{"id":65289,"date":"2026-04-29T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowtrex.de\/magazin\/?p=62675"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:40:18","slug":"touring-skis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowtrex.co.uk\/magazine\/equipment\/touring-skis\/","title":{"rendered":"An overview of touring skis \u2013 the right choice for off-piste terrain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Powder snow, untouched slopes and breathtaking panoramic views \u2013 in the mountains, winter sports enthusiasts can really let off steam on touring skis away from the groomed runs. And to ensure nothing stands in the way of the fun, you need the right equipment. Because not all touring skis are the same. Different models are required depending on the terrain, skill level or demands. Whether it\u2019s long ascents, leisurely ski tours or challenging descents on steep terrain, choosing the right skis is crucial for safety and enjoyment in the powder. Factors such as weight, waist width and the shape of the ski for ascents and descents play an important role in ski touring, which is why SnowTrex<\/a> is now showcasing the most important types of touring skis and explaining which model is best suited to which terrain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n \"Ski<\/a>
\u00a9 Pikoso.kz\/shutterstock.de<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Ski touring is becoming increasingly popular among winter sports enthusiasts, and to ensure it goes smoothly on the mountain, you need the right equipment, such as the ideal skis.<\/div>\n <\/div > \n

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\n <\/span><\/p>\n
\n Index\n <\/div>\n
\n What makes a touring ski stand out?<\/span><\/a>A comparison of types and uses of touring skis<\/span><\/a>Selection criteria for the right touring skis<\/span><\/a>Materials and construction of touring skis<\/span><\/a>Other touring ski equipment<\/span><\/a>FAQ on touring skis<\/span><\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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What makes a touring ski stand out?<\/h2>\n

A touring ski is much more than just a lightweight alpine ski, as its construction follows a specific philosophy that takes into account the entire sequence of movements on ski tours. Whilst a conventional ski is optimised for use on groomed slopes, a touring model must cope with varying snow conditions, from hard-packed snow to deep powder, whilst also supporting the skier\u2019s movements. Therefore, in the world of ski mountaineering, a combination of lightness and performance is the ultimate goal of engineering.<\/p>\n

Weight, Construction & Sidecut<\/h3>\n

The most striking feature distinguishing touring skis from alpine skis is their weight. Every gram saved reduces the effort required during the ascent and leaves more energy for the descent. Consequently, modern all-round touring skis usually weigh between 1.2 kg and 1.5 kg. To achieve this low weight, innovative materials are used in their construction, such as cores made from ultra-light yet highly stable Paulownia wood, as well as carbon or titanal reinforcements that ensure torsional stiffness. Furthermore, the handling characteristics of touring skis are significantly influenced by their geometry. A wider tip provides better float in deep snow, whilst rocker constructions enhance manoeuvrability. And when it comes to the radius, the same applies as with alpine skis: a smaller radius ensures agility in turns, whilst a larger one ensures a smoother ride.<\/p>\n

Difference from alpine skis<\/h3>\n

The fundamental difference between touring skis and alpine skis is, of course, the focus of their characteristics. Alpine skis are designed for high speeds, maximum smoothness and stability on groomed slopes. Heavy metal inserts provide damping, but also make the skis heavier. Touring skis, on the other hand, are optimised for ascents and descents in off-piste terrain, for which they are often equipped with a mechanism for attaching climbing skins. Furthermore, the ski bindings<\/a> differ: those for touring allow a free heel for walking, whilst the ski boot remains fixed in alpine models.<\/p>\n

A comparison of types and uses of touring skis<\/h2>\n

\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Type of ski<\/strong><\/th>Centre width<\/strong><\/th>Weight (per ski)<\/strong><\/th>main focus<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Aiming for promotion<\/td>80 to 85 mm<\/td>between 0,9 und 1,2 kg<\/td>Long tours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All-round touring skis<\/td>85 to 95 mm<\/td>between 1,2 und 1,5 kg<\/td>Versatility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Freeride touring skis<\/td>over 95 mm<\/td>over 1,5 kg<\/td>Downhill\/Powder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Electric touring skis<\/td>variable<\/td>over 2,5 kg<\/td>Step stool<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/p>\n

Ascent-oriented touring skis<\/h3>\n

Ascent-oriented touring skis are ideal for ski mountaineers who enjoy challenging ascents and want to cover significant elevation gain. To this end, these models are consistently designed for lightweight construction, often weighing less than 0.9 kg and featuring a waist width of under 85 mm. This provides secure grip in hard snow as well as excellent power transfer to the ski edge. Furthermore, short radii and narrow tips enhance manoeuvrability, which is particularly necessary in terrain such as tight hairpin bends, steep wooded slopes or rocky gullies.<\/p>\n

All-round touring skis<\/h3>\n

An all-round touring ski is the perfect compromise for most ski touring enthusiasts. This is because, on the one hand, a waist width of 85 to 95 mm ensures sufficient float in fresh snow, whilst this width is also narrow enough for safe ascents in classic tracks. Modern all-round models weigh between 1.2 and 1.4 kg per ski, combining lightweight materials such as carbon with a stable geometry. This makes them ideal for ski tourers who want to venture between the tree line and high-alpine ridges, where an all-round touring ski can unleash its full potential and score points for manoeuvrability, float and riding comfort.<\/p>\n

Freeride touring skis<\/h3>\n
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\n \"After<\/a>
\u00a9 Alexander Rochau\/shutterstock.de<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
After the ascent, ski tourers look forward to the descent, and for most winter sports enthusiasts, the dream here is to cruise through deep snow in the backcountry with the perfect equipment.<\/div>\n <\/div > \n

At the other end of the touring ski spectrum are downhill-oriented touring skis, also known as freeride touring skis. With a waist width of over 95 mm and a pronounced rocker profile, they offer maximum float in deep powder snow. Furthermore, this more robust construction ensures smooth running at high speeds. This makes them ideal for ski tourers who, after a shorter ascent, are looking for the perfect descent in powder snow. To this end, the weight of over 1.5 kg is deliberately accepted, as it guarantees stability and control, allowing them to really show their strengths in deep snow.<\/p>\n

Electric-powered touring skis<\/h3>\n

The e-touring ski is a pioneering innovation in the field of ski mountaineering, comparable to the rise of e-bikes. These motorised ski models offer a whole new level of assistance during the ascent, significantly increasing range and comfort. E-systems such as the \u201ceSkimo\u201d from the Swiss company \u201cE-Outdoor\u201d use a drive unit with a caterpillar track, battery and sensors that measure position and weight distribution, thereby automatically adjusting propulsion. According to the manufacturer, this can increase ascent speed by up to 80 per cent and reduce the effort required by winter sports enthusiasts by around 30 per cent! In return, ski tourers can select various modes on the e-skis, such as \u2018Drive Mode\u2019, and thus reach speeds of up to 14 km\/h on moderate gradients. The lithium batteries provide power for up to 1,500 metres of elevation gain and add between 2.8 and 3 kg to the weight of each pair of skis. E-touring skis are not yet widespread, but collaborations with well-known manufacturers such as Tecnica suggest that the concept could become established and thus increasingly appeal to a broader audience.<\/p>\n

Selection criteria for the right touring skis<\/h2>\n
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How to Choose Alpine Touring Skis<\/div><\/div>
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