Ski mountaineering and telemark boots represent the link between your body and the skis.

Consequently, it is essential to have all the necessary information to select the right product. With this SCARPA ski mountaineering boots guide, you can acquire the appropriate level of expertise, whether you are approaching ski mountaineering for the first time or are already highly experienced in the discipline.

The key components of a ski boot are the shell and the cuff, which form the external structure; the fastening systems, which secure them; and the ski/walk mechanism, which must remain functional and easy to operate even while wearing gloves. Equally important is the thermoformable liner—an area in which SCARPA holds a worldwide exclusivity for ski mountaineering with the Intuition brand—ensuring both comfort and quality.

Finally, the sole plays a fundamental role, as it must provide grip and safety while walking, whether carrying skis on your backpack or engaging in mountaineering activities, with or without crampons.

All SCARPA ski mountaineering boots are designed with Mondopoint sizes, except for the Alien 3.0, which uses European sizes. To find the right fit, simply consult the Size Guide: check the conversion between the size you normally wear and the corresponding Mondopoint size shown in the last column.

Once you’ve selected the size, it is essential to have the boots thermoformed at a specialised store. You can find the list of Scarpa Thermoformers here.

By doing so, the liner will adapt perfectly to your feet, ensuring long-lasting comfort without excessive tightness in any area. We know that foot shape varies from person to person, and to maintain long-lasting performance, the boot liner must be thermoformed to your foot. This is why we rely on the expertise of Intuition, which produces liners that represent the state of the art in this crucial component. When having your boot liners thermoformed, wear light socks or the ones you usually use for ski mountaineering, as thermal insulation is already guaranteed by the liners.

The range of motion is the degree of movement that ski boots allow your feet, thanks to the ability of the cuff to move forward or backward from the base of the shell. The greater the mobility, the more agile the boots will be for both uphill and downhill runs.In our race ski boots, the range of motion can exceed 70°, allowing athletes to walk, climb, and turn with ease.

Ramp angle is the inclination of the heel in relation to the boot board. This affects the skier’s fore/aft balance on the skis, the position of the joints, and the resulting physical response. As the angle increases, it makes adopting a downhill stance easier. Forward lean, on the other hand, is the angle of the cuff in relation to the boot board. In all SCARPA ski mountaineering boots, this angle can be adjusted according to your needs, within the range specified in each product description.

Four-lever models are best suited for downhill runs, while three-lever models provide greater agility for uphill movement. In some models, the BOA Fit System® is integrated into the ski boot. This patented system allows long-term adjustment of the fastening without creating pressure points. It works through a dial connected to extra-strong, lightweight laces and a low-friction control mechanism, enabling precise micro-adjustments.

Before using your ski boots, make sure you wear socks that allow good breathability and provide a proper fit; avoid cotton socks, as they retain moisture. Check that the gap between the boot and the binding is free from snow, mud, or dirt before locking the binding. Finally, ensure that all the boot buckling systems are properly fastened.

Always follow these instructions while using the boots. They are also designed for walking, but moving on abrasive surfaces such as rock, asphalt, or concrete can shorten their lifespan, wear out the binding surfaces, and potentially compromise the locking and releasing function of the binding, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Be extremely careful when walking, particularly on steep or slippery terrain.

Do not use the boots if you feel abnormal pressure in certain areas, or if your feet, ankles, or lower legs are numb or extremely cold. Skiing with numb, or partially numb, feet can be dangerous, as the skier’s responsiveness is reduced.

SCARPA boots are designed to require minimal maintenance and to be easy to clean.

To get the best performance and extend their life, it is important to follow some simple steps. Use a plastic brush to remove dirt, as this avoids scratching the surface of the boot. Then clean them with a wet cloth dipped in a neutral cleanser, such as a standard body cleanser, and never use aggressive chemical substances, whether acid or alkaline, nor alcohol or solvents. Once cleaned, rinse the surfaces carefully.

Allow the boots to dry thoroughly before storing them, but never place the shell in contact with or near a heat source, as this could melt it, alter its shape, or weaken the plastic. For the same reason, do not use a hairdryer to dry the boots, as it could cause irreparable damage. The inner liners should be dried slowly and far from direct heat sources; placing them on radiators, near flames such as stoves or fireplaces, or inside heating devices like dryers or ovens can also damage them irreparably.

When storing the boots, choose a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid fastening the buckles too tightly to prevent warping, and if possible, keep the boots in their original packaging. Do not expose them to direct sunlight, as this can cause colours to fade and, over time, damage the plastic. Finally, never leave the boots in environments that exceed 45°C (113°F), for example inside a car trunk exposed to direct sunlight.

If your boots are damaged, do not attempt to repair them yourself and never ski while wearing a damaged boot. In the event of a fall or visible damage, we recommend having your boots checked and repaired exclusively by one of our retailers or by a specialised professional. For any further information regarding boot repair, please contact your authorised SCARPA retailer.