Touring Skis

The world of ski touring, as we know it today, takes us into breathtaking high-mountain landscapes, allowing us to approach mountain peaks in a way that's both challenging and liberating. Nothing beats the feeling of freedom and satisfaction of skiing in pristine mountain environments, far from the hustle and bustle of ski resorts.

Ski touring isn't just a sport; it's a way of life for those who have chosen to explore the mountains in winter. In our Touring Skis category, we offer products that will add a touch of passion and safety to your adventures.

Types of Touring Skis

Touring skiing offers various styles and options, and touring skis are designed accordingly, catering to different skiing and climbing preferences.

Uphill Touring Skis: These are incredibly light and agile skis designed specifically for ascents to mountain peaks. Their lightweight nature allows for efficient ascents. Whether it's a short skiing trip or a multi-day tour with many ascents, the main focus of this type of ski is that ascending is easy. Consequently, these skis are usually narrower and lighter, with a width of around 80-85 mm and weighing approximately 1000 g.

Freeride Touring Skis: Wider and more stable, these skis are ideal for skiing in deep powder off the beaten path. They let you enjoy untouched powder to the fullest. For lovers of deep powder, the emphasis here is on the descent, with the ascent serving as a means to an end. As a result, these touring skis are considerably wider than others, with a central width of 100 mm or more. However, at around 1500 g, they are somewhat heavier, which can make longer ascents more challenging.

Allround Touring Skis: These skis balance uphill and downhill performance, combining lightness and agility with excellent downhill capabilities. As the name suggests, these skis are suitable for all terrains, catering to skiing beginners and experienced touring skiers. Whether a quick tour up the local hill or a high alpine tour, these all-around skis have covered you. The central width of these skis is typically around 90 mm, with a weight of around 1200-1300 g.

Race Touring Skis:  For speed enthusiasts, these skis are primarily concerned with going fast. This is easiest with lightweight skis. Race touring skis weigh well under 1000 g and are available only in short lengths. They are correspondingly narrow and maneuverable. On the flip side, skis might compromise a bit on downhill performance and are recommended mainly for experts who know how to handle these ultra-lightweights.

Length and radius of Touring skis

Typically, it's recommended that your ski length should be approximately 10 cm shorter than your height. This length balances maneuverability during the ascent and stability for the descent. For those primarily focused on uphill touring, opting for a shorter ski is common, making executing kick turns more manageable. In contrast, freeride tourers often prefer longer skis. However, it's advisable (unless you're a racer) not to go shorter than a ski that reaches your chin.

The turning radius of a touring ski, like any other ski, is determined by its side cut. A more pronounced side cut results in a smaller radius, which makes initiating turns easier. Conversely, a larger radius enhances stability. In touring, you require a blend of both characteristics. As a result, all-around touring skis, freeride touring skis, and uphill-oriented models typically have a radius of around 15 meters. Race touring skis, designed for speed, feature less side cut, resulting in a larger radius of approximately 20-23 meters.

We offer skis from renowned brands that guarantee quality, durability, and safety: Black Crows, Elan, Dynafit, Armada, Volkl and many others

Materials Used in Touring Skis

Weight plays a vital role in the construction of touring skis, with the ski core being particularly important. Materials such as fiberglass, titanate, balsa, or often paulownia wood are used. In general, a heavier ski tends to be somewhat more stable. Hence, many manufacturers incorporate carbon into their ski construction. To increase torsional stiffness (stiffness around the longitudinal axis of the ski), a carbon structure is often built around the core or used as a honeycomb construction in the ski shovel. This provides the ski with greater stability and edge grip.

Other Touring Equipment

In addition to touring skis, other equipment for ski touring is adapted to the demands of both climbing and descending.

Touring Boots combine comfort and functionality for long ascents and manageable descents. When choosing touring boots, consider factors like proper fit, boot weight, comfort, and performance in ascents and descents. It's also crucial to ensure the boots fit well with specific touring bindings.

Touring Bindings are the bridge between you and the skis, playing a crucial role in power transmission and control. They have a unique front part of the binding that allows climbing. These bindings provide a secure and fixed attachment for descents.

Climbing Skins are indispensable for ski touring. They allow you to ascend steep slopes without sliding back down, saving valuable energy.

Touring Poles are an essential part of touring equipment, providing better stability and balance during ascents while offering support during descents. Choose lightweight and durable poles that adapt to various terrain conditions.

Our store offers Equipment Rental for ski touring, allowing you to try out the latest gear before purchasing.

Embrace the world of ski touring with the right equipment, and enhance your mountain adventures with passion and safety.