The San Juan mountains, so far this season, are clocking in just above average on snowfall..and that means that we are back to our true Continental snowpack. Our backcountry is weak and tender, and so it has made for a very unpredictable touring experience at this stage of our winter.

So, my time of late has been spent enjoying the ski area, a few days touring on ridgelines at or below treeline, and climbing some ice. And, as the touring conditions have allowed for some great lower angle powder skiing, it has been a good time to test and play with the gear.

Salomon has built out a new line of touring/on-mountain ski boots, and I have been taking out the new Lady Quest on some fun excursions. With its ride/hike technology that includes a women’s liner and specific women’s cuff (with a release cuff system), this boot is made for a solid performance in both uphill/downhill motion. It is extremely comfortable with immediate use, with a very flexible and soft hike mode, and an amazing cushioning system.

When this boot goes into downhill lock mode, it is as solid as they come. Excellent function with its magnesium backbone that improves power and transmission along with true alpine flex technology that locks the cuff into the lower shell for further directed energy and precision oriented performance.

Weighing in at 3.86 pounds per boot, the Lady Quest is very competitive in the touring marketplace and unsurpassed in its on mountain performance. This is cutting edge for an alpine boot that tours as well as it skis. It is also compatible with all safety touring bindings on the market, with touring pads of Contagrip rubber available to add on to the system.

The new Quest line comes out in stores this Fall 2010. It is a fantastic new option for in-bounds comfort seekers along with off-piste explorers.