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

Cordee Val D'Isere Tignes Off Piste

Cordee / Books

A new edition of this popular guide to the off piste ski runs around this famous French ski area. In French and English.

£12.50

› more information

Cordee Val D'Isere Tignes Off Piste

Cordee / Books

A new edition of this popular guide to the off piste ski runs around this famous French ski area. In French and English.

£12.50

› more information

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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.