| Skis |
These are similar to downhill skis, but slightly broader, softer and
lighter.
They often have a hole at the tip so they can be pulled up a
cliff by rope or used for a makeshift sledge or stretcher.
They can also have a notch in the tail for the clip, which keeps some skins in place.
They are taken about 20cm shorter than your normal downhill skis for lightness
and ease of turning in poor snow.
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| Bindings |
Touring bindings have two settings: the heel is free during climbing,
but fixed for skiing downhill. A wedge adds comfort when walking uphill.
There are no brakes, so powder straps are necessary.
[Photo: ifyouski.com]
Securafix bindings slot into your normal downhill bindings. They
enable you to walk uphill with a free heel and ski down using your
own equipment. They are, however, heavy and in this game that's definitely
a bad thing.
[Photo: ifyouski.com] |
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| Other equipment |
For tours involving overnight stops in mountain refuges, the following
equipment is recommended, though for shorter routes you may not need all
this:
- Ski crampons: these fit between ski and boot and enable you to climb
a steeper and icier slope than can be managed with skins alone
- Ice axe (with rubber spike protector)
- Boot crampons
- Rope
- Avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche shovels (to be carried by the last skier in the group and
at least one other)
- Rucksack with waistband and side straps to hold skis when climbing
- Map, compass, altimeter
- Whistle. The international distress sign is six calls per minute,
with one-minute silence
- First-aid kit
- Light flask and food
- Headlamp or torch for early starts and organising your kit in the
hut
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[Photo: Campbell M Cassidy ©2000]
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| Boots |
Normal alpine ski boots can be used, but special touring boots are advisable
for longer tours to avoid blisters.
These have two settings; a raked forwards skiing position and a free-flexing setting for walking.
The sole should be of non-slip material.
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| Poles |
Normal poles with reasonable size baskets are fine for general touring.
Telescopic poles, which can be folded and packed away if there is any
tough climbing to be done or converted into avalanche search poles, are
preferable.
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| Skins |
Skins are used to walk up slopes, the direction of the hairs preventing
the ski from sliding back downhill. They are peeled off the skis and carefully
packed at the top of the slope. These days skins are of mohair and polyester,
rather than the traditional seal, and must be the right length for your
skis. They are held by a reusable adhesive, applied before a tour and
left to dry overnight. It can be topped up with a spray if necessary.
In order to refold the skins after use, fold them adhesive-to-adhesive,
bringing the tail and the tip to the centre. The sticky side must be kept
dry. Skins should not be rolled, and should be protected against sun,
heat and dirt.
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