Cutting slopes like this... Mt Lyall http://backcountryskiingcanada.com/images/route_photos/backcountry-skiing-chic-chocs.jpg Also the Mont Blanc area... anyone have any info? I'd heard from locals that random skiing isn't permitted, but people go anyway. Is that because of the guide company in the ...

Camping in winter only shows Mt Albert campground... are there backcountry winter campsites? Ah, the backcountry ski area map shows basically what I thought was permitted and prohibited in the park. The areas of Mt Albert, Logan and Jacques Cartier prohibited. Lac Cascapedia and Ernest-Laforce areas...

That's good news. What areas are available for camping? where are the new ski slopes?

What if you want to XCD offtrail? I saw some pictures and the terrain doesn't look all that steep and the trees are pretty well spaced (I'm sure not everything is that way). Looks like it could be great Epoch/Annum - Stiff Leather/Soft Plastic territory... maybe I'm wrong but it looked like perfect...

Do you guys normally use 3pin bindings mounted without risers? For backcountry, I've preferred no riser, but only use them to get the ramp angle because of rockered plastic boots. Less rise feels like a better match with softer boots, considering leverage and all.

The 10mm riser will feel better in deep, soft snow, compared to 20mm. It's weird that half the plastic cost twice as much.

why do all threads turn into a personal essay about the mental issues of trying to decide which pair of four similar skis to take to the golf course?

fat skis float, surf, pivot, slarve, carve and turn to avoid trees. turning controls speed and heading.
skinny skis sink, plow under and go straight.
daves opinions on gear was relevant from 1970 to 1995.

For that instep measurement... did you measure all the way around the heel? in the pic, it appears measured to the sides of the heel at the edge of the brannock device? If I measure to the sides of the heel, it's 280mm, all the way around the heel is 305mm. Width is 105mm. We may have the similar si...

Yup, good idea, look for old T2's and get Pro-Tour liners. Either 2 or 3 buckles. If you're going with the 28.5 shell, which may feel roomy, the 3rd instep buckle will help hold the foot in place. Removing the plastic tongues will make them cruise along a lot easier.