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Four Dreamy Alpine Touring Setups for 2023

Feel the burn for the turns.

Have you started day dreaming about quiet days in the woods and a winter wonderland around you? You’re not the only one. As much as we love skiing, we also love nerding out on the latest and greatest gear. So join us in day dreaming about the dreamiest alpine touring setups of 2023.

backcountry skiing
Powder turns are a little more satisfying when you put in the work to the top of every line. | PHOTO: Alton Richardson

2023 brings a lot of new gear and skis to the backcountry scene. Plenty of new skis, boots, and updated bindings means better gear, which means better tours. No need to make a hard thing harder with the wrong gear, right? We’ve put together a list of new gear we can’t stop thinking about (and some returning favorites), to give you the best of the best when it comes to alpine touring setups.

The Hybrid Style

Otherwise known as the “do-it-all-anywhere” setup, hybrid style setups offer great ski-ability in a lighter package. Think lightweight freeride skis (~1600-1900 grams per ski) paired with a hybrid style binding like the Marker Duke PT, CAST System, or Salomon Shift. This will give you a solid ride down, with the support and reliability of an alpine style binding and boot.

nordica enforcer 104 unlimited alpine touring skis

The Ski: Nordica Enforcer 104 Unlimited

We’ve spent a lot of time discussing the new Unlimited series from Nordica, for a very simple reason: we love it a whole lot. The Enforcer and Santa Ana have been so popular for their versatility in all conditions. Great edge hold on firm snow, premium dampening, and maneuverability where you need it all make for an awesome all-mountain ski. With those features came a pretty stout weight, that felt less friendly for touring. To solve that problem, Nordica removed the metal to shave grams. In it’s place, the carbon chassis provides dampening and stability at a fraction of the weight. Lighter skis give you energy to go for one more lap and feel less demanding when navigating tight terrain.

Used to the feel of the metal heavy Enforcer 104 Free, folks here at the shop were impressed with how much of the stability and dampness from the regular model carried over into this significantly lighter version. Nordica tweaked this ski to be balanced in all the right ways for true 50/50 skiing. We’ve spent a lot of time on the Enforcer 104 in particular (and got some of the highest scores across all categories during our 2022-23 Buyer’s Guide ski test), but there are several different Unlimited models that can suit your skiing and conditions wherever you are at.

Read our full review of the Enforcer 104 Unlimited

marker duke pt 12 alpine touring binding

The Binding: Marker Duke PT

The newest addition to the relatively fresh category of do-everything, “hybrid” alpine touring bindings is the Marker Duke PT. Unlike the previous Duke, a frame AT binding, the Duke PT blends full-on alpine performance on the downhill with tech (pins) skinning on the way up. The result is a product that has been called the “holy grail” of bindings by folks here at Powder7 and beyond. Why is it such a big deal? Well, if you’re someone who usually skis the resort but wants to also get into alpine touring, this binding allows you to only have one setup. Likewise for skiers who split their time between the resort and backcountry about 50/50. And, if you ski a ton of backcountry and do it with zero reservations and maximum amplitude, aggressiveness, and charging, you should also consider a Duke PT.

Offering the same general appeal as the wildly popular Salomon Shift, the Duke PT also weighs in much lighter than frame bindings and regular alpine bindings yet heavier than other options on the touring market. Like the Shift, it’s light enough to tour with all day and a no-brainer if you don’t mind hauling a little extra weight in order to maximize your descent. Unlike the Shift, the Duke PT features a fully removable toepiece. Tilt it forward or stow it in your pack for the climb, then engage it when you’re ready to rip turns. It’s a system that becomes second-nature with very little practice, and it delivers unparalleled versatility. Lighter or more conservative skiers should choose the Duke PT 12, while heavier or more advanced skiers will love the extra heft of the Duke PT 16.

tecnica cochise 120 alpine touring boot

The Boot: Tecnica Cochise 120 DYN GW

Turns out, classics never die. The Tecnica Cochise line continues to dominate the hybrid scene. The mega popular 120 flex for men and 105 for women are go-to recommendations for folks looking for a boot that transitions from the skin track, to the resort, and back without blinking an eye.

