Complete Guide to Ski Touring with Lagoped

Ski touring has seen a rapid rise in recent years. Whether you are a mountain enthusiast or an adventure lover, this activity offers a unique connection with nature and an unparalleled sense of freedom. To fully enjoy this experience, it is crucial to be well equipped. In this article, we will guide you through the essential items to have for ski touring, sharing products from the Lagoped brand, designed for mountain lovers and environmentally friendly.

Ski touring allows you to escape crowded slopes and discover pristine, wild landscapes. It is a full physical activity combining climbing with climbing skins and descending on powder snow. But to fully enjoy this discipline, good preparation is essential, both physically and in terms of equipment.

Ski touring skis are lighter and more maneuverable than traditional alpine skis. They are designed to facilitate climbing while ensuring good stability on the descent. Lagoped does not manufacture skis, but there are some European companies offering eco-designed skis. We encourage you to learn more about this. 

Bindings for ski touring are specific and allow the heel to be free for ascents. Boots must be lightweight, comfortable, and have good thermal insulation. 

Climbing skins are essential for ascents. They attach under the skis and prevent sliding backward while allowing good forward glide. It is important to choose skins suited to your skis to maximize efficiency during climbs.

A good backpack is crucial for carrying your gear. It must be spacious enough to hold a first aid kit, a shovel, a probe, a water bottle, as well as extra layers of clothing. Lagoped backpacks are ergonomic and designed to distribute weight optimally, allowing you to stay comfortable throughout the hike.

Safety is paramount in ski touring. Besides clothing and ski equipment, it is essential to have an avalanche transceiver (DVA), a probe, and a shovel. These tools allow you to quickly locate and dig out a person in case of an avalanche. Lagoped also recommends always carrying a charged mobile phone and, if possible, a GPS or a watch with an altimeter.

Ski touring requires good body temperature management. It is recommended to dress in layers: a breathable base layer, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Lagoped offers a range of technical clothing made from recycled materials, ensuring maximum protection against the elements while respecting the environment.

The three-layer system is adjustable. You can adapt your outfit according to weather conditions and the intensity of the effort. During the ascent, it is often advised to reduce the thickness of the mid layer to avoid overheating, then put it back on for the descent where wind and speed increase the feeling of cold.

The base layer, also called the first layer, is in direct contact with the skin. Its role is to wick away sweat to prevent you from staying wet and getting cold during the ascent. For this, it must be made from technical materials that dry quickly and offer good breathability.

The mid layer aims to retain body heat while continuing to wick moisture to the outside. It acts as a thermal barrier, keeping you warm even when temperatures drop.

The third layer, or outer layer, is your shield against the elements. It must be waterproof, windproof, and breathable enough to let sweat escape. This layer protects you from rain, snow, and wind while preserving the insulating properties of the first two layers.

Recommended jacket types:

• Sympatex: Sympatex technical membranes are sustainable European alternatives to Gore-Tex membranes and provide optimal protection against water and wind while remaining breathable. They prevent external moisture from entering while allowing sweat to evaporate.
• Softshell: For less extreme conditions, a softshell jacket can offer good wind protection and light rain resistance while being more breathable than a hardshell jacket.

Ski touring pants are designed to be durable, waterproof, and breathable. They must be tough enough to withstand abrasions from skis and crampons, while offering good freedom of movement to facilitate ascents and descents.

Features of Lagoped pants:

• Materials: Softshell pants are popular for their breathability and flexibility, while providing sufficient protection against wind and light weather. For more extreme conditions, a hardshell pant made of Sympatex or equivalent material is recommended for full waterproofing.
• Ventilation: Ventilation zippers on the sides help regulate body temperature during intense uphill efforts.

Leggings can add warmth when used with outer pants or serve as a lightweight and comfortable alternative for ascents. They are usually worn as a base layer under hardshell pants to add warmth without bulk.

Head protection is crucial in ski touring because a large part of body heat escapes through this area. Hats and headbands (or buffs) play an essential role in maintaining optimal body temperature while providing protection against cold, wind, and moisture. Don’t forget them in your bag! 

Before setting off, carefully plan your route taking into account weather conditions and avalanche risk level. Always inform someone of your destination and your approximate return time.

Lagoped recommends being accompanied by a high mountain guide familiar with the mountain ranges in question. 

Ski touring is a demanding activity that engages many muscle groups. Good training beforehand, including cardio and strength exercises, will allow you to fully enjoy your outing.

Ski touring allows you to immerse yourself in nature. Respect this fragile environment by following marked trails, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and bringing back all your waste.

Make sure to leave no trace of your passage in the mountains, except for your ski tracks. Nature honors us by welcoming us all year round; it is our duty to respect it by protecting all its wildlife and plants. 

But since you have chosen Lagoped to accompany you on your greatest adventures, it means you are already one with Nature. #Onewithnature #Wearenotalone

Ski touring is an exciting activity that requires good equipment to be practiced safely. By following this guide and choosing quality gear like that offered by Lagoped, you will be ready to experience unforgettable mountain adventures. Don’t forget to prepare your outings well, respect the environment, and above all, enjoy every moment spent in nature. Have a great hike!

All the ski photos in this article are taken by Olivier Fichou, photographer and member of the Lagoped Family. He tells us about one of his getaways to Mont Charvin.