Ski choice for winter expedition with pulk and kite sail

[Alessandro82]

Hello community,
my name is Alessandro and this is my first topic on this forum and it involves some questions I have about the best ski to choose. I am organizing a solo winter expedition in Greenland for next spring, for a period of 4-5 weeks between March and May. This expedition of mine will involve the use of a pulk and much probably also a kite sail. It will not be a crossing of the ice cap, but a trek on the coast and interior of Scoresby Sound with varying terrain and snow conditions, from flat pack ice to moderate snowy hills. Expected temperatures will vary from -30 to -10 C°. I am planning to bring my gear in a pulk, for about 60-80 kg of total weight, and me being 85 kg and 185mm tall. I am considering some ski choices and after some researches and reading positive feedbacks, I am mostly focused on the Asnes ski models. So far, I am considering these models, listed in order of preference and all in their waxable configuration (I will bring also skins):

- Asnes Ingstad
- Asnes Amundsen
- Asnes Nansen
- Asnes Sverdrup

What draws me more on the Ingstad is that it is described as quite good for stability on turns and variable snow conditions (better choice for kite sailing I guess) and that already two different winter expeditions used this model for their crossing of the Greenlandic ice cap (they published a book about their journey and listed the equipment used, so while they did not write a review of the gear, they made it thru the end, so I see it as more of a “no news, good news”). Moreover, since I will drag a pulk, when using a kite sail, I imagine the barycenter of the system pulk+me+sail will be somewhere behind my back, so if there is a choice between safety/stability and speed/performance, I would give a slight preference to the former.

I know also some hard-core expeditioners bring two ski models when going with a kite sail, but I prefer to use only one for weight and bulk considerations.

Do you have any feedback to share? Especially with the Ingstad and the Amundsen models?

For binding I am also a little torn between some Alpine binding like the Plum Guide or a general touring binding like for example the Finngrip Erä. While this latter would allow me to ski with trekking boots, I am a little worried for the safety of my ankles and knees in case of a fall or swift turn.

Thanks!

[エイダン.シダル]

I don't have anything like that experience, but wouldn't you want two pairs of skis? I think that's standard on this.
https://www.en.asnes.com/asnes-expedition-amundsen/

It gives you a back-up ski, bindings, and skis for different conditions. Too bad about the expense. If I were going with just one ski, it'd be relatively straight, medium width, and stiff under foot.

If you are mostly skiing, I think you'll want a ski-specific binding, or you'll be frustrated and tired. The trick is a boot that you can also walk in, maybe even use with light duty crampons. Also, bindings that aren't impossible to repair, and are durable: 3-pins? Take a look here:
https://andrewskurka.com/gear-list-back ... i-touring/

Best of luck.

[Musk Ox]

@Alessandro82 oh my! Greenland is absolutely wonderful, it'll be the experience of a lifetime. It's incredible, from the moment you get off the plane. I'm so jealous.

Have you got a plan in mind for polar bears?

I don't know anything about kite skiing whatsoever.

Before the real experts weigh in, I'd recommend against universal bindings in an environment like eastern Greenland. I really wouldn't want to be dependent on universal bindings if I had to go any real distance/ flee from carnivores. Walking is going to be impossible anyway, so you'll be in skiboots all day every day.

I'd go for Xplore bindings or NNN-BC, largely for the boots, on the orthodoxy that this is more comfortable for distance. I've got my eye on these. https://www.lundhags.com/no/sko/herre/s ... 040435-900

They cost as much as a small car.

I think your instinct to use the Ingstads is pretty sound. The logic is that the Amundsens will be more efficient than the Nansens or the Ingstads, but require a little more brainpower when you're going downhill with a pulk.

[riel]

So far, I am considering these models, listed in order of preference and all in their waxable configuration (I will bring also skins):

- Asnes Ingstad
- Asnes Amundsen
- Asnes Nansen
- Asnes Sverdrup

What draws me more on the Ingstad is that it is described as quite good for stability on turns and variable snow conditions (better choice for kite sailing I guess)

Asnes has two other skis that combine properties of the Ingstad (rockered tip for easier turning) and the Amundsen (very stiff underfoot for great glide), but each split the difference in a slightly different way. Both are designed for polar expeditions, but also versatile for other use.

The Asnes Gamme is 68mm at the tip, with a tip stiffer than the ingstad, and rocker to help with turn initiation.

The Asnes Børge Ousland is 66mm at the tip, with similar tip stiffness as the Ingstad, and also rocker.

The Børge Ousland might be little smoother on good snow, with a softer rockered tip designed to help lift you over ice and other crud in the snow, while the Gamme has a stiff tip that can keep things (somewhat) stable while you're cutting through breakable crust.