Tecnica redesigned the Cochise in 2022 to be a better tourer, without losing any of the fully capable downhill performance. Taking inspiration from T-Drive technology in their alpine boots, the Cochise features the eerily similar T-Ride. Aside from the beefy and secure lever, T-Ride features an additional locking mechanism to provide a rock solid connection between the cuff and shell. The result is one of the best riding hybrid boots on the market. Tecnica also shaved weight and added more range of motion than previous models. And while it is a better uphiller, you still get one of the stiffer plastics in the business, a four buckle design, and GripWalk soles. You won’t be missing much from your traditional alpine boot.

Everyday Touring

Everyone wants a one-ski-quiver that can do it all. If you’re looking for a backcountry specific setup that tackles mid-season meadow skipping and late season spring missions all the same, here’s the setup.

armada locator 104 alpine touring ski

The Ski: Armada Locator 104

As an owner of one of the first Armada Tracers, my heart skipped a beat when the Locator was announced. The Tracer helped pioneer the lightweight, hybrid freeride game, but Armada’s doubles down on touring specific equipment. The brand new Locator series comes with a much more backcountry focused design. With the Locator 104 weighing in at under 1500 grams per ski, it fits right in with lightweight, backcountry dedicated skis.

There are four Locators in the whole collection, but the 104 offers the most versatility and bills as daily driver in the backcountry. A directional shape offers stellar edge hold on even the firmest dawn patrol laps. The flatter and stiffer tail supports you through long arcing turns or keeps you planted even when bashing through chunder-y, variable snow. Armada balances this with a softer, rockered tip that links turns smoothly. Plenty of rise gives you quick and easy flotation in the deeper stuff without needing a wider, less versatile ski.

atk freeraider 14 alpine touring bindings

The Binding: ATK Freeraider 14

Those mad geniuses at ATK somehow have broken the space-time continuum with the Freeraider 14. Gone are the days of worrisome pre-releases, these puppies go up to 14! The all-metal construction of the Freeraider 14 (FR14 for short) is the answer the hordes of burly backcountry freeriders have clamored for. With a standard freeride spacer for superior power transmission and snow suspension, the FR14 is a time machine to the next generation of tech bindings. Add on the 5 different heel riser heights, the independently adjustable lateral and vertical releases, how could you say no to the future?

For our lighter-weight folks who don’t need a 14 DIN setting, ATK also produces a Raider 12 and 10. These come without the freeride spacer, but can always be added on when you get your gear, or at a later date. Pro tip: the lower DIN models come in a variety of colors so you can perfectly dial in that look.

k2 dispatch pro alpine touring boot

The Boot: K2 Dispatch Pro

Brand new for the 2023 season, K2 offers a few new touring boots to their collection. Compared to the Mindbender, K2’s hybrid style boot, the Dispatch falls solidly into the touring category. A feathery 1525 grams feels light on your feet and 60 degrees range of motion makes this a comfortable ride on the way up. The buckles are easy to use for quick transitions when taking multiple laps, and the Boa liner allows you to get a sung fit to prevent slippage when touring or skiing.

K2 also is introducing their new Honeycomb Bootboard, which is designed to be more customizable and retain heat better. That means even when you’ve been out for most of the day or are out in the wee hours of the morning, your boot should keep you a little warmer. Between this new bootboard tech, the ease of use, and the weight and range of motion, this boot is comfortable for all day tours and spending long days outside. And, to top it off, the four buckle design and stiff plastic ensure a solid ride on the down.

Powder Touring

To be reserved for the best days…or if you just love wide skis. Or if you ski powder all the time. We’ve selected a couple of products that can work double time as your powder setup to use inbounds on deep snow days.

faction la machine max alpine touring ski

The Ski: Faction La Machine Max

This is pretty far on the spectrum towards powder specific side of things, but we’re talking dreamy powder touring skis after all. The OG La Machine transforms to the La Machine Max, designating itself as the best platform for the deepest of deep days.

At 126mm underfoot, this is a certified powder plank. The La Machine is fully rockered with zero camber underfoot. Fully rockered powder skis are nothing new — they pivot and slash well in deep conditions and make for an undeniably playful ride. In particular, the La Machine sports a surprisingly soft flex pattern for a touring ski. Often, we see touring skis beefed up with lots of stiffening agents in an attempt to dampen the ski. The La Machine sticks to its playful roots, with a poppy ride that is easier to flex into, and ultimately play around on. It’s dual carbon inserts provide stability when things get less ideal, so you can still trust your ride.

dynafit rotation 14 alpine touring binding

The Binding: Dynafit Rotation 14

A long time favorite at Powder7, the Dynafit Rotation offers unique technology that sets it apart from other bindings in this category. With a rotating toe piece, the toe simulates elastic travel found in traditional downhill bindings as you’re skiing. It’s not something you’ll feel actively, but your ride should be smoother. Toe elasticity acts like suspension on a mountain bike, absorbing small vibrations without transferring that feedback straight to you.

