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Ski Touring For The First Time
Enjoy skiing and love being in the mountains? Ski touring could be a natural next step. If you are new to touring, it is completely normal to have questions about fitness, equipment and safety. This guide is designed to help you understand the basics and feel confident about taking your first steps into ski touring.
Patrick Untersee
What is ski touring?
Ski touring (also called skinning) involves climbing uphill on skis with specialised gear and then skiing back down, combining elements of cross-country and alpine skiing. It’s usually done in the backcountry, away from lifts, giving you access to fresh, untouched snow and the freedom to explore the mountains at your own pace.
Do I need a guide for my first ski tour?
Yes, and it is strongly recommended. Ski touring takes place away from marked pistes, in natural mountain terrain where conditions can change quickly. Going with a qualified instructor or mountain guide means you can relax and enjoy the experience while learning at a comfortable pace.
A guide will show you how to use the equipment, teach you simple uphill techniques, manage safety and choose routes that suit your ability. Most people find their first touring experience far more enjoyable when they are learning from someone experienced.
Johannes Andersson
What should I book as a beginner?
The best way to start is with an introductory ski touring course. These trips are designed specifically for first-timers and focus on learning rather than covering long distances.
A good beginner course will introduce you to touring equipment, teach you how to move uphill efficiently, show you the basics of avalanche safety and give you time to practise new skills in a supportive environment.
Ski Club Freshtracks and our friends at Mountain Tracks both offer excellent introductory touring courses that are suitable for confident piste skiers who want to try touring for the first time.
Will my insurance cover ski touring?
Insurance is something many beginners are unsure about. Not all winter sports policies automatically cover ski touring, so it is important to check before you travel.
Look to see whether ski touring is included, whether you are covered outside resort boundaries, and whether mountain rescue is part of the policy.
Ski Club of Great Britain Platinum Membership includes travel insurance that covers skiing out of bounds without a guide, giving you added peace of mind as you explore the mountains.
Henry Perks
What skis do I need?
Touring skis are lighter than standard alpine skis and are designed to make walking uphill easier. They are used with climbing skins that attach to the base of the ski and allow you to move uphill without sliding backwards.
If you are trying ski touring for the first time, renting equipment is a great option. Not all rental shops stock touring skis, so it is worth booking in advance. Ski Club members can also access ski rental discounts, including with SkiSet.
Do I need special ski boots?
Yes. Touring boots are different from regular ski boots and are designed to be comfortable when walking uphill. They have a walk mode that allows your ankle to move more freely and are generally lighter than alpine boots. They also connect correctly with pin bindings that are usually mounted on touring skis.
Because you spend much of the day moving in your boots, comfort is especially important. If you think you may tour more than once, it is worth investing in boots that have been professionally fitted. Some resorts do offer touring boot rental, but availability can vary.
What types of bindings are there for ski touring?
There are four main types, each suited to different styles of ski touring.
Lightweight Pin Bindings
Very light and simple, these are best for skiers who care more about climbing than skiing down.
Pin with Alpine Heel
These have a pin at the front for climbing and a standard alpine heel for better control on the way down, a good mix for uphill and downhill.
Hybrid Bindings
A recent innovation, these start like a pin binding for climbing, then add extra support for skiing down. They’re great for short tours to reach the best powder.
Frame Bindings
A traditional style with a hinged frame, similar in function to hybrid bindings, but now less popular as hybrids offer almost the same downhill performance with less bulk.
What is a transceiver, and do I need to know how to use it?
A transceiver, also called an avalanche beacon, is a small electronic device used in off-piste skiing to help locate someone buried in an avalanche. Every skier in a group carries one, and it can both send and receive signals. If someone is caught in an avalanche, their transceiver sends out a signal that others can pick up, allowing rescuers to find them quickly. Using a transceiver correctly is essential for safety in the backcountry and is usually combined with carrying a shovel and probe for a complete avalanche safety kit.
Your guide will show you how to use a transceiver and make sure everyone is confident before heading out. If you would like to learn a little beforehand, this short video offers a clear and simple introduction.
What is a kick turn?
To do a kick turn, you lift the tails of your skis, pivot on the tips, and place them in the new direction, using your poles for support if needed. It’s an essential skill for ski touring and backcountry skiing, helping you navigate narrow or steep terrain safely and efficiently.
Beginner courses will teach you this skill as part of their tuition. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but everyone learns with practice. You can even practise kick turns on gentle slopes or on piste before trying ski touring.
Yngve Windsland
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need to be extremely fit, but a reasonable level of fitness will make ski touring more enjoyable. Being comfortable walking uphill for longer periods is helpful.
Regular exercise such as walking, hiking, cycling or swimming is good preparation. Many beginner courses are designed with manageable distances and include breaks, so the focus is on learning and enjoyment rather than endurance.
Learn more before you go
The Ski Club has created a short video series with Avalanche Geeks that covers some helpful ideas about decision making in the mountains. These videos are a great introduction for anyone new to off piste skiing.
Simple packing list for beginner ski tourers
- Touring skis and bindings
- Touring boots with walk mode
- Ski skins
- Adjustable ski poles
- Comfortable touring backpack
- Transceiver with fresh batteries
- Probe
- Metal shovel
- Water and snacks
- Lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm insulating jacket
- Thermal layers
- Thin gloves for moving uphill
- Warm ski gloves
- Hat and sunglasses, or goggles
Your instructor or trip organiser will let you know if anything extra is needed, especially for multi-day or hut-based trips.
For more information, you can always call the Freshtracks or Ski Club team for more advice before ski touring on 020 8410 2000 or email .
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