Approach gear options: AT skis v. snowshoes v. Drift Boards v. some new miracle gear???

I use Rossignol BC 110 skis with Fritschi Eagle bindings for exactly the purpose you describe. The skis are metal edge touring with a slight camber and fish scales like a XC ski. They're a kind of hybrid Alpine/XC I guess. My Ice boots clip securely into the bindings. For steep approaches you could add skins, or the Eagles have a snap-on ski crampon which is what I use. This set-up is really fast on moderate terrain. Actually kind of fun IMO.

I've used both the Fritschi and Dynafit bindings.  I prefer the tech (Dynafit) type.  These are mounted on alpine touring skis, 180-185cm length, about 90 cm underfoot.  These are my normal backcountry touring skis, so not an "extra" pair.  For long approaches I want a ski that will perform well in all conditions, hardpack to powder and hold an edge on icy steeps.  I always carry ski crampons.  For boots I use Technica tech compatible boots that are also compatible with crampons.  
I've used this setup on Mt Logan, and the approach up Kings Trench is multi-day.

I have a pair of Altai Hoks I could sell.  They are 145cm skis with integral skins and universal bindings that will fit a mountaineering single or double boot.  I even have the rare Yeti improved bindings.     I find them much better than snow shoes and they are actually a ton of fun in low angle stuff.  

That said, I am a skier at heart, and they don’t satisfy my need for charging - so they have very limited use. 

I have now tried both the Glidelite 147 and the Altai Hok 125. I do not recommend either.

First off, I am a decent resort skier. I can ski fast and smooth on anything groomed, and will tackle any black and many double blacks. My alpine skis are Head iTitans and Dynastar 8800s. I am not a x-country skier, though.

I skied the Glidelites and Hoks on the trail from East Portal near Rollinsville--it's a gradual uphill, some flats, two log bridge crossings, some open areas where I could climb up and ski down steeper slopes. It was cold--maybe 10 degrees. The snow on the trail was compacted, but off trail was powder.

The Hoks were fine for uphill travel. Downhill, though, there was insufficient glide. They would grab and release. I could never get a downhill rhythm. Floatation was excellent, though. They just don't "ski"--but are probably a decent replacement for snowshoes.

The Glidelites had better glide. However, if the trail was off camber, they would slip sideways. Crossing the log bridges was particularly exciting. In the end, they are just too squirrelly underfoot, and I ended up carrying them downhill rather than risk tweaking a knee or ankle.

[above is from an earlier thread]