About Ski Touring

Ski touring, sometimes called ski mountaineering or alpine touring, uses special ski equipment that enables the user to climb then descend slopes without the aid of ski lifts enabling to enjoy some backcountry skiing. The principal differences are a binding with a freeheel for climbing and skins that attach to the base of skis. The free heel makes for fluid, walking like movements when climbing or traversing flat slopes. The skin, usually made of Mohair or Nylon or a mix of the two grips the snow and prevents the ski from sliding backwards. Climbing on skins is usually referred to as skinning.

Slopes of up to 25 degrees can be climbed directly. Steeper slopes, up to 35 degrees, can be climbed in a series of traverses linked by kick-turns or conversions. Beyond 35 degrees it is often easier to strap skis to a special touring rucksack and climb on foot, perhaps with crampons. Touring provides an opportunity to escape the crowds. Once you learn how to use the specialist equipment you can access more remote areas of the mountain and discover the freedom and potential of backcountry skiing.

We can arrange ski touring lessons for those new to the sport or we can arrange an outing for those who have been ski touring previously.  

Is It For You?

You should be able to ski red & black runs & you'll will need to have a reasonable level of fitness as you will be ‘skinning’ (walking on skis) up hill at altitude, hence you really earn your fresh tracks! No ski touring experience is necessary as you can take part in ski touring lessons.

 

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