Cripple Creek Backcountry Resort Uphill Package

Yes, this is an excellent entry point. It pairs lightweight, manageable skis with a tech binding system that is widely considered the industry standard for reliability, making it a great setup for learning the mechanics of uphill travel without overwhelming complexity.

The 86mm waist is optimized for efficiency on the ascent and firm snow conditions, rather than deep powder flotation. While it can handle variable snow, it is best suited for spring touring, resort uphill laps, and long approaches where weight savings are more important than float.

These bindings are only compatible with boots that have tech inserts (also known as pin inserts) in the toe and heel. The included Salomon MTN Summit Pro M boots are fully compatible, but you should ensure any future boots you purchase also feature these specific inserts.

You can, but keep in mind that the Dynafit Speed Turn is a minimalist, pin-style binding designed primarily for touring. It lacks the elastic travel and high-DIN release settings of a traditional alpine binding, so it is best reserved for fitness laps and backcountry touring rather than aggressive, high-speed resort skiing.

This boot is specifically chosen for its high range of motion in walk mode, which makes skinning feel more natural and less fatiguing. At 1100g, it is exceptionally light for the level of downhill performance it provides, balancing uphill efficiency with enough stiffness to drive the ski on the descent.

No, the skins included in this package are pre-cut specifically for the Salomon MTN 86 Pro skis. They are ready to use right out of the box, ensuring a perfect fit without the hassle of cutting them yourself.