How to Plan a Ski Touring Route

The Route Planning Process

Effective route planning happens in phases, starting days before your tour and continuing up to the moment you leave the parking lot. Good planning isn't rigid - it includes flexibility for changing conditions.

Step 1: Choose Your Objective (3-7 Days Before)

Consider Your Group

• Fitness level: Choose routes within everyone's abilities
• Technical skiing ability: Account for steepest terrain and conditions
• Experience level: Beginners need simpler terrain and navigation
• Group goals: Summit, powder, training, social tour?

Initial Route Research

• Guidebooks: Local ski touring guidebooks provide detailed info
• Online resources: Trip reports, route databases, forums
• Maps: Study topographic maps for terrain features
• GPS tracks: Download GPX files from previous trips
• Local knowledge: Talk to experienced locals

Key Route Information to Gather

• Total distance and vertical gain/loss
• Estimated time (both ascent and descent)
• Trailhead location and parking availability
• Approach conditions (road access, plowed lots)
• Maximum slope angles and aspects
• Avalanche terrain exposure
• Escape routes and bailout options
• Huts or shelters available

Step 2: Terrain Analysis (2-3 Days Before)

Topographic Map Study

Analyze the terrain in detail using topographic maps (1:25,000 scale ideal):

• Slope Angles: Identify slopes in avalanche terrain (30-45°)
  • Count contour lines - closer = steeper
  • Use slope angle shading tools (Fatmap, Caltopo)
  • Note terrain traps below steeper slopes
• Aspects: Determine which direction slopes face
  • Critical for avalanche assessment (sun exposure, wind loading)
  • Affects snow conditions (north = cold/dry, south = warm/wet)
• Terrain Features:
  • Ridges and bowls
  • Gullies and creek beds (terrain traps)
  • Cliff bands and rock features
  • Forest density and tree coverage

Identify Safe Travel Corridors

Plan routes that minimize time in avalanche terrain:

• Ridge lines and broad plateau areas (watch for cornices)
• Dense forest (slopes under 30°)
• Valley bottoms with minimal overhead hazard
• Alternative routes avoiding avalanche paths

Plan Descent Routes

• Identify multiple descent options
• Note slope angles and aspects of descent
• Identify safe zones for regrouping
• Consider different routes for varying conditions

Step 3: Weather & Avalanche Forecasts (1-2 Days Before)

Weather Forecast Analysis

Check detailed mountain weather forecasts:

• Temperature: Freezing levels, daytime highs, overnight lows
• Precipitation: Amount, timing, rain vs. snow line
• Wind: Speed and direction (affects snow loading and wind chill)
• Visibility: Cloud cover, fog potential (critical for navigation)
• Trend: Improving or deteriorating conditions?

Avalanche Forecast Review

Study the avalanche forecast in detail:

• Danger Rating: Low (1) to Extreme (5) - adjust plans accordingly
• Avalanche Problems: Identify specific problems (storm slab, persistent slab, wind slab, etc.)
• Elevation Bands: Above/near/below treeline - which zones are problematic?
• Aspects of Concern: Which slope directions to avoid?
• Likelihood & Size: Probability of triggering and potential size

Red Flags to Consider

Consider postponing or changing objectives if:

• Avalanche danger rated Considerable (3) or higher
• Recent heavy snowfall or rain
• Strong winds creating wind slabs
• Rapid temperature changes
• Poor visibility forecast (whiteout conditions)
• Extreme cold (frostbite risk)

Step 4: Detailed Planning (Day Before)

Timing & Logistics

• Start Time:
  • Alpine starts (5-7am) common to finish before afternoon warming
  • Account for approach time to trailhead
  • Sunrise time (need headlamps?)
• Estimated Duration:
  • Ascent: ~300-400m vertical per hour (average touring pace)
  • Descent: Variable based on conditions and terrain
  • Add time for breaks, transitions, route finding
  • Buffer time: Add 25-50% to your estimate
• Turnaround Time:
  • Set firm turnaround time regardless of summit
  • Account for descent time and return before dark
  • Earlier turnaround in questionable weather

Navigation Planning

• Print or download offline maps
• Mark key waypoints (parking, decision points, summit)
• Download GPX tracks to GPS device
• Note compass bearings for key sections
• Identify landmarks for navigation
• Prepare backup navigation methods

Gear & Safety Check

• Beacon, probe, shovel (test beacon!)
• Appropriate layers for forecast conditions
• Food and water for duration + emergency extras
• First aid and repair kit
• Communication device (phone, radio, satellite messenger)
• Emergency bivy and shelter
• Headlamp with extra batteries

Communication Plan

• Share detailed route plan with someone not going
• Provide expected return time
• Specify when to alert authorities if overdue
• Include trailhead location and vehicle description
• Emergency contact numbers

Step 5: Morning of Tour - Final Go/No-Go Decision

Last-Minute Checks

• Recheck weather forecast for updates
• Review avalanche forecast (updated daily, often early AM)
• Check road conditions and access
• Confirm with partners - everyone ready and committed?
• Assess group energy and health

At the Trailhead

• Group beacon check (test all transceivers)
• Final weather observation
• Review plan with all group members
• Assign roles (navigation lead, sweep, etc.)
• Establish communication protocols
• Confirm bailout options and turnaround time

Step 6: During the Tour - Continuous Reassessment

Observations to Monitor

• Avalanche Red Flags:
  • Recent avalanche activity
  • Whumpfing sounds (snowpack collapsing)
  • Shooting cracks
  • Heavy snow loading (rapid accumulation)
• Weather Changes:
  • Deteriorating visibility
  • Unexpected precipitation
  • Wind speed changes
  • Temperature trends
• Group Dynamics:
  • Energy levels and pace
  • Morale and confidence
  • Any injuries or issues

Decision Points

Identify decision points in advance - places where you'll reassess and potentially turn around:

• Before entering avalanche terrain
• At turnaround time
• If conditions differ significantly from forecast
• When red flags observed
• If anyone in group uncomfortable continuing

Building Flexibility: Plan A, B, C

Always have multiple options:

• Plan A: Ideal objective in good conditions
• Plan B: Alternative with less exposure if conditions marginal
• Plan C: Low-angle, simple option if conditions poor
• Plan D: Abort and go home (always an option!)

Common Planning Mistakes

• Summit fever: Being too committed to original plan despite changing conditions
• Underestimating time: Tours almost always take longer than expected
• Ignoring forecasts: Hoping conditions will be better than predicted
• Poor communication: Not sharing plans or not getting group buy-in
• No bailout options: Committing to routes without escape routes
• Overestimating abilities: Choosing routes beyond group skill level

Resources for Route Planning

Maps & Navigation Tools

• Caltopo: Excellent web-based mapping with slope shading
• Fatmap: 3D terrain visualization
• Gaia GPS: Mobile app with offline maps
• SwissTopo / IGN / USGS: Official topographic maps

Weather & Avalanche Forecasts

• Mountain-Forecast.com: Detailed mountain weather
• Avalanche.org: Links to regional avalanche centers
• NWAC / CAIC / Avalanche Canada: Regional forecasts
• Météo France: Alps weather and avalanche info