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In this zone, your heart rate rises at the mere thought of the next workout. You'll find the best ways to exercise effectively, discover new disciplines, and choose an outfit that suits your needs. We'll also guide you through the clothing care process and advise what to buy for enthusiasts of various sports. Our blog is a guide for everyone who wants to feel motivation 4 times more!
Published: 1/23/2024🏂 Winter sports
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Give ski touring a try - a guide for beginners
The beginning of winter is the perfect opportunity to learn more about a new winter sport that has become increasingly popular over the last years. What is it we’re talking about? Ski touring! If you have within a passion of an explorer, love skiing and mountain expeditions, keep reading. You will learn more about the discipline itself, how to get started, and how to prepare for the lurking dangers. We'll also tell you how to dress for ski touring and how to make the most of your time in the Beskid, Tatra and other mountains.
In this article
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Ski touring is a winter sport that combines skiing and mountain hiking.
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Ski touring is for people who want to explore the mountains and enjoy untouched snow.
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Ski touring requires special equipment, including touring skis, bindings, boots, poles, skins, and a backpack.
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Choose the right base layer for ski touring: quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and chafe-free.
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Dress warmly for ski touring, with layers of clothing and protective gear for your hands, head, and face.
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Ski touring can be dangerous, so it is important to be aware of avalanche risks and take safety precautions.
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Learn from an instructor or experienced skier to learn proper techniques and safety precautions.
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Start with gentle slopes and gradually explore more challenging terrain.
Short summary
What is ski touring?
Ski touring is growing in popularity in Poland. It's just a perfect option for people who want to avoid using chairlifts, but still want to enjoy mountainous landscapes and skiing. The phrase ski touring itself is a combination of skiing and mountain hiking, which perfectly captures the idea behind the discipline. If you encounter any of the following spellings: "skitouring", "ski-touring" or "ski-turing", it means exactly the same thing. What is ski touring?
This discipline combines the elements of downhill and cross-country skiing with winter mountain hiking. What makes it different from downhill skiing is that you can indulge in the passion of travelling, rather than focusing solely on using the same piste a few or a dozen times over a few hours.
Who is ski touring for?
Wondering if ski touring is for you? Athletes engaging in this sports discipline have many aspirations and goals - maybe you will find yourself among them? According to a 2016 survey, this sport is mainly enjoyed by men (88%) aged 18-45, who wander in the mountains with an instructor, with family, on their own, but most often with their friends. Many of them treat ski touring as a form of tourism, which aligns best with the primary philosophy of the discipline. Athletes put on special skis that allow them to reach beautiful, inaccessible nooks in the mountains, treating the trip as a form of recreation and relaxation, as well as taking care of their health.
Ski touring enthusiasts can also choose to focus on time - in this case, the lightest possible equipment is crucial. For them, a trip to the mountains means a gruelling workout, and they regularly measure their progress. There are also two disciplines that are closely related to ski touring - freeriding and ski mountaineering. Freeriders seek out inaccessible, extreme peaks with the goal of climbing them and riding down the hill. Ski mountaineers enjoy climbing and skiing downhill - skimo itself is also described as a more advanced form of ski touring. The main difference is that it contains elements of winter climbing, requiring more specialised knowledge of hiking.
Ski touring for beginners
How to get started? First of all, you need to arrange the right equipment and clothing for ski touring. Below you will find a basic list that will introduce you to the discipline.
Touring skis
If you use alpine skis, unfortunately they are not suitable for ski touring. If you just want to give it a try, it's best to find a rental company and take advantage of its offer. Touring skis are lighter than alpine skis and do not have reinforcements necessary for riding on groomed pistes. Manufacturers offer many models - designed for ski touring, freeriding, competition, etc., so it's best to make the decision about the purchase only after some time.
Bindings for touring skis
Bindings for touring skis serve two purposes - they ensure heel mobility while ascending and connect the foot to the skis during the descent.
Ski touring boots
The bindings must be compatible with ski touring boots, which also operate in two modes, allowing comfortable "ascent" and ride downhill.
Ski poles
Ski poles for ski touring can be either two- or three-piece. Two-piece poles are best for ski touring, as they have high rigidity when unfolded. Three-piece models are suitable, when you also want to use them for classic mountain hiking. Every pole should have adjustable length - due to winter conditions, products with a telescopic system are not recommended. Their tips must be robust to provide support during the adventure.
Ski skins for ski touring
Skins allow you to ascend a snowy slope so that your skis do not slide downhill uncontrollably. This is a type of fabric that is attached to the running surface of the skis. Properly mounted and fitted to the skis, they will facilitate the ascent even on slopes with a significant incline.
Headlamps
A flashlight is indispensable, especially if you are about to take a longer route - surely you remember that in the mountains night falls even faster. A headlamp should have at least 2 modes of operation - close-up for ascents and far away for descents.
