[HOW TO] Essential Gear to get into ski touring

The ski touring trend is back on the spotlight ! And frankly, the idea of diving into nature and escaping the crowds to enjoy untouched snow appeals to most people. But where do you start ?

Ski touring or ski mountaineering is practiced away from the groomed slopes and requires specialised equipment. So for your first experience the best approach might be to hire equipment and only invest in your own if you find you like it and you decide you definitely want to take up ski touring.
We’ll go through the basic kit you need to head on your first ski tour.

Ski boots : Alpine touring boots are different from standard ski-boots and are specially designed for both climbing and downhill skiing. The boots are lighter, more flexible and comfortable for walking than regular ski boots due to a special ‘walk mode.’ Several factors are key to decide what kind of boots are best for you : your ability level, whether they are only for touring and also what type of bindings you’ll be using.
Reviews :
https://www.inthesnow.com/gear/fischer-transalp-vaccum-ts-lite/
https://www.inthesnow.com/gear/scarpa-freedom-sl/

Skis and touring bindings : In theory, any alpine ski can be set up to be used for ski touring, but specific ski touring models are lighter, which will make the uphill walk easier. The type of ski that’s right for you is best determined by practicing with rental or demo gear. As with regular alpine skis there are different models depending on whether you’re searching for powder and untracked lines or gentler terrain.
Specific ski touring bindings have two positions, hinged for climbing, allowing the heel to move freely off of the ski while climbing up the hill and a locked position to ski down.

Skins : To travel uphill on skis you need to use skins, which are stuck to the bottom of your skis or splitboard and allow to climb up to the top of the hill. You then remove the skins to slip back down. Make sure they fit your skis and are adjusted properly.

Clothing : Having the right gear matters, it can make or ruin your day. Keep in mind you will walk more than you will ski hence you’ll be warmer whilst climbing up than on the way down. Opting for light clothing is the best option. Wearing several light layers will keep you warmer than a heavy jacket and it is much easier to remove one if you get too hot.
A base layer will keep the moisture away and a fleece will maintain your warmth, over that go for a light outer layer breathable and well ventilated.
Regular ski pants are too hot for touring so you need specialized ski touring pants which are more breathable. Key features : snow gaiters and zips to ventilate and regulate your temperature.

Base layer reviews :
https://www.inthesnow.com/gear/armadillo-merino-python-crew-neck-base-layer/
https://www.inthesnow.com/gear/montane-primino-base-layers-with-polygiene/
Jacket reviews :
https://www.inthesnow.com/gear/outdoor-research-mens-floodlight-jacket/
https://www.inthesnow.com/gear/black-diamond-launch-clothing-range/

We’ve spotted more on the kind of kit you’ll need to get going at ISPO Munich 2015 :

Make this outfit up with sunglasses, headwear and thin and breathable gloves. Once at the top of the hill, you might feel hot and sweaty so better take an extra layer with you and another pair of thicker gloves so you don’t get cold on the way down.

This is the basic equipment and clothing you’ll need but there is also obviously an avalanche risk with ski touring so you should also be equipped with backcountry essentials in your backpack : avalanche transceiver, shovel and avalanche probe.

When it comes to ski touring you should already have good ski ability on the piste and be self-sufficient. Any injury can be very serious when skiing away from civilisation so it’s never wise to go ski touring alone. Of course the fitter and the better off-piste skier you are, the more you’ll enjoy your expedition.

For your first tour make sure you’re heading to a safe, not too steep zone with experienced partners who know the terrain and will teach you the basics. You’ll need to get experience, but of course you’ll need to gain that experience. So start with straightforward objectives. The more you practice the better you will be. Now you’re at the top of the hill you’ve genuinely earned those powder turns, enjoy !

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