This season marks a sweet spot in the world of ski touring boots. Over a dozen brands have established themselves and invested heavily in the R&D required to make a comfortable boot that is easy to shuffle uphill. Boots have also become more customizable than ever before and Cripple Creek Backcountry has invested heavily in tools and training to work with even the lightest plastic. Although favorites like the Dynafit Radical Pro and the Scarpa F1 LT remain strong contenders, check out these new boots if it's your time to buy.
If you need help choosing your next touring boot we offer virtual and in-shop app 1-on-1 appointments.
Lightweight Touring Ski Boots
Dynafit TLT X
The latest iteration of the legendary TLT line, the TLT X is set to become Dynafit’s flagship lightweight touring boot. Following trends seen throughout the rest of the lightweight touring boot landscape, the TLT X’s simplified design features a steel dial-actuated steel cable closure system to dial in the fit of the lower shell and relies on a cam-strap closure system to switch between uphill and downhill travel. Weighing in at 1,030 grams with a cuff rotation of 60 degrees, and touting enough stiffness to drive lighter-weight skis with confidence, the TLT X offers the versatility we’ve come to expect in this class to accompany skiers on ski mountaineering missions, resort uphill laps, and even a recreational skimo race. This year Dynafit decided to blow out the 103mm last to 109mm in the Extra-wide TLT X. Wide enough to turn Sasquatch into a Yeti. 
The TLT X comes in men's and women's colors and the new Blacklight stiffer Carbon version
The new Twistfit closure system is fairly unique compared to similar systems seen in this class. Pressure is distributed across a separate piece of material from the lower shell, meaning the TLT X can be dialed in to fit a wider range of insteps than similar boots limited by the flexibility of the hard plastic shell. Ski mountaineers and splitboard hardbooters will rejoice in the elimination of the Speednose, as a shallow toe lug has been added to aid in the attachment of fully-automatic crampon systems. The Ultra Lock 5.0 is also fairly unique. Not only is the cam-strap upper cuff closure tied to the walk mechanism resulting in a one-step transition, but the system features a release on the buckle side allowing skiers to take the boot on and off without undoing the velcro strap. Finally, the liner is greatly improved compared to previous TLT models. Constructed of Ultralon foam, the TLT X liner offers greater customization and more support when compared to the outgoing TLT 8.
Tecnica Zero G Peak
The Zero G Peak is Tecnica’s long-awaited entry into the sub-1000 gram category. A perennial industry and customer favorite, the Zero G boot line was one of the first boots in the middle-weight category to punch well above its weight class in downhill performance. With the Peak series, Tecnica has added a lighter-weight option aimed at ski mountaineers and speed tourers who demand simpler transitions and strong downhill performance. The result is a boot that is a genre-bending blend of uphill efficiency and downhill power.
Upon examining the Peak series boots, one can certainly see features that have carried over from the Zero g and Cochise series boots. A rarely seen quasi-overlapping lower shell design and the "T-Hike" walking mechanism resembles a lightened version of the walk mech found on the Zero G boots. These traits promise a rigid connection between upper and lower shell, producing more lateral power transfer and a more progressive flex pattern. Offered in Men’s and Women’s designs as well as a uni-sex performance-oriented Carbon model, the Peak series has an option for a wide range of skiing abilities. Like the rest of Tecnica’s lineup, the peak features a C.A.S. liner and shell, offering outstanding levels of customization through heat molding or shell punching.
The Zero G Peak also comes in Men's, Womens and stiffer carbon version.
Salomon MTN Summit
Replacing the outgoing X-Alp boot, the Salomon MTN Summit is Salomon’s latest entry into the 1000g boot category. Boasting an impressive 120 stated flex rating in the top-of-the-line S/Lab version, the MTN Summit looks to be seeking the uncompromising approach to downhill performance seen in a number of the other new offerings in the category. Coupled with 75 degrees range of motion, this boots seems to check all the boxes for ski mountaineers looking for a boot to excel on the uphill as much as it does on the down.
At first glance, the MTN Summit appears to offer the familiar formula of Boa closure lower shell and cam-actuated velcro power strap. But upon further examination, six points of attachment and a nylon strap around the ankle worked into the Boa system promises to offer increased heel/ankle retention when compared to other options in the category. The lower shell of the Summit is constructed from Salomon’s Grilamid+ material, and offers fast and easy customization via heat molding.
