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Guide Gear Review: Dynafit Denali

IFMGA Guide Mike Soucy has given these skis a thorough testing this season:

New for me this year is a sub-100mm waist ski that I’ve toured on all winter long and will continue to ski until June. Dynafit’s Denali is an ultralight, thoughtfully proportioned touring machine.

They’ve taken the featherweight and lively Cho Oyo and added some tip rocker along with some width to create a ski that carves and floats wherever you take it. I’ve now skied these boards in all conditions from firm and frozen to light and deep. They are easy to initiate with a snappy rebound on the hardpack. In powder or variable snow, the wide shovel and tip rocker float effortlessly.

Paired with a lighter touring boot and Speed binding, this setup will allow you to travel far into the hills with maximum efficiency. I think that it will be a great spring touring and ski mountaineering tool.

Of course, a ski weighing in under 3 pounds has a speed limit. At some point, or in some snow, you will find it. The Denali is made for long tours and big vert, though not high speed.

If you’re looking for a versatile and well-constructed spring touring and mountaineering setup, the Denali would be a great place to start.