To right of tried and true F1, Scarpa Alien model 1.0 backcountry skiing boot is amazingly light in weight, appears to perform.
They absorb weight. In a good way. Carbon cuff version, size 27, 680 gr, 1.49 pounds, MSRP $1,700. Plastic cuff “consumer” version, 890g, 1.96 pounds. MSRP about half that at $800.00. Nice to see these totally out in public and apparently ready for prime time. World Cup races have already been won on the carbon model 1.0 version. No surprise. From what I can tell the Boa cable lacing system actually works, despite my habitual denial of alien visitation. Lean lock is a “one move” system of course, that folds up nicely when in walk mode. Inner boot is quite exposed, necessary to use a pant with a good and low integrated gaiter system. Overall a thumbs up. Exciting.
Scarpa Alien both carbon and plastic, Boa lace system is obvious.
Plastic cuff version weighs 7 ounces more than carbon cuff model 1.0 .
Adjustable forward lean, 13 to 18 degrees (hmmm, one wonders why another well known boot of this sort will have adjustable lean next winter?). Actual amount of forward support in alpine mode is unknown. Consumer testing must commence. Super range of touring motion. High cuff offers obvious alpine feel in downhill mode.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
