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Looks like my last post got blocked didn't like my link:

Snowboarding is more difficult to learn but easier to get good at. I learned to snowboard just before my 30th, but had been on skis since I was 4. I swapped primarily because I had heard it was easier on the knees.

1 Piece of advice, depending on where you ski get yourself a good pair of comfortable knee pads. I still wear mine as I ski the East where it's icy and man does it save the knees. Its protected me from getting a good bruising on my knees many many times. An added plus its super comfortable to take a quick stop on my knees as needed.

Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Triple-Eight-ExoSkin-Black-Large/dp/B0059CWUNE/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=triple+8+knee+pads&qid=1574354599&sr=8-6

Also find yourself a good instructor that will teach you the proper way to fall. Keep your hands in a fist and don't use your hands to brace your fall. Use your forearms and try and keep a fist always. This is a huge tip to prevent you from breaking a wrist. You almost want to have a dive motion as you fall. Sounds way more complicated than it is. My first instructor would actually have us practice from our knees a few times and it was a huge help for me.

Here's a comment I posted a month or two ago about this topic. Basically everything you'd need to wax, sharpen edges, and perform small-medium ptex repairs (think small core shots and scratches on the base of the ski).

Here's a kit I would go with if I were buying a kit. I personally liked buying stuff individually that suited my needs but it's easier to just buy 1 thing: https://www.amazon.com/Demon-Complete-Tune-Kit-Wax/dp/B00MAKO69O/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1478189719&sr=1-1&keywords=ski+wax+kit

The reason why I'd go with this kit over the ones you listed is because it comes with an edge sharpener guide + gummy stone. If you're sharpening edges you'd probably want to use a file&guide when starting out.


For waxing (normally use all temp wax unless you're an every week sort of waxer. Could expand out to cold specific wax if the weather calls for it):

Plastic Scrapper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GSLE2FO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wax: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GAYNXO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Iron: buy one at goodwill/a thrift. If you're too good for that then here: https://www.amazon.com/Wintersteiger-Ski-Snowboard-Waxing-Iron/dp/B0040OBXXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476214415&sr=8-1&keywords=waxing+iron

You can also buy a nylon brush and base cleaner/a rag to clean your skis but hot waxing and then scrapping also works for cleaning.

When I'm done waxing my skis I usually go over the skis with a wine cork to make sure everything is even and smoooooth. Not something that you have to do though

For tuning:

Gummy Stone: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017I6VNO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edge sharpener (can choose a different one):

https://www.amazon.com/Dakine-8-2300250-Green-Tuner-Green/dp/B00L6ZC1FA/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1476214569&sr=1-4&keywords=ski+edge+sharpener

Video so you don't fuck up your edges too much:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKpSBE8YWXk

You can also get a diamond stone/nail file from the store if you'd like.

Ptex for some base repairs:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OIPZRVU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Metal Scrapper for Ptex (could use a flat blade if you'd like but don't fuck up):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OIPZRII/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lighter: Gas Station/already in your house. After Ptexing a couple of times I fee like a torch lighter would work best here


Video for small ptex repair:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA0vDNmNAEA

If you have major core shots I would probably go to a local shop and have someone fix it who does that stuff for a living. Really research what you're actually doing before you do it for the first time. You don't want to make things worse. After you get the hang of it it becomes a lot easier and can save you money. Can also do it for your friends on the cheap

I appreciate that you want to get into it and you're asking how to start taking the first steps. But the backcountry community often reacts quite prickly to people who might seem a bit cavalier. Ultimately it's to persuade you to really start figuring out how much you don't know about whats involved, so you can start gaining the knowledge and skills that you need. Everybody has to start somewhere, but if your baseline is one defined by respect for the mountains and backcountry, and how much you can knowingly control out there, then you're going to be much more ready to learn what you need to stay safe and alive.

Buy Tremper's Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrian. Learn about the specifics of the equipment people use in the backcountry - What is a tech binding? What is an AT Frame binding? What is special about touring specific boots? Are yo going to need ski crampons? This is stuff you can figure out as you gain experience, but start building that base of knowledge so when you get the chance to apply it you're ready to gain from it.

This is how I learned to tele. If you want it, go for it. Your cheapest option is a cable binding, either G3, BD, or maybe some old rotte chili peppers. I'd buy any used tele ski under 100 underfoot to learn on. Anything in the 170-185 length will let you learn the turn (granted, once you learn to ski, you'll probably want to adhere to typical sizing conventions, and ski something in the 181 area).

