Ski Touring Equipment

As a gentle introduction to back-country touring we were planning (well before last week :roll: .) on trying a trip to Skoki lodge next season.

I know we will need touring binding adapters (for downhill bindings) and some touring skins. However, I'm not sure if we would need different boots?

Is the done thing to use normal downhill boots, or do we really need some other type of boot?

Any advice from somebody who regularly tours using skins would be greatly appreciated.

I don't tour or regularly use skins, so I can only tell you the stuff I've encountered so far....

Yes, you can use your Alpine Boots...but, they are heavier, lack a Walk Mode, and lack a Vibram sole for the walking bits. If your boots fit really well, then you may get away with using them. Some folks advocate climbing with them loose, personally I keep mine done up.

Touring Boots are lighter, but the fit can feel loose after alpine boots, and have less support. It's a trade off. The middle ground is supposedly a Freeride boot, some have interchangeable soles.

Touring binding adapters are also heavy. Facewest have them currently.

http://www.facewest.co.uk/BCA-Alpine-Trekkers.html

When you are going uphill, every gram counts. If it will be your 1st time, consider renting skis and bindings with skins to fit.

If you want to use your alpine boots, Fritschi/Marker Tour bindings give you the choice. If you catch the bug, then you can consider your options with your own kit.

Carry a pack to hold the clothing which you will be shedding as you climb, and the drink you will need at the top ) Use clothes that wick!

Buy or rent Transceivers/Probes/Shovels and know how to use them.

My 2p's worth :D

Thanks Bandit. Having done a bit of research, I think we will be OK with our regular boots. Not ideal, but good enough if we take it easy.

Good advice about renting skis/skins/bindings at first. Even the 2nd hand stuff I've seen is quite expensive.

Thanks.

Hi

Sorry late reply, I work in a ski hire shop and most of the people who work there ski tour loads, equipment is key all good shops should be able to kit you out and advise you.

I have done it a few times and equipment and weight is really important, my husband ski tours on a split snowboard as did loads of research before buying one, again weight and equipment is key as with alpine skiing if you are not comfortable it's a real handicap.

I hope it's some help and you enjoy it as much as I have, i am looking forward to this season as intend to do much touring than normal skiing but if you are going off piste do take a guide.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Best wishes
Helen