What To Look For
Ski boots for backcountry skiing can loosely be divided into three categories: NNN BC compatible boots, telemark boots and alpine touring (AT) boots. NNN (New Nordic Norm) BC boots are suitable for easier backcountry tours that have some downhill on them but are not sturdy enough for those who want to pursue steep and deep turns in the backcountry. The Alpine BC200 is a good model in this category. Telemark skiing has a free heal for uphill and downhill skiing. Plastic telemark boots offer plenty of performance for downhill steeps while keeping the weight down for uphill travel. Alpine touring setups offer alpine downhill performance with the convenience of a free heel for uphill travel. The boots lock into the binding, and the binding has a release on the back for uphill but locks for downhill performance.
Common Pitfalls
The two greatest mistakes people shopping for backcountry ski boots make are in fit and performance. For fit, make sure you bring the right kind of sock; unlike skiing at a resort, skiing in the backcountry is often best with a heavier sock. For performance, keep in mind backcountry skiing involves uphill travel. While heavier boots might offer a slight performance advantage going downhill, a lighter boot that doesn't go to mid-calf will be much better for uphill travel and will still offer plenty of downhill performance.
Where To Buy
While good deals can be found online, it is still best to purchase ski boots from a local ski shop, where you can try on multiple models and find the best fit. Many local shops also have demo programs so you can try the boots on the hill before buying them.
Cost
NNN BC boots vary in price from $60 to $200 as of September 2009. Alpine touring and telemark boots are generally priced from $350 to $700. Buying last season's model is a way to get a good deal.
