Ski touring is ski touring!
But be careful, if there are summer hikes of all levels and accessible to all, the practice of ski touring, however, requires a minimum of learning and technique to be able to reach the summits safely. A few days of initiation are therefore necessary to tame the material, find its rhythm on the snow and know its limits.
You might as well be aware that this is an activity that needs to be in good shape and wants to be active!
Ski touring - Advice N°1
Getting well
To get started, the easiest way is to rent the equipment: skis and suitable bindings, skins, shoes, sticks, DVA (Avalanche detector), shovel and probe. The material is (fortunately !) lighter than that used in Alpine skiing.
The ski must be chosen parabolic and 10 cm smaller than its own size. Do not hesitate to try several pairs of shoes as it is important to feel "like in slippers". The current shoes are very technical, take the time to understand how they fit and use to avoid any discomfort.
On the clothing side, it depends on your tolerance to temperature variations. The multi-layered system is the most suitable : one or two layers will inevitably be removed at the climb to put them back on as soon as the effort diminishes... essential backpack, in which one will also bring a hat, a pair of gloves (one will have to go down), sunglasses, supplies, and safety equipment.
Ski touring - Advice N°2
Managing your security
Learning to use the DVA (avalanche victim detector) is essential before you go hiking. For this, no secret, only a skier already trained will be able to show you how to use the equipment. One of the 2 AVDS hidden in the snow, it's up to you to find "the victim": a shot to take!
The use of the probe and the shovel complete this training, equipment to have in his backpack in addition to the mobile phone charged.
Ski touring - Advice N°3
Putting on skis
First of all, we stick the skins under the skis because, without them, we can't move forward! I take this opportunity to point out that these are no longer seal skins for a long time, but synthetic, Bibifoc can sleep soundly. :)
To glue the skins, it's very simple. Simply fix the upper part in the hole of the spatula provided for this purpose and pull the skin by sticking it on the ski up to the heel, where it is held by a hook. The shoes have two positions, one for walking, the other for skiing. So, before climbing on the skis, make sure the shoe is closed and rigid. In a snap, here you are, as in downhill skiing, in fixations. They are regulated in two ways: the heel moves freely during the ascent but remains blocked in the descents. And for more comfort on the climbs, we add a wedge.
Last detail: don't forget to tie the thongs to the calves at the risk of seeing your skis come down without you (no ski brake on hiking)!
Ski touring Advice - N°4
Move slowly
Let's do this. The goal is to slide the skis, one after the other, without lifting the foot. The stretching can be less ample: Little by little, we gain confidence and increase the slope smoothly. The hiker will quickly gain confidence and realize that he can climb steep slopes without any problems. Climbing wedges are used to relieve calves and legs during exercise.
Here is a little help to pass the fixation from one position to another only by means of the stick, so as not to have to bend down or worse to remove the gloves.
When the slope becomes too steep, it is necessary to change tactics to climb in turn and thus, learn to master the technique of conversions to turn. It's best to practice before you go: on too steep slopes, the exercise can be very sporty ! it is up to you to find your own rhythm and amplitude in order to move comfortably without having the impression of doing gymnast stretching with each movement.
Ski touring Advice - N°5
Climb efficiently
Little by little, we gain confidence and increase the slope smoothly. The hiker will quickly gain confidence and realize that he can climb steep slopes without any problems. Climbing wedges are used to relieve calves and legs during exercise.
Here is a little help to pass the fixation from one position to another only by means of the stick, so as not to have to bend down or worse to remove the gloves.
When the slope becomes too steep, it is necessary to change tactics to climb in turn and thus, learn to master the technique of conversions to turn. It's best to practice before you go: on too steep slopes, the exercise can be very sporty!
Ski touring Advice - N°6
Food and water
Ski touring is a complete sport that brings strength and endurance to bear. It is Impossible to continue without regular food and water (energy expenditure: 500 calories/hour).
Drink before thirst (every half hour) in small amounts. The hiker can lose up to 40% of his meals due to lack of water, and hydrating also allows a better recovery by avoiding cramps and aches.
Ski touring Advice - N°7
Keep forces for the descent
Ah... finally! The best moment of ski touring ... the fun after the effort... not so sure! A minimum of ski technique on the piste is essential if you do not want the hike to turn into a nightmare. It's simple, you have to be able to go anywhere. The skier no longer plays on the slopes and the downhill is both technical and sporty. Watch your thighs if you have to go down in a snowplow!
Don't forget to stretch after the race... at the risk of not being able to walk the next day.
Ski touring Advice - N°8
Choose your itinerary
Ready for the first outing?
The route must be chosen according to its level of difficulty (altitude difference, narrowness of the path) and the quality of the snow.
A beginner makes an average of 250m of positive difference per hour, a competitor up to 1400m per hour! Also pay attention to the descent, which quickly becomes difficult in narrow paths.
The weather forecast is an integral part of the preparation. The cold and the snow can quickly make the walk infernal if you are not prepared. Depending on the exhibition and the season, the snow can be powdery, frozen, crusted, blown, soup: you will have to adapt. And of course, we'll postpone the exit if the avalanche risk is significant. When in doubt, take professional advice.
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