I'll try and tackle some of the basics. Dave.M's site (not me, a the other Dave M
) is a great place to start.
There are basically three types of binding systems that come into play in the backcountry: NNN-BC or SNS-BC, 75mm (telemark), or AT/Randonee.
NNN-BC or SNS-BC - These are fairly lightweight binding systems, based on (but incompatible with) the basic XC systems from NNN or SNS. These bindings have a metal bar in front of toe of the boot and a series of interconnected ridges on the boot soles and bindings. These are excellent for kick and glide and snowplowing, but are overclassed when attempting telemark turns. The boots available are much more touring oriented, there are no plastic boots like you find with telemark. They are best used for backcountry touring mated with metal-edged touring skis like the E99 or Karhu XCD GT, up to wider skis like the Fischer SBound series.
75mm three pin (telemark) - There is a wide range of weights of 75mm bindings and boots, that can range from light touring to the steepest lift-served or backcountry terrain. The binding originated with 3 metal pins to lock the boot in the binding but many current bindings don't use the pins, relying on a cable that runs behind the heel to keep the boot in place. There are also a wide range of boots available, from low leathers to stiff, aggressive plastics. Some combinations (Garmont Excursions, Fischer Sbounds, Volie 3-pins) are fine for most touring, allowing the user a bit more control for turns than the NNN-BCs at the expense of a bit more weight. Heavier combinations (Scarpa T1, G3 Reverend, Hammerhead Bindings) can take you down anything a ski area can offer and much beyond, but are extremely heavy and unwiedly for any type of touring. Lots more can be said here. Some of the beefiest bindings offer releasability.
AT/Randonee - Alpine Touring (also called Randonee) operates as a free heel binding for climbing with skins and then locks down the heels for descending like an alpine ski. They are extremely popular in Europe for backcounty trips. There are some incompatible combinations as new bindings and boots are introduced. AT isn't great as a rolling touring setup, but it works best for steady climbing followed by steady descents. The bindings over the ability to release on descent which is important safety feature.
Alpine Trekker - This is a binding that you can drop into an alpine ski binding and use to simulate AT. It's a compromise that allows an alpine skier to sample AT skiing without buying new skis or boots. Since alpine boots aren't designed for touring this is a compromise and really doesn't do anything very well, but will get you out there.
I'll try and rundown the situations you posted:
Greeley Ponds - This is very basic backcountry skiing. From the WV side all you need is metal edged skis. NNN-BC or 75mm bindings will work fine with a touring setup. You can wax or use waxless skis to climb to the ponds, and all you need to get down is a decent snowplow.
Upper Works to the Loj - Can someone who knows the Daks reply here?
Garfield - I'd recommend beefy telemark or AT gear for this trip. The upper sections require fairly quick turns and the ability to adapt to changing terrain on and off the trail. I've done it on lighter backcountry gear and while it's possible it's not as enjoyable.
Lift Served and beyond - Wildcat Valley trail is probably not the best example, as that is pretty much a tour except for the first 1/2 mile. It can be done on anything from light touring gear to AT, depending on skill level and snow conditions. If you want to ski lifts you'll want at least medium stiff plastic tele boots (T3, T2, Syner-G) combined with cable bindings or AT.
There are lots of variables, lots of opinions, and new gear being introduced all the time. What works for some folks may be overkill or hopelessly inadequate for others. It's hard to make blanket statements about what is needed or even appropriate for a given trip. Try stuff, rent, demo, borrow, and see what works for you.
-dave-
