N00B Here!

[Guest Brad23]

This is my first post, Howdy!

I'm a all mountain rider (Glissade 163). I ride backcountry/ resort

almost 50/50 now with soft boots and snowshoes.

I'm sort of noodling the idea of a big board/ hard boot setup.

Boots would need to work with crampons.

Board would need to be able to riden fakie and jump besides carving as best as possible.

Let me know of you recommendations and experience, I will be gratefull!

BTW I'm 165lbs and have not been sold on the spiltboard systems yet.

Thanks, Brad

[slopetool]

Howdy, Brad! Welcome!

I'm a big fan of the Clicker boots since the have all those cool accessories for the backcountry. Its time for Snowdome soon.

[Derf]

Hi Brad, welcome to Bomber.

There are some riders here who wear AT/Randonnée boots for snowboarding as seen in those threads:

AT and Randonee

Lowa Alpine Ski Boots

These boots can be worn with crampons. As for boards, there is the option of an all-mountain board (Coiler AM, Donek Axis, Prior 4WD; these have round upturned tails) or a stiff freeride board (Donek Incline, Prior MFR, Rad-Air Tanker) that can carve well (from what I have read).

[GeoffV]

I've been using the Raichle 123's for backcountry and they work great with crampons and seem to have enough of a flex to hike in for shorter hikes. I hit Tuckermans every year with this set up and have no complaints.

[Coldrider]

Howdy and welcome!

In addition to soliciting info from knowledgeable BOL denizens, you might also try the following sites for info on backcountry riding:<div align="center"><table width="810" cellpadding="02" cellspacing="02"><tr><td><UL><LI><a href="http://www.splitboard.com/" target="http://www.splitboard.com/">Splitboard.com</a></LI>

<LI><a href="http://www.couloirmag.com/" target="http://www.couloirmag.com/">Couloir magazine</a></LI><LI><a href="http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/" target="http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/">CAIC</a> in addition to CO has links to avalanche forecasting in your area.</LI>

<LI><a href="http://www.backcountrymagazine.com/" target="http://www.backcountrymagazine.com/">Backountry Magazine</a> will be enhancing their snowboarding coverage with a 'snowboard annual' next season.</LI><LI>And while high bivouacs are not without their charm, staying at the<a href="http://www.huts.org/" target="http://www.huts.org/">10th Mountain Hut system</a> is downright luxurious (many have wood-fired saunas). If you're busting routes in Colorado, I highly recommend a hut trip. The site has links to other hut systems in other regions. </LI>

<LI>And if you haven't yet seen it, Chris Van Tilburg's <a href="http://print.google.com/print?id=b-_B1lkz4UQC&dq=backcountry+snowboarding&oi=print&pg=16&sig=5azmeVCADND0jbEWYZ7g3__hJog&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fhl%3Den%26ned%3D%26q%3Dbackcountry%2Bsnowboarding%26btnmeta%253Dsearch%253Dsearch%3DSearch%2Bthe%2BWeb" target="http://print.google.com/print?id=b-_B1lkz4UQC&dq=backcountry+snowboarding&oi=print&pg=16&sig=5azmeVCADND0jbEWYZ7g3__hJog&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fhl%3Den%26ned%3D%26q%3Dbackcountry%2Bsnowboarding%26btnmeta%253Dsearch%253Dsearch%3DSearch%2Bthe%2BWeb">Backcountry Snowboarding</a> is a comprehensive guide to backcountry riding. </LI></UL></td>

<td><img src="http://tinypic.com/54xbq1" alt="Janet's Cabin, near Copper Mountain, CO"></td>

</tr><TR><TD><img src="http://tinypic.com/54xevc" alt="Backcountry hiking above Treble Cone, Wanaka, NZ"></TD><TD><img src="http://tinypic.com/54xf9e" alt="NZ Backcountry"></TD></TR></table></div><p></p>Hope this helps. Best wishes for healthy, happy, and safe backcountry adventures. <p></p>Cheers,<br>

COLDrider

[Guest Brad23]

Thanks for the info,

I'm using clickers right now. I'd like more support and a alpine set-up. Also the backcountry accessories are now truely hard to find, and so are new boots as everyone has switched back to straps.

I'm converting some lightweight crampons to clicker soon.

What all mountain board lengths would you guys recommend for me?

I would also like to share my friend site which feature myself as well, enjoy:

http://rangeoflight.org/

Cheers, Brad

BTW Couloir ROCKS!!!!

[terror]

dude, the only advice I could offer is, don't claim you can ride "switch". and I'm not trying to tear down your post, or make you look like an ass or something, just don't go for the "switch" thing. it's all bad.

That B.S. said, welcome to the board, enjoy your time here.

Cheers!

[bobdea]

when a rock or a log hook up your nose can be a life saver

and its fun too!

Glissade makes some great longboards, not sure how long you are looking to go but it seems like you are on the right path as far brand

I was fond of the larger burton canyons and the lib tech grocer 180, never summer makes some great boards too.

you can find ski boots with the vibram soles on the cheap if you look around

if you know anyone that works events or coaches skiing they might be able to find you a pair if you know them well they might be able to get you a pair at a reduced price

it is always worth a try to contact area reps, somtimes they will have stuff they want to get rid of cheap or if you have the time work for the events department a day or two a week at your local hill for the free pass and the access to the deals you can get on gear