I am a long-time alpine skier (strong intermediate) that has just started with xc skiing. I have been bitten by the touring bug and plan to take an intro AT class through ASI next year.

I am looking to upgrading my current alpine kit and would like to know if it would make sense to go with an AT setup. I have Garmont Endorphine boots and was thinking about the K2 Backup or Backlash skis with Fritschi Eagle bindings to be used for both resort and AT (if I decide to go that direction). I would be doing the majority of my skiing in the Truckee area. Comments on these skis/bindings and any general advise for a newbie would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Mike

This is common. Definatey get K2 backlash skis and fritchi freeride pro.
Skip the eagle, not stiff enough for resort skiing due to the lack of the "track".

I have this gear on sale and some demo gear as well I can part with. For new stuff I'll do 30% off skis, 20% off bindings.

I think this is the perfect ski and binding for a strong intermediate resort skier, and a newer backcountry skier. I don't think you'll outgrow this equipment either. Down the road you may buy some fatter, lighter skis with dynafit bindings to compliment your quiver, for the all-day peak climbs into more unknown snow conditions. You'll always like the backlash/fritchi combo though for firmer snow, resort skiing in general, and shorter ski tours like Mt. Tallac.

mike@thebackcountry.net

_________________
Mike Schwartz
www.thebackcountry.net
mike@thebackcountry.net

I'd go with backlash (on sale now used and new), but nothing lighter weight. Especially for ski area use, these are already a little lighter and thinner than most people would use at the ski area. They are fine for the realistic speed and agressive level most people ski at, but going narrower or lighter would mean you're really just casually tinkering around.

Skip the Eagle, this is Fritchi's marketing for the "touring crowd", while the Freeride plus is marketed for the ski area crowd. Same exact binding price and weight for the most part, except Eagle lacks one of the major improvements in recent years: which is the red plastic track. This helps the binding ski better and is totally worth the extra few grams.

I think you'll be totally satisfied with backlash/freeride pro ski gear for the ski area and the backcountry. Eventually you'll want dynafit bindings and slightly wider skis, but possible NOT for the ski area.

get skis at tall as your forehead but not as tall as you. email me for pricing mike @ thebackcountry.net

_________________
Mike Schwartz
www.thebackcountry.net
mike@thebackcountry.net