Dan Lever
Nov, 12 - 2024 - 4 mins
Ski Touring Essentials: Expert Tips from Maison Sport
Ski touring is a ski discipline that combines elements of skiing and mountaineering. It is similar to off-piste skiing or backcountry skiing, however, you don’t use ski lifts but instead, hike up the mountain on your skis. Ski touring involves special equipment and a distinct technique. It can be challenging but it offers a great way to explore the mountain and discover new terrain!
If you are looking to give ski touring a try, keep reading! Our friends at Maison Sport, the leading European ski lesson booking platform, share their top instructor-informed advice on how to ski tour in 3 steps that will set you up perfectly for your ski touring adventure.
1. Have the Correct Equipment
Ski touring requires specific, specialist equipment that enables you to scale the mountain and adapt to varied terrain and conditions. This includes lightweight touring skis with climbing skins and specific touring bindings, which allow for free-heel movement on ascents. You will also need ski touring boots, which offer both flexibility for walking and support for skiing, as well as adjustable poles to help you ski in variable terrain. Along with the required ski equipment, avalanche safety gear is essential for ski touring. You will need an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, which can be stored in a ski touring backpack.
2. Perfect Your Technique
Ski touring is different from downhill or off-piste skiing in that you need to be able to hike up the mountain as well as ski down it. Hiking up the mountain requires a specific skinning technique called gliding that uses a smooth forward motion to efficiently go up the hill without lifting your skis excessively. Kick turns are also useful on steep terrain where a direct ascent is impossible, allowing you to climb the mountain in a zigzag pattern. This manoeuvre involves lifting one ski, rotating it around and placing it in the opposite direction, then following with the other ski.
When skiing down off-piste, you need to be able to perform short, controlled turns and adapt your technique to varying conditions such as deep powder or ice. With challenging ascents and descents, ski touring can be tiring and requires a good level of fitness. Make sure that you are a confident downhill skier before trying ski touring and venturing off-piste. To give you the best start, book ski touring lessons with a guide who can teach you the correct technique and help you navigate tricky terrain.
3. Plan Your Route
Before heading out on your ski touring adventure, it's important to carefully plan your route, taking into consideration your fitness level, weather conditions and the time of day. As a beginner, start small and take easy, recommended routes. Don't push yourself too hard - remember to preserve your energy and take breaks if needed. It is always advised to be accompanied by a qualified guide who knows the mountain and local conditions and is trained in avalanche safety. Understanding snowpack, reading terrain and recognising avalanche-prone areas are critical skills for ski touring. A certified guide can safely take you to the best ski touring routes to suit your experience and ability level.
Follow this top advice and you’ll be ski touring like a pro in no time. But most importantly, don't forget to embrace the thrill and adventure of ski touring. It provides an incredible way to escape the crowds and discover the mountains whilst getting a great workout in!
Maison Sport offers lessons across several snow sports disciplines from ski touring to off-piste skiing to snowboarding. You can browse thousands of instructors across any resort in Europe and choose the ideal instructor to suit your needs and interests. Your perfect ski instructor is just a click away!