Look on craigslist or at a ski swap. A good thing about tele bindings, is that they are compatible for most sized boots. Unless you have a tiny foot (under 25 mondo) any binding should work.

Most tele bindings have a 4-hole mounting pattern. Much different than an alpine mount. Any reputable shop should have a jig for the common tele bindings out there.

A lesson would be a great idea. A competent instructor can lay down the basics of the turn pretty quickly. I liked Mike and Allen's tele book for tips and tricks on learning the turn. It's an illustrated guide full of useful drills and the like.

Snowboarders generally segue well into tele skiing. Unlike skiers who are used to most of their weight on one foot, snowboarders, like tele skiers, are adept at equally weighting their feet.

In short: buy any used tele ski, as long as it has camber. The binding should fit your boot. Go out and learn. Once you get good, then figure out what kind of ski you like. Maybe check out the forums at telemarktips. Even if your boots are crappy, they will allow you to learn a little, and see it tele is a good fit for you. I enjoy it, and I hope you do as well.

Well, for most people I know, telemark is more about the feel than any particular advantage or disadvantage compared to alpine skiing. I'd say one main advantage is I find it is easier to tour with, less messing around with finnicky tech bindings, really easy to fix if something fucks up, and transitions are really quick.

Probably the main disadvantage is typical 75mm tele bindings do not release easily. So, you are definitely at a higher risk of really messing up your legs if you get into a nasty fall because those skis are probably not coming off.

Its different for everyone, but it definitely has taken me a few seasons to get it down. But luckily, this book is really awesome and there are a lot of other self help resources. Not to mention, a lot of places in the west will do lessons.

Switch skiing is difficult. Otherwise it can mostly do everything else.

Like I said, for most people it is about the feel of the free heel and you either like it or you don't. Although I also find it is easier on my knees than alpine skiing.

Come join us at r/telemark!

Much (belated) thanks for this informative response. It sounds like my best bet is to go with a whole new setup for touring, with lighter skis, touring bindings and new boots. I'm only dimly aware of the specialized Dynafit/tech setups... is this something I should be looking into now, since I'm getting a dedicated setup for touring anyway (and keeping my existing ones for resort skiing)? Or is there a good reason to stay away from these until I'm more experienced out back?

Is there any particular model or type of ski you would recommend, or even just a suggested waist width? Do I want a really wide powder ski, something more rounded in the 98mm area, or something else entirely? (Unrelated to touring per se, I had been considering getting something like a Katana or even Shiro for a while. Should I consider something like that for touring specifically?)

If you know any shops in the US you'd particularly recommend for touring skis and boots, please let me know! I'm keenly aware of the importance of a bootfitter in general, but not so sure where to find one that specializes in touring.

Also appreciate the safety tip. While I have yet to take even the basic avalanche course (looking to take the level 1 first thing next season and go from there), I've been reading enough to get some idea of just how much I have to learn about this (e.g., this). Given that, I intend to go out only with pro guides for the time being.

Please don't get so defensive. I'm trying to help you be safer. If this is how you accept advice related to your safety, I honestly hope you don't do much more backcountry riding.

I also suggest you read this book, it's a great reference: http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Avalanche-Terrain-Tremper/dp/1594850844

Max Pass is good if you live in Connecticut. Plenty of stuff on there good for day trips or weekends. This year Whiteface, Gore, Windham and Bellayre have been added, giving even more options. Then you can also do trips out west with it if you want.

There loads of backcountry, much of it focused on the White Mountains in NH. If you're into backcountry this book is a good place to start. Tucks is awesome.

I have these: https://www.amazon.com/DryGuy-Travel-Boot-Dryer-Shoe/dp/B010A5JBPO/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=boot+dryer&qid=1550188358&s=gateway&sr=8-13

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They aren't warmers per se but they do warm the boot up a bit as they run. I've never tried to use them as a warmer, I've always just plugged them in to dry after a day of skiing but by the time I take them out, they are nice and toasty down in there. Not sure how long it takes to warm up (I'll plug them in when I wake up in the morning to let the boots warm up while I eat and what not and that works fine). They can plug into 120V AC or the 12V DC outlet in your car. If you plugged them in and drove 30+ minutes to the hill, I bet that'd do a pretty good job. Only thing I don't like about them is they say not to use them for gloves.



edit: another, pricier option that I have seen people use: https://www.kulkea.com/product/heated-ski-boot-bag-thermal-trekker/

It kind of matters where in the world you are. Some places are much easier to "dip your toes in" than others, i.e. stay safe.

