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La Sportiva Spantiks as AT ski boot?

John Collis · · Moab · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 283

So I was just thinking about this. Everyone I've ever seen build an approach ski setup to fit their climbing boots uses a pair of the Silvretta 404s or 500s. But, has anyone ever heard of someone mounting a pair of old-style Voile splitboard bindings onto a pair of skis for touring? They're only 55 bucks and would fit a Spantik or similar boot. Way cheaper and simpler than a Silvretta.

axcxnj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 35
J Collis wrote:So I was just thinking about this. Everyone I've ever seen build an approach ski setup to fit their climbing boots uses a pair of the Silvretta 404s or 500s. But, has anyone ever heard of someone mounting a pair of old-style Voile splitboard bindings onto a pair of skis for touring? They're only 55 bucks and would fit a Spantik or similar boot. Way cheaper and simpler than a Silvretta.
the only problem with this, is you cant lock the heel for a descent. I use this setup on my splitboard and its great. but for descending im snowboarding instead of floppy-skiing
Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

Someone taught themselves how to tele turn in ski mode on a splitboard to pass a AMGA exam. If they can tele turn on a splitboard you can tele turn with those Voile bindings on skis.

luke smith · · Salt Lake City, Utah · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 121

There are definitely people who use Spantiks to climb up and splitboard down things in higher altitudes, but you asked about skiing, and while I've never heard if it most likely it has been done. Again it really depends on what your intention is; primarily climbing or skiing. While not preferable to climbing boots, there are ski boots (TLT 5, 6's, some Scarpa designs) that will climb pretty well up to WI4 or so and are almost infinitely better for the downhill than climbing boots and Silvretta's. As for the Voile mtn approach plates, there are some mods you can make to connect the heel to the board (or skis?) with voile straps. Those things are bulky and not ideal for even splitboarding though, I don't want to think about skiing something with them. Being good at split-skiing in certain terrain is a necessary evil especially if you hang out with skiers frequently. It is not fun, even if you splitboard with ski boots.
Basically at this point you have to choose between climbing ability and skiing ability as others have already stated.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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