Ski touring: a short guide. What it is and how to get started

What'è is ski mountaineering?

Among the most interesting activities to enjoy even when the lifts are closed, the one that has had a big growth in popularity this year is ski mountaineering, a truly comprehensive sport that encompasses three others: skiing, mountaineering and hiking.

Ski mountaineering gives those who practice it maximum freedom to experience the mountains, whether your goal is to enjoy the view or to seek out the best lines for freeriding. 

As in freeriding, here we have a descent on fresh, untracked snow; but before that there’è a real hiking phase in which, to reach the predetermined altitude for the descent, you make an uphill track with your skis on your feet. Sounds strange, doesn't it?

A group of ski mountaineers climb Mount Rosa

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If you are interested in this activity, here is a short list of what you need to know to get started.

È safe ski mountaineering?

As always when moving in the mountains, safety should be your first concern, and è one of the two main reasons for choosing to be accompanied by a Mountain Guide, who è experienced and takes care of everything you. We explain whyé.

Ski mountaineering hides some dangers, and to avoid them è it is necessary to take proper precautions. These include carefully studying in advance the route to be taken, being up-to-date on snowpack conditions, consulting the weather report, and having a good knowledge of winter mountains. In addition to all this, one must add the danger of avalanches, which can also be caused by the ski mountaineers themselves. 

That said, one should not be frightened! If you know the best safety practices and go out in a group, ski mountaineering becomes a super fun and rewarding discipline.

training-necessary

Most ski mountaineering routes require sufficient physical preparation. Of course, again, you should not be discouraged, this sport does not require extraordinary or transcendental efforts, however, since the activity of ascending involves a considerable expenditure of energy, practicing it requires a good amount of training (mountain biking and trekking trips are perfect activities to prepare yourself as well as possible) and a fair amount of skiing technique.

Ski mountaineering equipment and clothing

First, the safety kit, which è primary when ski touring. It ’ consists of ARVA (avalanche transceiver), probe and shovel, put in an ABS backpack; they are used to help a companion left under the snow after an avalanche (to protect the neck of the person who è was swept away, to find where they are under the snow and finally to dig them out). 

Let's get to the rest of the equipment:

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• Ski mountaineering skis (and their poles): they differ from the classic ones by the presence of bindings that allow you to leave the heel free during the ascent phase (to “walk” with the skis on your feet) and then block it during the descent phase;
• Sealskins: they are the true heroines of the sport. These are adhesive skins to be applied under your skis, preventing you from sliding backwards! You can go uphill without losing grip with the ground;
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• Ski mountaineering boots;
• Helmet
• Campons, crampons, ice axe and rope
• A fairly spacious backpack

As for clothing, finally, it is recommended to dress in “layers” with a thermal and breathable underwear and a protective outer layer. Remember that the ascent phase requires some physical exertion, so you should avoid wearing padded clothing so as not to sweat and be uncomfortable.

If you want to try your first ski mountaineering experience, Holidoit has experiences that are right for you. We suggest trying it out in the two queen destinations of winter activities: Livigno and Cortina d’Ampezzo.