How to Choose Randonee Ski Gear

Randonée gear (along with its close cousin, telemark gear) opens up an exciting new outdoor world to ambitious skiers—the winter backcountry. These metal-edged skis with a downhill-ski camber are made for less-visited terrain where you can ski on untracked mountain slopes and make the first turn down powder-covered bowls. It includes climbing with the aid of skins (or crampons or ropes) to reach a fresh slope for the descent.

Named after the French word for excursion or tour, randonée skiing is referred to by various names. It is synonymously called alpine touring or AT for short. Sometimes it's called off-piste—piste meaning track in French—therefore meaning off-track skiing. Some folks may call it ski mountaineering or backcountry skiing. To add to the confusion, even the word randonée tends to be spelled in several different ways.

Randonee versus Telemark

Randonée and telemark are both skiing disciplines designed to give you access to the backcountry. Deciding between the styles largely depends on a pair of considerations:

• Your preference and ability to execute either a downhill-style turn (randonée) or a cross-country-ski turn (telemark). If you downhill ski and know how to make parallel turns, then you don’t need to learn a new technique to go randonée skiing.
• The terrain you’re likely to travel. Traditionally, tele gear has been lighter and thus more popular for longer tours; randonnee gear has been more popular for steep runs. As gear has evolved, these differences have diminished.

The key difference between randonée and telemark skiing can be found in the heel.

Randonée bindings release at the heel for cross-country-style ascending but lock down at the heel for alpine-style descents. These boots and bindings connect at the toe, but with a different type of pin connection than found on telemark bindings. This allows your heels to release and pivot (called free-heeling) on the flats or when climbing, just like telemark bindings do. The real difference is that the heels can be locked down for the descent so you can make short and quick parallel turns.

Telemark bindings, by contrast, are always "free heel." This means they require a cross-country technique for both the climb and the descent. (To carve a turn, you must drop a knee.) Once known as 3-pin bindings, telemark bindings these days connect to the skis at the toe using compression spring cartridges connected by a cable and a heel lever that clips onto the back of the boot. This allows the heel to move up and down when skiing.

The reality is that the line between randonée and telemark is easily blurred. The gear is starting to become more interchangeable. For example, increased cable binding tension makes it possible to carve parallel turns using tele gear.

Important: Skiing in the backcountry demands caution. Never go alone. Take an avalanche course beforehand and learn how to use a transceiver, probe and shovel.

Randonee Skis

Randonée skis have become shorter and wider in recent years. Though lighter than alpine skis, they similarly have metal edges and are good for descents where short, quick turns and crisp side-to-side control for steep chutes is wanted. They historically tend to be a bit stiffer than telemark skis, but today many randonée and telemark skis can be used with either type of binding. (Check the manufacturer’s warranty for any restrictions.)

Both randonée and telemark skis have reinforced top sheets in the bindings area due to the fact that, when in free-heel mode, you are levering a boot into a relatively small area of the ski. This top sheet greatly reduces the chance of pulling a binding out of the ski. Alpine ski bindings are, by contrast, held in place by screws at the toe and heel without the same levering effect.

Length: There are typically 3 or 4 different lengths per model. The length you get depends on your height, weight and skill level. The shorter the ski, the easier it is to handle turns and technical situations. If you are a more advanced skier, you may want a longer ski. Some skis have notched tails to make it easier to attach skins.

Sidecut: Sidecut refers to the shape of a ski—the more of a sidecut, the more it curves in at the waist. It is expressed as 3 measurements: tip, waist and tail. This determines the radius the ski will carve. The greater the sidecut, the quicker the initiation, and the easier it should turn to sideslip in a small chute or handle a steep, icy traverse. Wider skis give more flotation and are better for deep, soft snow. A narrower waist (favored by racers) gives maximum edge and less drag when skiing fast.

ski images here

Camber: Camber refers to the amount of arch from the tip to the tail. Skis can have single, double or reverse camber. Randonée skis have a single (alpine) camber from the tip to the tail that is designed to handle both climbs (with skins attached) and downhill runs.

Flex: The amount of give or flexibility depends on the ski’s camber and materials. The greater the flex, the better the ski will perform in soft or deep snow. Skis with less flex (stiffer) are better for hard-packed snow such as that often found in alpine skiing areas.

Torsional rigidity: This refers to how much a ski will resist twisting. Less rigidity (or twist) will give you better control on extreme terrain—on soft or variable snow you'll be able to hold turns better. A stiffer ski holds an edge and carves nicely on hardpacked or icy snow.

