Ski Touring Gear Guide

The Core Ski Touring Setup

1. Touring Skis

Ski touring skis balance weight, downhill performance, and durability. Unlike resort skis, they're designed to be carried uphill for hours.

Key Considerations:

Weight: Lighter skis easier on the uphill (1200-1500g per ski typical)
- Race skis: Under 1000g (uphill focused)
- Lightweight: 1000-1300g (balanced)
- All-mountain touring: 1300-1700g (downhill focused)
- Freeride touring: 1700g+ (maximum downhill performance)
Width (underfoot):
- Narrow (85-95mm): Firm snow, better uphill efficiency
- Medium (95-105mm): Versatile all-conditions
- Wide (105-115mm+): Deep powder, more float
Length: Generally 5-10cm shorter than resort skis for easier handling
Construction:
- Carbon fiber: Lightest but expensive
- Hybrid carbon/fiberglass: Good balance
- Traditional: Heavier but more affordable

Popular Ski Categories:

Skimo/Race: Ultra-light, uphill focused (Dynafit DNA, Movement Race)
Lightweight Touring: Balanced performance (Dynafit Speed, Black Diamond Helio)
All-Mountain Touring: Versatile (Black Crows Camox, Salomon MTN)
Freeride Touring: Downhill focused (DPS, Black Crows Corvus)

2. Touring Bindings

Touring bindings allow the heel to lift for uphill travel (tour mode) and lock down for descents (ski mode). This is what differentiates them from resort bindings.

Binding Types:

Pin Bindings (Tech Bindings):
- Lightest option (under 200g per binding possible)
- Require tech-compatible boots
- Popular brands: Dynafit, ATK, Plum, G3
- Best for: Weight-conscious tourers, longer tours
Frame Bindings:
- Heavier (800-1200g per binding)
- Compatible with alpine (resort) boots
- Familiar release mechanism
- Popular brands: Marker Duke/Baron, Fritschi Tecton
- Best for: Sidecountry, resort-based touring, those with alpine boots
Hybrid Bindings:
- Mid-weight (400-600g per binding)
- Combines pin uphill with alpine-style release
- Popular: Marker Kingpin, Fritschi Tecton, Salomon Shift
- Best for: Those wanting alpine release with touring capability

Key Features:

Brake width: Match to ski width
DIN range: Match to your weight/ability
Crampon compatibility: Essential for icy conditions
Riser heights: Multiple positions for different slopes
Ski/Walk mechanism: Ease of switching modes

3. Touring Boots

Touring boots balance uphill comfort (walk mode) with downhill performance (ski mode). Boot choice significantly affects your touring experience.

Boot Categories:

Race/Skimo Boots:
- Ultra-light (under 1000g per boot)
- Maximum touring range of motion
- Minimal downhill support
- Examples: Dynafit DNA, Scarpa F1
Lightweight Touring Boots:
- 1000-1300g per boot
- Good walk mode, decent ski performance
- Flex: 100-110
- Examples: Scarpa Maestrale, Dynafit Hoji, Atomic Backland
Freeride Touring Boots:
- 1400-1800g per boot
- Downhill focused, walk mode present
- Flex: 120-130
- Examples: Scarpa 4-Quattro, Lange XT3, Tecnica Zero G

Critical Fit Considerations:

Mondo size: Must fit precisely (visit boot fitter)
Last width: Narrow (98mm), medium (100mm), wide (102mm+)
Walk mode range: More range = more touring comfort
Tech inserts: Required for pin bindings, check alignment
Liner: Moldable liners highly recommended

4. Climbing Skins

Skins attach to ski bases and provide grip for uphill travel while allowing forward glide. Choosing the right skins affects efficiency significantly.

Skin Materials:

Mohair:
- Best glide, quietest
- Less grip on steep or icy slopes
- More expensive, less durable
- Best for: Efficient touring, moderate terrain
Nylon:
- Maximum grip
- Less glide, louder
- More affordable, very durable
- Best for: Steep terrain, icy conditions, beginners
Mohair/Nylon Blend:
- Balanced grip and glide (70/30 or 65/35 common)
- Good durability
- Most versatile choice
- Best for: All-around use, varied conditions

Attachment Systems:

Adhesive backing: Reusable glue, needs care to maintain
Tip attachment: Hook, clip, or loop systems
Tail attachment: Clip or elastic strap
Trimming: Buy pre-cut or trim to ski width yourself

Skin Care:

