Ski touring

Ski touring, a mix of several disciplines

Ski touring is practised off the beaten track, away from the crowds. It's an adventure that lets you rediscover the mountains. The ascent, often the most demanding, is done with skis on, using synthetic sealskins under the touring skis to prevent slipping. Once at the top, simply remove the skins and enjoy the descent.

How do I choose my ski touring equipment?

The essential equipment for ski touring includes :

• Touring skis: Light for ascents, wide for powder.
• Skins for perfect grip when climbing.
• Ski touring boots: Flexible for ascents, rigid for descents.
• Touring bindings: Release the heel when climbing and lock in place on slopes.

Touring skis: Individual or in packs

Touring skis can be bought individually or as a pack, depending on your needs and budget. Buying skis individually allows you to choose each component (bindings, boots, skins) according to your personal preferences and skiing style. This gives you maximum flexibility in customising your equipment.

Touring ski packs, on the other hand, often offer excellent value for money, with packages designed to work perfectly together. These packs usually include skis, bindings, and sometimes skins, allowing you to start your mountain adventures with harmonised equipment and often at a better price. Whether you opt for individual skis or a complete pack, it's essential to choose equipment that's suited to your level and the type of terrain you plan to cover.

Ski touring boots

Ski touring boots are designed to offer an optimum balance between comfort on the ascent and performance on the descent. Lighter and more flexible than alpine ski boots, they allow greater freedom of movement when climbing. Adjustable stiffness via buckles or locking systems means you can quickly switch from 'uphill' to 'downhill' mode, offering greater stability and precision for technical descents. Some boots are also equipped with crampon soles, ideal for traversing difficult terrain on foot.

Touring ski bindings

Touring ski bindings play a crucial role in performance. They allow the heel to be free when ascending, facilitating a natural movement similar to that of cross-country skiing, while being lightweight so as not to weigh the skis down. On the descent, the heel is locked in, transforming the experience into a glide comparable to that of alpine skiing. Insert (or tech) bindings are particularly popular for their light weight, while frame bindings offer greater robustness and are often chosen by skiers looking for greater versatility or safety on varied terrain.

Mountain safety

Off-piste ski touring involves respecting safety rules. A safety pack (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) and knowledge of avalanche risks are essential when skiing.

Knives for ski touring: an essential accessory

Knives (or ski crampons) are essential on icy or steep terrain. They reinforce traction on hard snow, improving safety.

Ski touring backpacks: versatile equipment

The ski touring backpack must be light, comfortable and practical. It carries skins, knives and safety equipment (shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver). Some models include ski-carrying systems and compartments for quick access to equipment. Models with airbags add extra safety in the event of an avalanche.

Speck Services

At Speck, we offer more than just equipment. Our personalised services include ski-touring equipment hire, ski-touring ski maintenance and ski-skin preparation to ensure optimum performance. Our specialists are on hand to advise you on your equipment to make your mountain adventures a complete success.

At Speck, we offer a complete range of equipment for all levels. With 55 years' experience in prestigious competitions such as the Pierra Menta, our specialists are on hand to give you tailor-made advice.