Ski touring is an exciting activity that combines the challenges of ascending with the pleasure of descending off-piste. To make the most of this discipline, it's crucial to choose the right equipment, adapted to your level and to mountain conditions. Whether you're a man, a woman, a beginner or an experienced skier, here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose the ski touring equipment that meets your needs.
When choosing touring skis, there are several key features to consider to guarantee performance and safety:
Lightweight skis: Designed for uphill-oriented skiers; optimized for fast ascents; ideal for competitions and long traverses.
Versatile skis: Offer a good compromise between lightness and downhill performance; ideal for balancing ascents and descents.
Freeride skis: Wider and heavier; designed for excellent downhill performance, especially in deep powder.
Mountaineering skis: Specifically designed for technical terrain and difficult ascents.
Bindings: Must allow good freedom of movement on the way up and optimum safety on the way down; insert bindings are light and efficient, frame bindings offer sturdiness.
Skins: Essential for ascents; mohair skins are light and glide well, while nylon offers durability and traction.
Boots: Boots should be compatible with your bindings and offer a good compromise between lightness on the way up and rigidity on the way down. Models with a walk/ski mode make it easy to switch from ascent to descent.
Several brands are renowned for their ski touring equipment, such as Dynafit, Tecnica and Blizzard. They offer solutions for every level of skier:
Choosing the right touring skis is essential to maximizing pleasure and safety in the mountains. By taking into account features such as weight, width, length and construction, you can find products that meet your specific needs. Accessories such as bindings, skins and boots play a crucial role in the ski touring experience. Well-known brands such as Black Diamond and Salomon offer a wide range of products to suit all levels and conditions. Investing in the right ski touring equipment will enable you to enjoy your high-mountain adventures to the full, with all the freedom and confidence you need.
Nico, product expert for ski touring, snowboarding and camping at alpinstore
"Passionate about the ocean and the mountains and a great travel enthusiast, I particularly enjoy surfing, trail riding, biking and snowboarding in winter."