Ready to take your skiing to the next level? Heading out into the backcountry for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating, but with the proper training, preparation, knowledge, and gear, ski touring can unlock a whole new way to get into the mountains.
If you're new to the backcountry, here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for ski touring:
- Be comfortable skiing in the resort: Make sure you're confident skiing black runs and handling powder before heading into the backcountry.
- Take an Avalanche Canada Training course: Sign up for an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course to learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan your trips, and perform a companion rescue.
- Get the right gear: Rent or invest in touring skis, bindings, boots, skins and your avalanche safety equipment (an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe).
- Learn basic techniques: Learn the uphill techniques for ski touring, perform kick turns, and smoothly transition from uphill to downhill modes.
- Follow ski touring guidelines: Advice for making your ski touring experience safer and more enjoyable.
This blog is not a replacement for an AST course, ski touring lessons, or proper preparation and training. Ski touring can be dangerous, and you are always responsible for your safety while in the backcountry and in avalanche terrain.
The difference between resort skiing and ski touring
Before we dive in, let's talk about the difference between resort skiing and ski touring. At its most basic, the main difference between these two sports is how you get yourself up a mountain to ski back down. Resort skiing typically involves chair lifts or gondolas, and the slopes are monitored by ski patrol for avalanche safety, meaning you're skiing in an avalanche-controlled environment. Patrol are also on hand to help in case of an accident or injury.
Ski touring, on the other hand, lets you venture deep into the unmarked terrain of the backcountry, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore the mountains, escape the resort crowds, and access new areas beyond designated runs. But all this freedom comes with the added responsibility of navigating unmanaged terrain, where avalanche risk, unpredictable conditions, and a lack of patrolling are all part of the experience.
Be comfortable skiing in the resort
Before heading into the backcountry, you should have a solid foundation in downhill skiing. If you're comfortable skiing on black runs, in powder, in trees and glades, in poor visibility and in variable conditions like icy patches or heavy snow, you'll find backcountry skiing much more enjoyable and easier to get into.
Knowing your skill level and limits is crucial in ski touring. Remember: what goes up must come down. You'll need solid skiing skills to safely navigate back down the mountain you've just climbed, so focus on confidently tackling black runs in the resort and various conditions before venturing into ski touring.
Take your Avalanche Canada Training
Let's be real: the mountains can be an unpredictable and dangerous place. Understanding the risks before you venture into the backcountry is essential. Conditions can shift quickly, and subtle factors like temperature swings, snowpack, the shape and angle of the slope, and the effect wind has on the snow aren't always reflected in avalanche forecasts alone. It’s also critical to know the basics of avalanche rescue, and to trust that your partners do too.
If you're new to ski touring, you'll want to sign up for an Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1) course in your area through Avalanche Canada or Avalanche Quebec.
Your AST 1 training will cover the fundamentals of backcountry safety, help you identify hazards and how to avoid them, and teach you avalanche rescue techniques and how to use the gear you need to keep yourself and others safe while ski touring.
After completing your AST 1, you’ll likely want to spend some time in the mountains before moving on to your Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST 2). It expands on the foundations of your AST 1 and provides a more advanced decision-making framework for travelling in avalanche terrain. Make sure to check the avalanche forecast for your area every time you head out. Find it at avalanche.ca. Reading it every day will help build your understanding of what the snowpack in your region is doing, and what the avalanche problems are.
Mountain Equipment Company is proud to be the primary sponsor of the Avalanche Canada Training program.
Get the right gear for ski touring
Ski touring requires specialized gear that differs in function compared to your downhill skiing setup. Here's a breakdown of all the ski touring equipment you'll need before heading out into the backcountry.
Avalanche safety gear for ski touring
- Transceiver: In the event of an avalanche, your transceiver (sometimes referred to as a beacon) is a vital tool. It emits a radio signal that allows rescuers to locate a person wearing a transceiver buried beneath the snow.
