What is ski touring?
Ski touring – also known as skinning – is the art of climbing a mountain on skis before skiing back down. Long before ski lifts, this was the only way to reach the top. Today, while most skiers take the lift, you’ll still see some climbing under their own power or venturing into the backcountry away from the pistes. That’s ski touring.
At Everest in the Alps, it’s all about the uphill. The challenge lies in the long ascents, the endurance, and the exhilaration of pushing yourself further than you thought possible. The rewards are huge: ski touring takes you into remote parts of the mountains few ever experience, builds incredible fitness, and makes every descent feel richly earned.
Every calorie burned, every blister earned
Ski touring grew out of off-piste skiing and ski mountaineering. At its heart is the desire to escape the crowds, reach untouched corners of the mountains, and find the freshest snow. Today it’s the fastest-growing discipline in Alpine skiing, as more and more people look to test their stamina and discover the rewards of the uphill as well as the down.
It’s demanding, but addictive – the effort always matched by the reward. The buzz of physical exertion, the rhythm of the climb, and then the release of the downhill, all played out in breathtaking isolation.
Unlike hiking or climbing, the ascent is made on skis. With skins fixed to the base for grip, touring bindings that free the heel for a natural stride, and lighter, more flexible boots, the climb becomes fluid and efficient. It’s not a sprint, but height is gained quickly. One moment you’re looking down on your village; the next you’re pushing towards a summit, driven by the sense of achievement.
And at the top, the magic switch: skins off, boots and bindings locked in, and then you’re flying downhill – your reward earned with every step.
Why is ski touring growing in popularity?
Ski touring has attracted a loyal and rapidly growing following – and it’s easy to see why. Much like running marathons or cycling long distances, people are drawn to the challenge, the training, and the sense of achievement. Some love the solitude, others the camaraderie – but above all, it’s the thrill of pushing yourself to your peak physical condition.
Ski touring adds another layer: a deep connection with the mountains. The freedom from crowds, the joy of making fresh tracks, the remote and spectacular mountain huts, and nights spent under the awe-inspiring alpine sky – these experiences make it far more than just a workout.
If you love the mountains and want to get fit while embracing adventure, ski touring could be for you.
