Rorke
Since 23 Oct 2009
22 Posts
Traverse City, MI
Thu Nov 12, 09 3:47 pmTeleKiting
Does anybody snowkite with telemark skis?
After skiing for years, snowboarding for years, and telemarking for years, I've concluded that for lift access riding, snowboarding reigns supreme. For me.
But last Winter, I decided that telemark skiis are the best behind a kite. For me
Anyhow, my skiis are 2000 Atomics. That is the year, not some new model. Other than that I can only confirm that I am the 3rd owner, and they are reddish-orange.
Last year, I went out west for the first time in a while, and WOW, my shit is so old I should have put on jeans to finish off the look.
The skis have been really pretty good, but I want as much float as possible. Also, the guy who last tuned them said he wouldn't even touch them if they ever came back. He basically said they're done
A local ski swap is coming up. What should I look for in some sweet, fat skis? I hope to use them for some backcountry but, moreover, kiting.
I've heard twin-tips, flat, low amount of sidecut. Is this right?
Is it necessary to look at only telemarks vs downhills?
Are longer or shorter better?
How wide can skis get before they are a fright on packed or sunbaked surface?
Flexible or stiff?
No camber, some camber, much camber? (camber and rocker are the same, right?)
I don't know what brands will be available, so if you could just describe the features I should look for, that would be great.
One recommendation I got was that older "Obsethed" model skis should be there for under $200.
Thanks for any help. And yes, I have google searched, but not found much.
Rorke
Also, my snowboard is from '96, so I may ask about replacing that down the line.
Gman
Since 11 Feb 2006
4911 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped
Thu Nov 12, 09 4:49 pm
Nice - time to upgrade
I rode my 2002 Volkly Snow Rangers till they where dead. You will be pleased with how much better any ski will feel than your dead 2000 - zero snap relics.
So what to get - try to demo a bunch setups at the resort if you can...
After 15 years of AT backcountry and resort(now pretty much only back country)
I run an Alpine Touring Setup for everything - these used to be much heavier than teles but now run lighter (have had a bunch of die hard tele friends switch over to the new AT gear - but if you are tried true tele stick with it!)
My buds really like the super minimal Dynafit AT setup (crzy lightweight boots and bindings- cant believe it works - but these guys run everything short of hucking cliffs in them)
I'm a cheap bastard and dont mind a little extra weight - have had good luck with the Naxos and my older Black Diamond AT boots
As for skis - like the BD Havocs (twin tip)
this has worked well on the dozen or so Snow Kiting trips (only been doing it a week )
the advantage of locking down the heels seems like a big plus - being able to go to "touring" mode, release the heals, maybe grab a set of skins out of your backpack and schlog home when the wind dies seems like a big plus
I am definitely looking to upgade my gear this year, the problem for me is do I go with skis or a snowboard. I used to ski like crazy growing up. In like 1996 I switched over to snowboarding and havent really been skiing since, but I am thinking of changing back. Either way I need some new stuff, the snowboard is from 98 and the skis are from 94.
I keep waffling back and forth.
stringy
Since 23 Jun 2006
1735 Posts
vancouver
XTreme Poster
pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Honored Founder
Thu Nov 12, 09 6:09 pm
When we were in Bend last year more guys were using Tele Skis then regular skis! Seems smart if you get stuck with no wind to have some tele gear.
NorthStar
Since 02 Sep 2008
55 Posts
Thu Nov 12, 09 6:34 pm
Ken
Picture 1.png
mschulz
Since 29 May 2007
530 Posts
Reno, NV
Addicted
Thu Nov 12, 09 7:27 pm
Tele works, but I like to use touring /AT bindings as they give me that option to lock down. Then when I need to hike, put on your skins and go for it. My $.02 _________________ MS
forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4330 Posts
Hood River
Hick
Rorke
Since 23 Oct 2009
22 Posts
Traverse City, MI
Fri Nov 13, 09 6:31 am
Thanks for the replies. Great photos. I wonder why I can't find more info on this stuff if so many guys are doing it??
All my pals have shifted to AT as well. (non-kiters). That's how I got my deal on the current tele set up.
I won't be switching to AT anytime soon though. My boots are new '05's so they're just breaking in. Also, my feet usually kill in boots, but I think since the toe-box is flexible on the teleboots, they work great. I could sleep in them!
Not a lot of chance to demo stuff here in Northern Michigan, especially tele gear.
Our lift access hills don't get too much powder to begin with, plus they track out fast. Plus, the gear here is a little behind in general.
