Snowboarding Gear for Ski Touring: The Best Gear for the Best Adventure.
If you’re an avid snowboarder looking for the ultimate adventure, you need to start planning for ski touring. Ski touring is a unique and thrilling way to appreciate nature’s incredible beauty. From exploring snow-covered mountain terrain to spending time in nature, ski touring trips have it all!
That being said, your success and enjoyment on a ski tour depends heavily on the equipment you bring. Choosing the wrong snowboarding gear can lead to an uncomfortable, unsafe, or even catastrophic experience. Luckily, by taking the time to understand what is needed, you can choose the ideal snowboarding gear for your next ski touring trip. Read on to learn more.
What Is Ski Touring?
Ski touring is a type of skiing where the skier uses an array of specialized equipment, such as skis and skins, to ascend the terrain. It is typically done in mountainous and hilly regions. Ski touring has become increasingly popular throughout the years due to the combination of physical challenge, stunning nature, and unique skiing experience it offers.
Unlike traditional alpine skiing, ski touring does not involve chairlifts or snowcats. Instead, the skier utilizes skins and other climbing equipment to ascend the slopes, often with the help of a rope tow.
Ski touring has become a go-to activity for adventurous skiers seeking a unique way to explore the backcountry. With that said, it is essential to understand the gear needed to safely enjoy this experience.
Choosing the Right Skis
When it comes to ski touring, your skis are the most important piece of equipment. A quality ski setup is key to an enjoyable and safe ski tour experience. The right skiing gear will enable you to ascend, descend, and traverse varied terrain easily and accurately.
When it comes to ski touring, skis tend to be around 150-180cm in length, a bit longer than most regular downhill skis. They are also narrower and designed to be light and quick moving. You also want to make sure you have the right skis depending on your level of ability and terrain you will be skiing.
Skins
Skins are a type of stick-on fabric strip that is affixed to the bottom of a ski. They allow skiers to grip and move more easily when skiing uphill. These are essential for ski touring as they enable you to ascend easily, even on inclines as high as 40-degrees. There are a variety of skins to choose from, so make sure to pick one that is suitable for the terrain you plan on skiing.
Climbing Skirting
Climbing skirting is another essential item for your ski touring gear. This lightweight equipment is designed to be attached to the front of your skis, allowing you to maneuver and grip more easily while ascending. You should also bring along a set of climbing wires which, unlike skis, enable you to traverse nearly any terrain, regardless of the gradient.
Backpacks
A quality backpack is a must-have for ski touring. You need to make sure your backpack is stuffed with essential items, including but not limited to: extra clothing, a first aid kit, an avalanche transceiver, maps, sunscreen, food, and water. Your bag should have a comfortable fit and provide enough storage for all your items.
Boots
Having the right boots for ski touring is vitally important. Boots should provide you with enough comfort to endure long hours of skiing and the ability to move quickly and accurately. Select a pair of boots that give you a snug and secure fit, enabling you to traverse any terrain with ease.
Poles
Poles are yet another essential piece of gear for ski touring. Poles help skiers to keep their balance, assist in controlling speed, provide leverage for turning, and help with speed control. Make sure to get poles that are lightweight and adjustable, enabling you to easily move and carry them.
Choosing the right gear for your ski tour is an essential part of enjoying a safe and enjoyable ski touring experience. Understanding the importance of ski touring gear will make it easier for you to purchase the right gear and expertise an enjoyable and thrilling adventure.
Image Credit: Pexels