GPS and/or maps
You can’t do without a GPS device on the trail, as it helps you find your way through any area. You can also think about traditional maps, especially if you don't trust electronics and prefer to take extra care of your safety.
Ski touring - the fundamentals of a successful adventure
A rewarding trip requires the preparation of the right equipment, ski touring apparel, as well as protection against unexpected trouble. Athletes reach many places with higher avalanche risk. According to conducted studies, ski touring enthusiasts are not only able to ski, but also know mountain safety rules, first aid and even how to find people buried in an avalanche.
How to prepare for the first trip at higher elevations? Get yourself an avalanche backpack, a detector and probe to help track you if an avalanche comes down. Be sure to also pack a snow shovel to help you scoop frozen snow to help your friend. Keep in mind that simply owning the equipment will not save your life - if you want to explore dangerous slopes, make it a point to join an avalanche skill training. Always, regardless of the length of the route or the altitude of the mountains, carry a first aid kit with an emergency blanket.
Ski touring - what to wear?
Wondering how to dress for ski touring? Here's a list of essential accessories that will ensure that you stay comfortable and safe on the trail:
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Helmet - it is worth taking care of your safety, so wear it regardless of your planned route. You can choose a regular ski helmet or a model designed especially for this discipline.
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Goggles - anti-fog goggles with polarised lenses are key. It's worth choosing a style suitable for the conditions that you will be ski touring in - lens colour really matters. Brush up on your knowledge on how to choose ski goggles.
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Gloves - it's a good idea to take two pairs of sports gloves on a trip - and sometimes even three. How come? Our palms begin to sweat during heavy effort, so changing your accessories may be necessary during a day-long adventure. One of the pairs should also be additionally insulated so that you can wear it while riding down the hill. When temperatures drop well below zero, some athletes take chemical heating packs with them.
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Warm socks - wear warm, thermal skiing socks to take care of your thermal comfort and prevent excessive sweating of your feet.
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Hat and bandana - a sports hat will protect your head against wind and cold. It's a good idea to have a bandana on hand to additionally shield your neck and face, especially when you start to sweat more.
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Ski touring backpack - you can purchase an avalanche backpack right away (if you want to explore beautiful but dangerous places) or start with ordering a hiking backpack with a capacity of about 30 litres. You will pack essential accessories, drinks and snacks in it. It is worth choosing a water-resistant model that makes you feel comfortable on the trail.
See ski accessories available at the 4F store to bring on your next ski touring adventure:
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€14.90
€4.90
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€12.90
The lowest price in the last 30 days before the reduction
€14.90
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€14.90
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Ski touring - base layer clothing
How to dress for ski touring? Wearing layers is the best idea. Ski touring apparel must be lightweight, ensure unrestricted movement and thermal comfort:
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Thermal underwear - Wear thermal underwear worn by skiers and snowboarders as the base layer. The products available at the 4f store are made of quick-drying knit fabric that ensures that you feel dry even during a vigorous workout. In addition, such underwear does not cause chafing and protects against hypothermia.
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Ski touring jacket - a ski touring jacket must be waterproof and windproof to keep you comfortable even on long adventures. In the beginning, ski jackets that are fitted but do not restrict movement will work just fine. The products available at our store come with lightweight insulation, taped seams and many additional features that you're bound to appreciate during your trip. And, just like that, you can also use your ski jacket after returning to a groomed piste.
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Ski touring trousers - you can start out with the same trousers you use for skiing or outdoor adventures. Pay attention to whether they are water-resistant and breathable. Like the jacket, they should have a membrane and ventilation system.
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Fleece jacket - in case of low temperatures, it is necessary to wear a fleece jacket that boosts our thermal comfort. It's a good idea to throw it in your backpack and wear it when you start to feel colder, for example while riding downhill.
Check out clothes that will be perfect for ski touring adventures:
Ski touring - how to get started?
You already know how to dress for ski touring, and what does this sport entail - so where should you start, and where should go on your first adventure?
First of all, take care of your stamina and muscle strength! Ski touring is a very demanding sport, so start by strengthening your legs and glutes and doing full body training. Without proper preparation, you may find the terrain "too challenging" and get discouraged quickly without exploring it further.
Your first trip can involve rental equipment, and it’s best when you’re assisted by an instructor or a friend who enjoys this sport. They will teach you techniques for moving, balancing, and will share with you the greatest threats. If you're planning to make your first trip on your own, choose a gentle slope or try riding downhill on a groomed piste using touring skis. According to a survey, the majority of Polish sports aficionados practice ski touring in the Tatra mountains as well as in the Beskidy and Sudety range.
Your adventures with ski touring
You already know how to dress for ski touring, what is the necessary equipment, and what are the first steps you should take before you begin exploring the Polish peaks. Here’s to many successful and safe expeditions - remember to wear the right ski touring clothing and the necessary accessories. These items will ensure that you’re comfortable and in the best possible mood.
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