2021 Alpina Discovery 102

On the wide, and most backcountry-oriented, side of the genre, the Alpina Discovery 102 makes no mistake that it’s built for pure backcountry and adventure performance. These wide-bodied skis love to make their way through any and all amounts of fresh snow, creating some of the most fun and most adventure-oriented skis on the market today. At 102 mm in the tip, these skis are bordering on alpine shaping, and they even have the early rise tip rocker to match. This makes for fantastic flotation for any and all skiers who are venturing out into the deep snow, deep woods, and are in line for some deep fun.

Made with an ultra-light wood core and a cap construction, the Discovery 102 loves to be put to the test. You can pair them with either an NNN BC binding or even a three-pin for an increased performance. Now, are you getting the lightest Nordic setup out there? No, but for the backcountry world, it doesn’t get much lighter or more maneuverable. All of these things that Alpina puts into their gear in terms of stability and adventure are certainly worth the tradeoff when it comes to weight. Quite simply, there’s just more ski on your feet, and that makes for a heavier weight. These should not be mistaken for easy-going Nordic skis that can be used in the track, rather, the Discovery 102 is built for long-distance adventures for advanced skiers who know their way around the backcountry.

For the downside, these things are just too fat to fit in the track at the Nordic center. You’ll be a lot better off with the 68, or even the 80 in the Discovery line if you’re interested in some true classic skiing. But that’s the compromise that you’re going to have to make for unbeatable off-trail performance. It’s so fun to be heading out on the trail, and just go left. Or right. Somewhere, anywhere. Just head off the trail and start skiing uphill and see what’s out there. That’s the spirit and the soul behind the Discovery series, and in no other model does it show itself better than in the 102. The grip on the base allows for some steep ascensions, and the steel edges will give you the confidence that you need to make your way safely to the bottom. Here in Vermont, we have a seemingly never-ending supply of trees and woods to explore, and for that, these skis are fantastic. If you’re a western skier, just wait until you get above treeline on these skis and get to explore some of the most beautiful mountain ranges on the planet.

Best suited for advanced and expert exploratory skiers who are seeking adventure and fun with every stride, the Alpina Discovery 102 is a total beast in the BC ski world. When paired with the proper boots and bindings for your intended application, this setup will be unstoppable. From the grippy base on the climbs to the confidence-inspiring steed edges on the side, these wide-bodied tourers will take you wherever you want to go, just so long as there’s snow.