The Alpina Alaska 75 and Crispi Svartisen both fit the XCD world, but they serve different priorities. Here’s how to think about boot choice, binding pairing, and the line between touring efficiency and downhill control. Do you want a light, simple setup for covering ground, cruising rolling terrain, and sneaking in low-angle turns when the opportunity presents itself? Or are …
At a glance, our ACE series skis might seem familiar to our other models. And that’s a fair assumption! The shapes, widths, turning radii, and camber profiles you know from our Hyper and Classic series are all still here. What’s different is how the ski is built, and more importantly, why it’s built that way. ACE ski construction represents our …
Two high-performance NTN telemark boots, separated by just 13 grams — but the difference in feel matters. Telemark boot choice is not just about weight. It is about how the boot flexes, how it drives the ski, how it matches your binding setup, and where you spend most of your time skiing. The Scarpa TX Pro and Scarpa TX Comp …
They might look the same from a distance, but not all Voile Straps buckle up the same way. Whether you’re securing skis to a pack, tools to a rack, or camping gear to a bike, the choice between aluminum and nylon isn’t just cosmetic. Each buckle brings its own strengths to the table, shaped by decades of design evolution and …
Cross-country downhill (XCD) skiing might sound like a throwback—something your uncle’s leather boots and a dusty pair of fish scales would be better suited for than a modern backcountry kit. But here’s the truth: XCD skiing is having a quiet resurgence, and it’s worth paying attention to. Why XCD Skiing is Back On The Rise While tech bindings, climbing skins, …
A New Chapter for a Classic Binding The 3-pin telemark binding has always been a symbol of simplicity in the backcountry. For years, the Voile 201 Telemark 3-Pin has been the go-to choice for skiers, pairing it with the Alpina Alaska 75 boot. But after a few seasons of feedback and real-world testing, we realized something: it wasn’t a perfect …
You just got a new pair of Voile skis. You added a binding to the order. And as part of that package, we mounted them up and gave them a final pass before shipping them your way. But then you notice something else included in the package: “A detune? What does that mean?” It’s a fair question. The word doesn’t …
Which XP Backcountry Ski Boot is Right for You? If you’re thinking about jumping into the XP binding platform or upgrading your setup, you’re in the right place. We spent time in the Wasatch putting four XP-compatible boots to the test: the Alpina Pioneer Light, Alpina Alaska XP, Alpina Pioneer Pro, and Crispi Futura Pro. These boots cover the full …
When picking out a backcountry ski or splitboard, there’s a lot to consider—shape, flex, width, weight—but one factor that often gets overlooked is construction. Yet, the way a ski or board is built has a huge impact on how it tours, rides, and holds up in the long run. At the core of this decision is the debate… cap vs …
For years, the ski and board community has clung to outdated ideas about cap construction, stuck in the past when foam-core skis gave it a bad name. But times have changed, and so has the tech. The truth? Cap construction—when done right—creates skis and boards that are light, durable, and perform just as well as traditional sidewall construction. The issue? …
