What Is Ski Touring? A Beginner’s Guide to Backcountry Adventure

Ski touring is one of the most rewarding winter sports, blending exploration, endurance, and skiing freedom into a single thrilling experience. Unlike traditional resort skiing, ski touring lets you climb mountains under your power—no lifts required—and carve fresh lines on untouched snow. Whether you’re a seasoned alpine skier or a beginner looking for your next challenge, ski touring offers a unique connection with nature and the mountains.

This complete guide will walk you through what ski touring is, how it differs from other forms of skiing, what gear is needed, and why it’s become a favorite among adventure-seekers. If you’ve ever wanted to escape the crowds and find powder in its purest form, ski touring might just be your calling.

What Exactly Is Ski Touring?

Ski touring is a type of skiing that involves climbing uphill and skiing downhill, usually outside marked ski resorts. Instead of using lifts, ski tourers use skins (grippy fabric strips attached to ski bases) and touring bindings that allow for a free heel while ascending. When it’s time to descend, you switch the bindings to lock the heel and ski down like normal.

This form of ski touring takes place in the backcountry or off-piste areas, making it a mix of alpine, nordic, and ski mountaineering styles. It’s ideal for skiers looking to explore beyond the boundaries of the resort and embrace natural alpine terrain.

How Does Ski Touring Work?

The process of ski touring involves two main phases: the ascent and the descent.

• Ascent: You attach climbing skins to your skis and switch your touring bindings to uphill mode, freeing your heel. With each step, the skis grip the snow to prevent sliding back. Adjustable ski poles help maintain balance.
• Descent: Once at the summit or destination, you remove the skins, lock down your heel, and ski down just like you would in a ski area or on an alpine ski run.

Many modern touring skis and bindings are lightweight and built to handle the balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance.

How Is Ski Touring Different from Other Types of Skiing?

While alpine skiing involves skiing within the controlled boundaries of a ski resort, ski touring is typically done outside of ski resorts, often in the backcountry. That means no groomed trails, no ski lifts, and no avalanche control unless you hire a professional guide.

Here’s how it compares to other forms:

• Backcountry skiing is a broader term and often includes ski touring, off-piste skiing, and ski mountaineering.
• Nordic skiing refers to cross-country skiing, which uses a completely different set of gear.
• Ski touring combines elements of both—traveling uphill like Nordic skiing and descending like alpine skiing.

What Equipment Do You Need for Ski Touring?

To successfully go ski touring, you’ll need a few essential gear items:

• Touring skis: Usually lighter than standard skis for easier uphill movement.
• Touring bindings: These allow the heel to lift for climbing and lock down for descent.
• Touring boots: More flexible than alpine ski boots, with a walk mode.
• Climbing skins: Used to grip the snow during the ascent.
• Adjustable ski poles: To aid in going uphill and keep your balance.
• Avalanche safety gear: Including a beacon, probe, shovel and avalanche airbags.
• Crampons (for skis or boots): Help on icy or steep terrain.

Depending on conditions, you may also need ski crampons, a helmet, a map, and knowledge of avalanche and snow conditions.

What Are the Risks of Ski Touring?

Because ski touring takes place in backcountry or off-piste terrain, it carries more risks than resort skiing. The most serious hazard is avalanche danger, especially in unstable snow conditions. Every skier should be trained in backcountry safety and know how to use a beacon, probe, and shovel in case of an avalanche.

Other risks include:

• Getting lost
• Changing weather conditions
• Gear failure
• Exhaustion or overexertion
• Injury in remote areas

That’s why beginner ski tourers should try ski touring with a group or professional guide and always check the weather and avalanche forecasts.

What Skills Do You Need for Ski Touring?

You don’t need to be a professional ski mountaineer to start ski touring, but some basic skills will help:

• Ski technique: You should be confident on varied slope angles and in deep snow.
• Navigation: Basic map and compass or GPS use is essential.
• Avalanche awareness: Understand how to evaluate terrain and snow conditions.
• Transitioning: Know how to switch from uphill to downhill mode efficiently.
• Endurance: Touring requires sustained effort, often at high altitudes.

If you’re a beginner, take a course or book a first tour with an experienced guide or school to learn the skills for ski touring.

Where Can You Go Ski Touring?

Some of the most iconic ski touring destinations are found in the Alps, the Rockies, the Cascades, and the Scandinavian mountains. Popular routes often combine amazing views, deep snow, and remote locations.

For your first ski tour, look for areas that are:

• Avalanche-controlled (or has minimal avalanche risk)
• Not too steep or technical
• Close to help or a ski area
• Well-documented (guidebooks or apps)

As you gain confidence, you can explore high alpine terrain or even go on multi-day ski mountaineering expeditions.

Can Beginners Try Ski Touring?

Absolutely! While ski touring is a sport that requires preparation, it’s very accessible to newcomers with the right guidance. Many schools now offer beginner’s guide courses that include gear rental, route planning, and safety instruction.

If you’re new to the sport, here are a few tips:

• Start with short, guided tours on mellow terrain.
• Use rental or demo gear before investing in your own.
• Practice going uphill, transitions, and skiing in mixed snow.
• Study avalanche basics before heading into the backcountry.

A successful first tour can inspire a lifelong love of skiing in the backcountry.

What’s the Difference Between Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering?

Though they’re closely related, ski touring and ski mountaineering have slight differences:

• Ski touring: Involves climbing and descending on skis, mostly under your own power.
• Ski mountaineering: Adds technical climbing, ropework, and often includes summiting peaks with an ice axe and crampons.

For most people, ski touring is a more approachable entry into backcountry skiing, while ski mountaineering requires mountaineering knowledge and equipment.

How Is Ski Touring Classified?

There are different ski touring grading systems used around the world. Most rate tours by:

• Difficulty of the ascent (steepness, terrain)
• Technical requirements
• Length and altitude gain
• Avalanche exposure

Before you go ski touring, review the grading of the route to match it with your fitness and skill level. A short alpine touring day with gentle slopes is best for beginners.

Why Is Ski Touring So Popular?

From the freedom of the mountains to the satisfaction of climbing and descending on your own, there’s a lot to love about ski touring:

• Escape the crowds and experience untouched snow
• Get a great workout in fresh alpine air
• Explore areas far from any ski lifts
• Enjoy solitude, scenery, and self-reliance

It’s a natural progression for those who want to take their skiing to the next level and experience winter in its wildest form.

Final Thoughts

Ski touring is more than just a winter sport—it’s a doorway to adventure, solitude, and freedom in the mountains. By combining uphill travel with thrilling downhill descents, ski touring challenges you physically while rewarding you with breathtaking views and untouched powder. Whether you’re a seasoned alpine skier or a beginner ready to try something new, ski touring offers a unique and deeply satisfying way to experience winter.

With the right gear, knowledge, and awareness of backcountry safety, anyone can begin this exciting journey. So if you’re looking to take your skiing to the next level, escape the crowded ski resorts, and connect with nature, ski touring might just be your perfect next step.