[Musk Ox]

The Asnes Gamme is 68mm at the tip, with a tip stiffer than the ingstad, and rocker to help with turn initiation.

The Asnes Børge Ousland is 66mm at the tip, with similar tip stiffness as the Ingstad, and also rocker.

The Børge Ousland might be little smoother on good snow, with a softer rockered tip designed to help lift you over ice and other crud in the snow, while the Gamme has a stiff tip that can keep things (somewhat) stable while you're cutting through breakable crust.

A propos this, I think I'd rather go to Greenland with a pair of Gammes then the Ingstads for the pleasure of that efficiency.

Then again, the Ingstads would be much more forgiving when you're tired, if they're anything like the Nansens. You can really go on total autopilot. Not that I slip much or have to concentrate too hard on the Gammes after a long day.

Good heavens I miss snow.

Edit: this is a pretty useless contribution

[CwmRaider]

What's the snow like in the part of Greenland where you will be skiing? And how important is easy turning as opposed to tracking straight when kite surfing?
I'd probably favor touring efficiency over turning there. To me this screams Gamme, Ousland or Amundsen. And were my life to depend on it, I would certainly take a second pair of skis.

[Alessandro82]

Thanks to all for your replies!

I understand the two ski option, but would rather avoid it unless it's a really major bonus, not only for the cost, but also for bulk and weight.

@Alessandro82 oh my! Greenland is absolutely wonderful, it'll be the experience of a lifetime. It's incredible, from the moment you get off the plane. I'm so jealous.

Have you got a plan in mind for polar bears?

Before the real experts weigh in, I'd recommend against universal bindings in an environment like eastern Greenland. I really wouldn't want to be dependent on universal bindings if I had to go any real distance/ flee from carnivores. Walking is going to be impossible anyway, so you'll be in skiboots all day every day.

I think your instinct to use the Ingstads is pretty sound. The logic is that the Amundsens will be more efficient than the Nansens or the Ingstads, but require a little more brainpower when you're going downhill with a pulk.

I have already been to the area a few years ago, but during late summer and it was very nice. Regarding polar bears, I will bring a rifle for self defence and a flare gun to scare them off and for sleeping I plan to use some local hunting huts (there are a few scattared along the fjord and the coast) and when not possible a tent, keeping food stored away but within sight.

For the bindings, I did not write it correctly, the touring binding like the Finngrip Erä I was referring to is the cable binding. I am a little concerned using this kind of binding with a kite sail, for the risk of twisting an ankle or knee. Any feedback on this combo?

What's the snow like in the part of Greenland where you will be skiing? And how important is easy turning as opposed to tracking straight when kite surfing?
I'd probably favor touring efficiency over turning there. To me this screams Gamme, Ousland or Amundsen. And were my life to depend on it, I would certainly take a second pair of skis.

I expect varying snow conditions, from flat pack ice to powder snow on hilly terrain. I value the turning capabilities in case of variable terrain and wind and for safety.

Then again, the Ingstads would be much more forgiving when you're tired, if they're anything like the Nansens. You can really go on total autopilot. Not that I slip much or have to concentrate too hard on the Gammes after a long day.

One point for the Ingstad then

[Musk Ox]

What you're planning sounds like a dream.

One point for the Ingstad then

Well, there are advantages and disadvantages. You'd make more ground with greater efficiency with the Gammes, or something similar, and on the windblown hard stuff you will blaze like a comet (you will, in fact, blaze like a comet in any conditions on the Gammes).

NNN-BC or Xplore are the correct bindings for what you're planning (distance, pulk, varying conditions).

I don't know about kite-skiing at all, though.

[lilcliffy]

Hello and WELCOME Alessandro!

Did you decide on a ski?

Ski touring in Greenland!!! On my list of todos!!!

If I was expecting hilly terrain and highly variable snow→ Nansen

If I was expecting gentle terrain ansd highly variable snow→ Amundsen

I would not describe the current Ingstad BC as "stable" on dense consolidated snow- it XC skis very short and dead on consolidated snow. The Ingstad BC is stable in deep snow.

If you are wanting more width underfoot than the Nansen/Amundsen- but more versatile than the Ingstad BC→ Combat NATO.

Keep in touch and let us know how you make out!
Gareth (lilcliffy)

[Stephen]

I would not describe the current Ingstad BC as "stable" on dense consolidated snow- it XC skis very short, and dead on consolidated snow. The Ingstad BC is stable in deep snow.

Gareth (lilcliffy)

I would second this statement.