- Probe: A probe is a tool used to pinpoint the location of someone buried under snow after an avalanche. It allows rescuers to assess the depth and position of the buried person to help speed up the recovery process. A ski pole won’t do–an avalanche probe is required so that it’s long enough.
- Shovel: A lightweight and durable (but not plastic) shovel is essential for digging out a person buried in an avalanche. Designed for quick and efficient use, it allows you to clear snow quickly in emergencies while packing down small enough for easy transport during your tour.
- Backpack: A good ski-specific backpack is designed with features like a reinforced, accessible compartment for avalanche safety gear, dedicated slots for your skis or snowboard, and straps to securely hold your helmet and other essentials. This ensures that all your gear stays organized and easily accessible—whether it's during a transition, in an emergency, or when you need to grab a snack on the go. Your backpack should be large enough to carry other essentials like spare clothing, first aid kit, repair kit, emergency shelter, food and water.
- Avalanche airbag: An avalanche airbag can be an important addition to your safety gear. These airbags are designed to help you stay on the surface of the snow in the event of an avalanche. Avalanche airbags are certainly a useful safety tool for those venturing into more risky terrain and challenging environments.
Related article: Avalanche safety gear and training
Other safety essentials
- Radio: Stay connected with your group as you explore the backcountry. Radios are perfect for coordinating with your crew and keeping everyone in the loop.
- Satellite communicators: In remote areas where cell service is unavailable, a satellite communicator is an essential backup for reaching rescue teams in an emergency or staying connected with family.
- Emergency blanket or bivy: If things go south, an emergency blanket or bivy are useful protective layers to shield you from the elements until help arrives.
- First aid kit: It's always a good idea to bring a well-stocked first aid kit to handle blisters, minor injuries, or any emergencies that may come up.
- Headlamp: Don't get caught in the dark—pack a headlamp for early starts, late finishes or unexpected delays.
- Ski straps: Ski straps are handy for securing your skis or poles during breaks or when you need to carry them between sections of your tour.
- Extra insulating layer: If temperatures drop unexpectedly or you stay out longer than expected, packing an extra insulating layer (like a down or fleece jacket or extra base layers) is a good idea to keep you warm and comfortable.
- Extra food: Keep your energy up with snacks packed with protein like granola bars, nuts, or jerky. These quick bites can help you fuel up during breaks and on the move.
- Route guide and map: Ensure you know where you are headed and bring a detailed guide or map to be able to navigate safely and stay on track.
- GPS / compass: Stay oriented and avoid unnecessary or unsafe detours with a GPS or compass.
- Repair kit and multi-tool: Be prepared to encounter malfunctioning or broken gear–things like skis poles, bindings, and boots can fail while in the backcountry
- Sunscreen and lip protection: Stay protected from harsh UV rays.
Essential ski touring gear
Touring skis: Often lighter than traditional downhill skis, touring skis are specifically designed for both the uphill grind and the descent. Their lightweight design helps you conserve energy on ascents without sacrificing stability on the way down.
Related article: How to choose backcountry skis
Touring bindings: Touring bindings are usually lighter than alpine bindings and often use a different system to attach your boot. They allow you to lift your heels while climbing and feature a built-in riser to give you added leverage on steep terrain. When you're ready to ski down, simply lock in your heel for a stable descent.
Ski touring boots: Ski touring boots feature a "walk mode" for greater ankle mobility while climbing and a "ski mode" that locks the boot in place for support as you ski down. The transition between walk mode and ski mode is quick and easy and usually consists of switching a clip on the heel of your ski boot.
Skins: Your climbing skins attach to the bottom of your touring skis with a strong adhesive and clips at the tip and tail (or just at the tip, depending on the model). Made from nylon or mohair fibres, your skins provide the traction you need to glide uphill without slipping back. Keep in mind that not all skins are created equal. Different brands and materials may perform better depending on snow conditions, so it's worth asking for advice or doing some research on the best fit for your touring skis and your needs.
Helmet: Your brain is important! You'll need your helmet for the descent and navigating tricky terrain, but you may not need it while climbing—it can get too hot. Most ski touring backpacks come with a helmet carrier, but if yours doesn't, consider getting one that does to keep your helmet safe and secure while you're on the climb.
