Ski touring for advanced skiers: What you need to know

For experienced ski touring enthusiasts, a wide world full of challenges opens up in high-alpine terrain once off popular touring routes. From crevasses, steep flanks and exposed ridges, you can head out to remote peaks and untouched descents. What however is too often forgotten is that these tours also require higher demands on technique and safety.

To that end, together with our product director of hard goods and mountain guide Schorsch Nickaes, we are going to show you the important techniques and tips you should master for high-alpine terrain. Find out how to prepare best for challenging tours and what gear you need to stay safe and efficient on ropes, as well as to conquer the last boot packing stage successfully.

What does this “boot packing’ stuff mean? Under boot packing, we mean carrying skis on your pack when you need to cover a passage on a tour on foot. This is often the key to getting past the last meters of climbing when the steepness or the snow condition makes continuing on skis impossible. Of course, it often demands a lot of energy and time to step out of bindings on steep terrain and to attach skis to a pack. That’s why it is even more important to master the right techniques so you don’t get cold or waste too much energy.

In the following video, Schorsch shows you three different boot packing styles to most efficiently attach your skis to your pack.

Roping up makes it possible to negotiate steep, exposed passages safely. It is especially indispensable on glacial terrain. A rope team ideally has three members. That can minimize the risk of falling into a crevasse.

How does a rope team function? When do you put on your climbing harness, and how is the rope carried in a pack? Schorsch will answer these questions and more in the video.

Are you already a pro when it comes to technique on alpine terrain, but you are lacking the appropriate gear? Then our Ridge Collection is just right for you! With this new touring system, you are ready for first tracks in (high-)alpine terrain.

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