UKC

My friend is selling some nepal extremes and I just wondered if anyone knows if you can use them with skis?

Cheers
Mel

In reply to MelH: I used them with some short cross country type skis and found I was falling over backwards repeatedly. So I would say yes you can, with right bindings, but not advised!
Marq

In reply to Marq: There are bindings called Berwyns which Snowsled sell which would probably take nepal exptremes but the are prety specialised, you're not going to cut on a black run in them.

In reply to MelH: Yes if you have Silvretta 404s. Won't be pretty... Good luck.

In reply to MelH: I've used mine cross country with Diamirs. The fit isn't brilliant but it worked ok; I seem to remember the heel was a friction fit.

I felt like a fawn on wobbly legs as they have very little lateral stiffness. A skier with decent balance (i.e. a decent skier i.e. not me) would manage ok; I could just about plough, but that was about my limit. It was still quicker than walking though.

In reply to MelH: Are you a non-skier wondering if these boots would work like any old ski boot? Or are you an advanced skier wondering what it is like to ski in climbing boots?

In reply to TobyA:

Cheers guys.

Sorry- bit more info.

I am a decent enough skier wondering whether to get rid of my scarpas (which don't have the front welt) and get the la sportivas instead so that I can ski out from climbs etc without having to use ski boots whilst carrying my climbing boots.

In reply to dannorris:

Berwins only work with a flexible boot, stiff boots will make them break pretty quickly. Plus they're really designed for artic sledge hauling on flatish terrain; any downhills are like skiing in a pair of carpet slippers that have been nailed to planks.

In reply to MelH:

I've used NE's with Silvretta 505's on short 130cm approach skis. Definitely does the job to get you in and out of a climb.

In reply to MelH: Most people, myself included, who think what you've been thinking find it's better to climb in their ski boots rather than vice-versa. Might be worth considering.

Also, people always seemed to rate Vegas over lots of other climbing boots in terms of skiability so you could think about that too if you were dead set on buying a pair of climbing boots to ski in.

In reply to George Ormerod:
... like skiing in a pair of carpet slippers that have been nailed to planks.

And only nailed badly at the front! I used Berwyns to go to the South Pole. I didn't break any but my partner broke 12 pairs and needed an airdrop of spares :-o

Apparently the newer (grey) versions break less, but they still recommend only soft-sole boots, definitely not climbing boots.

Nepals will fit OK in Silvretta 500 (aka newer 404) and Pures, but they're rubbish to ski in and you may well snap an ankle or knee.

Vegas are OK as they're stiff, but they have quite a rocker sole and that may preclude them fitting in some AT bindings. The flatter the sole the better, in skis.

In reply to all:

Thanks everyone. Been very useful in that I will probably not buy the nepals on the basis that I can use them for both.

So my new consideration is whether or not to use skis with proper ski boots for getting in and out of climbs and just carrying my scarpa charmoz (which let's face it are pretty light). This would also mean I don't have to go to the expense of buying new boots which fit skis and new crampons which fit a front welt!!!!

Decisions..... :-D

In reply to MelH: Hey, if you did get B3 boots you wouldn't need new crampons. B3 boots will take C2 crampons (ie the Grivel 12 type) quite happily, you don't have to use the front welt and can use the New Matic fitting.

For the sort of stuff you're climbing (ie, anything up to grade IV) then you're B2 boots will be fine (cos you're nice and wee and light I've gotten away with V ice with my B2's as well although B3's would have felt a wee bit more secure I reckon.

And I think if you're skiing and getting in and out to crags quickly, then the extra weight of carrying your boots will probs feel like nothing.

In reply to MelH:

Common question it seems.

Skiing in climbing boots is great fun with a long tradition. But not a lot of skiing involved generally. But the Nepal will ski as well as most and better than many with the right binding. I use a 404. Add kit and a big pack to that and the fun only ends when ankles and knees give out.

My 2 cents: Even in a good dbl boots like the Spantik (Nepal will be less fun) with 404s or 500s the skiing is dismal. Best used with really short (under 160 touring specific skis). Knee strap helps as well as some decent technique and skill.

I've seen Will ski in 6000s and mini skis off the Midi. He rips. But not the norm on that gear.

http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=3493

The easy answer? Dynafit TLT 5s.

http://coldthistle.blogspot.com/2011/06/part-2.html

In reply to MelH: If you are skiing into routes I guess that you are thinking of winter climbing in the alps? Winter climbing in the alps with a pair of charmoz would not be the best idea.

what grade routes are you looking to climb? Straight forward ice/snow colouirs will be fine in touring boots.

In reply to Rory Shaw:

no- plenty to go at in Scotland. Was more thinking Aonach Mor.

Anyway- all good. Thanks for all the advice folks. I'll stick to the boots I have and ski in/out with ski boots on.

Cheers

Mel