Ski goggles: Just like in resort skiing, your goggles protect your eyes from the sun, wind, snow, and glare while you're out in the mountains. Pack an extra lens for changing light conditions—low-light or high-contrast lenses are great for those overcast days. Plus, even a minor fall can get snow in your goggles, causing condensation, and there's nothing worse than wet goggles that you can't de-fog mid-adventure.
Sun protective hat and sunglasses: For the most part, you're not going to want to wear your goggles while skinning up, as they'll likely get sweaty and fog up. Instead, pack a hat or a good pair of sunglasses for the uphill portion of your ski tour and for breaks.
Proper layers for ski touring: Layering is key when it comes to ski touring. You'll constantly adjust your layers throughout the day as conditions shift and your body temperature changes as you go up and down a mountain. Instead of relying on just one base layer and a heavy jacket, think about building up your layers, starting with a breathable base, a light mid-layer for warmth, a warmer mid-layer for breaks or those colder moments, and an outer shell to protect you from wind, snow, and rain. Also, remember to pack a warm hat, neck gaiter or balaclava, and gloves or mitts to keep your extremities warm!
Related article: How to layer for outdoor activities
Basic ski touring techniques
After you’ve completed your AST 1 course and are comfortable skiing in the resort, the best way to learn how to ski tour is to practice what you’ve learned in a low-risk setting. This means checking and assessing the avalanche forecast in your area, creating a trip plan (including backup plans), and discussing risks and responsibilities with your group. Plan your trip in a place with simpler terrain and low avalanche risk to allow yourself the chance to focus on technique and decision-making. Additionally, try touring with others who have more experience than you, will be patient as you learn, and will provide you with valuable feedback. But for now, here's an overview of the basic ski touring techniques you'll need to get started.
Uphill ski touring technique
Gear up: Before you hit the trails, layer appropriately for climbing—ditch your bulky outer layers and start with your base layer or a mid-layer you can easily remove. Open the vents on your ski pants and outer shell jacket and prepare to heat up on the climb. Set your boots to walk mode, attach your skins to your skis, and extend your poles for the uphill. Don't forget to test your beacons before heading out!
Apply skins to skis: The strong adhesive on the bottom of your skins keeps them securely attached to your skis as you climb. You can practice applying and removing your skins at home to dial in your technique. To apply, wipe the base of your ski clean, attach the skin's tip clip to the nose of your ski, and pull it down from to the tail.
Head uphill: Start by sticking to a low-angle skin track—an established uphill path made by other ski tourers—as it’ll help you get the hang of the uphill technique. Be sure you know where you’re going and don’t follow the skin track blindly, it’s easy to get lost. As you build confidence, you’ll become more comfortable navigating steeper terrain and making your way deeper into the backcountry.
Assess the conditions: As you move uphill, assess the snowpack and the slope you are traveling on. This may consist of probing with your pole, looking for signs of wind loading, assessing if there are changes in the steepness of the slope. Be aware of any changes in temperature or weather conditions that are different than outlined in the forecast, these can all change the avalanche danger. You want a safe line heading up, and as you go you can look at potential descent lines. Or you may decide to opt for more conservative terrain.
Kick turns: Kick turns are used in ski touring to navigate tight corners or steeper climbing sections. To perform a kick turn, start by choosing a low-angle, stable spot to practice. Shift your weight onto your downhill ski, then plant your poles uphill for balance. Lift your uphill ski and pivot it around to face the new direction you want to go and plant it firmly on the skin track. Then shift your weight onto your uphill ski and ‘kick’ your downhill ski out behind you and swing around to align with the uphill one.
Note: This description may sound easy, but kick turns are one of the hardest techniques to learn. If you don't get it at first, don't get discouraged! Just keep practicing until you get it.
Managing steeper climb sections: To tackle steeper slopes, stand tall and trust your skins. Leaning too far forward will reduce your traction, causing you to slip out or fall uphill, which wastes energy throughout the day.
