Questions Regarding Approach Skis/Efficient Approaching

Often when I go into the Rockies to climb ice/snow routes, I find myself wishing my traction devices/snowshoes had a little bit of glide to them, which would dramatically increase my travel speed. Being in mountaineering boots, i've tried approaching with a splitboard set in ski-mode for both the approach and hike out, which worked really well, at the downside of being a little long and not as nimble through tight trees. Through my research, i've found two companies, DRIFT and MTN Approach, which seem to offer solutions to this. Both create very short approach skis with permanent skins attached underneath, with bindings that don't need tech toes, but just strap over your boots. I don't need to stow the skis on my pack; I'm not riding down on a snowboard. I would use these to approach the ice wall/snow gulley/ base of climb and would stash them until I came back for the hike out.

My questions are: Does this seem like a valid solution? Has anyone ever tried the Drift approach skis, or the MTN Approach ones? Seems like MTN Approach is not actively selling theirs right now. Are there any other products out there that would fit this same niche that I should check out? 

Thanks for the info :)

Yes it's efficient for long snowy approaches as long as the skiing is super mellow. 

I've not used those super short products but traditionally people have used a Silvretta 404 or 500 binding (have to buy used, haven't been made in years) on a pair of moderately sized fishscale skis. I have Fischer S-Bounds. 

Second jdejace. Silvretta bindings with a short approach ski with fishscales. Find a 165 or less and you'll be psyched.

I appreciate the input and agree, the Silvretta bindings seem to be my answer, I hope I can find some around! Thanks for the advice guys

i have some for sale right now, actually. PM me if interested. Currently on the site here for $225 shipped.

@Jesse Lester, similar ski-snowshoe hybrids  are made by Marquette Backcountry, Black Diamond and if forget the other brand that did them.

the reviews I read of them sound promising, and a friend has them. The universal bindings suffer from lack of control though, since there is minimal torsional stiffness through the sole.

I have some Silverttas that I might mount on a pair.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/snow-sports/backcountry-skis/black-diamond-glidelite-147-snow-trekkers

It should be mentioned that if you are not already a reasonable skier approach skis can be terrifying and ultimately slower than using a more idiot proof tool like snowshoes. If you’re just skinning on flat ground, no biggie.  Being new to skis, with climbing boots and a pack on anything but flat terrain with smooth snow is not a recipe for success! 

Glad to hear people see the value of a good pair of snowshoes. Here in the Wasatch snowshoes aren't around much and ski touring parties act like they wouldn't be caught dead using them. I think approaches in snowshoes allow complete freedom and flexibility of route finding, add stability, and the built-in crampons make things so much easier. I do haul my skis up on my pack however for the descent, so that may not be what you're looking for. I have a single pair of lightweight boots that work well in my snowshoes and click into my tech bindings for a safe descent.

https://blisterreview.com/gear-reviews/2016-2017-arcteryx-procline-carbon-support-boot