The Whole World of Ski Touring
Access unexplored peaks and enjoy the silence of the summits. Ski touring is much more than a sport, it's an adventure. To ensure every turn is smooth and every descent is safe, choosing the right gear is crucial. Discover our complete range: from lightweight packs for endurance to powerful Freerando setups for powder. Ready to stick on the skins and make your mark?
Rediscover the mountains your way
Backcountry skiing has exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason: it’s complete freedom. No more time constraints, no more crowds. Just you, your skis, and the mountains. But be careful, the playground changes, as does the gear. Here, we’re not just talking about sliding, but about climbing efficiency and reliability in all types of snow.
What kind of hiker are you? Choose your camp
At Winter-expert, we classify gear into three main categories to help you find your way:
1. Ski Mountaineering & Fitness (Performance)
Your enemy is weight. You love “eating elevation” and summiting peak after peak. For you, we have narrow skis (65-80mm underfoot), often carbon-reinforced, and minimalist “Low Tech” bindings with inserts. The goal: to ascend quickly and lightly.
2. Versatile Touring (Exploration)
This is the essence of “Touring”. You’re looking for a happy medium: a ski that doesn’t kill your legs on the way up but is still fun to ski down. Here, we aim for widths between 80 and 90mm underfoot. It’s the perfect choice for multi-day trips or classic outings.
3. Freerando (Adrenaline)
You’re a freerider at heart, but you want to access slopes that lifts don’t reach. You need wide skis (95mm and more) to float in powder and sturdy bindings (like Kingpin or Shift) capable of handling jumps and speed. Weight is secondary; descending is king.
Decoding the technical jargon
- Skins: Essential for climbing. Straight cut or custom, mohair (sliding) or nylon (grip/durability). Don’t forget to re-glue them regularly!
- Crampons: These are the "spikes" for your skis. As soon as the snow hardens or the slope steepens, they become essential to avoid slipping.
- Inserts: These are the little metal holes at the front of your boots that allow you to clip in lightweight bindings. Make sure your boots are compatible!
Safety first
Backcountry skiing takes place in unprotected environments. The trio Beacon (Avalanche Victim Detector) / Shovel / Probe is not optional; it’s your passport to survival. Make sure you know how to use them and check snow conditions before every outing.
