skiing into the climb

About the only time I ski is to get to a climb or mountain. I'm trying to find a light AT binding to put on some skinny ski's. All the damn bindings I see online are for "hardcore" "extreme" stuff. I don't need a DIN setting of 12. Can anyone recommend an AT binding? I swear this is climbing related. Thanks

Thanks, those actually look perfect. first try.

The 500s are nice bindings, but are harder to get into than say the Fritshis. You have to reach down and pull the heel lever up, which is really awkward on a slope. But I still like mine. They do work with any welted mountaineering boot.

Re: the Silvretta 500s, I've been checking them out a lot lately. Like Levi said, they do look perfect -- pretty simple design, works with my ice boots, etc.

But are they good to go?

I don't mean to sound like some alarmist reporter, but I keep feeling like they have to be too good to be true...or something.

If the design worked like they say it does, why hasn't it been picked up by companies like BD who deal in climbing and skiing? Seems like it would be right in their wheelhouse, you know?

The Silveretta 500's are the ticket. I skied on them for years wearing kolfach climbing boots to get around the mountains. With a little practice and some good balance you can learn to ski well in them. I wouldn't go bump skiing with them but for most skiing they are great.

They are simple, light and release fine. Try to find brakes for them so you don't have to use safety strap otherwise it is a pain in the neck. I'm sure you could pick them up real cheap on craigslist or thru this site.

The design I suspect is pretty dated and not as popular over here. If you spend any time in Europe you're see them.

just got silvretta 500s this season. actually, just got skis for the first time ever this season. so far, so good. I climb in Nepal Evos and they work great with these bindings, as would be expected. if I'm just going out to ski a bit of trails with my wife, I wear some really, really old Sportiva Pacific Crests.

Of course, my wife's (similar width/length) skis with 3-pins are much lighter, but the versatility the 500s provide is unbeatable. if I can learn to ski with these bindings, they must be okay. I am NOT coordinated.

-ben

bjp wrote:just got silvretta 500s this season. actually, just got skis for the first time ever this season. so far, so good. I climb in Nepal Evos and they work great with these bindings, as would be expected. if I'm just going out to ski a bit of trails with my wife, I wear some really, really old Sportiva Pacific Crests. Of course, my wife's (similar width/length) skis with 3-pins are much lighter, but the versatility the 500s provide is unbeatable. if I can learn to ski with these bindings, they must be okay. I am NOT coordinated. -ben

I ski for approaches to climbs on my Silvretta 300's. Light and very functional. Last weekend in fact.

Have used them on a number of trips, from day ice climbs, to multi day expedition type use in Alaska and Canada.

wildsnow.com/backcountry-sk…

Don't know that they are still made, but, I seem to run into them for sale here and there.

They don't release super well. In the interest of full disclosure (ha ha), I did break my ankle in them in the Ruth Gorge, in a slow twisting fall with a heavy pack (trying to keep my partner from going in a slot). But, I'd still recommend them for sure.

Silvretta 500 is your current choice from those folks. If I had to buy something current, I'd probably lean that way.

Had 404s, and, found that they were just too heavy but they are super functional and seem to release nicely. Bomber.

Also, if you need something really basic, Silvretta (I seem to recall) made a front throw cable binding that worked pretty well, if all you needed was flat approach on a ski type stuff. See them every once in awhile. I had a set up with them on a trak nowax ski that worked ok. Light. I think I have extra cables if anyone has a pair and they need new cables, give me a shout.

For the future, I think it won't be long before folks will use a dynafit toe rig. Easy and super light, and, bomber. Have already heard tell of folks buying inserts (or scarfing them from older boots) and retro-ing their climbing boots to accept them. For approaches, you'd only need the front end. Will be "the way" is my bet.

Cheers,

-Brian in SLC

I have the 404 and skied down Cameron Point to the Lincoln side so you can actually work up to some descent turns in these. Since the hinge is in front of the toe you can't, well I can't anyway since I don't tele ski, get into a true tele turn with these. But I can make big roundy turns with the heel locked down in a modified snow plow on steeper slopes, nothing aggro. Depends on the boots' ankle support. A heavy backpack does throw me a good bit. This model releases fine. Have them set a good bit lower than you alpine settings.