Alpine Backcountry Skis

Defining Alpine Touring Skis

Touring skis, also known as backcountry skis, merge styles like alpine, cross-country, telemark, randonnee, and backcountry. They deliver the advantages of each, potentially making one pair of skis sufficient for various requirements. Touring skis cater to experienced skiers who possess a deeper understanding of the unpredictable backcountry environment.

Engaging in ski touring involves ascending and descending mountains without removing your skis. The free heel and broad base of ski touring skis allow exploration of powder snow in the backcountry. Additionally, alpine touring skis can be readily used on groomed slopes within ski resorts for on-piste skiing.

Selecting Touring Skis

Generally speaking, touring skis should be lightweight (approximately 1100 g to 1800 g), with a length about 5-10 cm either side of your height. Heavier skis provide better downhill performance, offering more stability and rate, although they demand more effort for uphill climbs. Conversely, lighter skis are preferable for uphill-focused ski touring. Waist width is influenced by touring preferences, commonly ranging from 82-105 mm in versatile backcountry skis.

Essential Gear for Ski Touring

Engaging in alpine ski touring necessitates specialised equipment to assist in ascending and descending mountains. Proper gear ensures you maximise your backcountry excursions.

The bindings are a critical component of touring gear, enabling you to walk with skis on thanks to unique touring bindings. These allow heel lift while keeping the toe attached to the ski. Discover alpine touring bindings in our Ski Bindings Selection.

Selecting appropriate ski boots is equally crucial. As heel lift is required for forward walking movements, boots that are highly flexible and relatively lightweight offer a benefit. Our collection of Alpine Ski Boots includes specialised touring boots ideal for backcountry skiing.

Other essential components of touring gear include skins and ski poles. Skins prevent backward sliding during ascents and are attached to the skis' base. Effective climbing skins offer a harmonious blend of traction and glide, and adhere well to the skis. Regarding ski poles, adjustable poles are recommended for touring. This way, you can use a longer pole for uphill travel and a shorter one for downhill, or adjust them for differing lengths when traversing mountains.

As you navigate through wild environments, safety gear such as a ski helmet and avalanche equipment is also necessary. Explore our collection of Ski Protection Gear and embark on backcountry adventures confidently.