Backcountry & Ski Touring

Essentially backcountry skiing is skiing in an uncontrolled environment, that is to say it is not avalanche managed nor are there any ski patrols. So with that in mind there are a number of things to consider when skiing off piste, from your choice of skis, boots, helmet, rucksack to your safety kit.

Let's look at what we think are the essential bits of kit.

+ Backcountry Skis
+ Backcountry Boots
+ Skins & Bindings
+ Avalanche Safety Gear
+ Accessories

Backcountry Equipment

Men's Backcountry Guide Pants

Patagonia / Ski

The search for newly formed ice falls and fresh untracked powder can push us to the extremes. The Backcountry Guide Pant is tough enough to excel every step of the way, providing all the mobility need...

£219.99

› more information

Men's Backcountry Guide Pants

Patagonia / Ski

The search for newly formed ice falls and fresh untracked powder can push us to the extremes. The Backcountry Guide Pant is tough enough to excel every step of the way, providing all the mobility need...

£219.99

› more information

POC Receptor Backcountry MIPS

POC / Winter Sports

The POC Receptor Backcountry MIPS is an innovative design for advanced freeskiers due to its exceptional protection. It is eqipped with MPIS system in order to reduce impact to the brain in case of fo...

£215.00

› more information

POC Receptor Backcountry MIPS

POC / Winter Sports

The POC Receptor Backcountry MIPS is an innovative design for advanced freeskiers due to its exceptional protection. It is eqipped with MPIS system in order to reduce impact to the brain in case of fo...

£215.00

› more information

POC Fornix Backcountry MIPS

POC / Winter Sports

The Fornix Backcountry MIPS is a lightweight, aramid reinforced and well-ventilated helmet, equipped with the patented MIPS system to reduce the rotational forces to the brain in the case of an obliqu...

£175.00

› more information

POC Fornix Backcountry MIPS

POC / Winter Sports

The Fornix Backcountry MIPS is a lightweight, aramid reinforced and well-ventilated helmet, equipped with the patented MIPS system to reduce the rotational forces to the brain in the case of an obliqu...

£175.00

› more information

Salomon Backcountry II Beanie

Salomon / Winter Sports

Updated style for free skiers. Features Cable style Soft

£22.99

› more information

Salomon Backcountry II Beanie

Salomon / Winter Sports

Updated style for free skiers. Features Cable style Soft

£22.99

› more information

Fontainbleau Off Piste Guide Book

Baton Wicks / Travel

With 3000 problems at Font 6 or harder, this is a guide for the dedicated climber wishing to explore new parts of Fontainebleau. There is a full alphabetical index with the best routes highlighted.

£18.99

› more information

Fontainbleau Off Piste Guide Book

Baton Wicks / Travel

With 3000 problems at Font 6 or harder, this is a guide for the dedicated climber wishing to explore new parts of Fontainebleau. There is a full alphabetical index with the best routes highlighted.

£18.99

› more information

1

2

>

Backcounty Equipment Guide

We haven't added a separate section on clothing as the basics are pretty much the same as you would wear on the slopes. Do bear in mind though that you want breathability and clothing that will keep you warm but be light.

Backcountry Skis

First of all it is important to know that it is not advisable to use piste skis for any type of backcountry skiing as they simply aren't suitable. There are three main types of skis that are used by backcountry skiers-telemark, randonee or split boarding. Some skiers also consider using snowshoes and carrying their equipment on their backs. Telemark skis essentially have the toe section of the boot connected to the binding but the heel stays free all the time. Randonee systems use a special binding that allows the heel of the boot to release from the ski when you are going uphill and then lock down for the downhill. The splitboard works as the name suggests, the snowboard separates down the middle to form skis.

Backcountry Boots

Boots will vary according to the skis you select. So telemark boots (where the heel doesn't connect to the skis) have a bellows section behind the toes that allows the boot to flex. Randonee boots look like normal alpine boots but are normally lighter and more flexible. They have a hiking sole and a walk mode that allows the boot to flex. For those wanting to snowboard split boards will work with standard snowboard boots but some boarders use randonee boots with a split board.

 Skins and Bindings

Skins applied to the base of your skis mean you will be able to get up the hill, as you will be able to slide forward but won't slide backwards. They basically stick to your skis, when you get to the top of the slope you peel them off and away you go, downwards! Bindings vary hugely from light weight tech bindings and fixed frame touring bindings.

Avalanche Safety Gear

There are plenty of avalanche gear on the market to choose from but we would suggest that the essential bits of kit should include at least three items - an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. An avalanche transceiver will help locate you should the worse happen and you are buried in an avalanche. Shovels have two purposes, they can help dig people out plus they can be used to help you analyse the snowpack. The probe will also help locate buried people but can also be used to feel layers in the snow.

Accessories

When choosing your backpack do bear in mind that it needs to be light and comfortable but also be able to store and carry everything you need. When choosing poles also look at the ones which also turn into a probe and there are others that are also collapsible making them easier to transport.