I’d been waiting to try the new Scarpa Alien 1.0 all summer, after seeing them on the Scarpa stand at the 2018 Pierra Menta (and also at the feet of a certain Mathéo J.). The new Alien 1.0 was supposed to be stiffer, lighter and even more orientated “race”, but as they say, nothing beats trying them yourself. Many thanks to Scarpa and Plein Nord for allowing us to test these boots. To make sure that we got the most of the Aliens, we tested them with the best possible equipment - Dynastar Pierra Menta skis, both the older and the latest models,mounted with ATK’s SL Evo WC and the new Plum Race 99. Excellent equipment to see how these boots perform.
First impressions: the new Alien 1.0 is a little narrower than the old model (but these are racing boots and not slippers for watching TV!). Adjusting the laces that tighten the cuff needs to be done in several stages until you find the right setting. It’s not very practical but once set up does not need to be done every day, and it saves grams (make small loops so that the laces stay hooked during climbs).
Initially there was some pain under the arch of the foot but this did not last, either the foot got used to the shape, or the boot adjusted to the foot, or a bit of both).
Lowering the rear lever to ski mode, the cuff closes effectively as expected. Scarpa have been refining this system over many years and the latest version on the Alien 1.0 requires less pressure than the older Aliens, it’s very practical and easy to use.
Boot adjustment using the Boa system is always effective, allowing millimetre by millimetre fit adjustment. Some additional adjustment for the front of the foot would make this even better.
First impressions on skis: the foot is perfectly held and rolls forward without any problems. Thanks to the liner’s super low-cut heel, these feel like real sneakers with incredible freedom !! The thin liners mean that the foot is really close to the shell and one can feel it. However I climbed thousands of meters without the slightest problem, no rubbing or discomfort at all apart from a very slight rubbing on the shins. Maybe Scarpa have made these boots for me!!
Remove the skins, a quick click-clack on the rear levers and we’re ready for the descent. Gently at first with long turns, then faster with sharp turns and more pressure applied. The carbon cuff and the shell hold well, without excessive deformation, at least for my weight (obviously lightweight!). The gaiter is effective (higher and more snugger than on the old model) and avoids direct snow entry, even if snow can accumulate between the gaiter and the collar. I returned from my first outing with a smile, a real wedding night! (I may be exaggerating a bit here……!!).
Several thousand meters of climbing and descents making the most of the various and varied conditions of our dear Pyrenees have confirmed my first impressions: my foot has found its home, and there is still no discomfort, overheating or rubbing even on long and / or hot trips. My only criticism was that the gaiter was rubbing against the carbon cuff and showed some wear and one of the liners showed some wear marks with the other being barely marked (this could reflect more on my feet than the boots?!!
The Alien 1.0 is packed with the latest technical developments from Scarpa, including the carbon grilamid shell, the half liner that combines uphill comfort while reducing weight total, the carbon collar with two plastic wings that allow opening without risk of breakage, the new gaiter. Uphill efficiency is excellent while downhill skiing is very precise for a race boot. Scarpa’s Alien 1.0 meets all the requirement of skimo race competitors and skiers who want to go fast in the mountains and is a great success
https://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/scarpa-alien-10-boot-2019
