Gear Review: Alpina Discovery 68 Cross Country Skis
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Mt Hood National Forest and Mt Bachelor Nordic Ski Area
Duration of Test: Trips usually last 1 - 6 hours
Product Name: Discovery 68 XC-Skis
Product Brand: Alpina
Best Use: On trail or backcountry cross-country skiing (can be used in tracks also)
Sizes: 168 cm | 178 cm | 188 cm
The Full Review:
After two seasons of putting these skis to the test, I can officially say that you won't be disappointed. They are just skinny enough to squeeze into some Nordic tracks but wide enough that you can do some backcountry exploring or some classic trail skiing. The width makes them slightly more stable, but you still get a true skinny ski Nordic feel. With NNN BC bindings, you can do pretty much anything on these skis.
They are best used on Forest Service trails or hiking trails where the snow might be more varied - either tracked out or not. Some might say they are pushing the width of some Nordic ski tracks - and they just might be - but after the tracks are widened by other skiers, you can fit into those too although they are more meant for trails. These skis are great for beginners too - a bit on the slower side, the stability and speed will help to get the hang of xc skiing on more varied terrain. The Alpina Discovery 68 xc skis are all around a great ski.
The Good:
They are stable and slightly slower - great for exploring new trails or more varied terrain, especially if you're newer to the sport. They aren't too wide which makes them more versatile and still similar to the skinny skis that define the xc skiing sport. These skis are mid-flex with a decent amount of camber, but since they are a backcountry ski, they aren't too aggressive underfoot making them easy to ski on trickier trails. The Discovery 68s are still skinny enough to take to groomed trails and perform well but allow for more exploration, especially if you're skiing primarily around the Mt. Hood National Forest. You'll want to pair them with an NNN BC binding - you'll get more control and stability. Although they are a backcountry ski, they are still relatively lightweight but the backcountry binding will make a world of difference.
The Bad:
Being slightly wider and therefore heavier, they tend to be slower. When not waxed or maintained regularly, the bases dry out and they slow down even more. Sizing them is important - erring on the shorter side will be easier to ski them. But since there are only three sizes and if you are using them to take out an overnight pack or do some longer trips, you'll want to think about sizing up to account for the extra weight. With only three size options, it's tough to know exactly which one is the right one to take. Since they max out at 68mm, they aren't up for any major backcountry exploration and they are pushing what's acceptable for groomed tracks - they are always somewhere in between.
The Bottom Line:
Overall these skis are great. They are easy to ski on, fun and stable, and great for most of the trails around the Mt. Hood National Forest. The Discovery 68s are optimal trail skis for the day trip or a short term overnight experience. They will get you where you want to go and even sized wrongly, still remain ski-able. Not too skinny, not too fat - just right. With the proper maintenance, the Alpina Discovery 68 ski will ensure you'll have a great day out on the trail.
The Full Review:
After two seasons of putting these skis to the test, I can officially say that you won't be disappointed. They are just skinny enough to squeeze into some Nordic tracks but wide enough that you can do some backcountry exploring or some classic trail skiing. The width makes them slightly more stable, but you still get a true skinny ski Nordic feel. With NNN BC bindings, you can do pretty much anything on these skis.
They are best used on Forest Service trails or hiking trails where the snow might be more varied - either tracked out or not. Some might say they are pushing the width of some Nordic ski tracks - and they just might be - but after the tracks are widened by other skiers, you can fit into those too although they are more meant for trails. These skis are great for beginners too - a bit on the slower side, the stability and speed will help to get the hang of xc skiing on more varied terrain. The Alpina Discovery 68 xc skis are all around a great ski.
The Good:
They are stable and slightly slower - great for exploring new trails or more varied terrain, especially if you're newer to the sport. They aren't too wide which makes them more versatile and still similar to the skinny skis that define the xc skiing sport. These skis are mid-flex with a decent amount of camber, but since they are a backcountry ski, they aren't too aggressive underfoot making them easy to ski on trickier trails. The Discovery 68s are still skinny enough to take to groomed trails and perform well but allow for more exploration, especially if you're skiing primarily around the Mt. Hood National Forest. You'll want to pair them with an NNN BC binding - you'll get more control and stability. Although they are a backcountry ski, they are still relatively lightweight but the backcountry binding will make a world of difference.
The Bad:
Being slightly wider and therefore heavier, they tend to be slower. When not waxed or maintained regularly, the bases dry out and they slow down even more. Sizing them is important - erring on the shorter side will be easier to ski them. But since there are only three sizes and if you are using them to take out an overnight pack or do some longer trips, you'll want to think about sizing up to account for the extra weight. With only three size options, it's tough to know exactly which one is the right one to take. Since they max out at 68mm, they aren't up for any major backcountry exploration and they are pushing what's acceptable for groomed tracks - they are always somewhere in between.
The Bottom Line:
Overall these skis are great. They are easy to ski on, fun and stable, and great for most of the trails around the Mt. Hood National Forest. The Discovery 68s are optimal trail skis for the day trip or a short term overnight experience. They will get you where you want to go and even sized wrongly, still remain ski-able. Not too skinny, not too fat - just right. With the proper maintenance, the Alpina Discovery 68 ski will ensure you'll have a great day out on the trail.