For those newer to the sport of skiing, you may be surprised to learn how broad of a term “skiing” really is. While you may initially picture everyone just cruising down the groomers, there are actually several different styles of skiing. Ski touring is one form of skiing that’s becoming more and more popular every year and is what we’re going to cover today!
What is ski touring?
Ski touring actually goes by a number of different names such as alpine touring, ski mountaineering, or radonnée (which is the French name for it). Ski touring is a form of backcountry skiing that allows you to be able to climb the slopes without taking off your skis.
How do you do this? Skiers will use skins on the bottom of their skis that allow them to climb without slipping along with specific bindings that allow you to be able to lift your heel so that you can climb while you’re still attached to your skis.
How did ski touring start?
It actually started out as more of a basic means of travel and transportation rather than a sport or hobby. For example, all the way back in 1855, John “Snowshoe” Thompson used skis to deliver mail to remote areas of California. Others used skis to travel through the mountains of Norway and other countries in Europe. Thanks to our many other methods of transportation these days, ski touring is a lot less of a necessity than it used to be and is just recreational!
Why do skiers like ski touring?
One of the biggest draws of it is the feeling of solitude. Many skiers find themselves craving the peace and quiet of being out in nature every once in a while rather than having to navigate crowded ski resorts. Another reason is untouched terrain, the further you get from the main area at a resort, the more likely you are to find pristine snow conditions.
Where can I go ski touring?
If you’re intrigued at the thought of skiing somewhere with less crowds where you feel like you can have more freedom, you may be wondering where exactly you’re able to go ski touring.
One common place is the sidecountry or resort-accessed backcountry. These are slopes that you can access by riding the lift to the top of the mountain at a ski resort, but instead of heading straight down, you will ski down the back of the mountain. Some resorts may have signs towards the back of the mountain that warn people to “ski at their own risk” or may even point out the risk of death or injury beyond that point.
For those who want to really get away from it all, other places to ski tour are designated mountains that are not part of any ski resort, and simply need to be accessed from climbing yourself or taking another method of transportation to help you get at least part way there, such as a snowmobile or even helicopter.
It’s worth stopping to note that you should NOT attempt ski touring by yourself or attempt it if you’re a beginner. This should only be attempted by intermediate to advanced, confident skiers and ideally with a guide who knows the area and can help you stay safe, especially if you’re navigating more remote mountains.
What gear do I need?
Ski touring gear is essentially the same as backcountry gear. You will probably want to use some of the same things, such as a ski backpack that’s packed with items like your water bottle, beacon, shovel, and avalanche probe.
Touring skis are designed to be lightweight, making them easier to climb with than your average pair of downhill skis. Along with this, you will also need ski skins to attach to the base of your skis so that you can climb. You will also want to make sure that you have touring bindings as well as touring boots that offer “walk mode” allowing you to be able to walk more easily in them. You also don’t want to forget about your ski poles and helmet!
As far as ski clothing goes, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing some moisture-wicking base layer tops and bottoms for when you break a sweat finding your perfect line, along with outer layers to keep you dry and protected from the snow like Gore-Tex jackets and snow bibs.
Other notes on safety for ski touring:
- Before you even first venture to the backcountry, you should absolutely take an avalanche safety course. This will provide you with plenty of knowledge of what to do in case of an avalanche or other emergency, how to avoid risky areas, etc.
- Don’t skimp out on bringing along safety equipment! As mentioned earlier, a beacon, shovel, and avalanche probe are some of the basic safety items you will want to carry with you in your backpack, as well as a water bottle and possibly some food or blankets in case you get stranded somewhere.
- It’s worth repeating again…don’t ski alone! There is truly safety in numbers, especially when it comes to navigating the backcountry and in remote areas. Be sure to tell someone outside of your group, off the mountain, where you will be skiing as well.
Interested in ski touring? Keep some of this information in mind if it’s something you’re wanting to work towards! Although it is definitely more physically demanding than other forms of skiing, the views, thrilling descent, and solitude you will experience out on the untouched mountains will be worth it!