Randonee Boots

Randonée boots look like downhill boots, but they are lighter and more flexible. Their softer flexing cuff allows easier walking and longer strides. Most have lugged soles for walking traction. The cuffs have a forward and backward flex that can be turned to "walk" or "ski" mode with a rear latch. Loosen the tension and the cuff moves with the legs when walking, and tighten it to stiffen the boots for striding or downhill turns. Buckles can also be used to adjust the stiffness and the amount of downhill control.

Because of the walking sole, most randonée boots must be used with randonée bindings. Some plastic mountaineering boots may fit randonée bindings, but the cuffs cannot be locked down, they are stiffer and they may not release during a fall.

Tip: Make sure the boot matches your binding type. Some boots only fit in specific bindings.

Sizing: Randonée boots use mondo point sizing. The mondo sizing system refers to the boot’s inner sole length in centimeters. This system can sometimes be a less than exact science. Sizes can vary from one brand to the next. If possible, try on a couple of boots to see what feels best. Most randonee boot liners these days feature thermoformable liners that are light, warm and comfortable. These liners tend to “pack out” (i.e., compress) less over time than older style liners. You should always have your boots fit by a ski shop professional to ensue a proper fit.

If you’re unsure if you have the right size, remove the liner and put your foot inside the shell. Touch the toe to the end of the toe box, and check how much space is behind your heel. There should be about 3cm or 1.2” of space without the liner. In addition, consider replacing the original footbed with Superfeet or other custom insole for improved fit and comfort.

Mondo Ski Boot Sizes to US Sizes ???

Randonee Bindings

Bindings are what make randonée gear unique. First, be sure your bindings are compatible you’re your boots. There are 2 types of bindings to consider:

bindings images here

1. The heel and toe are connected (i.e., Step-in system): In this style, the whole binding moves as you walk. These have a binding plate, bar or frame that attaches to the entire boot sole. The plate locks and unlocks at the heel, and it pivots on a hinge at the toe.
2. The heel and toe are not connected (e.g., Dynafit system). This binding does not have a base plate, so the boot functions as the connector. The stiffness of the boot's soles is what is used for leverage. This approach saves weight as there is no base plate. The disadvantages are that not all boots are compatible with the binding, and you have to get out of them in order to switch between uphill and downhill modes.

Randonée bindings also feature built-in heel risers you can flip up on long climbs to help relieve calf-muscle fatigue.

Tip: Practice using your bindings at home or a ski area before hitting the backcountry.

Related Gear

Poles

While downhill ski poles can work for randonée skiing, poles that are telescopic—shortened for downhill sections and lengthened for ascents—are much more versatile and comfortable. Some poles can also be linked to create an avalanche probe.

Tip: To adjust the height of telescopic poles when descending, hold the pole upside down so the handle is touching the ground. Grab the pole just below the basket and adjust it so your arm is waist high at a 90˚ angle. For striding, the pole should reach just above your armpit.

Skins

These are synthetic plush material or mohair that attach to the ski's bottom. Skins provide extra traction for ascending, and they are easily removed for the descent. They attach to the tail and tips plus have an adhesive that sticks to the smooth surface, but the adhesive does not leave any deposits. There are sizes to fit various ski lengths and widths. Skins should be wide enough to cover all but the metal edges of your skis.

Tip: When taking the skins off, don't take both skis off at the same time. Keep yourself more stable with one ski on and one ski off.

Crampons

On a steep or icy slope you may want the added traction of crampons. These mount under the toe plate and move up and down with your boot as you are walking. They are easy to put on for walking and to remove for skiing.

Ski Brakes and Straps

Losing a ski in a designated ski area can be bad enough, but in the backcountry—where help is less available—it can be even worse. A brake or leash will usually keep a runaway ski in close proximity. Some bindings come with brakes included, but you can also add brakes or leashes separately. Straps attach to the binding, and you attach the strap to your leg.

Care and Waxing

For your gear to function properly, you must have it tuned to your ability. Your height, weight and expertise—from beginner to expert—are all factors. If it is cold and dry versus wet and damp, you will want to wax your skis according to the temperatures and snow conditions. Be prepared with waxes for a variety of temperatures.

If in doubt, leave it to the professionals to get your gear ready for the conditions.

FAQs

Q: Why would I choose randonée skiing over telemark skiing?

A: If you already know how to downhill ski, you don't have to learn a new technique with randonée. If you have never telemark skied, you will have to learn a different technique. Tele turns are more technical, and they can be harder on your knees.