But we snowkite great powder all the time. The inland lakes are untracked, and not many people hit the dunes because it's a haul to hike in. So, I want some phat ass new skis!
I'll PM Lucas. I've been to his site in the past.
The swap is tomorrow, and I guess you have to get in line at 4am to have a good selection.
As of now, I'm going to try to get wide, Twin Tip, low sidecut, 190ish, flat, stiff skis. The ones that the guy in the orange jacket is using look ideal.
Rorke
Rorke
Since 23 Oct 2009
22 Posts
Traverse City, MI
Fri Nov 13, 09 6:57 am
Here's a clip of some MI locals enjoying the backcountry. I know it doesn't touch what is out there, but these are our typical conditions in the backcountry. Just thought I'd share so you guys don't think it ice capades out here. Lot of lake effect.
major lake effect! and sick riding... ma and pa resort at it's finest!
nice clips....except for the Fray music on the 2nd one... sorry..
Rorke
Since 23 Oct 2009
22 Posts
Traverse City, MI
Fri Nov 13, 09 9:40 am
chanson wrote:
do you guys hit up Mt Bohemia ever...? $99 season pass....
\
Six times over the last 5 years. It rules over all.
Getting there is tough. I've been in 3 car accidents getting there.
Our group has also racked up 4 trips to the local hospital.
Lac LaBelle works well for snow kiting on an East
Rorke
chanson
Since 31 Jan 2006
1873 Posts
WISCONSIN
Chimey
Fri Nov 13, 09 9:53 am
Quote:
Getting there is tough. I've been in 3 car accidents getting there.
Our group has also racked up 4 trips to the local hospital.
weird....what's the deal with that...? Yoopers..
I was up there in college(right when it opened) and we had to swerve off the road to avoid this old-ass lincoln with no headlights coming in our lane...
it is money though..
we are from Wisco, so it's not too bad.. my rent's have a place by Powderhorn MT, so it's only about a 2-3hour drive from there..
keep it up! I'm going to try and score some good when I'm home for the holidays.
luke
Since 06 Jul 2005
399 Posts
Obsessed
Mon Nov 16, 09 1:38 pm
Hey Chanson and Rorke I have wanted to go to Bohemia for a long time. I heard it is really special. Lots of pow. And, those dunes would be insane snowkiting.
Tele is the way. It allows you to do and go wherever you want (on snow) haa.
Alaska, Iceland, and Pakistan in the last few years.
Free the heel and the mind will follow.
42qn30
Since 22 Jul 2009
41 Posts
Michigan City, IN
Mon Nov 16, 09 1:51 pm
Teleskiing looks so weird. Then again I'm used to 1 plank. It seems like you could really mess up your legs if you lost it. What are the injuries like?
Rorke
Since 23 Oct 2009
22 Posts
Traverse City, MI
Tue Nov 17, 09 5:58 am
Bohemia is probably only a little easier to get to than Pakistan.
Great total experience.
The owner and his wife run the register in the yurt at the base. Two lifts. A bus that drives around the base looking for riders to pop out of the woods.
900'+ of vert. Nice little cliffs and other features. Very technical riding, untamed glades, hidden stumps , etc. Views of Lake Superior (if there is enough visability. The first time I saw it was on our 3rd trip.)
Snows a lot, and eventually accumulates. The lake effect results in these teeny tiny flakes. Very nice when it's cold enough.
There are two places to stay, the yurts/cabins at the base or Lac LaBelle lodge a half mile away. The lodge has a comfy bar that will stay open as long as you can drink, great breakfast, and is on a snowkiteable lake.
You must stay in one of these two places. Our best day ever was when the roads got shut down, so only the 20 riders staying close enough could score. There were so few people, they only ran one lift (and a couple of times I went up, there wasn't even a lifty)
We go every MLK weekend.
Well, check out the vid if you want...(it looks like it was made in the '80's, but it's a pretty new vid)
Regarding the initial post. I got skunked at the swap. Got in line with a bud at 4:45am. Entered at 9:15. He scored some Dynastar Big Troubles or something for $159. I left emptyhanded
kitezombie
Since 22 Oct 2008
32 Posts
NorCal
Tue Nov 17, 09 2:48 pm
Quote:
Regarding the initial post. I got skunked at the swap. Got in line with a bud at 4:45am. Entered at 9:15. He scored some Dynastar Big Troubles or something for $159. I left emptyhanded Mad
I got a few extra tele setups that may work for you. Send me a PM or call the shop.
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