28.02
2012 Mountain activities

Limited to tough-as-nails mountaineers just ten years ago, ski touring is becoming increasingly accessible, notably thanks to the development of superior equipment. Appealing from both an ecological and economic standpoint, ski touring now draws in a large public each winter.

The true nature of skiing

Limited to tough-as-nails mountaineers just ten years ago, ski touring is becoming increasingly accessible, notably thanks to the development of superior equipment. Appealing from both an ecological and economic standpoint, ski touring now draws in a large public each winter.

The true nature of skiing

In a few words, Olivier Mansiot, a Grenoble-area mountain guide and technical advisor for ski-alpinism at the FFME(Fédération Française de la Montagne et de l’Escalade), sums up the benefits of ski touring.

“Ski touring is appealing because it is a sport that is practiced in an untouched landscape. One is not constrained by chairlifts or marked pistes like with alpine skiing. In addition to permitting the skier to develop his skills in a grandiose setting, ski touring is free, and can be practiced where you want, when you want, for a sense of complete freedom,” he says.

An increasingly accessible activity

With approximately 150 000 practitioners in France, ski touring is becoming more and more popular, due in part to the development of the equipment in recent years. “One of the particularities of ski touring is that is practiced in the wilderness, therefore on ungroomed trails, which can cause difficulties for the skier. Parabolic skis have made off-piste skiing, and therefore ski touring, much more manageable. Today, an alpine skier who can handle a red piste can enjoy ski touring. Lighter skis and bindings also play an important role in the sport’s increased accessibility, as nearly 80% of ski touring is climbing,” says Mansiot.

Just for fun

The increasing popularity of ski touring also owes a lot to a change in approach. A short time ago, the public was exposed to this activity only through the most prestigious ski-alpinism competitions, such as the famous Pierra Menta d’Arêches-Beaufort, whose participants climb a total of 10 000 metres over four days! Now, it is not only the physical challenge that is emphasised, but also the “fun factor.” For example, at Deux Alpes, guides offer night time initiations on blue to red level pistes, with a little over 400 metres of altitude difference – and a restaurant break. Participants also have the opportunity to test top-level equipment, thanks to a partnership with the brand Dynafit.

“This experience helps change the perception of ski touring, notably regarding the physical challenge. Most people who try it find it isn’t as difficult as they expected, that they would have been able to climb twice as far. Those who are already familiar with the activity realise that modern equipment makes the descent nearly as enjoyable as with alpine skis,” says Jean-Pierre Bazet, one of the guides at the origin of this initiative.

If you would like to try ski touring this winter, contact a mountain guide. Although the activity has become much more accessible, one must be aware that it is practiced in an unsecured wilderness environment where knowledge of the terrain is essential. Think of your safety and opt for the accompaniment of a qualified professional. Plus, you will benefit from your guide’s knowledge of the best locations and passion for the mountains!

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