Ummm…David, I’m afraid I can’t help here. The Asolo 535 boots are for hiking. They鈥檒l take a snowshoe binding fine. But they won鈥檛 attach to skis. You need a proper XC ski boot for that.
I think you鈥檇 like a boot such as the BC X11 ($280). They鈥檙e a hiking boot in ski-boot guise, with stiff plastic uppers, a great fit, good for kick-and-glide but stiff enough for turning on the downhills.
Take a look as well at 鈥檚 X-ADV 5 ($160). A little softer than the Rossignols, so better for travel on rolling rather than steep terrain. But comfortable and warm. Similar in weight and performance is ‘s BC 1550 ($170). Insulated, with a plastic cuff around the ankles for support.
Speaking broadly, skis versus snowshoes for backcountry use can be argued several ways. Snowshoes are easier to use, better in rough terrain, compatible with any boots. Skiing is definitely faster overall because of the greater speed on the downhill. But鈥t can be more difficult to manage, more specialized, and not so maneuverable on steep or varied terrain. I鈥檝e done both snowshoes and skis for backcountry use. I like both, but it depends on what the trip is like.
But, for skiing, you definitely need the right gear: ski boots, skis with bindings, and so on. I think you鈥檒l have fun with it!