What is it ski touring, equipment and gear ski touring?



Ski touring has been around for a long time: about 1000 years ago, it was a mode of transport before it became a sport and a hobby. In general, ski touring is done on groomed and protected slopes but you still need to have some basics or a little experience of off-piste skiing.

What is it ski touring, equipment and gear ski touring?

If you're skiing for the first time, prefer slopes that tend to be flatter and easier because climbs require a lot more physical effort. Indeed, if you are too tired, once you get to the top, you may have more trouble keeping control during the descent. If you want to try a climb the first time, you need a good preparation in advance: walking, jogging or cycling regularly a few months before your departure for the mountain. 

 The choice of trails you will take will depend on your physical condition, your level of skiing, the weather and the terrain.



The essentials of equipment for ski touring

Skis

There are different types of skis, but we'll only talk about ski touring equipment here. So, if you're a novice, we advise you to choose medium-flexible skis with a radius of curvature neither too large nor too small. As for the size of your skis, if you don't yet know how to choose, check out a size guide in store or a renter can advise you as well.

The bindings

When choosing your bindings, make sure they are suitable for your shoes. Then you have to adjust the length of the fasteners to that of your soles. To walk, the heels of your shoes will not be attached to the skis while to go down a track they will have to be blocked.

Shoes

Before you look for a ski outfit, don't forget the shoes to complete your ski touring equipment: choosing the right shoes is very important. In general, your ski boots will be almost the same size as your standard sneakers. The best way to find the ones that will fit you perfectly and won't give you blisters on your foot is obviously to try several models by putting on a pair of socks that you wear with your regular shoes. Once the ski boots are at your feet, stand up to make sure they are neither too tight nor too big. You must feel comfortable.

Clothes

Clothing for ski touring is also very important in the equipment as the temperature conditions are extreme on the snowy slopes. With the wet and cold weather and body heat you generate while skiing you need clothes that protect you but let perspiration and air pass at the same time. The layering of several layers of light clothing gives a better flexibility and allows to make movements with more ease. In addition, it provides more heat without suffocating you:

The base layer will consist of well-fitting underwear: long-sleeved t-shirt, long-sleeved shorts, tights or leggings


The middle layer: a zippered polar sweatshirt

Top layer: a waterproof but air-like ski jacket and breathable waterproof pants.
Always bring a warm garment, such as a down jacket. Don't hesitate to put it on if you stop for a long time in a bivouac to rest, eat and drink. On the contrary, if you feel that you are too hot take off a layer of clothing, do not wait to sweat. However, be sure to bring some spare clothes in case you sweat. Sweating can cause you to lose body heat and lead to hypothermia. Therefore, you absolutely need to change your clothes if they are wet.

The sticks

To keep your balance, to lean on climbs and descents your ski touring equipment must have strong, lightweight, reliable and comfortable ski poles. You can choose between telescopic sticks and piste ski poles. The length of the first ones are adjustable but if you are looking for a simple solution, bet instead on the second type of sticks. The main thing when you start ski touring is to have stable ski poles.

The backpack

Any old backpack will not be suitable, and it's always better to have quality ski touring equipment and therefore a specially designed bag. Today's ski touring backpacks have dedicated compartments for all equipment. You'll have room for your clothes, glasses and groceries, among others. And you'll even have ties for your skis, which is very convenient!

Arva or other avalanche detection system

The snow-capped mountain can sometimes be dangerous: you never know when the next avalanche will take place. As a precaution, you should also have in your ski touring equipment a Victim Search Device in case of Avalanches (ARVA), and of course a shovel and probe. Don't forget to learn how to use your detection system before you leave, otherwise it won't do you much good. Another alternative is to equip yourself with clothing with a RECCO® for safety (in the event of an emergency rescue). This system does not require any batteries or batteries. Rescuers use the Recco detector emitting at a frequency that the reflector will return to it doubled. It is a real complement to the Arva which increases the chances of being found.

Read more at this article : TELEMARK Ski – WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Commentaires

Enregistrer un commentaire

Posts les plus consultés de ce blog

Ski touring: what is it?

Image
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 o
Lire la suite

What equipment for ski touring?

Image
Ski touring has become an increasingly popular activity in recent years. Alternating off-piste climbs and descents, the latter focuses on optimizing physical effort. Thus, a material fully adapted with the best possible specificities is required to allow you to make the most of, without getting too tired. To help you, Locatour takes a quick look at the equipment needed for ski touring . Choose your skis well The choice of ski touring is a real compromise. How long? What weight? Would you like to favour sensations on the descent or the lightness on the climb? On what slopes and type of snow will you evolve?? It all depends on your level of practice and the frequency of the outings. In order to choose them well, it is therefore essential to ask these good questions. For ski touring enthusiasts, it makes sense to opt for a long pair of skis. Ideally, it should be between 10 and 15 centimetres shorter than your size. You should know that slender skis will bring more stab
Lire la suite