Ski touring, also known as backcountry skiing, offers a unique way to experience the mountains, combining the thrill of downhill skiing with the adventure of uphill exploration. If you’re eager to trade crowded resorts for serene, snow-covered landscapes, this beginner’s guide to ski touring will equip you with the essential knowledge to embark on your backcountry journey.
What is Ski Touring?
Ski touring involves traveling uphill on skis equipped with special bindings that allow your heel to lift for walking, with the ultimate goal of skiing back down. It’s an immersive experience that connects you deeply with nature, challenging you physically and mentally.
Alpine touring (AT) bindings enable you to walk uphill and switch modes for downhill skiing.
Ski Touring vs. Backcountry Skiing
While often used interchangeably, these terms have subtle differences. “Ski touring” emphasizes the uphill travel and specialized gear. “Backcountry skiing” refers to any skiing outside resort boundaries, in uncontrolled and unpatrolled terrain.
Other Types of Skiing Beyond the Resort
- Sidecountry skiing: Backcountry skiing accessed via a resort gate.
- On-piste/Off-piste (European terminology): “On-piste” refers to groomed runs within a resort, while “off-piste” is ungroomed terrain, which may or may not be controlled for avalanches.
- Ski mountaineering: Combines ski touring with technical climbing, requiring ropes, ice axes, and other specialized gear.
- Freeskiing: A style focused on big mountain skiing, incorporating cliffs and creative terrain interpretation.
Why Choose Ski Touring?
Ski touring offers a level of freedom and connection with nature that’s hard to find within ski resorts. It’s a chance to escape the crowds, find fresh tracks, and challenge yourself physically and mentally. Many find the quiet solitude and stunning scenery incredibly rewarding.
Ski touring unlocks complex and beautiful landscapes.
European vs. North American Motivations
- Europe: Often driven by exercise, appreciation for mountain views, and the joy of traveling through the alpine environment.
- North America: Tendency to seek powder, solitude, and exploration of untouched wilderness.
Understanding the Risks of Ski Touring
Backcountry skiing inherently involves risks that must be understood and managed.
Avalanches
Avalanches pose the greatest threat in the backcountry. Always check the avalanche forecast, be aware of changing conditions, and understand terrain steepness (especially slopes between 32 and 38 degrees).
Other Hazards
Be aware of rockfall, crevasse fall (in glaciated terrain), and potential for falls in exposed areas. Choose simpler terrain to minimize hazards when starting out.
Essential Preparedness
- Have a comprehensive plan for ascent and descent, including alternative routes.
- Know the weather forecast and its potential impact.
- Carry an emergency kit with first aid, extra warmth, a shelter, repair items, maps, and a satellite communication device.
Cultivating Humility
Recognize that backcountry skiing is not about immediate thrills. Develop experience gradually, avoiding “over-terraining” yourself. Start with easier routes and build your skills over time.
Be prepared for self-sufficiency in the backcountry.
Is Ski Touring Right for You?
Successful ski tourers possess a desire to explore, a willingness to learn, flexibility, and the ability to handle challenges. Good cardiovascular fitness is essential for uphill travel.
Physical Fitness Requirements
You should be comfortable hiking with a pack on mountainous trails and confident skiing black diamond runs at a resort.
Planning Your First Ski Touring Trip
Trip planning differs between Europe and North America.
European Planning
Europe offers comprehensive resources, extensive infrastructure (trams, huts), and widespread uphill access at resorts.
North American Planning
North America often involves limited uphill access at resorts, with much ski touring occurring on public lands outside resort boundaries.
Rescue Considerations
- Europe: Rapid rescue services are often available, with government-funded, highly trained teams.
- North America: Rescue typically relies on local Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, which vary in resources and response time.
Ideally, skiers should be self-sufficient regardless of location. Research your chosen area and assess your ability to manage its remoteness.
Finding Ski Partners and Mentors
Look for communicative partners with similar risk tolerance, seek out an experienced mentor, or consider guided instruction.
Be mindful of what’s above while skinning.
Avalanche Awareness and Education
Becoming a “snow nerd” is vital. Dedicate time to understanding snowpack dynamics and avalanche risk assessment.
Key Indicators
Pay attention to rapid changes like heavy snowfall, wind, temperature increases, and rain on snow. Observe recent avalanche activity.
Avalanche Forecasting Resources
Familiarize yourself with the avalanche bulletin in your area. In North America, prioritize formal avalanche education courses.
Navigation Resources
Utilize mapping apps like Gaia or CalTopo and consider a physical map for complex trips.
Essential Ski Touring Gear
The gear list can be extensive, but it’s crucial for safety and enjoyment.
Technical Gear
- Backpack (30L): Consider an avalanche airbag pack.
- Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon): Modern, three-antenna with flagging function.
- Shovel: Metal, lightweight, packable.
- Probe: At least 240 cm long.
- Backcountry Touring Skis (or splitboard): Aim for 95-105mm underfoot.
- Skins: Prioritize glide or grip based on your area.
- Boots: Compatible with both pin and alpine bindings for starting out.
- Bindings: Dynafit bindings are a popular choice.
- Poles: Collapsible for changing terrain.
- Garmin InReach: For communication and navigation.
- Repair Kit: Straps, scraper, wax, knife, multi-tool.
- First Aid Kit: Tailored to potential backcountry injuries.
- Snow Study Kit: For assessing snowpack stability.
- Rescue Sled: Doubles as a shelter.
Outerwear, Clothing, and Layering
- Brimmed hat, warm hat, buff
- Insulated jacket, softshell jacket, Gore-Tex jacket
- Softshell pants
- Vest (optional)
- Sunglasses, goggles, helmet
- Long underwear (wool)
- Ski socks (wool)
- Gloves (liner and insulated)
Food and Hydration
- Water and snacks are essential.
If you’re starting out, rent gear or go with a guide service that provides equipment.
Best Time for Ski Touring
The season typically runs from November to July, with peak season from March to early May (depending on the hemisphere). Spring conditions often offer more stable snowpacks.
Additional Key Skills
Downhill ski technique is fundamental.
Transitions
Practice quick and efficient transitions between uphill and downhill modes.
Skinning Technique
Glide forward using your hip flexors, keeping your skis on the snow. Avoid lifting your skis like snowshoes.
Backcountry Skiing Checklist
- Downhill ski technique
- Quick transitions
- Efficient skinning
- Route finding
Quick skin rips prevent snow accumulation.
Resources for Continued Learning
- Online forums and books
- Avalanche safety courses
The Value of Hiring a Guide
A guide can provide real-time instruction, tips, and a risk-managed environment to accelerate your learning.
Top Ski Touring Destinations Worldwide
- Chamonix, France
- Canada
- USA (Alaska Range, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Cascades, Rockies)
- Japan
- Norway
- Iceland
- Antarctica
Prioritize building skills in your local mountains before venturing to more distant destinations.
Embark on Your Ski Touring Adventure
This guide provides a foundation for your ski touring journey. Remember that mastery takes time and continuous learning. Embrace the challenge, respect the mountains, and enjoy the unique rewards of backcountry exploration.
