Sneak peek at next year’s gear: Salomon X-Alp Boot
One of the most innovative new products from this year’s Outdoor Retailer (OR) Show in Salt Lake City are the Salomon X-Alp Boots. These boots feature a 3D rotating carbon cuff with 23 degrees internal and 12 degrees external lateral motion allowing for ankle mobility when climbing, hiking or skinning in steep and sketchy conditions. Their full thermoformable liner is very comfortable and offers up enough warmth that cold feet won’t hold you back from a long day tour. The mid-sized gator keeps snow out of the boots and your feet dry, while the sensifit shell uses a thinner shell wall with strategic reinforcement points which makes the boots light yet stiff. On the outside, a sticky Contragrip sole provides comfort and sure-footing while ski mountaineering or just enjoying an apres ski in the lodge. At only 1190 grams per pair, they’re super light and built for demanding backcountry skiers.
Having skied the Salomon X-Alp Boots at the OR On Hill Demo I can attest to their ability to drive a big ski in variable conditions but their natural habitat is beyond the resort boundaries. We’ll be putting the Salomon X-Alp Boots to the test this spring so keep an eye out for a full review here on BackcountrySkiingCanada.com
SPECS:
Price: $1099 US
Weight: 1150g (per boot)