Scarpa F1 GT
The Scarpa F1 GT Alpine Touring Boot seeks to fill the gap between the F1 and F1 LT. Ideal for recreational skiers looking for the support and versatility offered by the F1, in a slightly lighter and streamlined package. Constructed from the more forgiving and progressive Grilamid® Fiber Glass LFT, the stated flex rating of 90 promises to be more forgiving and familiar for skiers coming from alpine boots than the ultralight, ultra-stiff F1 LT.
The F1 GT utilizes the same lower shell as the F1 LT, offering a slightly narrower fit and lower-profile design than the standard F1. Moving away from the Boa closure system in favor of a more traditional instep buckle, the F1 GT should also fit a wider range of instep heights. Grilamid® Fiber Glass LFT construction offers greater customization, as Scarpa states the lower shell can be punched without voiding the manufacturer warranty. Overall, this boot promises to bring the 1000g touring experience to a wider range of ability levels, offering a more approachable and user-friendly version of the boot that has so far set the standard in the category.
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Freeride Touring Ski Boots
aka "Free Touring Boots"
Scarpa Maestrale RS & Gea RS Touring Boots
Everything we love in the Maestrale & Gea but in a stiffer flex, the harder charging Scarpa Mastrale RS alpine touring boot is back with major updates for the 2023/24 season. The updates deliver an improved progressive flex (125), creating an even more powerful boot than previous versions that delivers an uncompromising downhill experience.
The lower shell is now made of Gilamid Bio with carbon and the cuff is PeBax Rnew with carbon. These planet-friendly PeBax Rnew materials have great spring-back/elasticity for a more progressive flex and offer exceptional torsional stability. The Wave Lite 2-buckle system is brand-new and offers more adjustability and better closing force for a more precise fit than its predecessor.
With its 61° range of motion and the heat-moldable Intuition Pro Flex Performance liners, these sub-1500g boots won't hold you back as you take on freeride objectives throughout the season. If you're an advance to expert skier looking for a high-performing touring boot that can match the downhill demands of steep terrain or the ability to drive a wide powder ski, the Maestrale RS might just be your perfect match.
Alpine Touring Boots with Gripwalk Soles
aka "Hybrid Boots for on-piste, side country gate skiing, & freeride tours"
Scarpa Quattro
Filling the gap left by the Freedom Series in Scarpa’s lineup, the Scarpa Quattro offers alpine-like performance in a boot with bonafide touring credentials. Aimed squarely at the hybrid crossover category, the Quattro features a four buckle design, and a GripWalk (ISO 23223) sole that works in a wider range of alpine bindings than any boot in Scarpa’s lineup. The top-of-the-line XT model boasts a 130 flex, and Scarpa claims that the 1500g (Size 27) weight makes it the lightest 130-flex GripWalk boot currently on the market. Combined with the 61 degree range of motion, the Quattro looks to offer a more pleasant touring experience than any other boot in the hybrid category.
The Quattro’s stated last of 100mm provides a slightly more performance oriented fit than the Maestrale, but like the rest of Scarpa’s line, the included intuition liner is highly moldable, promising a warmer and more consistent fit than any other stock liner on the market. Offered in two flex options in both male and female specific fits, the Quattro offers a higher degree of versatility than others in this category for skiers looking to do it all, both in-bounds and out.
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Salomon Shift Pro Mens and Womens
The Salomon Shift Pro 130 Alpine Touring Boot delivers precision and control, on and off piste. The Shift Pro 130 powerfully carves on groomers and tactfully negotiates deep powder. Featuring a GripWalk sole, tech inserts, and a heat moldable liner, the Shift Pro 130 AT boots ensure a secure fit and premium comfort even on long tours.
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K2 Mindbender BOA Ski boots for ladies and gents
K2 and BOA have a deep history of designing the boots on the snowboard side and have now brought that game changing technology to their glove like fit of the Mindbender series. K2 offers a boot that balances a high-performance flex profile with lightweight touring capabilities. This boot will rip pow and groomers in bounds, help you drop the gates and skin back into the resort. Built in the PNW, K2 knows that you need a boot that can charge downhill, but walk you back up and into the resort for more laps. Did we mention that the new BOA design allows riders to micro adjust the ultra durable low-friction laces.