Learn backcountry skiing skills, avalanche safety, route planning, and winter mountain techniques from experienced ski tourers and mountain guides.
Everything you need to know to start ski touring: equipment, skills, and safety basics.
Read Guide →Critical avalanche safety knowledge, rescue techniques, and risk assessment for backcountry skiers.
Read Guide →Step-by-step guide to route planning, terrain analysis, and weather assessment.
Read Guide →Complete equipment guide: skis, bindings, boots, skins, and safety gear.
Read Guide →Master classic and skate skiing techniques for cross-country and backcountry nordic skiing.
Read Guide →Understand avalanche danger ratings, problem types, and how to apply forecasts in the field.
Read Guide →Top backcountry skiing destinations in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.
Read Guide →Multi-day ski tours: planning, gear, and skills for winter backcountry camping.
Read Guide →Backcountry skiing and ski touring involve serious risks including avalanches, falls, extreme weather, and remote terrain. These guides are educational resources but are not a substitute for:
Avalanches occur when three factors align: unstable snowpack, steep terrain (typically 30-45°), and a trigger (often human). Understanding and managing these factors is fundamental to backcountry travel.
Good route selection accounts for avalanche terrain, weather conditions, group ability, time available, and escape options. Always have a Plan B and know when to turn around.
Ski touring is physically demanding. Build aerobic fitness through hiking, cycling, and skinning. Practice transition efficiency and downhill skiing in varied conditions.
Respect wildlife, avoid sensitive areas during winter, pack out all waste, and minimize impact on fragile alpine ecosystems.
Browse 12,000+ backcountry skiing and nordic skiing routes with GPS tracks, elevation profiles, photos, and community reports.