What is Alpine Touring?
If your primary goal is getting off the resort and into the backcountry, you have the choice of telemark or alpine touring equipment. Alpine touring (or randonnee) bindings allow the heel to move freely during ascents, similar to telemark bindings. Unlike a tele binding, the heel of an AT binding is locked down for descents. This provides the skier with the increased stability and support of a locked heel, as well as the familiar feel of an alpine binding. Neither binding type really offers significant advantages over the other, so the choice really comes down to which way you prefer to ski down the hill. What equipment do I need? All you really need to start telemarking is a pair of skis mounted with tele bindings and some tele boots. Many ski areas now offer telemark rentals, and the prices are similar to an alpine setup. If you enjoy it, you’ll probably want to buy a set. We’ve got one of the most extensive selections of telemark gear in the country and we can help you pick the best
