What Is Ski Touring?
What is ski touring? It’s a skiing pursuit defined as cross country, walking uphill as well as skiing downhill. It’s typically done off-piste and outside of ski resorts — and may last longer than a single day. Multi-day ski touring may involve spending nights in mountain huts or tents.
It’s a great way to explore deep snow in the mountains, but it can be challenging and physically demanding so you’ll need some ski touring equipment advice. Find out more here…
The Gear
The basic ski touring equipment should include:
Avalanche safety gear covering:
- Transceiver — worn under clothing and always in transmitter mode so you can be located by other skiers
- Probe — letting you find the exact location and depth of an avalanche casualty
- Shovel — crucial for digging casualties’ out of the snow
- An avalanche airbag backpack and first aid kit
You also need to get:
- Ski crampons for walking on icy surfaces
- Skis and bindings
- Goggles and helmet
- Climbing skins
- Ski touring clothing
- Ski touring backpack
- Something to eat and drink
For a more comprehensive list get in touch with ski touring specialists online — or visit a ski touring retail outlet.
Ski touring boots
These are one of the most important items in your touring equipment, and need to be chosen carefully. You’ll need to have your feet measured and add an extra cm to get your size known as the Mondopoint size.
Opting for a full thermofit liner and custom made footbed will be well worth it. Performance touring boots traditionally have a Vibram rubber sole which rocks to help with walking, climbing, and skiing. Lighter boots with three to four buckles are supportive and appropriate without any compromise in performance.
Ski touring poles
Choose a pair of ski touring specific poles that have extra grip down the top half for navigating. Alloy poles are more resistant to breakage than carbon options, and fixed-length poles are stronger than telescopic ones. Make sure baskets are a reasonable size for softer conditions.
Ski touring guide
Mountain environments can be unpredictable and there are potential risks that must be considered carefully. A certified mountain guide will know the terrain and the typical weather conditions at any time of year. Based on daily snow monitoring and their experience you’ll have the best locations for your trip chosen for you.
Going on a ski touring trip with a guide will get you to reach new levels of expertise as you tackle the backcountry terrain. Whether you choose to go in the spring to experience snow with a crusty surface, or during the winter season when snowfall is consistent, your guide will provide you with the optimum care and safety procedures.
This article is provided by the staff of Allalin Apartments
