Ski touring boots · Test magazine 2020
Tech talk with Marc Künkele, BLIZZARD TECNICA
Promotion / Events / Training / Tech Rep · Print page 61
Who is Marc Künkele? Ski Touring Boot Expert at BLIZZARD TECNICA
Marc Künkele works in promotion, events and training and as a technical representative at BLIZZARD TECNICA. As a long-standing member of the national telemark team, Freeheel World Master and ski instructor, he has close ties to winter sports, particularly backcountry skiing. In the BACKLINE 2020 test magazine, he discusses the development of ski touring boots and the requirements of different user groups.
Künkele describes ski touring as a dynamically growing segment of the ski boot industry that also attracts newcomers to winter sports. Users range from ascent- and fitness-focused tourers to those prioritising descents. He sees fine-tuning the interaction between boots, bindings and skis as a central challenge. As technology develops and products become more specialised, expert purchasing advice becomes increasingly important. While he considers weight reduction largely exhausted, he sees further potential in performance, stability and individual fine-adjustment options.
When buying boots, Künkele recommends allowing sufficient time, defining their intended use beforehand and seeking advice from a specialist retailer. Short fitness tours place different demands on equipment than ambitious undertakings such as the Haute Route. Particularly for people with difficult-to-fit feet, he considers targeted custom fitting by a specialist a worthwhile investment.
How important is the backcountry skiing / ski touring segment for the ski boot industry?
Without question it is a significant area that is developing dynamically and growing steadily. In recent winters I have seen many beginners who come into winter sports via ski touring. For them, touring boots are the first ski boots they buy. They want to get out into nature and enjoy the quiet. For many, the hustle of the ski resorts has simply become too much. I think the COVID pandemic will reinforce this trend. Among ski tourers there is a broad spectrum between those focused on the ascent and fitness and those focused on the descent. It is no longer rare to own two pairs of touring boots, which further increases the importance of the segment.
What opportunities and challenges does the ongoing differentiation in ski touring bring for boot manufacturers?
The challenge across the different areas of ski touring is fine-tuning boots to bindings and skis. I still see a lot of potential there. Companies that produce all of these products have a great opportunity to set the pace as pioneers. Because of the dynamic growth and rapid technological development of recent years, expert sales advice also becomes even more important.
Which main technical trends and innovations do you expect in touring boots in the future?
The trend towards lighter yet stable boots continues unabated. Development in terms of weight is fairly exhausted; in performance and stability I still see potential. In terms of detail solutions I also expect a trend towards customisation and consumer-friendly fine-adjustment options.
What are your most important tips for buying a touring boot?
Take your time buying a boot and get advice from a specialist retailer. Think carefully beforehand about what you want to use the boots for. Short fitness tours in the evening, or do you have ambitions to do the Haute Route? Are you more ascent- or more descent-oriented? Especially if you have problem feet it is worth visiting a specialist and having the boots fitted properly. Anyone who has done it will confirm that it is a worthwhile investment. You will enjoy a good touring boot for a long time.
