Discover our advices
to dress well for ski touring

Snow, winter, cold: all these elements to tell you that the ski touring season is open!
You can now put on your best skis, put on your backpack, your ski outfit and start your ski tour in the middle of enchanting landscapes!

Discover our advices to be well dressed for ski touring

To get the most out of your ski tours, we are going to give you some advice on the equipment you should wear.

First of all, what is ski touring?

Ski touring, also known as ski mountaineering, is a kind of skiing that is practiced outside of the marked and groomed slopes of traditional ski resorts. It is an activity that combines downhill skiing with mountain hiking. Everything we like!

The main feature of ski touring is the special bindings that allow you to free your heels during the ascent, making it easier to progress uphill.
This allows skiers to climb steep slopes using sealskins (synthetic skins glued under the skis to increase grip on the snow.

Once at the top, the skier removes the skins and attaches back the heels to the skis for the descent. Ski touring offers the opportunity to enjoy off-piste slopes in remote and uncrowded areas, often through wild mountain landscapes.
Ski touring is enjoyed by adventure-seeking mountain enthusiasts who are looking to explore new terrain, escape the crowds of ski resorts and better connect with nature.

It should be noted that if you are a beginner, ski touring is a physically demanding activity, as it requires both endurance for the climb and skiing skills for the off-piste descent. Also, knowledge of mountain safety techniques, such as avalanche management and prevention, is essential for safe ski touring.

How to prepare and what level to have for ski touring?

In order to prepare for ski touring, it is important to make sure you have the right equipment. You will need to wear ski touring specific clothing designed to keep you warm, protect you from the weather and allow you to enjoy this outdoor activity.
As for the level required, you must be comfortable with your skiing level, as ski touring involves steeper slopes off-piste and sometimes difficult conditions (heavy powder, obstacles).

If you are a beginner, it is safer to start with a mountain guide. He will help you become more independent and give you good techniques to facilitate your improvement!

We offer two programs:

Ski touring in Switzerland, discover the Grand Saint Bernard
Discover the Beaufortain from a different angle

Now that you know a little more about what we are talking about...

What equipment to use for ski touring?

First of all, it is important to keep in mind that in ski touring, you will go through two stages:

• You will be warm on the way up
• You will be cold on the way down 

For the upper body

You will need light clothing that will allow your body to breathe and evacuate your sweat but also warmer clothing to keep your body heat and waterproof in case of bad weather conditions.

• As far as light clothing is concerned, you can opt for sportswear and technical underwear: either in synthetic material or in more natural fabrics such as merino wool. One of the many advantages of merino wool is that it keeps you warm without making you sweat. It is thermoregulating and has antibacterial properties, which explains why it does not retain odors!

We don't recommend close-fitting cotton shirts, as this material absorbs sweat and doesn't dry easily. It would be silly to spoil the outing for a little mistake like that!

• For thicker clothes, you need a layer of thermal insulation such as a fleece more or less thick depending on your chilliness. A zipped fleece will be easier to put on and take off and ventilation zips are suitable for people who tend to sweat a lot.
  Polartec material offers a good technical-warmth ratio.

It is better to leave having a little more cold. The effort will warm you up quickly :)

A good down jacket or ski touring jacket:

You must provide a third and fourth layer:

• A down jacket more or less thick depending on your preference (chilly / less chilly) to take out of the backpack depending on the temperature or during break times.
• A windproof and waterproof jacket. Indeed, in the mountains, the weather can be very bad. It is better to be prepared for all eventualities... We recommend a jacket equipped with the unlined and waterproof Gore-Tex technology. This Gore-Tex membrane is extremely insulating and helps preserve your body temperature while protecting you from moisture and wind.
  Make sure it has underarm vents.
  The hood of your jacket should be adjustable with a drawstring to raise the visor.
  Finally, make sure there is a soft fabric reinforcement around the chin to prevent chafing.

For the hands:

Of course, take gloves:

• A pair of warm, waterproof gloves (Gore-Tex type),
• A pair of thin, technical gloves, for when it's warmer!

For the head:

• A neck band
• Sunglasses protection 4 !
• A warm hat or headband for the cold days / a cap for the spring days when the sun starts to burn…
• A mask for the descent
• And finally, we remind you that ski touring can be dangerous when you go downhill. Wearing a helmet is more than recommended.
  Moreover, it will increase the temperature of your head, you will be less cold and safer!

Most of your body heat comes from your upper body and extremities, but don't neglect the equipment on your lower body!

For the lower body

What pants for ski touring?

Not jeans for sure ;)

• Your ski touring pants must be waterproof, breathable and unlined!
  They must also be adapted to the friction caused by the repetitive movements while walking, to avoid any discomfort.
  Take pants with zippers on the thighs to be able to ventilate while hiking, not to feel too hot. Protective reinforcements at the bottom of the legs against crampon or edge blows, zippers to adjust the opening to the size of your boots and snow gaiters to prevent snow from entering your boots are details that should not be overlooked and that can make all the difference!
• The tights are optional but they can double the layer that protects your lower body if the temperature is really low or if you are by nature cold...
  There are tights that are very well suited for winter hiking, breathable and comfortable.
• Ski touring socks should provide adequate thermal insulation, ventilation and fit to ensure comfort during the effort.

Several criteria should be considered:

- Technical materials: choose socks made from technical materials such as merino wool or special synthetic fabrics. These materials have the ability to wick away moisture, which will keep your feet dry and warm.

- Thickness: choose ski touring socks that match the temperature and weather conditions you will be encountering. For cold days, thicker socks may be preferable for better insulation, while thinner socks are suitable for spring conditions for example.

- Height: sock height is a matter of personal preference. You can choose socks that go up to the knee for better protection against friction caused by ski boots.

- Fit: make sure the socks fit your foot and ski boot properly to avoid creases that can cause blisters. An ergonomic cut and reinforcements in strategic areas (toes, heel, shin) can improve comfort and therefore your overall performance.

You are finally dressed to practice ski touring in full confidence ;)

Enjoy your ski tours and don't hesitate to share your photos with us on Instagram! @espritmontagneguides