If you’re a ski enthusiast and have been on many skiing holidays, you’ll know that no two ski trips are the same. There is always something or somewhere new to explore, and there are so many different types of skiing to try out that you’ll never get bored.
One unique form of skiing which can inject some fresh fun into your next winter adventure is ski touring. What is ski touring exactly? Well, ski touring is a form of skiing that usually takes place in the backcountry and on fresh snow. Unlike traditional downhill skiing, where you’d generally rely on ski lifts to reach the top of a ski resort in Andorra, with ski touring you’re using self-propelled movement to go uphill and you ascend thanks to the use of specialised skis equipped with bindings that allow the heel to be free. Then, once at the summit, you can adjust the bindings so that they behave like normal downhill skis for a very well-earned descent.
Basics for ski touring
If backcountry ski touring sounds appealing to you and if you’re keen to get started, it’s worth considering a few basic tips for ski touring for beginners.
Firstly, you’ll want to make sure you have all the correct ski touring equipment, which includes specialised touring skis and touring bindings, while you’ll also want to get yourself a pair of ski touring boots, which are designed for both walking and skiing. Climbing skins are also useful, as these fabric strips which attach to the bottom of your skis can provide extra grip to prevent slipping while ascending the snowy slopes. As well as these specialised parts of the ski touring equipment, you’ll want to bring all the usual items of any ski equipment checklist too.
Any ski touring setup should also focus on the unique skills associated with this type of skiing. With the ascent, you’ll want to know how to execute kick turns and the intricacies of skinning, the process of ascending using climbing skins. With the descent, you’ll need to know the basics of regular downhill skiing as well as being aware of the nuances of skiing in backcountry snow.
Can beginners do ski touring?
Although the above basics for ski touring might sound a little daunting if you’re new to this activity, keep in mind that there are ski schools in Andorra which organise and teach ski touring for beginners. The very best ski touring for beginners courses will organise the ski touring equipment for you, and teach you the specific skills before you set off.
Many people ask is ski touring dangerous. While it’s true that you need to approach it with caution and respect the demands of the sport, this is an activity that can be enjoyed safely, especially if you’re in the safe hands of experienced guides, who know the techniques and safety protocols inside out.
How many days skiing is enough for beginners?
With ski touring for beginners, the number of days it takes a newcomer to get comfortable with the basics will depend a lot on three main factors: their starting fitness level, their starting ability and their objectives.
Ski touring really is a physically demanding sport, much more so than regular skiing. That’s because you’re climbing uphill through snowy terrain while carrying a lot of gear. As such, your basic level of cardiovascular fitness will determine how much you can do at first.
Similarly, your general skiing ability will play a role as well. If you’re a confident downhill alpine skier, then you’ll already be approaching the sport from a good starting point and can get straight to the nuances involved with ski touring vs regular skiing. If, however, you’re not yet 100 percent confident with downhill skiing, it’ll take longer to master ski touring.
Finally, your objectives also matter when it comes to answering the question of how many days are enough to become comfortable with ski touring. It depends on how much and how quickly you want to learn.
Combining these three factors for learning ski touring for beginners, the general answer is that it should take somewhere between two to four days to learn the basics of ski touring, to build confidence and to master those key skills.
Is ski touring a good workout?
Ski touring provides a truly excellent full-body workout, and it benefits your health in several different ways. The main way is with your cardiovascular fitness, considering the uphill portion of the climb can be quite strenuous. Much like hiking or running uphill, ski touring is a similarly effective way to enhance stamina and to burn calories too.
Then, there are the strength benefits ski touring can have on your legs and core muscles. These are the two areas of the body that are tested the most during an excursion, so you’ll want to stretch properly before setting off and then you’ll feel the burn knowing that the benefits will be felt long after you get back to the bottom.
Finally, ski touring is recognised as being a great activity for mental well-being. In addition to the physical benefits, spending time in nature can generate significant mental and emotional rewards. The physical exertion combined with the breathtaking scenery and solitude can help reduce stress, enhance mood and improve overall mental health. So, what’s not to love about ski touring?