Alpina and Rottefella - New Ski Boot and Binding

A new technology in back country skiing provides an ultra-convenient system for foot binding and footwear. Alpina, the much-loved cross-country ski boot brand, and Norwegian winter equipment company Rottefella, have teamed up to create this innovative technology. Head off on your winter expeditions knowing you’re in the latest and greatest ski boot and binding.

In this blog we will break down both the Alpina Alaska XP, the ski boot, and the Rottefella Xplore, the new binding. This innovation in ski systems allows you to focus on the beauty of your backcountry adventures, without the hassle of complex gear.

We have always loved Alpina’s ski boots at Bogong. Their latest advancement comes in the update of their Alaska boot. The Alaska XP is the update of their beloved leather backcountry boot, combined with the new Rottefella sole.

The Alaska XP is all about mobility and stability. Improving on its predecessor, the boot allows for superior lateral control of your foot, with perfected foot weight distribution. This is achieved from the Anatomic Footbed. Utilising three different materials, the force from your foot, while walking or skiing, spreads across the boot without undermining comfort or fit. Updates continue, with the XP series weighing in at just 740 grams per boot, 20% lighter than its original. It remains waterproof and warm to protect your foot from the harsh conditions of your alpine adventures.

Features:

• Anatomic Footbed: Anatomically designed footbed made with three different materials makes for perfect distribution of force across the foot and snug fit.
• Alpitex Waterproof Membrane: Developed by Alpina engineers, water-resistant membrane that offers quality ventilation, as well as comfort.
• Thinsulate Insulation: Foot can breathe while remaining warm.
• XP Sole: Compatible with Rottefella Xplore Bindings, sold separately.
• Spring Pin Technology: Easy entry and exit, prevents snow packing.

Specifications:

• Best Use: Backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing
• Upper: Leather and Textiles
• Lining: Textiles
• Insulated: Thinsulate synthetic fibers
• Boot and Binding Compatibility: Xplore
• 1480 g (pair)
• 102 mm last width

Rottefella Xplore

A focus on comfort, mobility and stability is the building blocks of Rottefella’s latest technological advancements in this binding. Be prepared and confident to take on varied terrain with this hassle-free system.

The sole:

The main feature you can’t miss is the new Spring Pin. Rottefella crafted the Xplore sole with backcountry adventures in mind. It is a simple step in and go system, with the pins slotting into the binding with a distinct click. Xplore’s pins, and therefore rotation point, is set further down the shoe to increase mobility. This new locking point gives a greater degree of kicking return plus a more natural walking feel. The risk of snow packing is greatly reduced with the pins located on the side of the boot.

Traction is achieved by the two-part anti-skid rubber sole. The strengthening of the sole horizontally means you receive greater flex and protection from your ankle doing any nasty, unwanted rolling. Vertically, the sole is flexible, to offer greater movement and give.

The binding:

The anchor point of the binding is 70mm wide. In tandem with the ankle support provided by the boot and sole, your foot will feel stable while locked in. It will also be less prone to erratic movement, causing injury.

A 33mm heel lifter means uphill ascending is comfortable and energy efficient.

An all-round flex is included in the binding. It is easily interchangeable with a number of flexes to cater to your alpine needs. Sold separately at Bogong is the Xplore BC Flex Hard, which gives increased resistance for more control while downhill skiing.

Specifications:

• Weight: 529 g
• Length: 242 mm
• Width: 68 mm
• Spring Pin technology
• Interchangeable flex
• Heel raise

Click here to view the Rottefella Xplore BC Offtrack Bindings.

See our range of ski gear.

Questions? Visit us, email us or call us (03 9600 0599).

More Articles

• Hiking Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail
• Australian Backountry Gear Setups
• Life Hacks for Ski Touring in the Australian Alpine National Park
• MORE RESOURCES...