The Truth about Ski Touring

After spending some time in the ski resort learning the differences between my alpine gear and this similar but still rather unfamiliar touring kit, I went on to go through lots of practice with the avalanche safety equipment. Then, it was time to put my faith in my instructor and guide and head uphill, learning the basics of skinning technique on what for me was a challenging enough slope, for my instructor probably far too easy.

But I did grab the hang of the basics fairly quickly, rapidly improving as I mastered the most efficient method of ascent (keep skis close to the slope to refresh the grip of the skins each time, gliding rather than stepping) and when we reached the top I did feel a great sense of achievement, as well as about a stone lighter having sweated off so much weight (which I promptly put back on with the evening meal).

For those not in the know as to what ski touring actually involves, the key differences from our usual downhill skiing is that you're walking (or "skinning") up the slope rather than taking the lift and wearing special touring skis. These clip to the toe of your binding but not, for the ascent, at the heel, to aid with walking. You're also wearing "skins" on your skis for the ascent to stop them sliding back.

On the ascent as your heel is free and you can make a step, bending your legs and pulling your ski forward, sliding close to the snow for maximum efficiency. Once at the top of your run it is time to remove skins, click the bindings to now hold on to the heel of your boot, and you're ready for a freeride style off-piste descent.

For boarders, there is now a sort of snowboarding equivalent in the splitboard which can be split in half along its length to form two parts for the ascent but clipped together into a single board for the descent. On top of the different gear, because you are usually away from the kind of terrain ski resorts patrol and make avalanche-safe, you need to also be carrying items including an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe and know how to use them and to read the terrain you're entering for safety issues.

It may all sound a little complicated, perhaps a little intimidating at first, but as with all activities, experts are waiting to teach you the basics of efficient skinning technique, guide you on routes specially chosen for first-timers, teach you the safety basics and generally make the experience great fun and thoroughly satisfying. It's no surprise so many people get hooked on ski touring once they've tried it.

Touring ski equipment (skis, boots and bindings) is all different to downhill ski kits and usually more expensive, so definitely rent initially before you're sure you're hooked on touring. Even ski poles are different, usually with a bigger basket at the base to push against the snow and adjustable so that the length can be altered for different terrain on the ascent and for the descent.

The short list:

• Skins - long thin pieces of fabric that fit the base of your skis to give grip on the ascent
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, avalanche airbag (optional)
• Food and drinks (a litre of water is usually ideal)
• First aid kit
• Lightweight and waterproof backpack

Once you have a little ski touring experience and are a master of avalanche safety you may be at the stage of planning a trip yourself rather than relying on an instructor or guide.

At that stage, “planning and preparation” becomes much more important. Check your planned route before you attempt it by studying maps and reports from those who have already been there.

You'll also want to check snow, weather and avalanche conditions on the morning of your trip to ensure these are favourable for the full day. If they're not, you need to be prepared to alter your plans or cancel your trip completely.

Ski touring is much more popular in late winter and early spring with generally longer days and better weather and a good snow base hopefully built up through the winter.