- Is there a difference between Randonee and Alpine Touring?
-Are AT boots as challenging to fit as regular alpine boots? Is trying on essential still or can I look online?
-Do typical ski shops carry them or will I need a more specialized store? What about trying boots on at a place like REI?
-What features are essential?
-Should I be looking for a similar flex as my current boots?
-Any brands that you have had good luck with vs. those I should stay away from?
Thanks for your help as always!
1) Not really, that's more the European term for it. Stateside, you'll see 'randonee' used mostly in the context of racing. Think really skinny skis and people in spandex suits counting every ounce of their kit. AT is a broader term, usually used to denote backcountry skiing, generally NOT on tele gear...
2.) I would say that depends on your foot. If you have a lot of trouble finding the right fit of a regular alpine boot, might be best to try a bunch of boots on first. I've had my alpine boots planed to accommodate a longer right leg. With the Vibram sole on the bottom of an AT boots, this is not going to be possible. However, the leg length thing is really only noticeable on hardpack, since it rectifies it self in soft powder snow, so that particular thing is not going to be an issue. You can have toe punches and such done to your AT boots. I spent a morning at the Mountaineer in Keene Valley with a buddy of mine just before Christmas, getting his new Dynafit boots stretch out to fit right before his Ski Guide course in BC....
3.) You can look online to see what's available and compare models. Wild Snow and TetonAT generally have great reviews of AT gear. That could help you narrow down your list of what to try on or what features to look for in a boot at the store. REI probably has some, EMS... meh. Not a lot of selection and maybe 1-2 models in their biggest stores. If you are in MA, the best thing would be if you can get up to North Conway. Hit up EMS, Ragged Mountain (best selection in North Conway) and IME to try on boots. The Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington has probably the best selection of AT gear in the NE. Another option is the Adirondack Backcountry Ski Fest in Keene Valley, NY. Its being held March 7-8. They will be having free demos of boots, skis and bindings from BD, Scarpa, Dynafit, Voile and Kastle on Saturday from 10-3. Great way to try some stuff out before you buy! More info on that here
https://www.mountaineer.com/ski-fest/
4.) Binding compatibility, easy transition from ski/walk mode, fit with a standard crampon, the right stiffness for how aggressive you want to ski, WEIGHT
5.) You could start with the same flex as your current alpine boot, but since most manufacturers of AT boots don't make alpine boots and vise versa AND flex is measured different by each manufacturer, this would really be a rough starting point only.
6.) Avoid the new Scarpa F1 Evos. They have just all been recalled. Dynafit makes some of the best and lightest boots on the market for AT. Some of their new models even come with a stiffener insert that you can leave in your backpack on the way up, but then put into the boot before you ski to give them more stiffness. Black Diamond makes some great boots and Scarpa makes some nice boots too (just not those F1 Evos!) Even some of the bigger name alpine guys are making tech-binding compatible boots. I think I saw a Fischer boot like this? In fact, I was just reading that Fischer has some deal with Dynafit, where they are selling Dynafit products, just with the Fischer brand on it- the Fischer Kingpins are really a Dynafit binding. I believe I saw somewhere that you are a ski instructor/PSIA member, so that might help you get a discount on gear.
I would first try to decide what type of binding you want to use. Frame bindings are beefier, but significantly heavier. So if you plan to do a lot of short tours, or really aggressive skiing on the down, these are your best bet. Tech bindings, like the classic Dynafit binding, are really light weight and have become the standard for AT. These would not be recommended if you plan to huck big cliffs or you are going to ski a lot of bumps with them at the resort. That being said, I know several folks here in the NE that have one ski quiver- a light mid-fat ski with Dynafit bindings for resort skiing or backcountry touring. (More info about choosing the right binding here.
https://www.wildsnow.com/bindings/dynafit-backcountry-skiing-bindings/)
Once you decide what binding will best suit your needs, that will help narrow boots down.
