What is Ski Touring?
Many winter sports enthusiasts head to the Alps each year to enjoy the groomed ski runs the region is famous for. However, there’s another side to the mountains beyond just skiing – the more adventurous activity of ski touring.
At Alpine Fleet, our shared and private transfers have helped transport people looking to enjoy ski touring and conventional skiing to their chosen alpine destination for many years.
Unlike resort skiing, ski touring will take you away from the crowds and into the backcountry, where you can experience the natural terrain in a unique way. It’s a discipline that requires endurance and a sense of exploration, showing you the Alps like never before.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what ski touring is, what you need to know to enjoy the activity safely and how we can help you reach your destination safely.
What is ski touring?
Ski touring is the practice of climbing mountains with skis without relying on ski lifts. Once you reach the top, you’ll then ski down it. The activity requires the use of specialised bindings that allow your heels to lift, and ‘skins’ attached to the bottom of your skis to grip the snow. Once at the top, you remove the skins, lock your bindings and ski back down – usually across untouched slopes.
This style of skiing is often confused with free touring and cross-country skiing, but there are important distinctions:
- Free touring is more about maximising downhill performance while maintaining uphill ability. Free touring skis tend to be heavier and are designed for big descents, whereas ski touring prioritises balance between climbing and descending.
- Cross-country skiing is a discipline that takes place on flatter terrain, often on groomed tracks. It uses much lighter skis and boots compared to ski touring.
Overall, ski touring is about self-powered exploration in alpine environments. This makes it both physically demanding and an incredibly rewarding experience.
What do you need for ski touring?
To enjoy ski touring successfully, you need to have the right gear and be in good physical condition. Things you need to have include:
Ski touring equipment
To enjoy ski touring safely and comfortably, having the right gear is essential. Here are the key items every ski tourer should have:
- Touring skis: Lighter than standard skis, they come with bindings that switch between walk and ski modes.
- Climbing skins: Adhesive strips that attach to the base of the skis, these allow uphill traction.
- Touring boots: More flexible for walking but rigid enough for descents.
- Ski poles: Adjustable poles that help with varying slopes and provide extra stability.
- Avalanche gear: A beacon, shovel and probe are essential to ensure safety in the backcountry.
Ski touring clothing
Layering is crucial when ski touring, as you’ll sweat on the way up and cool on the way down. You will need:
- Base layer: A thermal top and ski leggings
- Mid layer: A lightweight fleece
- Outer layer: Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Accessories: Gloves, goggles, sunglasses and a lightweight backpack for skins, food and all the required safety gear
Fitness
While extremely rewarding, ski touring is also demanding and physically challenging. Think of it as a mix between hiking and skiing at altitude. Therefore, good cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and endurance are essential, and you shouldn’t attempt it unless you’re confident in your physical condition. For really challenging routes, training ahead of time is recommended.
Ski touring tips
If you’re new to ski touring, there are a few tips you should be aware of to make the experience smoother, safer and more enjoyable. These include:
- Slide your skis rather than lift: This technique helps you to save energy as you glide the skis forward rather than lifting them with each step.
- Practice the kick turn: This uphill turning technique helps you to switch direction on steep terrain without losing your balance.
- Hold ski poles high: By gripping your ski poles higher, it shortens the length and gives you better leverage on climbs.
- Practice different heel piece positions: Touring bindings have different heights, you should practice using all of them to suit the varying slopes you will come across when ski touring.
- Understand avalanche safety: Before heading out, learn how to use avalanche gear, check conditions daily and never go touring without a partner.
Benefits of ski touring
Ski touring offers a wide range of great benefits, including:
- Adventure and exploration: Access remote valleys and hidden peaks far from the ski lifts.
- Fitness and endurance: Ski touring is a way of getting a full workout that builds strength and stamina.
- Peace and solitude: Escape the hustle and bustle of the busy ski resorts and immerse yourself in nature.
- Improve skiing: Ski touring will help you enhance your balance and technique when skiing.
Understanding the ski touring grade system
Ski touring routes have different levels to help skiers choose suitable terrain. These include:
- MS (Medio Sciatore): These are gentle slopes that have easy climbs and are suitable for beginners.
- BS (Buon Sciatore): These are more challenging and require good technique and fitness. They become more difficult when conditions worsen.
- OS (Ottimo Sciatore): The most challenging terrain, which comes with demanding climbs and tricky descents. They are only suitable for advanced skiers.
Before heading out, you should always research the route you’re planning to take and make sure it is suitable for your ability.
Best places in the Alps for ski touring
The Alps are packed with wonderful skiing destinations, and the best choices for ski touring include:
- Chamonix: Often described as the world capital of mountainneing, Chamonix offers iconic ski touring routes with varied terrain.
- Val Thorens: Val Thorens is one of the highest mountain resorts in Europe. Its altitude guarantees great skiing conditions with plenty of snow.
- Val d’Isere: With vast backcountry terrain, Val d’Isere is a paradise for people looking to explore advanced ski touring routes.
- Avoriaz: Located in the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz provides a range of ski touring routes that are perfect for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
When it comes to reaching your ski touring destination, the team here at Alpine Fleet ensures your journey is just as smooth as your descent. With leading shared and private transfers to choose from, get in touch with our team today to find out more.
