Snowboarding Gear For Ski Touring: The Definitive Guide.
As winter approaches and the temperatures start to drop, getting the right gear for ski touring is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable snowboarding experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snowboarder, having the best snowboarding gear for ski touring can make all the difference in the fun you have out on the mountain.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the best snowboarding gear for ski touring. We’ll start by talking about the basics of ski touring, covering the types of equipment you’ll need to move around the mountain safely and efficiently. We’ll then look at some of the top snowboarding gear designed specifically for ski touring, including boots, bindings, and boards. Finally, we’ll discuss how to find the right gear for your body type and budget, plus some tips on how to care for your equipment.
So, let’s get right into it and take a look at what going skiing and snowboarding entails, and the types of gear you’ll need to get ready for your next ski touring trip!
What is Ski Touring?
Ski touring is an adventure-filled activity where you move around the mountain on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Unlike alpine skiing (downhill skiing), ski touring is all about the journey from point A to point B. Typically, ski tourers move through backcountry terrain, away from established ski resorts, in search of challenging, untouched powder runs and unique experiences. When ski touring, you need to depend on yourself to find your way with the help of a map and compass, navigating crevasses and icefalls, and if need be, mountaineering up hill terrains and glades.
This form of skiing requires special gear designed for backcountry use, and in the next section, we’ll cover the essential gear required for any ski tour, plus some extra specialized pieces of equipment you might need for your next powder adventure.
Essential Ski Touring Gear
The most important gear that you need when ski touring is your skis, snowboard, and bindings. This of course depends on the type of ski touring you’re doing, whether it’s cross-country skiing or snowboarding. Depending on your skill level and touring needs, your specific gear selection should change.
For example, if you’re an advanced snowboarder who’s looking for challenging descents, you’ll need a ski touring snowboard that has a stiffer flex for better edge control. If you’re a beginner snowboarder and are focusing more on developing your backcountry skills, you might want to opt for a more playful snowboard that’s better suited for learning turns and controlling speed.
The same goes for your skis or snowboard bindings. If you plan on charging through backcountry terrain, investing in high-end ski touring bindings will help you power through the mountains more efficiently. Whereas if you’re just starting out, you’ll want to choose more basic ski touring bindings that are lightweight and simple to use.
Other Essential Gear
When planning a ski tour, you’ll also want to be prepared with some additional safety gear. This includes things like avalanche safety equipment such as probes, shovels, beacons, and other search and rescue gear. Additionally, you should always carry extra layers of clothing, food, and water. And, of course, a good pair of touring boots.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the different types of snowboarding boots for ski touring, as well as provide some tips on buying the best boots for your feet.
Snowboarding Boots For Ski Touring
Finding a good pair of snowboard boots for ski touring isn’t just about comfort and convenience; it’s also a safety issue. Ski touring boots need to possess a few different qualities that make them suitable for backcountry skiing.
First and foremost, they should be lightweight to minimize fatigue when trekking through the mountains. Additionally, they should provide plenty of support and control, so you can handle skiing on off-piste terrain. And finally, they should be waterproof and warm for keeping your feet comfortable when trekking in rain, snow, and ice.
When shopping for the best ski touring boots, it’s important to consider your foot size and shape, as well as your style of snowboarding. For example, if you’re a shredder who likes to charge through the mountains, you’ll want to opt for a 3-piece boot system that provides extra heel-lock and support for carving turns at high speed. Whereas for snowboarders who are just getting into touring and are looking for a comfy, all-day option, a more lightweight touring boot with a flexible sole may be the best choice.
Be sure to use a good boot fitting guide to orient yourself and make sure you’re getting the right fit for your feet. And remember, no matter what brand or style of snowboard boots you buy, breaking them in correctly is key to having a good fit and a comfortable ride.
Snowboard Bindings
Choosing the right ski touring bindings is integral to the success of your ski tour. Ski touring bindings need to be lightweight, reliable, and designed to work efficiently with both skis and snowboards. If you’re snowboarding downhill, you’ll want to make sure your bindings have a higher DIN setting for when you need to apply more pressure as you handle steeper, more technical terrain.
For most snowboarders, a lightweight yet durable touring binding should be enough to handle all-mountain snowboarding. If you’re looking for more advanced performance, there are higher-end bindings with built-in shock absorbers and dampeners for better handling, power transmission, and stability.
Snowboarding Boards
The type of ski touring snowboard you choose is all about rider preference and riding style. If you’re an advanced snowboarder who wants to charge through backcountry terrain, you’ll want a powerful, stiffer board to handle aggressive descents. Some riders prefer board that are designed specifically for touring, as they often have reinforced tail and tip sections to improve speed, acceleration, and response.
On the other hand, if you’re a beginner snowboarder who wants to take it slow, you’ll want to opt for a softer and more flexible snowboard. These boards tend to be wider, and are designed to keep the rider stable while they learn the basics of backcountry skiing.
How to Find The Right Gear
It’s important to remember that ski touring is an individual sport and everyone has different preferences when it comes to gear. The type of equipment that works for you is determined by your body size and riding style.
For instance, heavier riders will need a stiffer binding for extra power and stability, whereas lighter riders may prefer a lighter, more flexible version. When it comes to choosing the right snowboard, look for boards that are designed specifically for skiing or snowboarding.
Finally, the most important thing to consider when choosing gear is your budget. We recommend buying the best gear you can afford, as higher-quality pieces of equipment tend to be more durable and offer better performance.
How to Care For Your Gear
Finally, it’s important to take proper care of your skiing and snowboarding gear. This involves cleaning and treating your boots, bindings, and boards after each session, and storing your gear in a dry, climate-controlled space. Also, make sure to tune and wax your skis and snowboards regularly to ensure they last as long as possible.
Conclusion
Ski touring is an adventure-filled activity that requires the right gear to ensure a safe and fun time out on the mountain. When it comes to preparing for your next ski tour, there are three main pieces of equipment you’ll need: boots, bindings, and boards. Be sure to shop for the best gear that fits your budget and body size, and remember to take good care of your equipment after each session.
With the right snowboarding gear for ski touring, you’ll be ready to tackle backcountry terrain like a pro! So, before you set off for your next ski touring adventure, make sure you have the right gear for the job.
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