Ok, the glueless skins from clipskins sound like a great "why didn't I think of that" idea, but the skinless backcountry skis from Marquette which are blow moulded and made of a mixture of polypropylene, glass, silicone and brass [making them 100% recyclable] sound a bit like 30% snowshoe and 70% ski - which is precisely the idea.

And only $179? ok how good can these things really be.

- no steel edges.

- no torsion stability.

I am pretty skeptical.

The founder of V.I.O POV camera, Dave Ollila is the brains behind the project and thinks they have a place in the market - maybe they do, maybe they are simply an inexpensive option for those that want to play in the snow and live the life of an extreme backcountry superstar - kind of like the $30 Wally-world snowboard special.

I guess the proof will be in the pudding - any takers?

The manufacturers web site had this to say:

Unable to find  a durable, simple and inexpensive backcountry ski that could climb and descend without compromise,  Snapperhead Inventions set out to create such a thing. 

The marquette backcountry ski is largely designed around the topography (~600'  to ~2000') and snow fall (~150" - ~300") of Marquette, Michigan. Granite, glacial-formed "mountains" and valleys create the perfect terrain for backcountry skiing. (We think that many other areas around the world will also enjoy the versatility and high fun to cost ratio.)

The ski was designed and is manufactured in Michigan. The commercialization process included a collective of individuals and companies scattered throughout the State and has generated a substantial investment and impact on the states economy (without government recovery money or incentives).

If you enjoy winter adventure without all the extra costs and logistics, then we think you will enjoy the marquette backcountry ski.