TOURING SKILLS

SKIING

SKI TOURING SKILLS

With a pair of touring skis, the world is your oyster. Scottish Mountain Guide Andy Townsend of Glenmore Lodge shares his top tips on venturing into the backcountry.

Photos Ed Smith

They say that polo is the sport of kings. I respectfully disagree. For me, ski touring deserves the sporting crown. What’s more, you don’t have to be mega rich or own a stable full of ponies to enjoy it; you just need to be prepared to learn some new skills and put in a bit of effort.

The rewards for those who do are limitless. With a pair of skis, some touring bindings and a set of climbing skins, you can explore the whole mountain without relying on lifts. You can also start wherever you fancy, enjoy the best snow and follow your own timetable.

In short, ski touring is freedom – and a good day in the backcountry will not only keep you fit but enrich your soul for many years.

Here’s how to get involved.

“A good day in the backcountry will enrich your soul”

Learn the Basics

Touring is not quite as simple as jumping on your skis, sliding up to a summit and then hoovering up the powder on your way down. There’s a lot to learn in terms of technique and safety, but don’t be put off; if you can ski, you can ski tour.

The best way to get started is to book an introductory course with either a qualified mountain guide or an instructor. Having someone experienced to hold your hand and share their knowledge as you head into the backcountry for the first time is invaluable.

Gear Up

A lightweight boot and binding set-up will definitely save you energy on the climb, but sometimes a slightly heavier ski will actually improve your performance on the descent. It’s all about finding the sweet spot, so seek advice in-store.

If you are going to invest in one bit of kit, make it your boots. A good pair will improve your day far more than any ski. Get them fitted by an expert, and choose a model that suits your experience and ambitions. If you want to charge at high speed, go for a freeride boot; if you want to ski slower but cover more distance then select a lightweight ski mountaineering boot.

Finally, pack the essentials. Remember, you should never leave the pistes without carrying the ‘holy trinity’: a transceiver, shovel and probe (see overleaf). You’ll also need spare layers and gloves, a small repair kit, a first aid kit and plenty of food and water. It all adds up, so invest in a proper ski touring rucksack; this will distribute the load lower on your back so that it doesn’t interfere with your skiing.

Master the Climb

For maximum efficiency, don’t lift your skis off the ground as you climb. Instead, push them forward, making sure they never lose contact with the snow. The best technique involves thrusting one hip forward, then moving the pelvis laterally over the new uphill ski before thrusting the opposite hip forward. This motion uses the hip flexor, which will take some time to develop and can feel sore at first.

Skinning should be slow and efficient; there’s no need to rush or go too steeply uphill. The real skill lies in picking a line for your ascent that avoids steep sections, minimises the need for kick turns and keeps the use of heel raisers on your bindings to a minimum. Rushing the ups will only make you sweaty and less able to enjoy the downs.

Ski Skills

Before you consider touring, it’s essential to build your off-piste skills at the sides of the marked runs (aka the ‘sidecountry’). Snow quality can vary from turn to turn, and it’s vital that you

“NOTHING BEATS EXPLORING UNTRACKED SNOW WITH YOUR FRIENDS”

can cope with anything the mountain throws at you – especially when you’re a long way from medical help. The top three backcountry skills to master are: 1. Sideslipping. Although it’s a basic technique, the ability to perform a controlled sideslip at a moment’s notice – down steep or hard snow and around obstacles – is crucial. 2. Stem Turns. The classic stem turn is a versatile and dexterous move that can be performed on almost any terrain, at any speed. 3. Jump Turns. This is your ‘get out of jail’ card for steep sections, tricky snow and obstacles. Plus, they look awesome!

Stay Safe

90% of avalanche victims trigger their own avalanche. That’s a scary statistic, but the Scottish Avalanche Information Service has developed a straightforward guide to help you plan a safe trip into the backcountry. ‘Be Avalanche Aware’ (BAA) encourages you to consider three elements: 1. The current and past avalanche risk – including weather and mountain conditions. 2. The human element i.e. you and your group’s personal skills and experience. 3. The specifi c terrain and landscapes you intend to visit that day.

By considering these three factors at every stage of your journey – including planning – you will be able to make more informed and less emotional decisions. Check out beaware.sais.gov.uk

Although it’s essential to carry a transceiver, shovel and probe, it’s important to remember that these items are rescue equipment – not safety equipment. In other words, they don’t stop you getting in trouble. Attending an avalanche course with your regular ski partners is a great way to ensure that you’re all familiar with how to use them and consider hazards in the same way.

Route Finding

Navigating on skis in perfect weather is relatively straightforward, but reduce the visibility (or even remove it completely) and it becomes a serious and stressful business. The main problem is that it’s hard to estimate your speed and therefore calculate the distance you’ve travelled.

Faced with a whiteout, unless you want to rely on your Jedi-like skills (never wise) you’ll need to reach for the map. Having GPS on your phone is helpful but you mustn’t overlook a traditional map and compass, since these don’t rely on a battery that can fail in the cold temperatures. Route fi nding should be practised before it’s needed; there are lots of tactics that a ski tourer can develop in order to navigate safely through the mountains and back to the café for hot chocolate.

Glenmore Lodge

The ups and downs of ski touring are all part of the fun; nothing beats the feeling of exploring remote, untracked snow with your friends. Glenmore Lodge is Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, off ering in-depth ski touring courses and other essential backcountry skills.

glenmorelodge.org.uk

ORTOVOX CARBON 240 SUPERLIGHT £90 - 185g

Extremely lightweight and well-designed, this probe’s quick-lock assembly means it folds out in a trice. A contrasting depth scale – including clear 1-metre markers – keeps you informed when shovelling, while its larger-diameter probe tip improves snow penetration. The tensioning system is also aramid for longer life.