It might come as a bit of a surprise, but ski touring isn’t just walking with skis on your feet. There are specific techniques that allow efficient movement, from ensuring big strides and keeping your skis on the snow to properly using risers. If you’re brand new to the activity, this video provides real tips from years of guiding experience in Quebec’s Chic-Choc Mountains.
“Real tips from years of guiding experience in the Chic-Choc mountains of Quebec. Winter can get brutal here! Some of our scenes were filmed at -30 Celcius (-22 Farenheint). Bluebird days with perfect snow require planning, a bit of luck and whole lot of knowledge on how to successfully travel in the backcountry when ski touring.“
The major mistakes presented in the video include lifting the ski with each step, going to steep when breaking trail, overusing your risers, following old, inefficient skin tracks, and failing to adjust clothing layers when necessary. Adjust layers in anticipation of the upcoming activity, evaluate the conditions of old skin tracks, select moderate climbing angles to conserve energy, and work on your efficient strides.