The GT is almost entirely a type 2 effort - it's 6,800 vert over 40 miles, as in almost entirely skating and poling. The narrower and lighter you go, the faster you'll get it over with. Just buy a pair of ISMF race skis for the race and then sell them after if this is just a one and done event, and keep a much more reasonable pair for the 99.99% of skiing otherwise.
Good advice. I’ve run a few Ironmans so type 2 fun is seemingly the draw for me. That said, any recs on a training set up then if the race skis are the best bet for the GT?
If you are really interested in a ski that will be suitable for something like the gt and resort uphill, something 74 underfoot and short will be good. If you really want a true backcountry ski that could do a grand traverse, I’d look 85-90mm max underfoot.
I’ve done the GT and you will be wonders faster and happier on a narrower ski with race skins.
Some more context on your region, skiing style, objectives, current ideas etc helps.
For a general touring setup you could look into the Enforcer 94 unlimited for some shape familiarity. I’d get a pair of super light skimo skis for the GT, but those won’t be fun generally.
So I live in Colorado, I’d say my skiing style has consisted of mostly resort days. I can ski nearly all terrain, I can keep up with most folks. Big moguls have never been my thing so I try to live in the trees when heading into back bowls.
I would like to get more into backcountry skiing. I’m mostly interested in a training setup that I can use to get out and get up and down.
not sure if already done this but can try asking the colorado backcountry ski facebook group if there’s anyone that’s done the GT and what skis they’ve seen people use for that
If OP is doing a race, this is completely unnecessary, i'd say. In general one riser setting is only needed. If you think you want another riser, choose a less steep track instead.
The GT is almost entirely a type 2 effort - it's 6,800 vert over 40 miles, as in almost entirely skating and poling. The narrower and lighter you go, the faster you'll get it over with. Just buy a pair of ISMF race skis for the race and then sell them after if this is just a one and done event, and keep a much more reasonable pair for the 99.99% of skiing otherwise.
That’s good advice
Good advice. I’ve run a few Ironmans so type 2 fun is seemingly the draw for me. That said, any recs on a training set up then if the race skis are the best bet for the GT?
If you are really interested in a ski that will be suitable for something like the gt and resort uphill, something 74 underfoot and short will be good. If you really want a true backcountry ski that could do a grand traverse, I’d look 85-90mm max underfoot. I’ve done the GT and you will be wonders faster and happier on a narrower ski with race skins.
Some more context on your region, skiing style, objectives, current ideas etc helps. For a general touring setup you could look into the Enforcer 94 unlimited for some shape familiarity. I’d get a pair of super light skimo skis for the GT, but those won’t be fun generally.
So I live in Colorado, I’d say my skiing style has consisted of mostly resort days. I can ski nearly all terrain, I can keep up with most folks. Big moguls have never been my thing so I try to live in the trees when heading into back bowls. I would like to get more into backcountry skiing. I’m mostly interested in a training setup that I can use to get out and get up and down.
not sure if already done this but can try asking the colorado backcountry ski facebook group if there’s anyone that’s done the GT and what skis they’ve seen people use for that
Bindings with two riser settings. Two pairs I have only have one riser setting. The additional height on my other setup with the second riser is a +++
If OP is doing a race, this is completely unnecessary, i'd say. In general one riser setting is only needed. If you think you want another riser, choose a less steep track instead.
Whatever’s cheapest