Fantastic. I'll pin your comment at the top. How does it feel skiing the Xplore in the track?

Hi Tom, quite nice actually! I tried comparing the system (I am using the alpina Alaska) to an old 75mm (which really didn't fit in the tracks 😆) and with a pure classic xc. I am not a strong skier at all, but I was pretty comfortable skiing in the tracks. The boot is not as flexible or as light as the track boots, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable or heavy as the old leather 75mm. I will never be able to race on these, of course, but to train and get fitter is perfectly okay. And my whole purpose was to train myself in using the binding and boots and bring them off track, so, well, mission accomplished. On the plus side, the higher rigidity means that I can try and train some movements on this setup like hockey stops, and telemark turns with more confidence than with the lightweight xc system.

Lots of great terrain and snow in my area (Northwest Wyoming and Eastern Idaho). Teton Park is one of my favorites.

Me too

Indeed, I pinch myself every day. Thanks for tuning in and have a great season.

Sounds wonderful. Have fun.

Thanks, and I appreciate the feedback. I hope you are having a great week.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Yes, it was a beautiful day. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you are having a great winter.

Yes, I've become very color coordinated. Both the new skis and the coat are working well.

My frontcountry fanny pack setup kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m9CmZbeTvLK0fZ8.html By backcountry setup kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mLpjnpqiktvRgIU.html

There is great skiing in Yellowstone. It is a big, wild place. www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/skiyell.htm

Alfa has 3 boots, the Free, Vista Advance, and Skaget Perform www.alfaoutdoor.com/pages/xplore Alpina's boot is the Alaska XP www.alpinasports.com/us/nordic/backcountry/alaska-xp-53971B I hope you get some great fresh snow to cover up the ice. Keep your finger's crossed.

​@@tomm9850 Thanks! I've begun checking the Alpina dealer list, but if I go for the Aflas, looks like I have to order from Norway. Not that big a deal, and DHL is outstanding! We're hoping for more snow early next week, so I'm even crossing my toes!!

Only time will tell if the binding and boot spring loaded pin system is durable. I have had no freezing or ice problems with the pins. I have not used the boots for hiking in the snow, only walking short distances from the car to the trailheads, so I don't know if there would any problems if you needed to cross a stream and the boot toe got submerged in water in freezing conditions. The Alfa Free boot is very supportive, and I've been skiing it lately with my Voile Objective skis (117-84-102 @ 178 cm length). The total weight of the skis, bindings, and boots is 9.72 lbs (4.4 kg) and I really enjoy this setup for tele skiing moderate terrain. Of course, the system is not as powerful as my downhill setup (Scarpa T2, Switchback X2, Voile Hyper V6's), but that system weighs 16.88 lbs (7.7 kg). In my next two upcoming KZfaq videos I compare what it is like to ski the same hill under the same conditions using the two systems (2/4 T2's and 2/11 Alfa Free). Bottom line for me is that if you are happy skiing leathers with 75 mm or NNNBC, then you will be very happy skiing the new Xplore system. The biggest improvement is in the sole and the boots. To me they just feel like a better version of their former self.

They do touch on occasion. It takes a lot of practice to maintain control of the rear ski. If the tip of the rear ski is crossing over the leading ski behind your leading foot, then you need to reduce the fore and aft distance between your two feet. I think it helps in the beginning to stay more upright and not try and go into the deep knee bend that you see the experienced skiers using, especially if you do not have an active binding (cables, hardwires, or NTN). The mantra for tele skiing is to keep weight and downward pressure on the rear ski. If the rear ski is unweighted, then it can noodle around. Every time you do a turn, concentrate more on the rear ski and be sure to edge the rear ski (put pressure on the big toe side of the front ski and the little toe on the rear ski as you carve the turn. Practice on a gentle slope with good snow conditions and experiment with different depths of the knee bend.

I haven't skied or examined the new Fischer transnordic 82. For others who might be reading this thread, there is a great description posted on Telemark Pyrenees www.telemark-pyrenees.com/ski/fischer-transnordic-82-easy-skin-xtralite-ski-2022 It sounds like a very interesting ski. I think it will appeal to those who prefer the more traditional shape of the legendary E99 and E109 skis, especially since it will be available in both wax and traction variants. I think there is a little magic being cooked into Fischer's new skis for 2022. My new SBound 98's just feel better than my previous version. They are a bit lighter. The dimensions are the same but somehow they just feel like a better version of their former self.

Fischer TN82 is the new name for E109 Xtralite and it has gotten at good reviews as far as I've seen. You will find them in you search. I have the older version of E109 and am decently satisfied. It floats and turns fine, but doesn't fit in prepared tracks, so I have bought a narrower ski (Åsnes Ousland) for tours involving that. I may exchange the E109 for or add a wider ski like the Åsnes Rabb/Falketind, Fischer S-bound 98 or similar for more float and turning power, but for a do it all all-round ski out of prepared tracks it may be the best option depending on your use and preferences.

@@rksnilsberg Thank you…what’s your choice for bindings? Curious.

Hi Greg. I haven't skied the Nansen's so I don't have any on snow experience with them. They seem to be a very popular ski over on the Telemark talk forum www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4290 Asnes uses a shorter traction pattern on their skis than Fischer and they are known for having less grip and better glide. Everyone seems to like the Asnes skin options. One of the nice things about the E99 was that it was narrow enough that it could be used for recreational use in a groomed track and made a good one ski option for both on and off trail. The Nansens, with a 76 mm tip would probably drag more if skied in a freshly groomed track. I'm sure it would make a great replacement for your E99's.