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

What 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 scenery 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 is a real hiking phase in which, to reach the predetermined altitude for the descent, you make an uphill trail with your skis on your feet. Sounds strange, doesn't it?

A group of ski mountaineers climb Mount Rosa

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

Is ski mountaineering safe?

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

Ski mountaineering hides some dangers, and to avoid them you need to take the 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 needed

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 uphill activity involves a lot of energy, you need a good amount of training (mountain biking and hiking trips are perfect activities to prepare yourself as well as possible) and a fair amount of skiing technique to practice it.

Ski touring equipment and clothing

First, the safety kit, which is 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 someone who is swept away, to find where they are under the snow and finally to dig them out).

Let's come to the rest of the equipment:

• Ski mountaineeringskis (and their poles): these differ from classic skis in that they have bindings that allow the heel to be left free during the ascent phase (to "walk" with the skis on your feet) and then lock it during the descent phase;
• Seal skins: these are the true heroines of the sport. These are adhesive skins to be applied under the skis, which prevent you from sliding backwards! You'll be able to go uphill without losing grip on the ground;
• Ski mountaineeringboots;
• Helmet
• Crampons, crampons, ice axe and rope
• A backpack that is spacious enough

Finally, as far as clothing is concerned, it is advisable to dress in "layers" with 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 to avoid sweating and being 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.