This isn’t necessarily a powder specific binding (in powder, the rigidity of other tech bindings is typically less noticeable), but greater suspension and TUV certification makes this binding a great choice if you are going to ski inbounds occasionally with this setup. While we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re skiing over 60% inbounds, it’s a great choice if your touring setup doubles as your powder setup when skiing inbounds.

scarpa 4-quattro xt alpine touring boot

The Boot: Scarpa 4-Quattro XT

Another brand new boot for this year, Scarpa offers an alternative to the mega popular Maestrale boot with the new 4-Quattro series. The “4” stands for the four buckles, and the Quattro stands for fast and stable, like the Audi Quattro. Well, maybe it just means four in Italian, but this boot can definitely go fast. We haven’t gotten to ride in it yet, but our boot fitters are impressed with the stiff flex and smooth range of motion. This boot has a more low volume fit compared to the Maestrale, giving it a more responsive feel.

One huge difference between the 4-Quattro and the Maestrale/Gea is the sole type. The 4-Quattro the first boot on the market with a fully rubber, GripWalk sole. This gives you the traction and grip when walking or hiking that folks like in the full touring sole, with greater boot/binding compatibility for alpine bindings.

Ski Mountaineering

One qualifier: we like to ski down, and most of us can’t say randonnée. So even for bigger or longer tours, we often choose gear that optimizes the descent.

elan ripstick 94 tour alpine touring ski

The Ski: Elan Ripstick 94 Tour

Despite being a little heavier, the original Ripstick was always a great touring option for someone looking for something that could handle what those variable mountain conditions. The Amphibio technology — Elan’s trademark left and right ski — blends easy turn initiation with a long effective edge. This gives it awesome performance in the backcountry and on ski mountaineering lines, where both quick turns and stability on firm snow is essential. But Elan saw the opportunity to build a ski even more efficient and optimized for the ascent.

The Ripstick Tour keeps that classic Amphibio Tech, the playful-but-stable ride we love, while shaving 300 grams off the original Ripstick 96 with a single carbon rod and their 360 Degree Sidewall. Compared to a cap style construction that so many touring skis are known for, the 360 Degree Sidewall is shaped more like a trapezoid to maintain the same strength and power as a traditional sidewall.

marker alpinist 12 alpine touring binding

The Binding: Marker Alpinist 12

For folks looking for a touring binding they can rely on and trust time after time, the Marker Alpinist is a great choice. Marker’s known for building sturdy and durable gear, and the Alpinist is no different. A carbon reinforced toe is light and strong. Marker introduced their new ISI (intuitive step in) toe design this year, with a wider platform and rubber stomp pad to make the step in process easier. That may sound like a bell and/or a whistle, but when you’re at the top of an icy chute and have a precarious transition zone, the little things make your experience that much better.

The adjustable DIN setting is another big feature on the Alpinist. While the Salomon MTN binding relies on a simpler, U-spring design, that release setting cannot be adjusted. The Alpinist allows you adjust the spring tension, which could arguably improve how reliable your release is. On top of it all, it’s one of the lightest bindings on the market at 245 grams without the brake. If you do prefer a brake, those can be purchased and installed after the fact.

salomon s/lab mtn summit alpine touring boot

The Boot: Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit

Salomon completely redesigned their touring boots for the season, and the upgrades are stellar. The S/Lab MTN Summit sits at the top of the new MTN collection, with the stiffest flex and dual power strap design. This boot is also offered all in a huge range of sizes, from 22.5 to 30.5.

The boot comes with whopping 70 degrees range of motion will get you anywhere you need to go. Couloir way over there? Let’s go. Greater range of motion allows you move more naturally and keeps you comfortable for a long day in the mountains. Instead of adding an additional buckle for support, Salomon adds their new “touring belt”. Tied to the Boa his strap runs across your instep to provide better heel hold for both touring and skiing. Bye bye, blisters.

These are just our dreams for alpine touring setups, but if you’re curious about our top picks for every ski category, take a look at our 2022-23 Buyer’s Guide. You’ll find our favorites from carving skis to touring gloves.

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