Backcountry Touring Rossignol Skis - Rossignol BC65 Skis Package Help

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M.B. Boge asks - I'm looking for some recommendations on a ski package... Skis: should be 50% off trail / 50% in existing tracks, local park areas etc. I'm 6'2" 185 lbs. What do you think of the Rossignol Evo Tour skis vs. the or Rossignol BC65 skis or Fischer Spider 62 for my needs? Boots: I have big feet, wide and high arches, have tried Rossignol size 48's and they are too tight. I think only Alpina T10 comes in size 49?

ORS Crew (Chris) answers - For boots, we do have the Alpina T10 in a 49. But there are other great choices in size 49, including the Alpina BC 1550 and Alpina T20 Plus boots. The Rossignol Evo Tour is a fine ski for what you describe, provided your trails aren’t too hilly, icy or otherwise challenging. The beauty of the Rossignol BC65 skis and Fischer Spider 62 skis are the slightly wider platform and the full metal edges. Both of these skis will work in groomed nordic ski tracks, while also performing flawlessly when adventuring off-trail in a variety of more technical terrain and deeper snow or icy conditions. The metal edge skis would be better paired with heavier duty boots and bindings than the boots and bindings offered in the Rossignol Evo Tour package. Great pairings are the Alpina T20 Plus boots and Rottefella T3 bindings that are included in the Fischer Spider 62 skis complete package. The Alpina BC 1550 boots and Rottefella BC Auto bindings in the Rossignol BC 65 skis complete package.

Reece asks - I'm trying to decide between the Rossignol BC70 skis and Rossignol BC 65 skis (or Fischer Spider 62 skis) and could use some advice. I'm relatively new to x/c but know I want full metal edges, will be heading out from my house, often on snowmobile trails, occasionally at groomed nordic trails, and occasionally breaking trail in the backcountry. I'll be pairing the ski with a Voile Hardwire 3-pin binding and Scarpa T4 boots.

ORS Crew (Ryan) answers - All three of those skis are great choices for cruising snowmobile trails but if you're also looking to lock into groomed tracks, you'll want to stay away from the BC70s as they are really too wide to fit in the tracks. Technically, you shouldn't go wider than 62mm, but I say the BC65, which is 65mm at the widest point, is close enough. The BC 70 at 70mm however is really too wide for groomed nordic ski tracks. The other thing is your boot / binding choice, which isn't a common pairing with those skis. The Scarpa T4 is a heavy duty, plastic shelled backcountry boot designed to power wide skis through deep powder. They are definitely overkill for the kind of skiing you are referring to. And the Voile Hardwires will only add unnecessary resistance to each kick. If you're looking for a boot with more support than a touring boot, you may want to consider an NNN BC boot and binding combination, such as the Alpina BC 1550 boot (also available in the Alpina BC 1550L for women) with NNN BC Magnum bindings. This set up would be much more comfortable for touring. But if you really like the Scarpa T4s and the Hardwires, that is perfectly fine, but I'd say forget the Nordic Centers, or at least the groomed tracks, and maybe look at the Madshus Eon skis, which are a backcountry touring ski that will be a much better match with Scarpa T4 boots and Voile Hardwire bindings. The Madshus Eon is a bit wider than the Rossignol BC70 skis so it will be great for breaking trail and downhill turns, yet it still cruises nicely on packed snow.

Jesse asks - Can you help me with sizing on Fischer Spider 62 skis...I am right in between on the weight range of 189cm skis (187 lbs.) vs. 179cm skis (143-196 Lbs.) I weigh 182 barenaked but with clothes, boots, hydration pack, etc. that adds another 10 lbs. Height is 5'10" and I am a very experienced and strong XC skier. I am guessing the 189cm skis are the right choice; what is your take??? Thanks in advance.

ORS Crew (Chris) answers - When you are on the fence between two sizes, I usually recommend the larger size, especially if you are a good skier. With the shorter length, you would have the best grip on the hills, but you would sacrifice a lot of glide on the flats. For first time skiers, I may recommend the shorter length, but that doesn't sound like you. The Spider is a relatively soft ski, so you'll still have decent grip on the hills, but will have much better glide when kicking and gliding, which is something that as a good skier, I'm sure you would appreciate.