3 questions to start ski touring
Are you getting bored of going skiing in the resorts every year? Are you looking for a new adventure this winter? Would you like to spend some time in the mountains on your own? Have the freedom to ski untouched slopes?
Then ski touring could be for you!
“Yes, but what is ski touring? Is it complicated? What level do I need to be?“
No need to panic! We answer all your questions in this article 👇
What's the difference between ski touring and resort skiing?
The major difference between ski touring and resort skiing is that when we ski tour, we don't just ski down the slopes. No more endless queues and frozen feet when the chairlift gets long! With ski touring, we go up and down the slopes with our skis on.
What do you mean we're going up with our skis on?
Thanks to a special binding on the skis, the heel of your foot lifts with every step. This allows you to move forward easily without going backwards, thanks to the seal skins*.
The ascent by ski touring then represents 2/3 or even ¾ of the time of your outing. However, you are free to choose your route and your ascent. There are shorter and longer routes.
What level do I need to be to start ski touring?
To begin ski touring, it is advisable to take an introductory course supervised by a mountain guide. That way, you'll learn the right techniques right from the start. This will enable you to master the technical side of ski touring quickly. The sooner you learn, the faster you progress!
However, you don't need to be an expert skier to enjoy ski touring on signposted trails. In fact, the ascent resembles a mountain hike and the descent, on a marked trail, resembles a descent on a ski run. On marked trails, you'll simply need to know how to ski blue/red runs and enjoy hiking in the mountains to have the required level.
Nevertheless, on unmarked pathsThe level required is higher. You need to be comfortable skiing off-piste and, above all, have a good level of powder skiing. In fact, the level of ski touring becomes more technical.
What are the advantages of ski touring?
Ski touring is all the rage, and understandably so, because there are so many benefits to be had!
Ski touring lets you spend whole days in the mountains, hurtling down the slopes without even having to take a lift. This sport allows you to ski in complete freedom, away from the crowds on the groomed pistes in the resorts. You'll experience a real sense of disconnection and total immersion in nature.
For those who love nature and the mountains, ski touring allows you to take time to contemplate their beauty, both on the way up and on the way down.
Finally, for the more athletic skiers, ski touring is an activity that can require a great deal of endurance, depending on the route taken. So for some, it becomes a real sporting challenge.
Looking for an introduction to ski touring?
If you're looking for an introduction to ski touring, DiscoveRent offers you a week of initiation and glacier crossing on ski touring. The week is supervised by a mountain guide and accommodation and meals are included: more information about this expedition here.
