A touring ski is a light ski, specially developed for ski touring. Touring skis come in various types, with one being more focused on climbing and the other offering more performance on the descent. A touring ski binding is mounted on the touring ski, whereby the heel of the ski boot is loose while walking. This allows you to climb up comfortably. In addition, it is not complete without special climbing skins. On this page you can read everything about ski touring.
TOURING SKI FEATURES
As mentioned above, a touring ski is a light ski, specially developed for ski touring. With the ski you can not only walk up, but also ski down. Ski touring has a number of characteristics.
- It is much lighter than a piste ski
- A climbing skin can be stuck under the ski
- The ski has special bindings
The above features are further explained below.
DESCENDING OR CLIMBING?
Touring skis come in many shapes and sizes, and the right choice depends on your ski touring goals. If your main focus is the ascent and you want a fast, light and comfortable climb, lightweight touring skis are ideal. They make uphill movement easier, but offer slightly less control during the descent. If your priority is the downhill performance in fresh powder, a freeride ski with touring bindings is a better option. Freeride skis are sturdier and heavier, providing more stability, power and control on the descent, while still allowing you to climb efficiently. Choosing the right touring ski is all about finding the perfect balance between weight, comfort and downhill performance.
WHAT IS SKI TOURING?
Ski touring is a form of skiing that does not use the ski lift. Ski tourers first walk up and then enjoy a well-deserved descent. This way they can reach places where ‘normal’ skiers would never step foot. The descent is usually off-piste, but on-piste is also possible, provided it is nearby. To be able to go ski touring you not only need good fitness, but also special equipment. Not every ski is suitable for walking uphill and you also need special bindings, climbing skins and avalanche equipment.
Important: Do you want to try it out? Then first go out with a specialized guide. Ski touring is not without risks and it is important that you are aware of any dangers. In addition, always make sure you have the correct safety equipment!
TOURING SKI BINDINGS
Special bindings are required to ascend. With this binding, the heel of the ski boot can rise and the front of the ski boot remains hinged in the binding. These bindings make it possible to walk uphill. Conversely, the binding can be secured during descent. In this way, it functions as a ‘normal’ ski binding.
Ski touring bindings are sold in all shapes and sizes. From sturdy bindings that are mainly designed for the descent, to extremely light bindings that are mainly designed for the climb. Here too, the type of binding depends entirely on what you want.
TOURING SKI SKILLS
You need climbing skins to be able to ascend with touring skis. You attach these skins under the ski and ensure that you do not slide down while walking. Climbing skins consist of thousands of tiny hairs that get caught in the snow while walking. As a result, they carry the skier’s weight on the ski and prevent you from sliding down. The material used for this is synthetic. Synthetic sheets are usually made of nylon. The skin ‘sticks’ to the ski by means of a special adhesive layer.
A SPECIAL SKI BOOT FOR SKI TOURING
Ski touring is possible with a normal ski boot, but a special boot is recommended. After all, you have to climb quite a bit and you want to do that as comfortably as possible. Touring ski boots have a number of important differences from regular alpine ski boots. Those are:
- The shoes are lighter
- The inner shoe has been specially developed for walking
- The touring ski boot has a special walking position, which makes it easy to walk uphill with your touring skis
- The sole of a ski touring boot has extra profile.
AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT
Are you planning to go ski touring? Then it is important that you have the correct avalanche equipment. Unfortunately, this form of winter sports is not without risks and the risk of avalanches is almost always present. Preferably always go with an experienced mountain guide and also make sure you have the following equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Avalanche backpack (with airbag)
Source: www.skiinformatie.nl