Q: What is the difference between randonée and telemark skis?

A: Randonée skis are usually stiffer than telemark skis, but many skis can be used for either style. It is the bindings and boots that are most unique to randonée skiing.

Q: What is the difference between randonée and alpine skis?

A: Randonée skis are lighter than alpine skis, but they otherwise share many similarities. The lighter weight allows for easier walking and ascending.

Q: What is the difference between randonée and telemark ski bindings?

A: Randonée bindings offer the versatility of using a free-heel for flats and going up hills and clamping down to ski slalom- or parallel-style turns for the descent. Telemark bindings do not clamp down, so wide telemark turns are required on descents.

Q: What are the characteristics of a woman-specific ski?

A: Women's skis are lighter, softer and more forgiving than standard models.

Q: If I wear a men's size 9 shoe, what size randonée boot do I wear?

A: Ski boots are offered in mondo point sizes, with a men's size 9 equivalent to a 26.5 mondo. REI.com offers a sizing chart conversion on all boot product pages.

Q: Why would I want to use a different footbed or insole?

A: Since feet vary so much, most footbeds that come with boots tend to be generic—they are thin and lack cushioning. After-market inserts (such as Superfeet) come in varieties with extra cushioning for heels and metatarsals, or more cushioning overall, or with greater arch support. Many skiers, especially those who wear custom orthotics, opt for these upgrades.

Q: What is the difference between sidecut and waist?

A: Sidecut refers to the hourglass shape of the ski from tail to tip. The indented part of the hourglass shape, near the center, is the waist where the width of the ski is measured.

Q: What kind of wax should I use?

A: The correct wax depends on the temperature and the snow conditions. Have a wax for a variety of temperatures, check the temperature and apply the appropriate one.

Glossary

Alpine skiing: Downhill skiing at a patrolled ski area where skiers ride a chairlift or gondola to gain elevation to reach the descent point and parallel ski down the mountain.

Alpine touring: AT for short, also called randonée skiing. A style of backcountry skiing in which free-heel striding and climbing skins are used for ascending steep slopes, and fixed-heel, parallel turns are used for the descents.

Backcountry: An alpine or glacial area that is not monitored patrolled or maintained; any area not at a ski resort.

Base: 1) The amount of snowpack; 2) The bottom side of a ski.

Camber: The curve that can be seen on a ski's center when it's laying from tip to tail on a flat surface. Camber is a factor in determining a skis performance.

ski image here

Carve: The use of a ski's edge to make a turn.

Cross-country skiing: Often called Nordic skiing, it is free-heel skiing on rolling hills or in a tracked cross-country skiing area. X-C skiing uses narrow waxless or waxable skis that usually do not have metal edges. Boots are softer and lower profile than with alpine skiing.

Edge: The metal sides of the ski that helps making turns.

Free-heeling: A type of skiing where the bindings connect at the toe and allow a skier's heels to release and pivot up and down.

In-bounds: Skiing within a designated, patrolled and controlled ski area.

Nose: The front end of the ski. Also referred to as the tip.

Off-piste: Skiing the backcountry or away from designated ski areas.

Out-of-bounds: The terrain outside of a controlled, designated ski area that is not patrolled and where there is no avalanche control.

Piste: Skiing within designated and controlled ski areas.

Powder: Fresh, light snow that offers the ultimate skiing condition.

Ski mountaineering: A term that describes when both skiing and mountaineering techniques are used to travel any part of the mountain—rock, glaciers or snow fields. It could include climbing snow slopes with skis and skins, walking over scree, wearing crampons or using ropes to reach an extreme slope and descending on skis.

Skins: Strips of synthetic plush material or mohair that can be temporarily attached to a ski’s base for traction going uphill.

Sidecut: The shape of a ski in reference to tip, waist and tail dimensions.

Ski touring: Backcountry skiing over variable terrains from flat to steep. In this activity, heels lift to walking motion while ascending and traversing.

Tail: The rear end of the ski, opposite of the nose or tip.

Telemark skiing: Cross-country or backcountry skiing where the bindings are free-heeling and turns are made by dropping a knee, putting the outside ski forward and turning it slowly inward.

Telescopic pole: A pole with sections that can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate different terrains.

Tip: The front end of the ski. Also referred to as the nose.

Waist: The narrowest point of the ski.

Width: The distance from one edge of the ski to the other which is measured at the waist of the ski.

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