For backcountry touring skiers looking for a lightweight setup to take them wherever they want to go, the Alpina Discovery 68 skis are the way to go. Most of these skis, including the ones we sell on SkiEssentials.com, come pre-mounted with a BC Auto binding, so you’re sure to be getting a good deal. Please note, for shopping purposes, that these bindings are compatible with NNN BC boots, and not the Touring boots, so please let us know if you have any questions regarding compatibility.
Built with a wood core, these skis are ready to rip. Adventure and exploration are the names of the game here, I guess that’s why they’re called the Discovery skis. You really can take these to a lot of places, and they’ll love every minute of it. There’s even some early rise in the tips of the skis, so they’re starting to blend into the alpine world, at least in terms of technology. That rocker is not only useful for the kick and glide striding technique, but also for downhill performance in powder and softer snow. It’s a great thing to have, and since most skiers don’t really think about it, it kind of flies under the radar. On the base, the BC grip cut base is perfect for long and grueling uphill slogs, making quick work out of steep hills and treacherous conditions. There’s not much worse than sliding back down while you’re climbing up, and this base and its fish-scale style of grip will mitigate the backsliding to the point where you’re going to be confident and comfortable with each and every step. It’s certainly more of a snowshoe style of step when you’re in the backcountry, versus an actual kick and glide, which is more reserved for in-track skiing.
CONSTRUCTION
BC Grip Base
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Speaking of in-track skiing, the Alpina Discovery 68 is not just pigeon-holed as a strict backcountry ski, it’s also narrow enough (just by a little bit) to fit in the groomed tracks, so if the mood strikes, you’re more than welcome to rip around the groomers at the cross-country center, and while they’re not as efficient as more dedicated touring skis, they’re certainly going to be some of the most stable skis in the track. And while more useful in the backcountry, the full steel edges of the skis lend a lot of grip and confidence to skiers who are pushing their equipment to the max. In the backcountry and off-trail, the steel edges are ideal for side hilling as well as descending any tricky spots.
The combination of control and adventure is truly something to behold in the life of the Alpina Discovery 68 skis. These skis, when combined with the BC bindings and appropriate boots, make for some of the most versatile, adventurous, and utilitarian setups around. You’ll love their ability to go anywhere and do anything. Of course, that comes at the expense of weight, but think of it as an extra workout, with extra calories being burned versus having to drag stuff along.