My general recommendations include:

• spend time in the backcountry in the summer, remove the skiing part and make sure you're good with navigation off-trail. Get comfortable not following a trail and making your own decisions. Practice with your map/compass/GPS/etc
  
  
• Skin at a ski resort a few times (I go early in the morning before lifts open). Futz with your gear when it doesn't matter and get you kit somewhat dialed in before you head out into the backcountry.
  
  
• Make sure you're cool with the fact that 90% of backcountry skiing is NOT making turns and going down. Seriously, turns are gravy, you need to be in it for the tour.
  
  
• Here is a book I really like: http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Really-Backcountry-Revised-Better/dp/0762745851/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_4
  here is another that I haven't read, but has been recommended:
  http://www.amazon.com/Book-Backcountry-Skiing-Skills/dp/B007L0D45K
  
  
• Ask more specific questions here so we can help :)
  

This is super awesome!!

Don't want to be a stick in the mud, but you should invest in a better helmet for her. As cool as the Frozen helmet is, it is a very low grade helmet that doesn't protect your brain very well in event of an impact.

Get her something that is MIPS certified or EPS 4D.

Tell her great job and keep on crushing it!!

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https://www.amazon.com/Giro-Launch-MIPS-Kids-Helmet/dp/B07G9R7G65

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This is great advice I don't have much to add here other than some additional reading. Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast: 50 Classic Ski Tours in New England and New York is also a great resource for information. There is an entire section devoted to Tucks that you should photocopy and stuff in your pack the first time you head up.

It will take more than an afternoon to figure it out. I started tele on a small hill in a field. It was a safe spot, not steep or big, no bumps or hazards under the snow. Took a few days and fell a bunch but its so much fun once it clicks. Sturdy boots/bindings help a lot. I started on basically beefy XC touring boots and was useless, upgrading to a full plastic boot made a huge difference, I could actually turn. Might actually be easier for you to learn the tele turn though since you won't have to overcome the urge to just parallel turn.

Allen and Mikes Telemark Tips was helpful

I know this isn't online, but Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain is regarded as one of the best books that really gets into the nitty gritty of avalanches, but remains understandable.

Sorry it's hard to read - just snapped some pics. I had commented about this in that Snowboard/skier thread and thought I would tease Dick Barrymore’s book "Breaking Even." It’s a fantastic read and this is one of many great tales from his days making ski movies. It’s really worth hunting down a copy and reading as well as snagging as many of his films as possible.
I adore the Last Of The Ski Bums and The Performers. Here’s a link to watch LOTSB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9uuMzVS3EE and here’s a link to the trailer for the Performers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaS9CJlnO_8
And here is a link to order Dick’s book https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Even-Dick-Barrymore/dp/1575100371

Hertel super hotsauce wax. The best ever any temperature. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAYNXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MDH9BbTB8DXBM

I thought about those but found a number of stories of them detaching. I'm cheap and cheerful, but the thought of 1 - 2k worth of skis flying off the back of my car is too risky for me.

EDIT: Also, the amazon reviews say it doesn't handle modern mid-fats well.

If you're going on a week long vacation with family, unless you're hiring a guide or have a friend/family member who really wants to get into backcountry -- you'd be better off finding a mountain with tons of great terrain and snow. Snowbird, Alta, Telluride, Jackson (if you're flying from TX), or Taos would top the list.

If you have a partner or are willing to hire a guide ($$$) then the first step should be buying this book, reading it cover to cover, and deciding if backcountry skiing is right for you.

Get some insulated leather gloves/mitts and coat them with SnoSeal.

Kinco makes good ones that are really cheap. Flylow makes a similar style that comes pre-coated. I have a pair of BlackDiamond spark gloves I got on sale.

Just know that whatever brand you get you'll eventually have to reseal them with SnoSeal cause it doesn't last forever.

EDIT: Here are some links:

Kinco - https://www.amazon.com/Kinco-Pig-Skin-Glove-Gloves/dp/B01CFWIRIC

Flylow - https://shop.flylowgear.com/collections/mens-gloves

Black Diamond - http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/mens-gloves

SnoSeal - https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Beeswax-Waterproofing-Net-overall/dp/B00CQJDQ90/

Best ski bags for flying? Anyone tried this amazon basics one? https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Double-Padded-Ski-Bag/dp/B075N6H5QG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=ski+bag&qid=1568217731&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFFSEwzR1IxQTQwVjYmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1Njk0OTgyRVZEU0xHS0E2UE9QJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0NjY1MjMzRTFMVTE2NEpXR1czJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

FWIW: Folks on the discord kindly recommended this, which seems perfect: https://smile.amazon.com/Button-Ski-Hangers-5-Pack-Build/dp/B071P413RM

Allen and Mike's really cool backcountry ski book
or their avalanche book or their telemark book.

