Se7en Summits NZ$700
156, 163, 170, 178 cm;
113-78-100 mm; 1330 g at 170 cm

TLT5 Mountain TF-X NZ$850
1225 g; sizes 25–30

TLT Vertical ST NZ$699
530 g; 84, 92 or 100 mm breaks

TLT Speed NZ$550
335 g

Weights are for one ski/boot/binding

Dynafit ski-mountaineering skis, boots and bindings

Please note that we have skins and skin glue from Pomoca (see below)

Grant Guise is the importer of Dynafit products and the biggest promoter of ski-mountaineering in New Zealand. He is one of the team behind the Skimonz ski-mountaineering race series. Grant also holds ski-mountaineering workshops and writes articles on how we can get into ski-mountaineering. He is a member of the New Zealand Ski Mountaineering Team. So, this is the guy you need to talk to about your ski-mountaineering.

(In case you didn't know, ski-mountaineers use a "touring binding" that allows the heel to rise for progress uphill and locks it down for downhill skiing. Skins are attached to the underside of the ski to provide traction when moving uphill.)

Dynafit is a brand known worldwide for its unique binding system. At least half a kilogram is saved for each foot using the Dynafit system. Essentially, the boot is specially designed to fit toe and heel binding sections on the ski, whereas a conventional binding involves a heavy plate running the length of the boot. You can fit the Dynafit bindings to skis you already own and many ski boot brands have models that are compatible with Dynafit bindings. However, Dynafit boots typically require Dynafit bindings. Click on the links in the binding section below for videos on how the Dynafit system works.

You can find a range of Dynafit products in stores around the country, but here we focus on the models that are specific to ski-mountaineering, rather than skiing on and near the skifields. That is, we are going to assume you use skis to reach Empress in winter. Or that your idea of a ski-field is the West Coast neves. Or you insist on having an entire Arthur's Pass mountain to yourself.

Se7en Summits ski
The Se7en Summits ski is the mountaineer's ski in that it is both light and handles the full spectrum of skiing conditions (check out this video). And yes, it has been used to ski off the highest peaks on the seven continents.

TLT5 Mountain TF-X boot
The TLT5 Mountain TF-X boot places a major emphasis on being able to climb difficult ice and mixed routes, having a short rockered sole and excellent compatibility with technical crampons. But hold on, it is also ideal for uphill work, having a racing-derived system that allows for incredible cuff rotation (60 degrees), uphill agility and a super fast, single-motion transition from walk to ski mode. And did we mention that you can slip in the additional Downhill Booster tongue for the extreme support needed for your glory descents? Check out this video.

TLT Vertical ST and TLT Speed bindings and ski crampons
The TLT Vertical bindings with integrated brakes are the most popular Dynafit binding, and would be your choice if you care more about skiing than climbing (check out this video). The TLT Speed bindings with guide leash are for climbers and racers wanting the lightest system (check out this video). The TLT Speed bindings have a guide leash that works in place of brakes. Dynafit ski crampons are available for $99. (Check out this video on the guide leash and ski crampons.)

Skins, ski packs, snow saws and snow-study kits
We also have skins, ski packs, snow saws and snow-study items (digital thermometers, magnifying glasses, snow crystal cards, snow density gauges and the like). Please email Grant to ask what is available.

Pomoca Free Spirit Skins $200: 110mm wide x 190cm long. Nylon skins, sold with Top Fix attachment (tail hook, stretcher for tip), bag and skin cutter. Pomoca Skin Glue $30.

Simond Ocelot Hyperlight ski-mountaineering axe

Simond's "sawn-off" 50cm Ocelot Hyperlight axe is designed for skiing when there is little or no serious climbing involved; that is, a trip where the emphasis is skiing in the mountains. The axe weighs only 345 grams.

Ocelot Hyperlight ski-mountaineering axe NZ$115

Simond Caiman alloy ski-mountaineering crampons

These crampons are 10-point crampons specifically made for ski-mountaineering. They are made of an aluminium alloy rather than steel and are hence incredibly light (weighing only 720 grams with their antiballing plates attached, whereas most other 10-point crampons weigh 850-950 grams and most 12-point crampons weigh 950-1150 grams). You should be aware that alloy crampons blunt faster than steel crampons if worn on rock, so these are more likely to suit your needs if you are flying into the West Coast neves, skiing off-piste at a skifield or requiring light gear for racing.

Caiman crampons incl. anti-balling plates and crampon bag NZ$240