What is ski touring?

Why go ski touring?

There are many reasons to choose ski touring. It is a very free and intense form of skiing, as you have to climb the mountain yourself, on foot. You are not dependent on lifts or other forms of transport up the mountain and that gives you enormous freedom. You get a completely different experience of the mountain and nature when you go up yourself.

Ski touring is also a very safe form of skiing. You are always in control of your speed, and you can always stop if you feel unsafe. This is a big advantage if you are on steep or uneven terrain.

Ski touring is a good way to get out into nature and get extra exercise.

You can also choose to take a different route down the mountain than the one you took up. This provides a much greater variety in skiing, and you can explore a mountain in a whole new way.

But ski touring is also a more demanding type of skiing, both physically and technically. You have to be prepared to have to walk quite a lot with the skis on your back, and it also takes a good technique to be able to stand down the mountain with the skis on again.

If you are a skier who loves freedom, nature and challenges, skiing is the perfect skiing for you.

How do you get started with ski touring?

To get started with ski touring, you must first of all have the right equipment. This especially includes a pair of touring skis that are designed to be easy to carry and comfortable to stand on. You must also have a good boot that is comfortable to walk in and that also provides good support. You must also have a touring ski binding that has two functions. Partly because it can be loosened so that the heel is free so you can easily walk up the mountain. A bit like an off-road binding. Partly because the binding can be locked again so that it works like a normal alpine binding. It is used when going back down the mountain.

Once you have the right equipment, it’s time to find a suitable place to go on a ski trip. It is clearly recommended to sign up for a trip with a certified mountain guide the first many times, if not always. On the one hand, the guide will teach you the right techniques, but most importantly, he will be responsible for safety when you move in the mountains. In addition, a mountain guide with his knowledge will also be able to find much better snow than you can yourself.

Some good advice about ski touring

– Make sure you have the right equipment. Ordinary alpine skis are not enough, you need special skis, boots and poles. Watch the following video for a deeper understanding

– Keep an eye on the weather. While it may not seem like the weather will change, it always can, and it can happen quickly.

– Always be aware of your own physical form. You must be in good shape to complete a ski tour with ski touring.

– Listen to your mountain guide. They know what they are doing and they know how to get through the journey safely.

– Take a tour with a certified mountain guide.

– Read books about ski touring.

Where can you train on ski trips?

In principle, you can practice skiing anywhere in the world where there is snow and mountains. But of course there are places that suit better than others. The Alps are the obvious mountain area, but there are also many places in Scandinavia that are suitable for ski tours. At DBP Adventures, we have selected two destinations that we consider obvious as ski trips, Popova Shapka in North Macedonia and Chamonix in France.

Popova Shapka, North Macedonia – Introduction to ski touring

Popova Shapka is located approx. an hour’s drive from the capital Skopje. Here you will find one of the world’s most fantastic mountain landscapes, with large mountains, deep valleys and crystal clear water. Popova Shapka has something for everyone, from beginners to very experienced skiers. Since we already have many off-piste tours in North Macedonia, it makes sense for us to also utilize the area as a ski touring destination. The trips to North Macedonia are introductory trips to ski touring, aimed at those who want to get started with it. We have the opportunity to use the “cats” (converted tracked vehicles) that we use on our off-piste tours. It gives us an opportunity to easily get around the terrain and avoid going the same way several times. The trips to North Macedonia are for you who want to try your hand at ski tours at a very reasonable price.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is located in France, near the border with Switzerland and Italy. Chamonix is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, and offers some of the world’s most famous mountains, such as Mont Blanc. Chamonix is one of the places where you can do world-class ski touring, with many long and difficult tours that challenge even the most experienced skiers. Our tour trip to Chamonix is aimed at those who have a little more experience in ski touring. We have partnered with a highly trained mountain guide who knows Chamonix inside and out. Depending on the weather, he takes us out on some of the most exciting tours in the area. During the entire trip, we spend the night in a mountain cabin, to get all the way out into the backcountry. Since our philosophy is that we go to find the best snow, we don’t know the routes in advance. Read more about the trip via the following link.

Below some examples of some of the most classic ski touring trails in and around Chamonix

1. Aiguille du Midi

This route is one of the classics in Chamonix, and goes from the top of the Aiguille du Midi down to the tower of Montenvers. You need to be in good shape to do this route, but the views are truly stunning.

2. Les Grands Montets

This route goes from the ski area of Les Grands Montets up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi. It is slightly shorter than the Aiguille du Midi route, but still quite challenging.

3. Tour du Mont Blanc

This route is one of the longest in Chamonix and goes all the way around Mont Blanc. Of course, it is only for the most experienced skiers, but the view is truly unique.

4. Vallee Blanche

This road goes from the Aiguille du Midi down to the Vallee Blanche. It is very popular with skiers, and for good reason. Vallee Blanche is one of the most beautiful valleys in Chamonix and the route is one of the most challenging.

5. La Mer de Glace

This route goes from the tower of Montenver down to La Mer de Glace. It’s not as long as some of the other routes, but it goes through some of the most beautiful areas of Chamonix.

6. Col de la Seigne

This road goes from the Col de la Seigne back to Courmayeur. It’s not that far, but it’s very challenging because of the steep terrain.