Gear for Ski Touring: Investing in High-Quality Snowboarding Gear for Maximum Efficiency
Winter is here and it’s time to hit the slopes! Ski touring is an exhilarating and unique way to explore the vast and beautiful winter landscapes that many of us have only dreamt of exploring. If you’re planning a ski tour, investing in high-quality snowboarding gear is an absolute must for winter mountaineering. Having the right gear can make a huge difference in your performance, as well as provide you with the right protection against the harsh winter weather.
When planning a ski tour, you should be sure to select snowboarding gear that balances weight, performance, and safety. Here’s everything you need to know when selecting gear for ski touring.
Which Snowboard is Best for Ski Touring?
The most important snowboarding gear to consider for ski touring is the snowboard itself. A lightweight, maneuverable snowboard is best for touring since it makes uplifting, traversing, and descending easier.
The type of board you’ll need for ski touring will largely depend on the type of terrain and conditions you’ll be riding in. All-mountain boards are designed to do it all – they offer enough stability and control on technical terrain while still allowing riders to also carve through powder and carve through groomers. Freeride boards are made specifically for powder, as they provide plenty of float with wide waists and longer running lengths.
Park boards are excellent for jibbing, but they are usually too lightweight and don’t offer enough stability for touring. So if you’ll be doing a lot of freestyle tricks, you may want to consider a splitboard, which allows you to use a regular snowboard for freestyle riding but separates into two parts for more efficient touring.
Selecting the Right Bindings for Ski Touring
Next, you’ll need to consider the bindings that work best for ski touring. Bindings should have a stiff baseplate and highback for improved performance on off-piste terrain, and a lightweight construction for better moving. Touring bindings should also offer a wider range of adjustability for more comfortable fit and easy switch from touring to riding mode.
Look for bindings with a higher heel lift for better performance on tough ascents, as well as a strong locking system to keep your feet securely in place as you travel down steep descents. Finally, if you’re going to be doing a lot of long hikes, look for bindings that are lightweight and comfortable, such as the Deeluxe Snowboard Boot Lock System, to keep your feet happy and reduce the chances of hurting your ankles on the long journey.
Choosing the Best Boots and Accessories for Ski Touring
Boot selection is also key when touring. Snowboarding boots should be flexible enough for climbing, yet stiff enough to transfer power to the snowboard. Insulated models are usually best for touring, as they will keep your feet warm and toasty all day. If you’re planning on riding some challenging terrain, you may also want to look for a pair of boots with built-in climbers for more control and responsiveness.
Finally, you’ll also want to consider other accessories for ski touring, such as gloves, hats, and beanies. Look for gloves that are waterproof, lightweight and breathable, as well as hats and beanies that are insulated and comfortable. You may also want to consider goggles that are anti-fog and low-light compatible, so you can stay safe and visualize when it’s snowing or fogging up.
Conclusion
When planning a ski tour, you should be sure to invest in high-quality snowboarding gear that offers both performance and protection. Select snowboards that are lightweight and maneuverable, as well as bindings and boots that offer stiff power transfer and good traction for more efficient touring. And don’t forget about your other accessories, such as gloves, hats, and goggles! With the right gear, you’ll be sure to have a safe and fun ski tour this winter.
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