Dry skins after each use (prevent mold)
Store glue-to-glue or on mesh
Refresh adhesive when needed (skin glue or renewal service)
Keep cheat sheets (protective sheets) to preserve glue

Essential Safety Equipment

The Avalanche Safety Trinity

Never tour in avalanche terrain without ALL THREE of these items:

1. Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon)

Type: Three-antenna digital beacon (industry standard)
Features: Multiple burial marking, group check mode
Popular models: BCA Tracker, Ortovox 3+, Mammut Barryvox
Usage: Worn on body (not in pack), turned on before tour
Practice: Regular search practice essential (monthly minimum)
Batteries: Replace annually, carry spares

2. Avalanche Probe

Length: Minimum 240cm, 280-320cm better
Deployment: Quick-lock system preferred
Markings: Depth markings in 10cm increments
Diameter: Thicker (11-13mm) easier to push through debris

3. Avalanche Shovel

Blade: Metal only (plastic insufficient for avalanche debris)
Size: Larger blade moves more snow (minimum 22cm width)
Handle: Telescoping, T-grip comfortable for long digging
Features: Flat blade useful for snow study, hoe mode helpful

Additional Safety Gear

Avalanche airbag pack: Increases survival odds significantly
First aid kit: Tailored to group size and tour duration
Communication: Cell phone, satellite messenger (Garmin inReach), radio
Emergency shelter: Lightweight bivy sack or space blanket
Repair kit: Ski straps, duct tape, binding screws, multi-tool

Clothing & Layers

Layering System

Base Layer:
- Merino wool or synthetic (avoid cotton)
- Lightweight to midweight depending on temperature
- Long sleeve top and bottoms
Insulation Layer:
- Fleece or lightweight synthetic jacket
- Down or synthetic puffy for breaks/summit
- Packable and easy to stow
Shell Layer:
- Waterproof/breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
- Waterproof pants (full or bibs)
- Pit zips and venting useful for temperature control

Extremities

Gloves: Light gloves for uphill, warm gloves/mitts for descent
Hat/headband: Breathable for uphill, warm for summit
Buff/neck gaiter: Face protection from wind and cold
Socks: Merino wool, single layer to avoid blisters
Goggles: Essential for descent, multiple lens options
Sunglasses: Category 3-4 for bright alpine conditions

Backpack & Accessories

Backpack Selection

Size:
- Day tours: 25-35L
- Overnight tours: 40-50L+
Features:
- Diagonal or A-frame ski carry
- Ice axe loops
- Helmet attachment
- Insulated hydration sleeve (winter)
- Hip belt pockets for snacks
- Easy access safety gear pocket
- Optional: Integrated avalanche airbag system

Navigation & Technology

Map & compass: Paper backup always
GPS device or smartphone: Offline maps pre-downloaded
Altimeter/watch: Useful for navigation
Headlamp: Essential, with extra batteries
Power bank: Keep devices charged in cold

Nutrition & Hydration

Water: 1-2L insulated bottle or hydration bladder with insulated tube
High-calorie snacks: Bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit
Lunch: Easy to eat with gloves (sandwiches, wraps)
Emergency food: Extra calories just in case
Thermos: Hot drink for cold days (optional but nice)

Budget Considerations

Starter Setup Costs (Approximate)

Budget setup: $1,500-2,000 (used gear, entry models)
Mid-range setup: $2,500-3,500 (new quality gear)
High-end setup: $4,000-6,000+ (lightweight, premium brands)

Where to Save vs. Invest

Must invest in:
- Properly fitting boots (get professionally fitted)
- Quality safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Quality shell layers (waterproofing critical)
Can save on:
- Skis (previous year models, used gear)
- Poles (basic adjustable poles work fine)
- Base layers (many affordable options)

Buying Used Gear

Good used buys: Skis, bindings (if recently serviced), packs
Avoid used: Boots (fit critical), beacons (old tech), skins (glue degrades)
Where to buy: Gear swaps, online forums, specialty used gear shops

Maintenance & Care

Seasonal Maintenance

Skis: Tune edges, wax bases, check for damage
Bindings: Check DIN settings, test release, lubricate moving parts
Boots: Check tech inserts, buckles, walk mode mechanism
Skins: Refresh glue if needed, check tip/tail attachments
Safety gear: Test beacon, replace batteries, check probe/shovel function

Ready to Hit the Backcountry?

Once you have your gear dialed in, browse our route database to find tours matching your skill level and objectives.

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