Ski touring: what is it?

Ski touring is little known to the general public, despite the fact that it is increasingly practiced. Contrary to what one might think, ski touring is not an inaccessible and extreme discipline on a physical level. It can become largely passable depending on the choice of route, conditions and your motivation of course. And it will seduce you if you want to combine endurance, nature and glide.

The principle is simply to climb a summit without lifts, as hikers on foot could do, and go down on skis. It is a mixture between alpine and Nordic skiing, which is therefore practiced for free on a huge playground. All routes are possible, by making loops, climbing several passes, etc. You will have access to beautiful places where you will climb the steepest slopes and then enjoy beautiful descents still untouched by any trace. All these assets can be quickly summarized: to evolve in a grandiose setting, where you want and when you want, for free and without the crowds present on the marked tracks of the resorts, for a great feeling of freedom.

The right equipment for this discipline

Hiking equipment evolves every year to become more and more important. The growing number of practitioners is prompting brands to constantly innovate to bring out new technologies to make ski touring as enjoyable as possible. Let's take stock of the specific hardware you'll need:

A pair of fastening skis: resembling alpine skis, they will still be lighter. They will be equipped with bindings, to free your heel and allow you to walk with your skis.

A pair of ski boots: more comfortable and technical than conventional ski boots, they will give you more range and flexibility for your movements. A notched sole is inserted underneath in case you should walk on the snow with your skis on your shoulder. Seal skins: it is an anti-recoil system that is glued under the skis during climbs and removed for descents. They will prevent you from sliding or backwards in the middle of the climb.

Sticks: They will have to be larger than conventional sticks to be able to push in the climbs.

Security equipment: a shovel, a probe, cleats, a rope, a mask, glasses, a backpack... It's better to plan, you never know.

Security equipment off piste: look at Telemark Pyrenees the pack off piste 

Prepare well for your ski trip

As mentioned earlier, the mountain is a dangerous and unpredictable environment, requiring preparation upstream and some attention during your ski ings.

Choose your itinerary

There will be a variety of itineraries once you are there. Adapt it to your shape and desire, the gradients can vary greatly. It will be best if you start with easy outings, without too much elevation to tame this sport. We advise you to get close to the professionals of the mountain who will advise you according to your level, the difficulty of the routes, the weather conditions.

You can also start on marked trails designed for this purpose. More and more stations are offering them.

Diet and hydration

This applies to any physical activity. It is essential to eat properly and hydrate regularly. The effort in ski touring is intense with the equipment to wear and the significant gradients. Especially since the weather conditions will tire you faster.
Essential Gear for Ski Touring
Ski touring, AT skiing, ski mountaineering, randonee … whatever you call it, getting into the backcountry on skis is becoming more and more popular.

Essential Gear for Ski Touring 

But before you consider what equipment you’ll want to acquire, think about where you’ll be skiing, how you plan on skiing, and the type of terrain you’ll most often encounter while skiing. The difference between a ski-mo/randonee racing rig (super lightweight, designed more for speedy ascents) and a sidecountry rig (resort-friendly and not intended for a lot of skinning) is vast. While often-heard logic of “light is right” will generally hold true for most touring setups, the balance of lightness and fun is crucial and largely dependent on your end goal. A heavier setup will likely require at least one solo rest day in the hut during your five-day tour while the rest of the crew is slaying; similarly, a race rig will leave you sinking and wallowing on the deepest days of the year. Remember, you’re aiming for fun—don’t let peer pressure or bargains steer your decision.

Lightweight Touring Setup

With bigger objectives, come longer approaches. This means full days spent in ski boots, skinning and boot packing for hours. The lighter your kit, the better. Many opt for an even narrower ski and ultra-lightweight touring bindings to shed weight where they can. Fortunately, the ski industry is creating some incredible new technology that is light without sacrificing safety or your ability to charge down the mountain.

Touring boots are an investment that will last for years and the right ones make it easier to climb in the challenging conditions of the alpine. Proper ski mountaineering boots feature lugged and grippy soles for travel on rock and ice. Work with a boot fitter to get a boot matched to your foot, and to mold custom insoles. You’ll want your boots as comfortable as possible. The takeaway: Don’t skimp on boots.

Ski and Boot Crampons

Ski crampons are a must for alpine starts. The ground is still often rock-solid when your tours begin before the sun rises. Ski crampons enable you to travel on firm and icy conditions where your skins would otherwise begin to slide.


When steepness of the slope exceeds what your skis can take you up, or when downclimbing is necessary, boot crampons become essential. Often, you cannot skin to the top of a peak. Boot crampons become your tools for safety and summit success.

Lightweight Helmet 

A helmet that offers a little side protection is a great idea if buying new. But if you are a climber with a classic helmet that only focuses on protecting the top of your head, it will work as well. However, when considering glacier travel and thrilling ski descents, a little more protection can’t hurt!

Read more the post blog : 

WHAT IS ALPINE TOURING? What Equipment Do You Need?