimountaineering gear for use on a trip in 2013 that involves moderate snow approaches and hopefully more technical climbing. I am only an intermediate skier, probably done more telemarking in the past than resort skiing, and far more interested in doing harder stuff on the way up than tricky ski descents. I have read the excellent summary of skimountaineering gear on here, plus the AT thread and consulted some friends and am still very confused. I am hoping that more informed, prejudiced opinion will help me decide what to buy!

My initial thoughts were to get Silvretta bindings for use with my plastic mountaineering boots realising they are a major compromise for descent. But I think I will get more use out of them for my trip in 2013 which is on the Antarctic Peninsula, and spring ascents in NZ which is where I do most of my climbing.

My friend I am meeting in Seattle for 2 weeks of skiascents is horrified at this compromise and suggesting I forgo the Silvrettas and use a dedicated AT set up and boots, but he comes from a ski background and only recently got into mountaineering.

 

Is there any happy middle ground, are Silvretta bindings adequate for skiing with AT boots, or should I look at 2 sets of equipment ie AT boots and bindings for the 2 weeks in Washington and buying Silvretta bindings for use with mountaineering boots for other trips??

 

I'm 167cm and 57kg (I think thats about 120lb)and any advice would be appreciated as its not a sport one thinks about much in OZ.

 

Thanks, Vanessa

 

[JoshK]

If the primary goal of your two weeks here in WA is ski mountaineering, you will likely find yourself having a lot more fun in a dedicated AT setup. Plenty of the dynafit compatible AT ski boots are very reasonable for mountaineering type climbing (and even some ice climbing) and ski great. You could certainly get by with the Silverettas but with any compromise, you'll be giving up some performance. Any idea what ski climb/descents you'll be doing here?

[AlpineK]

Yep,

 

It kind of depends on how technical the climbing you plan to do is. If it's M7 then silverettas may be the best bet. If the trip is primarily cruising long distances with an occasional moderate to easy climb then lighter AT gear rules.

 

Dynafits bindings and their TLT boots are pretty light and provide good ankle flexability. Light is right speed is safety...

[Pete_H]

Optimally, you'd get two different setups. But a compromise would be to have a l/w but versatile ski like a Manaslu mounted with Silvrettas and then a pair of AT boots and a pair of climbing boots. That would cover your bases pretty well.

[vlw]

I think the stuff we will be doing in the Cascades will be things like climb North Ridge of Baker and ski down something easier, conditions dependent, so nothing too difficult. I am told steeper ice isnt too bad in AT boots so I guess I'll give things a go and see how it feels and make sure my new AT boots will be compatible with my crampons!

I will try and experience different bindings doing some resort skiing before committing.... thanks