{"id":6751,"date":"2015-11-02T22:22:08","date_gmt":"2015-11-02T22:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.activeazur.com\/?page_id=6751"},"modified":"2019-10-30T22:41:51","modified_gmt":"2019-10-30T22:41:51","slug":"ski-touring","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefrance.com\/skiing\/ski-touring","title":{"rendered":"Ski Touring in the French Alps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ski touring combines off-piste skiing<\/a> with hiking and mountaineering so you can escape the crowds and enjoy some of the best backcountry terrain in the French Alps.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The best Ski Touring in the French Alps<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

The French Alps is renowned for its easily accessible yet wild and extensive ski touring terrain. New equipment makes the possibility of accessing pristine powder fields a reality for most skiers and ski touring has become a hugely popular winter activity<\/a>. Strike out from Chamonix<\/a> and access the Haute Route, possibly the most famous ski tour in the world. Less than 2 hours drive from Chamonix and you’re in the Vanoise National Park in the Tarantaise Valley<\/strong>, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of wilderness in Europe and a ski touring paradise. Head further south and explore less frequented terrain in the stunningly remote Queyras Regional Park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Hut-To-Hut Ski Touring<\/h3>\n

A superb network of mountain huts or refuges<\/em> makes multi-day hut-to-hut ski touring expeditions straightforward to organise. The standard of the accommodation in the refuges is generally basic but comfortable with rooms arranged dormitory style. Bunk-beds are equipped with bedding, so you don’t need to carry a sleeping bag. Food tends to be on a set menu basis consisting of a hearty three course evening meal and cereals and bread and jam for breakfast. Often there is no running water, so you have to buy bottled water to drink and wash with. You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks. You can expect a good atmosphere, and weather permitting, to wake up to a stunning view!<\/p>\n

Ski Touring Equipment<\/h3>\n

In the Alps, backcountry skiers favour freeride skis, such as Dynastar Cham\u2019s or K2 Pinnacle\u2019s, with touring bindings and skins. Snowboarders will either use a splitboard, or snowshoes and carry their board. Top splitboard brands include Jones Snowboards, Rossignol and Korua Shapes. Ski touring climbing skins come in either nylon or mohair, or a mixture of the two. Nylon provides more grip, and mohair gives more glide. If it’s your first time it\u2019s safer to err on the side of more grip \u2013 you might be slightly slower, but you\u2019ll still get there. More extreme routes require crampons and some ropework. Your guide will provide you with an avalanche rescue kit, including transceiver, probe and shovel. You’ll also need a technical backcountry backpack with ski\/snowboard carrying capacity. Good ones are the Osprey Kode or Patagonia Snow Drifter.<\/p>\n

One thing’s for sure, equipment failure can have serious consequences, so you\u2019ll need to have a firm grasp of how to use your ski touring gear before you strike out into the backcountry. As always, our advice is to take a guide<\/a>. You’ll be safer and you’ll have a lot more fun.\n<\/div>\n

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Alpine Touring Basics – Ski Touring Tips for Beginners<\/h3>\n

Ski touring tips and advice on technique from FREEFLO SKI<\/a>, a leading backcountry skiing company based in Tignes in the French Alps.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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1. When skinning uphill, keep your skis in contact with the snow.<\/strong>
\nSkiers new to ski touring often lift their feet whilst moving forwards. You’ll move faster and use less energy if you Keep your skis on the snow and slide them forward rather than lifting your feet.<\/p>\n

2. Choose your line.<\/strong>
\nIf you can avoid it, don’t try to carve your own path through fresh snow. You’ll save a ton of energy and move faster if you follow an existing line. Don’t just blindly follow a line though – first you need to make your own assessment of whether the terrain is safe.<\/p>\n

3. Establish your position in the line.<\/strong>
\nIt is a given that the person at the front of the group will exert more energy than the person at the back, especially if they have to carve a new line uphill through fresh snow. Your guide will continuously assess each skier’s energy levels and will frequently change the order to keep the group moving at a steady pace. If you’re towards the front and you find yourself tiring, don’t hesitate to signal to the guide and drop back a few places.<\/p>\n

4. Keep your head up look ahead.<\/strong>
\nLooking ahead and keeping your head up in turn keeps your upper body upright and naturally makes you more efficient. By looking ahead you won’t accidentally veer off course, you’ll keep to the track and save time and energy.<\/p>\n

5. Layer up (and down).<\/strong>
\nSki touring is all about efficiency, so it’s important to control your body temperature and neither overheat nor get too cold. The easiest way to do this is by wearing clothing in layers. Rather than wearing a t-shirt and a thick, insulated ski jacket, choose a breathable base layer<\/a>, a performance mid-layer and a good quality wind and water-proof outer shell jacket. You can then layer up or down according to the conditions and hold a steady pace without getting too hot or too cold.\n<\/div>\n

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Book a Ski Touring Trip<\/h3>\n

Our Ski Touring partners offer affordable day & multi-day packages designed for skiers and splitboarders looking to explore the best backcountry in the Alps.<\/p>\n