SCARPA says that never before has anything this lightweight provided this much performance. At Skimo Co, we tend to agree. Liberal use of carbon fiber and a cleverly designed minimalist buckle system allows these boots to cross the finish line at a scant ~750 grams (1lb 10oz) [27]. The racers crossing the line in first place would indicate that it is quite skiable as well.

• Reliable single throw lock lets you switch between walk and ski modes in a blink.
• Advanced carbon cuff system works like a backbone, supporting the leg and increasing drive and edge control of your skis.
• Features a "buckle" system that is actually rope tied to the locking mechanism, making this quite possibly the first zero buckle skimo race boot.
• The BOA closure system cradles your feet without pressure points, allowing fine tuning of fit on the fly.
• A thin layer of alien-green polyamide protects the carbon core that wraps your foot, reducing vibration and preventing oft-seen cracks on all-carbon boots that have collided with an edge of a ski or rock.
• Appropriately named Vibram "UFO" soles feature large grooves to avoid picking up freeloading debris.
• A relatively wide 99mm last lets the blood circulate, keeping your toes from freezing when it's below zero on race day.
• Uses the patented Quick Step boot inserts to ease into your race bindings without fuss.
• Forward lean can be set at either 9 or 13 degrees while enjoying 58 degrees of movement in run mode.
• Lightweight HRP Intuition overlapping liner securely wraps your leg and is thermomoldable.
• Optional gaiter prevents snow from wetting your cuff if you take these out on a pow day without your lycra suit.

Alien 1.0 vs Alien

If you can afford it, the Alien 1.0 will give you one of the most advanced boots on the market. If you prefer to spend $1000 on something other than SCARPA's carbon core injection technology, the Alien makes a worthy replacement with a penalty of only 150 grams (5.3 ounces). You might also enjoy the slightly thicker liner, power strap, and trip to Cancun.