Ski Touring

From Transportation to Adventure

Ski touring has its roots far back in time when skis were used as a practical means of transportation in snowy areas. Toward the end of the 19th century, skiing evolved into a recreational activity, and early adventurers ventured beyond groomed slopes to explore the mountains on their own.

During the early 20th century, ski touring gained a foothold in Europe with the Alps as a natural hub. Over time, ski touring became more popular in Scandinavia as well. Today, ski touring is an integral part of ski culture in both Swedish and Norwegian mountains, where proximity to untouched nature, varied terrain, and long winters continue to attract new enthusiasts.

Ski Touring Equipment

The right equipment is essential for both safety and experience in ski touring. Boots are one of the most important components. They must fit well and be comfortable during a long day, while providing sufficient support on the descent. Ski touring boots differ from alpine boots through a movable cuff for walk mode and soles that provide better grip when walking and climbing.

Skis, bindings, and boots need to function as a system. Lighter equipment is better suited for longer tours, while heavier equipment provides stability on descents but requires more energy uphill. Most ski touring skis fall into an all-around range, but width, length, and stiffness should always be adapted to skiing style, experience, and body weight.

Bindings are essential for ski touring as they must allow a free heel uphill and stable locking downhill. Regardless of type, it is crucial that bindings and boots are compatible and that the overall setup is well-balanced.

Climbing skins are an essential part of every ski tour. They provide grip uphill and require some practice to handle efficiently. Dry, well-maintained skins and basic knowledge of use and storage make a big difference for both mobility and safety.

Avalanche Equipment

Avalanches are the greatest risk in ski touring, and therefore avalanche equipment is an essential part of your gear. Shovel, probe, and avalanche transceiver should always be included. However, it’s important to remember that the equipment itself does not make the terrain less avalanche-prone. It can save lives but only if used correctly. Knowledge and regular training are therefore crucial.

The avalanche transceiver is the foundation of companion rescue. A modern transceiver with three antennas provides quick and accurate location of a buried person and must function with gloves on and have sufficient battery power. The shovel should have a metal blade, telescopic handle, and be effective in hard snow. The probe is used for precise location and should be sufficiently long and robust. Many people today also use avalanche airbag backpacks, which can increase the chance of staying on the snow surface in an avalanche.

Avalanche Forecasts and Avalanche Training

An important resource for safer ski touring is the avalanche forecasts at Lavinprognoser.se. During the winter season, daily assessments of avalanche danger are published for several mountain areas in Sweden. The forecasts provide a comprehensive picture of how avalanche danger develops, where the risks are greatest, and which types of avalanches are most likely.

To use the forecasts wisely, basic avalanche knowledge is required. SVELAV’s web-based introductory course provides an introduction to avalanches, snow, terrain, and decision-making. The course does not replace practical training but provides important understanding of risks and better decision-making in the mountains.

Ski Touring with a Guide

Going on a ski tour with a certified guide increases both safety and the quality of the experience. With local knowledge of terrain, snow, and weather, the guide can help the group make wise route choices and avoid unnecessary risks. Also, the chances of finding the mountain’s hidden gems and the best skiing of the day increase. Safety equipment and transportation to and from the tour’s starting point are often included.

Ski Touring in Kiruna

In Kiruna, there are opportunities for ski touring at many levels. Directly adjacent to the municipality’s ski resorts, you can do easier ski tours where trails are marked and the terrain is easy to overview. There are also tours that start and end almost directly at the E10 highway with quick access to mountains and skiing.

The Kiruna mountains also offer great opportunities for more experienced skiers. Here you can venture into trackless terrain on multi-day tours, reach peaks well over a thousand meters, and enjoy several hundred vertical meters of continuous skiing.