Alproute 88 review

Overview

The Fischer Alproute 88 is the wider, longer model in Fischer's Alproute entry-level touring line. Fischer calls it "your reliable companion for alpine tours" and says it is designed to give skiers "a smooth and trouble-free introduction to ski touring", with "a proper touring construction at a fair price". It comes in five lengths from 155 to 183 cm with an 87–89 mm waist, so it covers a wider range of skier sizes than the shorter Alproute 84 and adds a little more surface for soft snow.

On-snow performance

On paper the Alproute 88 aims for easy, predictable behaviour rather than high-end performance. Fischer rates it for beginner and advanced skiers, lists an allround touring orientation and a medium turn radius that grows with length: 18 m in 155 cm, 20 m in 169 cm and 22 m in 183 cm. The Tour Rocker in the 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, spring snow and light powder. With a poplar core and no metal it will not offer the damping of heavier freetourers when the snow gets hard or chopped up.

Construction & specs explained

The Alproute 88 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: 155 cm (118/87/105, 18 m, 1,250 g), 162 cm (119/88/106, 19 m, 1,350 g), 169 cm (120/88/107, 20 m, 1,440 g), 176 cm (121/89/108, 21 m, 1,500 g), 183 cm (122/89/109, 22 m, 1,580 g). All weights are per ski.

Who it's for & comparisons

The Alproute 88 fits skiers who are new to touring, or who tour a few times a season, and want one simple, forgiving ski that also handles resort days and spring snow. Within Fischer, the Fischer Transalp 86 CTI is the lighter, more performance-oriented choice at 1,190 g in 176 cm, about 300 g less per ski than the Alproute 88 in the same length. The Dynafit Radical 88 also uses a poplar core at the same waist and is listed at 1,320 g in 174 cm, so it is lighter for long climbs. The Rossignol Touring escaper 87 is another approachable all-round tourer, listed at 1,400 g in 175 cm.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Forgiving Fiber Tech glass lay-up suits new ski tourers.
• Tour Rocker tip makes turn initiation easy.
• Five lengths from 155 to 183 cm fit a wide range of 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, chopped or icy snow.
• 87–89 mm waist gives only moderate float in deep powder.
• Rated for beginner and advanced skiers, so strong skiers may outgrow it.

Verdict: A dependable, easy-going touring ski for skiers taking up touring on a sensible budget. Choose it for a simple all-round start, and look at lighter or stiffer skis once long ascents or demanding descents become the goal.