Ski Touring Travel Insurance Quote

Ski Touring combines Cross Country Skiing, Ski Mountaineering and Downhill Skiing.

To contact us by telephone or email, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 support@jsinsurance.co.uk

It is a type of Skiing that involves travelling across snow-covered landscapes on skis; the route may include ascents and descents.

Ski Touring is usually done off-piste in pristine environments outside busy Ski Resorts. Skis used when Ski Touring are Nordic Skis, the free heels that allow for a wide range of movement.

Types of Ski Touring

Nordic: Nordic Ski Touring involves using skis that generally free up the heels. Nordic skiers do not have to change their skis when going uphill or downhill, which is useful when skiing on rolling terrain.

Traditional Nordic: This type of ski touring uses lightweight, simple skis, often similar to cross-country skis and ideal for groomed trails or perfect snow conditions. They allow for easy negotiation of mildly hilly trails, as the skier does not have to change them when going up or downhill.

Back Country Nordic: Back Country Nordic skis are a midpoint between Nordic and Telemark skis. The broader and stouter skis are designed for use in the Back Country and allow for more control over turns and speed, which can be helpful when touring on steeper slopes.

Telemark: Telemark skiing is usually done in the backcountry or ski areas on steeper slopes, so the skis are adapted to allow the skier greater control when going downhill. Telemark boots are also easier to walk in.

Alpine: Alpine Ski Touring (or Randonee) skis are ideal for descending slopes but can be less easy to negotiate long, uphill treks as they are heavier and stiffer than other skis in other difficult skiing conditions. Most of the time, alpine ski boots will be switched to hiking boots when walking uphill.

Snowboard: Snowboard Touring usually involves the boarder swapping their board for either snow shoes, a split board or short skis for the uphill traverses.

How much off-piste skiing should you do before you go ski touring?

As a general guideline, it's recommended to have at least 20 days of off-piste skiing experience before attempting ski touring. 

Here's why off-piste skiing is essential before ski touring:

1. Terrain Assessment:
   Off-piste skiing familiarizes you with the nuances of ungroomed snow and varying terrain. You'll learn how to read snow conditions, identify hazards such as rocks, stumps, and cliffs, and choose the safest path down the mountain.

2. Ski Control and Technique:
   Off-piste skiing demands a high level of ski control and technique. You'll need to be comfortable skiing in all types of snow, from powder to crusty hardpack, and be able to make quick adjustments to your skiing to handle unpredictable terrain. The more time you spend off-piste, the more refined your skills will become.

3. Navigation and Route-Finding:
   Ski touring often involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain, requiring good route-finding skills. Off-piste skiing helps you develop these skills by teaching you how to interpret topographic maps, use a compass, and make decisions about which way to go based on factors such as snow conditions, weather, and terrain.

4. Physical Fitness and Endurance:
   Ski touring is physically demanding, involving uphill climbs and long descents. Off-piste skiing helps you build the endurance and fitness required for ski touring. You'll also learn how to pace yourself and manage your energy levels during a long day in the mountains.

Equipment and Safety:

Off-piste skiing allows you to become familiar with the specialized equipment used in ski touring, such as touring bindings, skins, and avalanche safety gear. You'll learn how to use this equipment effectively and safely, which is crucial for ski touring in the backcountry.

Useful Sites for Ski Touring 

1. Backcountry Skiing Canada: This website is a great resource for Canadian ski tourers. It provides information on avalanche conditions, ski touring routes, and gear reviews.

2. Ski Tou​ring Magazine This magazine is dedicated to ski touring and backcountry skiing. It provides inspiration, education, and entertainment for skiers of all levels.

3. Powder Magazine: This magazine covers all aspects of skiing and snowboarding, including ski touring. It features articles on gear, destinations, and techniques.

4. Teton Gravity Research: This website is home to some of the best ski-touring films in the world. It also features articles on technique, gear, and destinations.