How to Get Into Ski Touring

By Rami Rasamny, Founder of Life Happens Outdoors

There is a unique magic in ski touring. It is the perfect blend of skiing and mountaineering where the rush of carving down untouched slopes meets the quiet satisfaction of earning every turn. At Life Happens Outdoors, we have seen time and again how this pursuit transforms people. It is not just about sliding down snow. It is about pushing your boundaries, embracing the wilderness, and coming back different.

Whether you are an alpine skier looking to take your first steps into the backcountry or a complete novice eager to learn, ski touring is a journey. It is a journey of skill, fitness, and mindset. Here is how you can go from your very first day on skis to confidently exploring untouched alpine terrain.

Starting Point: The Alpine Skier

If you are already comfortable skiing on resort slopes, you have a head start. Alpine skiing gives you the technical foundation to control your movement on snow, which is essential when the environment becomes more variable in the backcountry.

But ski touring is more than just skiing downhill. You will need to climb, traverse, and move efficiently uphill using specialized gear. This requires strength, endurance, and familiarity with new techniques like kick turns and skinning.

Before you even venture off-piste, focus on these areas:
Master Your Skiing Basics: Be comfortable on all types of snow within the resort, including icy patches, moguls, and powder.
Improve Your Fitness: Touring days can involve hours of steady uphill travel. Building endurance will make the experience more enjoyable.
Learn to Read Terrain: Start paying attention to slope angles, snow consistency, and weather changes while you are in the resort. These observations become vital later on.

If You Are Starting From Zero

For those who have never skied before, the first step is learning the fundamentals of alpine skiing. This typically takes a season or two of practice. Focus on:
Taking Professional Lessons: Build proper habits from the beginning.
Developing Confidence: Aim to ski blue runs comfortably and safely before progressing further.
Progressive Challenge: Gradually work your way to more complex terrain like red and black runs once you feel ready.

Think of this as laying the foundation for your future in ski touring. Rushing this stage can lead to frustration and even injury later on.

Gear Up for Ski Touring

Once you have reached a comfortable level on alpine skis, it is time to explore ski touring equipment. Touring gear is designed to help you travel uphill and downhill efficiently.

Here is what you will need:
Touring Skis: Lighter than standard alpine skis, making uphill travel easier.
Bindings: Allow your heel to lift when climbing and lock down for descents.
Skins: Attach to the base of your skis to provide traction while going uphill.
Touring Boots: Designed for flexibility on ascents and stiffness for downhill performance.
Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, shovel, and probe are essential for safe backcountry travel.

Getting the right gear is not just about buying equipment. It is about learning how to use it properly. Consider renting or joining a guided introduction day to try different setups before committing to a full kit.

Building Backcountry Skills

Ski touring takes you into uncontrolled wild environments. This comes with added responsibilities. Unlike a ski resort, there are no avalanche patrols or groomed trails out there.

Key skills you will need to develop include:
Avalanche Awareness: Take a certified avalanche course to understand snowpack, terrain traps, and safe travel techniques.
Navigation: Learn to read maps, use a GPS, and navigate in poor visibility.
Group Management: Ski touring is rarely a solo pursuit. Knowing how to move safely as a team is critical.
Rescue Practice: Know how to use your avalanche gear quickly and confidently under stress.

This stage is where joining a guided course or trip makes all the difference. At Life Happens Outdoors, our IFMGA certified guides focus on teaching these essential skills in a supportive and structured environment.

Your First Ski Touring Experience

Your first real touring day will be unforgettable. Expect a mix of excitement and challenge as you put your training to the test.

Start with something moderate such as:
A half day or full day tour in familiar terrain
Clear weather and stable snow conditions
A supportive group and an experienced guide

The goal is not to push limits right away. It is to experience the rhythm of touring, steady climbs, breathtaking views, and the reward of carving untouched lines on the descent.

From Day Tours to Multi Day Adventures

Once you are comfortable with single day tours, you can progress to multi day hut to hut adventures. These journeys unlock a new level of connection with the mountains. Carrying only the essentials on your back, you will traverse remote alpine terrain, staying in mountain huts along the way.

Trips like these are where the heart of ski touring lives. Complete immersion in the wild supported by skill, preparation, and a strong team dynamic.

Why It Is Worth the Journey

Ski touring is not just a sport. It is a gateway to self discovery. Every uphill step builds resilience. Every descent rewards effort. Every challenge faced alongside your team creates memories that last a lifetime.

At Life Happens Outdoors, we have seen countless people go from hesitant beginners to confident backcountry explorers. Along the way, they do not just learn how to ski tour. They learn how to trust themselves, their partners, and the process of transformation that happens in the mountains.

Come Back Different

Whether you are lacing up your first pair of ski boots or planning your first multi day expedition, ski touring invites you into a world of adventure and growth. It is a journey worth taking, one that will challenge you, inspire you, and ultimately change you.

When you are ready to take the first step, join us on the skin track. Together, we will explore the wild, earn our turns, and truly come back different.