Alpine Touring Ski Length

Question
I have skied for 40+ years and am an expert skier.  I have recently started skiing in the backcountry and have Scarpa thermo boots and a pair of Frtischi free ride bindings.  I am getting ready to buy a pair of K2 Shuksan or Rossignol Dirty Bird skis.  I am struggling with the length to buy and have had varying input.  I am 6', 205 lbs, 48 years old.  I would appreciate your input on the length to buy.

Answer
Hi
thankyou for the question.  Unfortunately i am unable ot help you with a definative answer - skis are always a personal choice.

Things to consider would be weight and width.
Then depending on the type of backcountry snow you ski should also be taken into account & the amount of energy you have to expend on a day in the back-country.

Generally with tele's they are in the chin to eye range - but as you are learning there are many considerations.

A good guide will be to consider the sizes you have skied on in the past and working out what suited you.  Are you able to try a few different pairs before you buy?  Talk to the guys who go back-country - find out what they like, where they ski and their skiing style. Take into consideration how often the go, how old they are and their fitness level as these all impact.

Good luck and sorry i am unable to be of more useful assistance.

lisa