the right ski boots/skis

Question
Hi, Lisa:
I am a 5'5, 130 lb. intermediate cross-country skiier. This will be my fourth year skiing. I am a 40-year-old woman, and am so glad to have found this wonderful sport! I live in Casper, Wyoming, where we have great groomed trails as well as good backcountry skiing. I ski 3-4 times a week, for about 2-3 hours, usually. For my first two years, I skied almost exclusively on groomed trails, with skinny skis and light, comfy boots. But I'd really like to follow the guys through the backcountry more. Last year I got some Karhu Solstice skis, which have a partial metal edge, and slightly bulker boots.  They're great, but sink in the powder, and I have no control when stuck in someone else's tracks on downhills.  A friend gave me a pair of K2 Ascent 8611 and skins, which are apparently randonnees.  I hoped I could match these skis with a lightweight, comfy boot, but it seems I need a bulky plastic boot, and this concerns me.
You see, my fiend, who has been skiing as long as I have bought a telemark package last year, which is what most of our husbands have. She was really overwhelmed by the weight and strength needed.  When we'd ski side by side (me on my skinny skis), she'd be struggling up the inclines (regardless of the wax she put on, it seems, and she has no skins), lugging her heavy skis up the hill, while I just lifted my light little setup, and watched her struggle.  On the downhills, I'd watch her fly, while I had a ton of trouble--no control at all, whether I'm in some other skier's tracks, or sinking down in powder.  What's the balance?
I'm hoping you can tell me that I can buy the next level up, a no-wax ski with scales & full metal edges, with some more width, and still stick with the light canvas boot & NNN binding.  I'm afraid if I go to the plastic boot I'll be miserable & it'll be too heavy for me.  I WILL improve and I WILL ski a lot, but I want to go up incrementally, and keep it fun.  Can I put NNN bindings on the K2 Ascents and use my Karhu soft boots?  Will I get hurt if I don't have hard boots on those shaped skis?  Most of the hills here are pretty minor, and I am not looking to do anything extreme. I just want to be able to run up those hills with a lightweight setup, be able to glide across the flats, and stay on top of the snow on the downs.  Is this possible?
Thanks!
~NaNa'

Answer
Hi and thanks for the questions. Sorry for the delay, im currently on nightshifts. Unfortunately im not up to date with the latest equipment as im currently living in the desert of Australia.

Finding the right combination of backcountry equipment can be difficult and is very individual as you are fast learning. The carved ski will give you better downhill fun, but can be weighty for the walk up. Go with one that is a foam core to reduce weight.  Boots - as long as you have the ankle stability they will suit your downhill adventures.

There are bindings that will lock in for the downhill -but as you state the slopes arent too aggressive and freeheeling you are managing. You can put any binding on any ski, and the shape ski will only assist you not hinder on the downhill. A wider ski you can go shorter - floating on powder is about surface area, not length.

You can definately go up to the next level of equipment. It will take a little adjusting to the change but overall with the amount you ski you will adapt quickly.

I think you're best bet is to find the boots you want to use. Then try a few different ski setups - try your local shops. Rent a few different ones and they should take the rental cost off your purchase - negotiate this when you first go in. It will be the best $50 you spend if it means you know exactly what you want/need to suit your situation.

Sorry i cant be more specific

lisa