HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TOURING SKIS?
Looking to go on an adventure and explore the mountains away from the crowded slopes? Nothing beats touring skis. This increasingly popular activity lets you enjoy the snow, untouched landscapes, and the peace of the mountains. If you'd like to join the club of touring ski enthusiasts, you’ll need the right skis for this sport. How do you choose your touring skis? Let us guide you!
What is touring skiing?
Definition of touring skiing
Before you can choose the right skis, it’s important to understand what touring skiing entails. This activity allows you to leave groomed trails behind and venture away from ski resorts.
There are many ways to enjoy touring skiing. Whether it’s for relaxed outings or true expeditions to snowy summits, there’s something for everyone. This is the beauty of the sport and why more and more skiers are becoming addicted. In one word, touring skiing means freedom!
How is it different from other skiing disciplines?
To move through the snow, especially uphill, your heel isn’t fixed to the ski. Generally, touring skis are shorter and lighter than alpine skis. Since you’re not using ski lifts but climbing with your own strength, weight is a critical factor.
If you already do cross-country skiing, you’ll be familiar with the alternating stride, which is also used in touring skiing. If you prefer alpine skiing, you’ll find similar sensations during the descents that come with your outings.
OFF-PISTE SKIING: FREEDOM, BUT WITH SAFETY!
Remember that off-piste skiing is not without risks. Before heading out, check the BERA in France (Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin) available on the Météo France website. If weather conditions require it, postpone your outing. Whatever the snow conditions, it’s always wise to bring the appropriate avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, and probe).
Choosing your touring skis: important criteria
There are a few criteria to consider when choosing your touring skis. Let’s go over the key factors to help you find the skis that suit your skill level and your skiing style.
1. Choosing the right length for your touring skis
If you’re new to this discipline and looking for versatility, you can opt for skis slightly shorter than your height (-5 cm to -8 cm). This will help maintain stability. Additionally, shorter touring skis are more maneuverable and slower, making them safer for beginners. Another key advantage: they’re lighter for climbing.
If you’re more experienced and aiming for performance during descents, you can choose touring skis that match your height. These will prevent you from sinking too much in powder snow and allow faster descents. However, longer skis are heavier for climbing and less maneuverable in wooded areas. Long skis are favored by freetouring and freeride enthusiasts.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for skis to excel during climbs or for competitions, you’ll need to choose much shorter skis (at least 10 cm shorter than your height). These extremely lightweight skis are perfect for ascending steep slopes but require significant skill for descents.