Backcountry ski boots that can really ski - Tecnica Cochise, Lange XT 130 & Fischer Ranger

One of the most exciting areas of development in ski boots has been in backcountry ski boots, and specifically in backcountry ski boots that ski as well as normal alpine ski boots.

It used to be that alpine touring ski boots were a compromise between the lightweight and flexibility needed to hike uphill and the stiffness and control needed to ski downhill. This year, that gap has closed rapidly.

Lange XT 130, Tecnica Cochise 130 Pro, Fischer Soma Vacuum Ranger

We skied in and picked a handful of ski boots in this category, and really like them not only for backcountry, but also for sidecountry skiing where you only need to hike a little bit for a fresh powder stash at the resort - or even for those who just want a ski boot that's easier to get around in. These boots are extremely popular with ski patrol and other ski area workers who work in ski boots for good reason.

Lange XT 130

Lange has stayed away from the backcountry ski boot world until it was able to get a good walk mode that didn't compromise that Lange ski boot feel on the way down, and they nailed it with the Lange XT 130. It has that great Lange fit, a real alpine boot flex, yet lets you hike comfortably with a good range of motion and grippy rubber soles.

Craig Dostie, author of Earn Your Turns, the go to backcountry ski blog, had this to say:

Tecnica Cochise 130 Pro

The Tecnica Cochise 130 Pro has quickly become a favorite around the shop. A great fitting shell with a stiff flex, good range of motion, a buckle-closure power strap that lets you really get the most out of the boot on the downhill, and swappable soles (alpine and backcountry compatible) all make this a super-versatile ski boot. Boot the alpine sole blocks on and ride your favorite skis at the resort all day, then switch out for the Dynafit compatible blocks and go deep in the backcountry.

Here's what Dostie had to say about the Tecnica Cochise:

Fischer Soma Vacuum Ranger

While the Fischer Vacuum Ranger features a good range of motion and multiple modes (walk, soft and stiff) in the cuff to make it a great in bounds/out of bounds option, it's Fischer's Vacuum formable shells that really steal the show. Not only can you thermo-form the liners, you can actually custom shape the shells themselves. So if you have a hard time finding ski boots that fit, these are for you.

Here's what Craig had to say about the Fischer Ranger

So if whether you're an expert backcountry skier looking for a new boot with more control, a new backcountry skier looking for your first pair of ski boots, or an alpine skier just looking to get around a little easier, these type of ski boots are a great choice. See our full selection of backcountry ski boots here.