Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Went to REI resupply today and ended up snagging a super cheap pair of Madshus panorama 68s (same xcd skis I’m on) in my girlfriend’s size. She’s a very advanced alpine skier and has been looking for a fun setup to both xc/xcd ski with me and to have a fun challenge in-bounds when we ski with our friends who prefer to stay on blue runs.

I want to complete the setup for her as a Christmas present but I’m not sure what boots (and binding system) to look at with her. I’m on Alpina alaska NNN BC and I like it a lot, but I bought them 2 years ago and idk if there are better options out there. More importantly, I don’t know if there are better options for women that I’m just not aware of.

Comfort is going to be the #1 priority, we rented her a bc nnn setup last year and she had a bad time with all the blisters and weird pressure points she had in some Fischer boots (can’t remember the model).

She did just say to me “ooh, I could learn to tele on those?” So I’m wondering if 75mm and a shorter plastic boot like a T4 might make more sense, but she would lose some comfort there obviously.

TL;DR:

Looking for recommendations for xcD boots (and bindings), either unisex or specifically for women that maximize comfort but also have enough control to drive nice tele turns on 99-68-84 skis.

All of my girlfriends ski T4s. One skis them with the Madshu 68 and prefers her T4 over her alpina alaskas for bc turns.

I think the easy, non-controversial suggestion would be to go with the Xplore system. I have not skied the system, but reviews say generally at least as good for XC purposes, and better for downhill.
Now, for me, skiing inbounds and cross country, on a similar ski, the Asnes Falketind Xplore (97-62-86). I mounted Rottefella Super Telemark Cable. Which imo is the finest downhill binding for a leather boot. So if you want to ski leathers inbounds, I don’t think you can beat the Rotte ST/Cable. The other cable offerings do not compare for leather boots.
However for XC and DH Xplore you are probably better off on Xplore. The mechanics of a free pivot and a bumper are probably better for XC. The thing is, if I am skiing a ski like a Panorama 68, I may be XC skiing for a few miles, but I am skiing to find turns. If I’m just skiing my local rolling trails, I’m skiing a skinnier, straighter ski, and NNN-BC. If I were starting today it would be Xplore.
Now to the boot. In Xplore, I would look at Alaska Xplore or perhaps a Pioneer Pro, but based on reviews it would be the Pioneer. For a 75 mm boot, it’s a bit more complicated. I have an Alaska 75. Downhill it’s a bit floppy without the cable. For XC it probably has better kick than my Alaska BC, the trade off it doesn’t go straight as well. I hear mixed reviews about the Fischer Transnordic 75. The Crispi Bre and Svartisen are from:
https://aspinockwoods.com/shop/ols/products?page=4
I think I would try this boot:
https://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/alico ... ther-strap

Since you asked about comfort, downhill turning, and XC prowess of boots, I am attaching an excellent chart Johnny put together. For the boots I know the chart is spot on:
https://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=5668

If you don’t care about anything I wrote, the chart was worth making it to the bottom of my post

@Jlars13
Hi!
Well- to state the obnoxious obvious- the Alaska BC and the T4 are VERY different boots...
- the T4 will certainly give one more support and leverage than the Alaska BC- but it won't turn the M68 into a rigid downhill carving ski...
I personally dont like the T4 on either the M68 or the M78- I don't find these skis to be rigid enough...

If your girlfriend is a very advanced skier- and you are happy with the M68 + Alaska BC- I am wondering why you think she wouldn't be happy with it as well?

As you already know the Alaska BC is incredibly comfortable and can be custom-dialed-in for fit- and the heel-ankle conforms to the foot as the boot breaks in. The Alaska BC might be too narrow for those that have very wide feet (but one can still sizeup with this boot).

The T4 can be "comfortable" (I find it comfortable- but, not enough for distance touring)- but it is murderously uncomfortable if they don't fit properly...Many skiers actually prefer the T2 over the T4, due to fit issues and the T4''s low profile...

Has she tried either of these boots on?

On another note- if you are going to tour together- I would be considering closely-matched setups...

As a comparison- my wife is also an expert Alpine skier- and has becaome an avid Nordic ski tourer over the last 15 years- she looves her Alaska NNNBC boots- she uses this boot on Fischer 78; Asnes Tonje; and Madshus Annum (M78).

Gareth