Alpine Touring is a fast growing sport.

[Paul Oberin]

From the website: http://skiingbusiness.com/


Tecnica boots that will be launched next season. One thing the company is focusing on next season is its new Free Mountain series that includes alpine touring boots. http://skiingbusiness.com/files/2010/11/vail-ski-resort-400x320.jpg
“They are not a touring boot. They are a ski boot that allow you to tour,” says Jed Duke, the company’s product development director.


Marker (http://www.markerusa.com/)-Völkl (http://www.volkl.com/ski/) announced it plans to launch a new line of AT skis for the 2011-12 season.
The new skis, that will include rocker technology with integrated climbing skins, will support the company’s AT emphasis. It will display the new line at the Outdoor Retailer show in January.
“Marker is already a significant player in the sidecountry and alpine touring binding markets, so the OR show is an important extension of the brand’s reach,” Geoff Curtis, the company’s marketing vice president, says in a statement.

[The Wang]

I'm one of the many wanting to get into alpine touring. I'm motivated by not wanting to pay stupid lift pass prices and wanting to get out into the mountains where I haven't been before.

I wonder how much rising lift pass prices are contributing to the rise in popularity of AT?

[Paul Oberin]

I think it is a combination of that, but also people becoming more adventurous and wanting to keep fit, at the same time getting fresh tracks in deeper snow, it is not for everyone and if conditions turn nasty the unprepared can be in danger if a long way out from a resort.

[The Wang]

I have my eyes firmly planted on the Tate East Ridge and Paralyser ;)

[Taxman]

At the end of the day (or should that be the beginning), lift ticket proces have little to do with AT skiing. Let's call it BC skiing (as it also includes free-heelers and knuckle draggers on split boards or snow shoes). BC skiing is about challenge and environment.

[sam]

... in an era when our resorts aim do nothing to retain expert skiers.:mad:

[The Wang]

... in an era when our resorts aim do nothing to retain expert skiers.:mad:

I think this is a big factor. There's only so many times you can ski inbounds 'black' runs without staring off at the backcountry and drooling and wishing you were out there

[Taxman]

... in an era when our resorts aim do nothing to retain expert skiers.:mad:

Where is the in-bounds expert skiing in Australia?

Resort skiing is about lifts, snowmaking, grooming.

[Podlettte]

I'd in no way call myself expert and struggle being comfortable calling my skiing advanced even though BH says I am. I do however love going BC and slackcountry when ever we can and for me it's more bout getting away from the resorts and enjoying the peace and quiet and different runs after skiing the same runs every year for 19 years!

I use to dream about going out on the main range when I was a lifty sitting at the top of the cow t bar at guthega, but didn't have the skill or confidence to ask one of the guys to take me out there, so it's waited until now.

[sam]

I'm motivated by not wanting to pay stupid lift pass prices and wanting to get out into the mountains where I haven't been before.

:timebomb:

prices for the whole weekend in a cattlemen's hut or caravan + the enjoyment factor adds up to AT skiing taking off.

:timebomb:

[John Deere]

Where is the in-bounds expert skiing in Australia?

Resort skiing is about lifts, snowmaking, grooming.

Hotham definitely has some inbounds that could be considered expert, all be it short.

[Taxman]

Like Wimea is exciting for all of 2 turns, then it gest flat.

[Vet]

1178
in Australia ...Resort skiing is about lifts, snowmaking, grooming.

Which is why we're going to ski this o/seas.

[Taxman]

Got a picture of you on that. You'll have to get one of me yardsaleing it in January.

[Vet]

Pack a parachute (or pinch one during your Qantas flight). :)

[Pini Pow Pow]

This year was my first touring in oz and it really was an eye opener. There are hundrads of new lines to explore out there. Cant wait for next season.

Dont volkl already have a touring ski, the Nanuq?

[SnowFlake]

Seems to me that there are plenty of inbound areas that are very lightly skied because of the degree of difficulty but I guess that is a different issue to the search for pristine bc conditions. Can get v. cold out there whether hiking or skiing and good navigation in poor weather is the challenge or at any time for most. Take care.