Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I picked up a new pair of 3 pin leather boots mid-way this season, the Alfa Greenland 75 Advance. I could not locate a source for these boots in the US, so I ordered them directly from Alfa in Norway. I've been skiing these boots on my SBound 98's and Voile Objective BC skis with a 3 pin binding. The Alfa Greenland 75 Advance GTX boots (could they have a longer name!) are the 75 mm equivalent to the Alfa Skarvet Advance NNNBC Boot. Since I already own a pair of the Skarvets, I ordered the Greenland 75's in the same size, and they are nearly identical in fit. The boots have been working well for me. My only issue is a bit of "top of the toes" pinch under hard telemark, but I'm hoping that issue will lessen with time as they start to take the form of my feet. If you are curious, check out my video review.

Tom, I couldn't get your video to play -- it says "Video unavailable -- This video is private."

Andy M wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 27, 2020 5:04 pm

Tom, I couldn't get your video to play -- it says "Video unavailable -- This video is private."

The video should work now. Thanks for the heads up.

Great video Tom, with very clear explanations! Thanks!

Very professional video, thanks!! The leather workmanship on the Alfa boots looks like very nice quality. it's interesting, and somewhat sad, to me that most boot companies choose the thinner, glue-on 75mm sole instead of the traditional thicker welted version.

The glued sole is definitely lighter weight. But the welted sole is more rigid and allows you to point the skis better and power them through turns better. It's more durable - these boots don't die until the leather is virtually disintegrating.

On my Antarctics and Refugio boots I don't feel the need for a cable, there's enough support and control over skinny skis without it, and therefore I can use the lighter Rottefella ST bindings. These boots don't have any kind of rand either, which allows the toebox to stretch & conform better. But the welted sole has become a rare specialty item in today's world. Maybe people pick up the welted sole boots in the shop and don't like the heavy weight of it.

Canna,
When do we get your review of the Rifugio?
I know what you mean about welted soles. Although I admit my Alaska BC are great with the Gamme. I wouldn’t mind a lighter welted sole than the Ski March at times. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the Ski March, I really like it a lot. I just think there is a place for a boot between Alaska and Ski March

The Rifugio is the perfect fit between the Ski March & Alaska. It's vastly lighter than Ski March and flexes better while still having very strong ankle support.