Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering Tips

Bruce Goodlad

05/09/2008 1:20 am

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The techniques required for ski mountaineering and ski touring are varied and draw on techniques from all aspects of skiing and mountaineering. Before venturing into the world beyond the piste you will need to be a strong off piste skier able to cope with most types of snow while skiing with a rucksack. When going downhill the following techniques will greatly assist your ability to move round the mountain.

Downhill techniques

Down hill kick turns, these allow you to change direction without making a turn, these are very useful in un-ski able snow when the safest method for descent is to traverse gently downhill then kick turn and repeat until you get to better snow.
Side slipping vertically, forwards or backwards, this ski technique allows you to loose height in control so negotiating narrow areas. The ability to jump turn side slip then jump turn can get you out of trouble in steep constricted areas.
Stem turns are a great way of initiating a turn in difficult snow, when skiing on crust that can just support your weight stem turning without lifting the ski can often keep you on top where as a conventional turn may punch you through the crust.
Jump turns are a brilliant way to redirect your skis; it is often the safest method of redirecting the skis in steep terrain where a fall when trying to down hill kick turn can be dangerous. It also a great method of turning the skis in difficult snow, there is no friction when your skis are in the air.

All these ski techniques are things you will have seen or can learn when downhill skiing, the techniques you will need to go up hill will be new to most people starting their back country careers.

It is worth being familiar with the equipment needed for ski mountaineering and ski touring link to choosing equipment page before we look at the techniques involved. Click here to go a full Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering kit list (in the booking and more info menu)

When you decide to go uphill you will need to attach skins to your skis then start to glide up hill, when you change direction you will need to learn to kick turn . If the snow becomes to icy for skins to grip you will need to fit ski crampons when you decide to ski down you will need to remove skins and put them away ready for the next up.

Lets look at all these Touring Techniques in turn when you have mastered them all you will be ready for any of the classic ski tours.

Putting on skins »