Ski tourers/skiers seek their sporting enjoyment away from the slopes. Depending on their intentions and the terrain, the requirements for equipment vary. Ski tourers and extreme ski mountaineers who place particular emphasis on good climbing performance need lightweight skis, lightweight bindings, and lightweight boots. Those who place more emphasis on good downhill performance need stable equipment, which is then also slightly heavier. Modern touring carvers offer the optimal compromise between climbing performance and good downhill characteristics.
Touring skis are essentially constructed like Alpine skis (but slightly wider along the entire length and at the tip for better buoyancy in deep snow). Plastics and light metals are used in lightweight construction (honeycomb core, hollow chambers, etc.) to save weight. The standard length is 170 cm with a radius of Ø 18m. Some manufacturers have a hole in the middle of the ski tip and a recess at the end of the ski for attaching ski skins.
Advanced skiers
This target group likes to eliminate every extra gram. The skis offered in this class often weigh no more than 700g/ski. The weight savings come at the expense of stability on the descent; good skiing technique is required here. Shorter skis promise better handling on the ascent and easier turning.
Downhill skiers
For this target group, downhill skiing is what counts; the skis are slightly wider overall, but some also have a carving tail. The more stable construction means higher weight, but this has a positive effect on the skiing experience. Longer skis promise better directional stability on the descent and less sinking on the ascent. Weight usually >1200 g, radii for freeriders up to 25 m.
Touring ski bindings
Unlike alpine bindings, touring bindings must support climbing and traversing steep slopes. They must be lightweight, have standardized adjustment options (safety bindings), and be operable with gloves. A climbing function and crampons are part of the necessary basic equipment. Adjustable climbing aids reduce the running angle; and it should be possible to adjust them using ski poles. Crampons provide additional safety on icy terrain; they can be attached and activated with the pole if necessary. The switch from ascent to descent mode must be quick. Most touring bindings also have a ski brake, although classic safety straps are still valid.
Touring ski boots
Touring boots must meet the requirements for walking and skiing. For walking, they must be lightweight, prevent pressure points and chafing thanks to a perfect fit, have a soft shaft closure, and feature a grippy treaded sole. For skiing, they must provide sufficient stability, allow for fine adjustments of the buckles, and offer sufficient insulation to keep feet warm. The materials used are the same as those used in alpine ski boots. Most touring ski boots have three buckles, which are mainly designed as ratchet systems (micro-fine adjustment). The shaft at the rear can be adjusted for ascents and descents (walk/ski). Additional features include canting adjustment, compatibility with multiple binding systems, thermoformable inner boots or insoles, etc.
Ski skin
To climb on snow, you need skins. These are glued to the base and attached at the tip and tail. Custom-fit skins are available that cover the base but not the edges. Special requirements are placed on the skin adhesive, which often has to perform its task perfectly several times a day (adhesive strength, no residue on the base, insensitive to snow temperature). Skins are made of either natural material (mohair), synthetic fiber (nylon), or a mixture, combining the good properties of both materials (pile, mix). Mohair is recommended for its excellent gliding properties, but it is less durable. Synthetic skins score points for their excellent adhesion and longer durability, but they glide less well.
