Stop hibernating with these 5 tips to get you Ski Touring this winter

Add Ski Touring to your winter to enjoy mountain time to its fullest.

What is it? Ski touring is a mix of cross country skiing but using gear more akin to alpine skis and you explore the mountains going uphill with the help of climbing skins affixed to the bases, and once you gain some altitude you peel the skins away, drop in and enjoy the thrills of downhill skiing. Really no better way to go as you get yourself immersed in mountain beauty, heart healthy, and a wicked good feeling of enjoying the tranquility of utter wildness! Let's head out and shred this winter.

1.       Take a lesson- Before you hit the backcountry, get educated first!  Don’t go without taking avalanche training & one of the many ‘How to Ski Tour’ courses. The risk of avalanche danger is real. The danger lurks, on natures field of play, the snow looks so good but the devil is under the surface, layers of old snow that may slide, or a wind loaded slab that could bury you in a flash and without some training you will have no clue. Practice is key- as you learn about snow science, beacon search & find, probe use and shovel technique. Your inner Kid dream, you are loaded with toys that you can play in the snow with! But seriously this play/practice is vital and the real deal. Bottom line get educated, start slowly on safe terrain, go with others who are experienced.  

2.       Winter is better with this sport. Ski touring has tremendous appeal, as this sport has the magic recipe, a perfect mix of healthful benefit, true exploration of nature, mountain eye candy and it is Social… better & safer with friends. It is experiencing a revival right now so you will not be alone on your path to get in on this two plank craze. In fact, ski touring (aka Backcountry Skiing) is one of the fastest growing winter sports right now. Go with friends- not only is the social great but it is safer

3.      Feel more energy. All your body sensors of enjoyment will be going crazy as you experience gravity defying weightlessness from leaps and bounds over bumps, ever enjoyable speed as you surge down the slope and the constant powder fluff of freshness on your face, make an addictive potion of fun, a perfect way to enjoy your winter. This is real mountain enrichment as you know you earned every turn and you feel the good health energy fill your soul from the incredible workout in nature’s playground. Enjoy a double Bonus Health whammy! Exercise and Mountain relaxation

4.       Gear to get you going! My suggestion- rent first, for a couple of reasons, try & test gear that you may want to buy but it also saves you money if for the really low chance that you may not like it. Heed the experts at your local mountain shop and have them do your ski and boot sizing. Bonus is they will give you a rundown on how the equipment works as bindings and climbing skins do vary. After your rental phase then purchase from reputable outdoor shop but don’t forget to wear your boots at home for an hour- craft beer & ski boots on while watching the game!

5.       Ready for First Tracks, Go Local first. Take your first trips to areas where there is limited avalanche risk. Get used to the gear, practice basic maneuvers like going forward, climbing a slope and most importantly your first turns in varied snow conditions. Better yet, go on a guided tour like those offered at Boulder Hut Adventures, located high in the Purcell Mountains, near Kimberley, British Columbia,Assiniboine Lodge, Canadian Rockies, and or Dave Henry Lodge, near Valemount, British Columbia.