Alproute 84 review

Overview

The Fischer Alproute 84 is the shorter, narrower model in Fischer's Alproute entry-level touring line. Fischer describes it as "our clear commitment to touring", designed to give skiers "a smooth and trouble-free introduction to ski touring" with "a proper touring construction at a fair price". It comes only in 148 to 169 cm, and retailers list it as a women's ski. Despite the name, Fischer's own figures give an 82–83 mm waist, so it skis like a classic low-80s touring ski rather than a true 84.

On-snow performance

On paper the Alproute 84 is built to be easy rather than demanding. Fischer rates it for beginner and advanced skiers and lists an allround touring orientation with a medium turn radius: 18 m in 148 cm, rising to 20 m in 162 and 169 cm. The Tour Rocker tip shortens the contact length, which Fischer says makes turn initiation easier and takes effort out of tight spots. The Fiber Tech glass layer is described as giving harmonious bending and good turning, so the ski should feel forgiving at moderate speeds on groomed descents and spring snow. At 82–83 mm it is not a deep-snow ski, and the poplar core with no metal will not offer the damping of heavier freetourers.

Construction & specs explained

The Alproute 84 uses a Poplar Woodcore with Air Tec milling, a pattern that Fischer says cuts core weight by 25% without losing flex or torsional stability. Fiber Tech is a glass fibre network for even bending and easy turning. It is built in Sandwich Sidewall Construction (wood core with ABS sidewalls) with sintered bases and a factory tune of 87° side edge and 1° base edge. Profile: Tour Rocker, a tip rocker. Fischer pairs it with its Transalp 10 PT pin binding, which Fischer rates for touring skis up to 90 mm wide. Per-length specs from Fischer: 148 cm (110/82/97, 18 m, 1,170 g), 155 cm (111/82/98, 19 m, 1,240 g), 162 cm (112/83/99, 20 m, 1,300 g), 169 cm (114/83/101, 20 m, 1,390 g). All weights are per ski.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Alproute 84 fits lighter and shorter skiers who are starting out in touring and want a simple, forgiving ski at a fair price. The Elan Lynx 82 w is a close rival at a similar waist and is lighter, listed at 1,120 g in 157 cm and 1,230 g in 164 cm. The Blizzard Zero g 085 w is a more performance-oriented women's tourer at 85 mm and 1,110 g in 171 cm. The Dynafit Seven Summits is another entry-level option with an 84 mm waist in 166 cm and 1,230 g in that length.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Forgiving Fiber Tech glass lay-up suits new ski tourers.
• Tour Rocker tip makes turn initiation easy.
• Short 148–169 cm range fits lighter and shorter skiers.
• Fischer positions it at a fair price for a full touring construction.

Cons

• Heavier than lightweight touring skis at the same waist.
• No metal, so less damping in heavy or icy snow.
• 82–83 mm waist offers limited float in deep powder.
• Skiers taller than the 169 cm maximum length will need the Alproute 88.

Verdict: A simple, approachable touring ski for skiers taking their first steps off the lifts. Choose it for an easy introduction to touring at a fair price, but look at lighter or stiffer skis once long ascents or demanding descents become the goal.