Since the coronavirus pandemic, touring with touring skis and splitboards has become a trend. After all, it’s not just a way to avoid the crowds at the lifts. You don’t even need them to be running. All you need is equipment and two healthy legs – right?
It’s not quite that simple. Before you set off, you should make sure that all safety precautions have been taken and that you meet the physical requirements for the upcoming tour. In the next post, we’ll tell you what equipment you need and what you shouldn’t be without for a day on the mountain.
Safety precautions
As beautiful as the untouched snow in the backcountry is, it always brings with it a certain avalanche risk. There is no such thing as the same level of safety as on groomed slopes. To be able to assess the danger correctly, you should always be accompanied by someone who knows the terrain well. If you are a beginner, it is also important to have at least one experienced tourer with you. They can also explain the correct behavior in the event of an avalanche. Whether with a mountain guide or in a group of friends, beginners should always learn how to behave in an emergency before the tour.
Safety is also guaranteed by the right equipment. In addition to skins, crampons and the like, an avalanche set is also mandatory. Avalanche equipment consists of a 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, probe and metal shovel.
Physical requirements
Of course, having fun on your tour is the top priority. That’s why you should be sure that the route you choose is suitable for your fitness level. Who wants to have to turn back halfway through because you have to admit that the ascent is too long or the descent too steep for your skills? Above all, we want to have fun on our tours, so you should assess your abilities correctly to find the right tour for you.
But what exactly does that mean? As a beginner, how do I know which tour is right for me? For your first tours, it’s better to start small. After all, you’re carrying a lot of weight and the ascent in the snow also requires strength. In addition, the descent in (deep) snow is also more strenuous than on the piste, so you shouldn’t be completely exhausted after the ascent.
More specifically: it is a good start if you can climb at least 250 meters in altitude within one hour under the conditions mentioned above. A beginner’s tour is usually 500 – 1000 meters, i.e. approx. 2-4 hours ascent. Our beginner tours are easily doable for every beginner with a maximum of 600m.
Skills on the descent
You should also have a certain skill level for downhill skiing in deep snow. Of course, some experience in powder snow is an advantage, but at least safe skiing on blue and red slopes is a must! Also bear in mind that the weather on the mountain can change quickly and you can’t flee to the nearest mountain hut straight away. You must also be able to ski safely in poor conditions such as poor visibility or strong winds.
Whether you already have experience in the backcountry or not – we are sure to have the right tour for you! See for yourself!
