What equipment for ski touring?
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 stability. On the contrary, the more
experienced will prefer shorter skis because they will find the climbs easier. However,
the manoeuvrability will be less.
In terms of
weight, the heavier your skis, the greater the stability. Generally, seasoned
skiers prefer light skis to climb faster and get maximum sensations during
descents. Beginners, we recommend a more important grammage to get started.
Don't
overestimate yourself, too radical ski equipment snow study won't help you progress, quite
the contrary. The ideal is to test the skis before buying them. For this, shops
offer equipment for rent.
The
bindings, essential for ski touring
Unlike
piste skiing, bindings have a significant impact on the practice of this
activity. These must be light and reliable to ensure a good progression uphill,
when your heel is released, but also downhill with the heel attached. There are
two types of fasteners: plated and inserted. Plate attachments are the most
classic. The two front and rear blocks are connected by a bar or a rigid plate,
which passes under the shoe. They are compatible with all shoes, are adjustable
in length and easy to shoe. Insert fasteners are lighter and more comfortable.
But it's a dedicated shoe that ensures stiffness, so you'll have to buy the
shoes specific to these bindings if you choose them. In conclusion, casual
practitioners can choose the plate attachments that will suit them perfectly.
For the more passionate, investing in shoes for insert bindings is well worth
it.
Once again,
the choice is yours depending on how you feel and how often you go out.
The rest of the equipment
Shoes are
the first important element. It is important to ensure that, after repeated
changes of position on the fasteners, they do not generate untimely friction on
sensitive areas of the feet. We advise you to choose light shoes. The larger
the climbs, the lighter they will have to be. On the other hand, if the descent
is the majority, slightly heavier shoes will do well.
Seal skins
are the other essential element in ski touring. They are made of hairs that are
used to prevent skiing from receding in the climbs. When you're in the
direction of the hair, the skis slip. Conversely, when the hair is caught in
the wrong direction, it will block you. Mohair and synthetic seal skins,
otherwise known as "mixed skins," are the most common model because
the glide/resistance mixture is the most optimal. Depending on the marks, there
are several attachment systems to secure the skins (glue, rubber tendor, sewn
stirret, etc.). It is very important to take care of your seal skins as they can
damage very quickly. They are very sensitive to changes in the type of snow and
temperature, they must be dried after use...
For other
equipment, opt for 2-strand telescopic sticks, they will be less fragile than
the 3 strands and will fit easily. The DVA is a safety tool to bring with you
when you go hiking. It will detect you if you are the victim of an avalanche.
Finally, your clothes should be light but also breathable and warming.
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