Ski touring skis

Ski touring – freedom, adventure, and a true nature experience

Ski touring is for those who want to experience the mountains beyond lift queues and groomed slopes. These skis are built to take you both uphill and downhill, making them perfect for adventurers who rely on their own power. With the right equipment, you can reach untouched peaks, enjoy the tranquility, and then take an unforgettable descent through untouched snow.

Unlike piste skis and all-mountain skis, touring skis are designed to be as light as possible on the way up, yet stable enough to provide full control on steep terrain on the way down. The combination of low weight, strong construction, and smart binding technology makes them an indispensable part of modern freeriding.

What are touring skis?

Touring skis are designed to handle both ascents and descents. They feature lighter cores – often made of wood and carbon fiber – and are adapted for touring bindings that allow the heel to be free during the ascent and locked for the descent. This allows you to easily switch between climbing and skiing.

To gain grip on the way up, ski skins are used, which are attached to the bottom of the skis. They make it possible to walk uphill without slipping backward and are easily removed when it's time to ski down.

Touring skis are generally lighter than off-piste skis, but depending on the type of ski tour you plan, different models are available.

Different types of touring skis

• Light touring skis – built for long tours where weight is crucial. Perfect for those who prioritize efficiency and endurance.

• All-round touring skis – combine low weight with stable downhill performance. Suitable for most skiers and varied terrain.

• Freeride touring skis – wider and slightly heavier, designed for skiers who want the best possible downhill performance.

Which type suits you depends on how much emphasis you place on climbing versus skiing. If you primarily want to explore untouched terrain with a focus on the downhill segment, a freeride model might be the right choice.

Choose the right equipment

For an optimal ski touring experience, all equipment needs to work together.

• Bindings: Choose between light tech bindings, versatile hybrid bindings, or more stable frame bindings.

• Boots: You need boots with tech inserts to fit modern bindings.

• Skis: Choose a length close to your own body height for the best balance between uphill efficiency and downhill stability.

• Poles: Adjustable alpine ski poles are ideal, as they can be adapted to the incline.

Safety in focus

When you go ski touring, safety equipment is as important as the skis themselves. Always make sure you have avalanche equipment – transceiver, probe, and shovel – and preferably an avalanche airbag backpack. Knowledge is crucial, so take the time to practice using the equipment and keep an eye on avalanche forecasts and weather before you head out.

Planning and preparation

Ski touring requires both physical fitness and planning. Conditioning, strength, and balance are important for managing long ascents and steep descents. Always plan your route in advance, check the weather and avalanche risk, and tell someone where you are going. It's also wise to pack a first aid kit, extra clothes, and energy.

For those who want to delve deeper into equipment and technique, more tips can be found in our ski buying guide.

Ski touring – true freedom

Ski touring is about more than just skiing. It's an experience of nature, tranquility, and the freedom of moving forward under your own power. The feeling when you reach the summit, take off your ski skins, and gaze out over untouched mountainsides before making your first turns down – it's hard to beat.

In our range, you'll find touring skis from well-known brands such as Black Crows, Atomic, and Blizzard, among others. Of course, we offer professional binding mounting, and our ski workshop helps you with service and maintenance to ensure your equipment lasts season after season.

Want to know more? Read our ski buying guide or contact us, and we'll help you find the right equipment for your next adventure – where freedom begins with the first step up the mountain.