Spring Skiing Quiver - Our Team's Picks

For avid backcountry skiers spring is arguably the best time of the year. Snowpack reaches a maximum, stability becomes more consistent, travel becomes more efficient, and the days lengthen.

Spring skiing in the high mountains also means dusting off some different styles of gear and tactics that lay dormant for the first two thirds of the season. The fat powder skis disappear in the closet. Out comes that lighter weight spring touring kit that you’ve been thinking about all winter. It is finally time to start tackling those traverses or ski mountaineering goals you and your friends have been brainstorming about.

We asked some of our staff members about their trusty spring touring setups, why they use them, and a few of their tips and tricks. Tune in for a breakdown of what gear we prefer when it comes to moving efficiently, taking on a big line, or simply ‘hot dogging’ around!

Becca Newton

What’s your go-to Spring skiing setup?

I use the Ski Trab Gavia 85 with a Ski Trab Gara Titan binding mounted to fit my La Sportiva Stellar boots, although I am considering a Scarpa F1 LT for more of a spring boot. 

I also have a pair of skimo skis ( Dynastar Pierre Menta) mounted with a Ski Trab Gara Titan binding for long fast cardio missions.

What do you like about it?

I love the weight of both setups, they are nice and light which helps me as the days get longer and the partners remain significantly fitter than me. 

In the spring I tend to prefer my skis a little shorter, partly to save on weight but also to help with maneuverability as we get into tighter couloir skiing. The SkiTrab Gavia skis are more traditional in shape than I’m used to so I do de-tune my tails up to 3 inches from the back so they feel less grabby as I tend to prefer a slightly softer washier feel to my skis. 

Any tip or trick you want to share? 

Snow can be wet and sticky in the spring. A lot of people are getting into the habit of carrying skin wax and a scraper with them to prevent balling up of snow under the foot but if you know you are going to be putting in a long day where the sun is going to be cooking your skin track you could go one better and iron wax into your skins the night before. It’s a simple process of rubbing some wax on, pressing an iron over the wax to allow it to melt. However the most important part is making sure you back brush the hair after so it’s all separated and fluffy.  I would recommend some PS8 or PS10. 

Chris Monypenny

What’s your go-to Spring skiing setup?

Black Diamond Cirque 84, Plum R170, Scarpa F1 LT, Banana boat SPF50 Sunscreen.

What do you like about it?

The skis are a slightly more forgiving version of the classic Blizzard 0G 85’s. Ultralight for those fast and light sunrise approaches but still have great edge grip for when you have to nail a committing jump turn on a steep, icy, no fall big line. Durability and reliability are key when going remote. The Plum R170 have never failed me and I alway appreciate the solid locked-in feel when stomping into these bindings. My Scarpa F1 LTs give me the perfect blend of walkability and dexterity for bootpacking and scrambling steep terrain while still being supportive enough to ski hard.

Any tip or trick you want to share? 

Cut weight where you can but don’t go too light for some things. Steel-toed crampons and steel ice axe picks are worth it when you really need it. Practice those steep icy jumps turns at the resort where it is safe. And whatever time you think you need to be at the trailhead, be there earlier. The earlier the start, the more margin you have if you are moving slower than planned. 

Joel Desgreniers

What’s your go-to Spring skiing setup?

Majesty Superwolf Carbon with Plum R170 bindings. I use La Sportiva Skorpius boots with all my skis, I like it simple that way. I recently got a pair of Kästle TX77 and so far I've been extremely impressed by Kastle's new ultralight offering. 

What do you like about it?

I always prefer the secure and solid feel of a traditional ski with a flatter tail. The stiffer shovel on the Superwolf feels great when things get variable, that way I know what to expect every turn. Plum bindings can feel a little harsh, but on steep terrain they really let you feel what happens underfoot. Predictability is really what I am after when the angle of the slope kicks up.  

Any tip or trick you want to share? 

Keep your skis sharp!  but don’t hesitate playing with detuning tips and tails if you find that they are too grabby. I am always amazed at how much a few inches of detuning at the tails changes how a ski behaves. 

Jessie McAuley

What’s your go-to Spring skiing setup?

• Ski Trab Gara World Cup ski, SkiTrab Gara Binding + Scarpa Alien for efficient travel days.
• Blizzard Zero G 95, Plum R170 and Scarpa F1 LT’s for Steep skiing and easier tours.

What do you like about it?

The race set up allows me to cover big distances and explore remote areas of the Coast Mountains without feeling hindered by heavier gear. It is simple and efficient.

95 mm underfoot is my favourite width for Steep skiing. Lots of edge contact and responsiveness for executing hop turns high up on coastal north faces. 95 mm also allows me to have fun on the ski out and maintain a playful style!

Any tip or trick you want to share? 

The days may be long in the Spring but that also means lots of solar effect on certain aspects. Using lightweight simple equipment allows me to move smoothly and efficiently. In return this allows me to move through areas with higher risk faster. Simple gear = efficient travel.