Skitouring for beginners
Ski touring is for the enthusiats of adrenaline and extreme physical effort as well as for those who prefer slow pace and easier trails. Everyone will find something for themselves which makes ski touring so popular nowadays!
Anyone can try ski touring. Among these who are starting their adventure with this discipline we can distinguish these who learn how to ski in order to try ski touring and these who achieved everything is classic skiing. Some amateurs of mountain hiking try ski touring when they want to discover, new unknown trails.
Winter and outdoor collections feature more and more products designed for skitouring. Below you can find some information and advice from ski instructors from Skitour School.
Skitouring is very often confused with freeriding which is off trail skiing. Both disciplines feature spectacular final which is an amazing descent in unspolit nature, however ski touring puts emphasis on the ascent that is not that important when it comes to freeriding. These who search for strong emotions, we recommend ski mountaineering that is even more advanced and demanding. Even though the descent isn"t always as pleasant as we expected, it always delivers a lot of satisfaction and adrenaline.
How can I prepare?
Warning – it’s not a discipline for lazy ones! Before you start ski touring, prepare thoroughly. Do’t think that you can get up off the sofa, hire skis and go to the moutains. Here are a few tips for ski touring beginners:
- Good form first! What does it mean in practice? If mountain hiking is relatively easy for you, you will manage! Regular physical activity such as swimming, running, gym, or cardio training will help you to keep fit.
- Technique is the key to success. Before starting your adventure with ski touring you have to master downhill skiing. Controlling skis and the alpine ski trial or parallel turning are the main skills that you must possess. If you are a good skier, you will manage to practice ski touring without problems. Self-confident daredevils should be informed that ski touring has nothing to do with slalom in perfect snow conditions.
- Take care of your comfort. Choose proper wear and equipment. A few layers of clothing will provide you with thermal comfort during ascending and descending in any weather conditions. Choosing ski gear is similar to downhill skiing – ski boots and skis have to be adjusted to our weight, skills and expectations, otherwise you will be frustrated instead of satisfied.
- Practice makes perfect. Before starting ski touring it is necessary to train under the watchful eye of a professional who will give a lot of advice and technical tips concerning sense of direction, route planning, identifying risks and behaving at the time of avalanche.
How can I choose...
Underwear
Underwear for ski touring is of crucial value. It ought to be made from quick-drying material that provides ventilation and moisture wicking. Based on my 10 years of experience I can assure that is really important. After testing many brands, we can recommend X-Bionic underwear made from merino wool that will serve you well in the most extreme conditions.
Skis
The most important feature that distinguishes touring skis from downhill skis is the weight. Touring skis can be lighter than downhill skis, such skis for professionals can be as light as a feather – they weigh only severeal hundred grams! The width of the skis is also very crucial, they should be approximately 60-130 mm wide. As a beginner, choose skis that will serve you well both on various snow covers and snow pellet. According to our tests, freeride BMT90 skis 84/88 wide are the best for this discipline. Kingpin bindings by Marker are the best option for ski touring enthusiasts who are searching for light and comfortable equipment.
The best places for ski touring beginners
Snow and mountains are enough! We practiced ski touring in many places in Poland and all around te world – Tatra Mountains, Bieszczady Mountains, Alps, the Dolomites, the Caucasus and Norway. More distant regions also offer unforgettable experiences. Beginners should start practicing ski touring with professional instructors or guides that will safely introduce you to the world of this beautiful discipline. Obviously you can do this on your, however it"s going to be more risky and time consuming, only professionals can teach you how to behave at the time of avalanche.
Tatra National Park, Kasprowy Wierch and Hala Kondratowa are the best regions for the beginners to start ski touring. The majority of Polish contenders took their first steps in these places. We believe that this regions offer the best conditions for starting new adventure – ski equipment rentals, ski touring schools, usually the best snow conditions, beautiful mountain views – everything you need.
Ski touring companions.
Ski Tour School located near Kasprowy Wierch organizes trainings and ski touring trips for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts of this discipline. Qualified and certified instructors, Tatra Mountains guides and TOPR rescuers share their knowledge and experience. During ski touring trips they give tips and advice about moutain trails. Avalanche training will provide you with practical knowledge that is necessary for any beginner of ski touring. Are you dreaming about ski tourin with ice axe and crampons? Would you like to ski on an untouched powder in Tatra Mountains? It"s possible! Full offer trainings and best advice can be found here: Skitourschool.pl.