These things are seriously great reads.

There's always the magnetic rack option, something similar to: https://www.amazon.com/Inno-MV276-Magnetic-Snowboard-Carrier/dp/B000EGR418

I haven't used that particular brand or model before, posting mostly to illustrate the concept. I occasionally use a mag mount when there's not enough room in the car.. No complaints so far, but definitely make sure the mount has sufficient clearance for your ski width.

If you source the pieces yourself you can get what you need. You usually don't need everything that comes in a kit. Buy the additional pieces as you need them.

Here's what I found without much effort:

$35 iron

$23 wax (huge brick)

$6 scraper

$14 nylon brush

$6 scotch brite sponges

That's $84 and is all you need to get started. You can certainly get kits for around the same price that include some edge tuning bits, but they also come with a very small amount of wax and surprisingly often they don't include any brushes, or just a wire brush.

These are super cheap and have worked fine for me. Just launder them a few times to remove the weird smell.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYO7TE2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.google.com/search?q=ski+with+urmas&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

https://www.amazon.com/dp/076274586X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_7RnGyb8QTACK0


These two are awesome resources.

I'd recommend you take a Avy class, read back issues of Backcountry mag (detailed reviews of beacons, tele and AT gear), and:

http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Skiing-Touring-Mountaineering-Mountaineers/dp/1594850380/

http://www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=f95e83bc2fbb682de1dd53544543b0ab

(possibly too much info http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/

The stuff everybody knows about: topos, skins, shovel, probe, beacon and practice time with beacon.

If you get caught out: 2 meter radio, LED headlamp, batteries, leatherman/knife, static rope/Perlon line, tarp, space blanket, water filter, power bars, stuff like that.

Alright, cool. I'd probably use sno-seal.

He is also the author of one of the best books on avalanche safety skills. A definite read for any backcountry enthusiast/snow science geek.

Getcha pair o kincos , slather some sno-seal on em, and yer dun. Ur welcome.

https://www.amazon.com/Kinco-Pig-Skin-Glove-Gloves/dp/B01CFWIRIC

These! They don't have the knit elastic section that goes around your wrist, and definitely aren't made for cold days. I'll take two of the three pairs to the mountain on any given day, and swap if need be.

Read Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain

And take an Avalanche 1 (recreational) course next winter.

Just bought this kit off amazon and I'm going to be waxing my own skis for the first time in preparation for epic Tahoe pow this weekend. I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos. Any tips from r/skiing?

Kinko + Sno-seal.

If you want to spend slightly more then flylow.

Learn about avalanches and how to minimize their risk. Read Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain. Buy a beacon and probe. Learn how to use them. Practice. The main slope I go to has a small patch where there's a buried beacon for practice. You could see if yours has one, too.

Learn to recognize dangerous terrain and signs of instability. Take an avalanche course. Make friends with experienced back-country skiers in your area. See if you can get a few buddies to take you on a mellow single day tour.

I'm just exploring the North East BC myself. try: this
Also, you may want to check out guided BC stuff or reach out to the community in the Chic Chocs.

These after applying some of this. Cheap, and it's what a lot of the on mountain staff use every day of the season.

http://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Seal-1330-Atsko-Sno-Seal-Original-Waterproofing-7-Ounce/dp/B00CQJDQ90/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417361774&sr=1-1

Here is the mobile version of your link

Buy and read this book, http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Avalanche-Terrain-Tremper/dp/1594850844

Look into taking an avy class too, don't just count on some guy showing you around.

Not joking
https://www.amazon.com/Kinco-Pig-Skin-Glove-Gloves/dp/B01CFWIRIC

Clarification of terminology: "off piste" means off the groomed run, but it is often used to describe terrain inside resort boundaries. In the US, off piste runs within the resort have been checked and cleared of avalanche danger by ski patrol. "Backcountry" means terrain outside of resort boundaries which has not been cleared by ski patrol. It can slide and you can die.


Assuming that you mean "backcountry" and not simply "off piste," start by buying and reading this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Avalanche-Terrain-Tremper/dp/1594850844