Snowboarding Gear for Ski Touring:
The Ultimate Guide To Take Flight On The Slopes.
If you’re an avid snowboarder, then you already know the thrill and excitement of taking on the slopes and flying through the snow. But have you ever thought about trying your hand at ski touring? Ski touring is an adventure sport that combines snowboarding and ski mountaineering. With this activity, you’ll not only need the necessary skills and techniques; you’ll also need the perfect gear to get you safely where you need to go. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best snowboarding gear for ski touring.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or if you’ve been skiing for years; you’ll need the right gear to maximize your enjoyment, performance, and safety on the mountain. Snowboarding gear is usually specific to the type of terrain you’ll be skiing on, the kind of weather, and the level of experience you have. The right gear should help you move quickly and easily through the mountain’s terrain while protecting you from the elements.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of gear you’ll need to get the most out of your ski touring experience. We’ll cover the essential items like helmets, boots, and bindings as well as other equipment such as avalanche gear, skis, and backpacks. With this guide, you’ll be well equipped for every situation, from fresh powder runs, to backcountry descents, and everything in between.
So, let’s jump right in and get started on the essentials for snowboarding gear for ski touring.
First and foremost, your helmet is one of the most essential pieces of safety gear you’ll need. Helmets are essential for protecting your head in the event of an accident or impact while skiing. An appropriate helmet should be comfortable, lightweight, and fit snugly. When selecting a helmet, make sure to check for adequate ventilation, adjustability, and an adjustable chin strap. It’s also important to choose a helmet that conforms to the US National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) safety standards.
For optimal protection, you’ll also want to look for a helmet with a cap shell, which helps protect your head from the elements while still providing good ventilation and comfort. When selecting a ski touring helmet, look for one with a removable liner, which allows you to customize the fit of your helmet to your individual head shape. The liner also should be made from a lightweight material, such as high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS), as this will help you stay light on the slopes.
Your next essential piece of gear for ski touring is your boots. Ski boots should provide comfort, warmth, and performance all in one package. The most important factor to consider when selecting the right boots is finding a pair that fits correctly. Your boots should be snug, yet comfortable, and have cushioning to absorb shocks when skiing. Ski boots should also have a good ankle support to keep your heels locked in, as well as adequate reinforcement at the toes and footbed to prevent any potential fatigue. Additionally, it’s important to make sure you choose a pair of boots designed specifically for ski touring.
You’ll also want to purchase ski bindings to hold your boots securely to your skis. Bindings are the link between your boots and skis, and they should provide a secure connection while still allowing you to move freely. Choose bindings with adjustable settings to customize fit and release settings depending on how you ski and the type of skiing you do. Make sure to choose bindings that are compatible with your skis and boots, as mismatched equipment can lead to injury or malfunction.
For skiing in backcountry terrain, avalanche gear is an absolute must. An avalanche transceiver is a special radio transmitter that you wear when skiing off-piste, and it emits a signal in the event of an avalanche. There are several types of avalanche transceivers available, but the type should be chosen according to the terrain you’ll be skiing in and the conditions you’ll be skiing in.
In addition to an avalanche transceiver, you should also carry a few other types of avalanche safety equipment such as an avalanche probe, a snow saw, and a shovel. An avalanche probe helps you detect the position of someone who may have been buried in an avalanche, while a snow saw and shovel can be used to dig trenches or build shelters in an emergency. Last, but not least, you should also invest in an avalanche airbag that helps to increase your chances of survival in an avalanche by providing air in an unstable snowpack.
Finally, you’ll need an appropriate backpack to carry all your essential gear. A good ski-touring pack should have enough space for your transceiver, probe, snow saw and shovel, and enough pockets for various items such as an extra layer of clothing and a water bottle. The right backpack should also be comfortable, lightweight, and have adjustable straps to customize the fit to your body.
Now that we’ve covered the essential items, let’s talk about some additional pieces of equipment you can use to take your ski touring experience to the next level. Skis, skins, and poles are all items you may want to consider investing in, depending on the type of terrain you’ll be skiing. Ski skins are designed to help you grip the snow and move more efficiently while on the mountain. Poles help to propel you forward while skiing, while touring skis are a hybrid of alpine and Nordic skis that help with uphill and downhill movement, respectively.
By now, you should have a better understanding of the essential snowboarding gear for ski touring. Your gear should be chosen based on the terrain and conditions you will be skiing in and your own experience level. Remember that it’s always better to be prepared for any situation, and with the right gear, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable time on the slopes. So, get out and take flight on the mountainside this winter!
Image Credit: Pexels