Ski-touring: Trailing Up, Off and Beyond.
What is Ski-Touring?
Skiing uphill and then down without having to remove your skis.
Off trail or on… a physically, exhilarating adventure awaits
When touring, we experience the mountain terrain and its trails in a relaxed way. Things are at a slow pace. The eye can pause and capture the delicious stillness that is surrounding. We become more aware of the delicate, yet steady rhythm of the heart and the breath. Intimate sounds of nature can be heard. The clarity and freshness of the air is felt strongly in the lungs with their expansion. The body, mind, heart and spirit thankful for the challenge and the continued diligence. A sense of freedom with each crunching step, in the snow, under my boot and ski. The movement of our arms and poles as they work with the whole body to maintain balance, and assist in its graceful movement. A sense of longing to discover, to learn something more about one’s own limits.
Needs to Know
When touring, knowing where your going and what the terrain and weather is going to be like are very important. Having the right gear is also. Many times touring can be an easy uphill climb on a combed out trail. Other times, trekking into backcountry, off trail can be more rigorous and a trek one should be prepared for.
If you are new to the sport, there is an abundance of resources online. Planning to plunge in on the knarly, rigorous side, doing it with someone experienced, a mountaineering guide who is knowledgeable about the sport itself is a very wise choice.
Being physically fit, rested, healthy and prepared for certain altitudes is a must to fully enjoy the experience. Not only do you need necessary food and liquid to take care of your munchies and thirst, you will also need gear. Here’s a list of some to help you become more familiar. It is recommended you inquire further.
Avalanche Transceivers
Bindings
Clothing that can breathe
Crampons(for the more rigorous off trails)
Crevasse Rescue Kit(for the more rigorous off trails)
Harness(for the more rigorous off trails)
Ice Axe (for the more rigorous off trails)
Poles
Ropes(for the more rigorous off trails)
Rucksack(backpack)
Shovel
Skins
Touring Boots
Touring Skis
Ski- touring is a wonder sport amongst itself. Another way to spend out in the winter outdoors to get your trailing groove on or off. It gives us the personal experience of seeing, feeling and breathing in the majestic atmosphere… inside and out and reaping in the benefits of its healing touch. Whether your trailing on foot or on skis, the outdoors gives itself to be played with, enjoyed and cherished. Up, off and beyond.
Trail On Trailblazers! Aho!
Your Trailulive Blog Manager Sarah