Quick tip: Do not lift your skis off the snow when skinning. Instead, glide them forward as if you were cross-country skiing, not snowshoeing. This tip will save you a ton of energy. Take comfortable strides, and don't push yourself too hard. Stay hydrated, fuel up, and rest whenever needed.
Summit celebration and transition
You've made it to your destination – rejoice! First things first, you'll want to pack on some layers to avoid getting cold while you transition from uphill to downhill modes.
Now, transitioning takes a bit of practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, it'll become a breeze. Start by removing the skins from your skis—use a bit of force to pull them from tail to tip to separate them from the ski bases. To store them, fold each skin in half with the sticky sides facing in, then roll or fold them up and tuck them into your jacket or backpack. When your skins start losing their stickiness (or after about 50 uses), you'll need to have them re-glued at a ski shop.
Next, switch your boots and bindings to downhill mode. Put on your helmet and goggles, switch gloves if necessary, and add any extra layers you want for the descent.
Remember to take a moment to appreciate the views and sense of accomplishment—you just skinned up a mountain, after all! It can feel like a race to get your fresh tracks, but soak in these moments, snap a pic, grab a snack, and celebrate with your friends.
The descent
And now, the part you've all been waiting for. You're all set to ski down, but take a moment to assess your surroundings. Your avalanche safety training is crucial here—knowing how to read the terrain and trust your instincts will help keep everyone safe as you make your descent. You will have been assessing conditions continuously since putting on your skins, but now is the time to check in and make sure you’re completely comfortable with the terrain you’ve chosen under those avalanche conditions. Communicate your next group up spot in a safe place, or plan to leap frog your way down, always keeping your buddy in sight.
Follow the good travel practices that you learned in the AST 1. Drop in one at a time. Watch your buddy from a safe zone. If skiing in trees, always ski with a buddy and make noise so you know where each other are.
Once you're all set and clear, pick your line, keep your buddies in sight and go! Enjoy the snow and the line that you just worked hard to ascend.
Things to keep in mind:
Always ski with company
Regardless of your experience level, an important rule of thumb with ski touring is to ski with at least one friend. A small group of three or four is ideal. Skiing with a partner ensures you have a backup in case of an emergency. Make sure you're both equipped with all your avalanche safety gear and training.
Pick your partners wisely
Choosing the right ski touring crew is key to making the experience enjoyable and safe for everyone. It’s great if you can find a friend/mentor with more experience and knowledge touring in the backcountry who will tour at your speed and level. That way they can share their knowledge with you and you can learn tips from someone with more experience. Whoever you ski with, be sure you are match with the level of risk you want to take, and be sure there is open and honest communication between you. If you're going with more experienced tourers, be honest about your abilities and collaboratively choose a route that makes sense for everyone. If you're skiing with less experienced friends, offer guidance, share tips, and support them along the way. Remember, everyone in the group should be able to veto any slope at any time.
Always bring your safety equipment and know how to use it
Always carry your transceiver , probe, and shovel, and make sure you're confident in how to use each piece of avalanche safety equipment. Take the time to regularly practice companion rescue with your ski buddies. Having the gear is step one, but knowing how to use it effectively in an emergency is what could save a life.
Practice, practice practice
Ski touring is all about honing your skills over time. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in handling all the movements and equipment and managing various terrain and conditions. Take every opportunity to learn—whether it's improving your ski touring techniques or practicing your avalanche safety skills. The more time you spend in the mountains, the better you'll get at reading the terrain and trusting your instincts. Avalanche Canada has some great free resources, try their webinar series or their online tutorial to keep the learning going.
Trust the process
Ski touring is a life-long learning experience, even for the experts! Embrace the challenge, take things step by step, follow the Daily Process (like the pros do), and don't rush it. You'll build your skills over time—trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to back out if something feels off. Every outing will bring new lessons, so enjoy the journey, take time to connect with nature and always respect the natural spaces you’re exploring.
