Skis – Race skis are tools, not toys. They leave something to be desired on the downhill, but feel like a pair of winter running shoes for the way up. The Dynafit DNA is the premier race ski on the market right now. Redesigned for 2021, this will feel like a rocket ship on the bottom of your feet at a scant 690 grams. A more robust race ski option is the Dynafit Mezzalama. It clocks in 100 grams heavier than the DNA, but has a full length sidewall for added durability and dampening.
Boots – The most important characteristic of a race boot is comfort. Skimo racing promotes a style of touring that we don't typically experience during a normal day out in the backcountry: we're moving at a faster pace, skiing a smaller and more unwieldy ski, and sweating a lot more. It's crucial to try on race boots in person to see what fits your foot best. Affordable race boot options are the Dynafit Mezzalama Bootor the Scarpa Alien. If you are interested in a carbon fiber race boot masterpiece check out the Pierre Gignoux Black!
Bindings – Race bindings are simply, easy-to-use pieces of equipment that have the opportunity to last you years/decades/a lifetime (?). Ensure you have an adequate flat mode for the GT or suffer the consequences of ski touring with a pair of high heels for the long flat sections of this race. We like the Dynafit Superlite 150 for a robust binding option that has a good flat mode. The ATK Revolution is slightly lighter yet very robust, but you will lose the flat mode.
Note: The use of a ski retention system (leashes) is mandatory on Aspen Mountain. Each racer’s ski retention system will be checked at the top of Aspen Mountain before racers are allowed to enter the ski area and descend to the finish. Ski retention systems can be in the form of leashes (what we recommend) or ski brakes (avoid these for the added weight and bulk).
I left this quote in because I never attached my leashes to go down Ajax. Somehow after skiing race gear without leashes hundreds of times before without incident, my ski blew off, shot into the woods, and was never seen again. Trust me skiing down Ajax on one ski is a shitty way to finish a 10 hour effort and an expensive mistake.
Poles – Your backcountry adjustable poles will do fine for this. If you have the opportunity, find a longer than average pole, think your backcountry pole length plus 20%. When striding uphill and especially on flats, a longer pole promotes a kick-and-glide stride that will save you a lot of energy in the long run. Channel your inner Nordic Classic technique with this style of touring in mind. The Dynafit PDG pole is the perfect pole for this style of uphill touring
Climbing Skins – 4 Pairs of skins per team is necessary and more skins provide more security. The insider beta is to get two pairs of different skins:
- One pair of full length/full width skins with a tail clip that climb well. These will be great for the steep climb up Star Pass.
- One pair of 3/4 length skins that run slightly more narrow. These will help with lower-angle climbs and provided added glide for the kick-and-glide touring on the flats.
Pomoca Race 2.0's are the best skins you can get for both applications. Just purchase the thicker and thinner widths. Or you can buy it by the roll and make your own climbing skins.
Tow Systems - If you are a team where you know one partner is much stronger than the other, you are going to want to tow. This is an effective system to help keep the team together. Be careful with energy depletion with this method, and practice it before during some training laps. I really recommend using the Camp Alp Racing Harness
for both the tower and the towie. I have towed and been towed in this race and it will ruin your day if you don't have a harness.
