Randonee ski questions

On a side note i think i'll just head to to CO this next winter and get some skiing on the resorts with them to get used to the changing so that it'll make my transition to say skiing the Muir snowfield a lot easier when I'm up there next time.

Also any hints on how to train for skiing with a huge pack on? It's not easy to ski with 40lbs on your back

Along with above suggestions. It helps to cycle the toe piece a few times to free out any snow or ice .

Before putting my boot in toe piece I tap my toe on rear of the other boot to shake loose snow. which is more solid than ski pole.

Finally I put my bindings into tour mode if not there already and put the heel of boot back against the heel piece .This helps with a quick fore aft alignment ,of couse then revert heel to ski mode once toe pins are engaged. I also have markings on my boot but find this last trick is more helpful than marks .

On the pack issue be sure your pack fits you well and is cinched down to prevent overswaying.

Have fun. Looking for your drawl on the Muir.

Also any hints on how to train for skiing with a huge pack on? It's not easy to ski with 40lbs on your back

Last season, as a new backcountry skier, despite hearing and reading of its importance, I vastly underrated this challenge.  This season, I wore my fully-loaded backpack every time I went lift-accessed skiing in the side-country.  It's vastly improved my backcountry balance allowing me, now, to focus more time and attention on technique for skiing difficult and variable snow.  In order to continue advancing my skills, I foresee years more of this particular training method.

Putting a silicon paste on the toe prongs, in the boot prong holes, underneath the toe springs, and in the heel tower (and on the heel rests) helps; cycling the toe piece as Robie suggests is essential--otherwise you may get incomplete closure and a pre-release. The main problem I'm working on after breaking several hundred miles of trail this winter is snow/ice build up under the low heel shelf on the tech binding. So far I've use (1) Armor-all, aerosol ski spray, and Maxi-glide (at different times) on the entire top of the ski; if I still had some Zardoz I'd try that, but without great expectations, (2) silicon paste on the shelf and the vertical face of the binding, and (3) Voile anti-ice tape on the face, shelf, and forward plastic extension of the heel piece. Next I'm going to fit that clear package strapping tape to the face, shelf, plastic extension, and ski up to the toe piece.

The silicon paste I use is "Slather"; I bought several cans for use on my telemark bindings; I'm down to my last little bit. If anyone one knows of a suitable replacement for Slather I'd like to hear about. Slather was sold by Peak and is no longer available.

I use a spray called FilMagic "Super Slick" that I got at a sewing machine store - works well for spraying under the toe arms and now, with Plums, getting in and around the toe lever.

Tex
try this in the early Fall
Load your pack up with 40 pounds of weight or weights.
Cushion it for comfort against your spine
Put it on
Everytime you walk your dogs
Or no dogs
Take a walk once a day