Login
Stores
Cart
Your First Step Into Ski Touring – Well Prepared Is Safer and More Relaxed. Your first ski touring experience is exciting – but good preparation makes it safer and far more enjoyable. In this overview, you’ll learn which equipment you need as a beginner – from the right climbing skins to avalanche backpack gear. We’ll show you specific product categories, explain their purpose, and help you put together your setup at Sport Conrad with confidence.
Ski touring combines ascent, nature, and descent – but it is significantly more complex than resort skiing. To ensure a successful start, not only your skiing ability and basic fitness matter, but also the right equipment.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR NEXT SKI TOUR
WHAT YOU WEAR: CLOTHING & PROTECTION FOR ASCENT AND DESCENT
Ski touring follows the proven layering principle: a moisture-regulating base layer, insulating midlayers, and a wind- and waterproof outer shell. You’ll heat up quickly on the ascent – so always plan to bring extra layers for the descent. A ski helmet is now considered standard equipment on ski tours, not just on groomed slopes. Gloves are essential as well (thin gloves for the ascent; warmer gloves, such as mittens, for the descent), along with sunglasses and/or ski goggles with UV protection.
Ski Touring Clothing Checklist
- Ski socks
- Functional underwear: base layer top & bottom
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Insulating jacket
- Outer jacket (down, softshell, or hardshell)
- Touring pants (softshell or hardshell)
- Optional spare layers (for the descent)
- Beanie or headband (plus spare if needed)
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Ski goggles or sunglasses
- Lightweight gloves (ascent)
- Ski gloves (descent – e.g. warm, waterproof mittens)
A packable jacket is useful on every ski tour. Photo: Sport Conrad
SKIS, BOOTS, SKINS & POLES: THE CORE EQUIPMENT
Ski Touring Boots: Beginners should choose a stable all-round boot. It should fit well, allow good mobility in walk mode, and still offer enough stability for the descent.
Touring Skis: Touring skis are usually lighter and often shorter than alpine skis. Beginners are advised to choose all-round models – for example with a waist width of around 80–90 mm. Wider skis are more descent-oriented and provide better float in powder, but they are heavier. Skis narrower than 80 mm underfoot are lighter but often less forgiving and harder to maneuver in challenging snow conditions.
Touring Bindings: There are two main types:
- Pin bindings (tech bindings): lightweight and ideal for climbing, offering efficient power transfer and freedom of movement
- Frame bindings: similar to alpine bindings, more robust and easier to use, but heavier
For beginners, frame bindings are often more comfortable. Some brands also offer hybrid solutions, such as the Salomon Shift.
Climbing Skins: Skins attach to the ski using adhesive backing and clips. They are available in natural fibers (e.g. mohair) or synthetic materials. Skins prevent the skis from sliding backward during the ascent and are stored in your backpack for the descent.
Poles: Adjustable telescopic poles are recommended, allowing you to adapt to different terrain. Larger baskets are helpful in deep snow. Extended foam grips are particularly useful when traversing slopes, as the uphill pole is often held lower – making it more comfortable than gripping cold metal.
A backpack, poles, and sunglasses are essential equipment for ski touring. Photo: Sport Conrad
Ski Equipment Overview
- Touring skis with touring bindings
- Climbing skins
- Touring ski boots
- Touring poles
- Crampons (ski crampons)
- Ski helmet
- Touring backpack with ski carry system
AVALANCHE SAFETY GEAR & BACKPACK CONTENTS: SAFETY FIRST
Even on your first tour, avalanche safety equipment is mandatory: an avalanche transceiver (worn on the body), probe, and shovel are essential when traveling in uncontrolled terrain. You’ll also need a backpack (approx. 25–30 liters for day tours).
Make sure your backpack has a dedicated compartment for safety gear and that everything is easily accessible. Just carrying a transceiver isn’t enough – you must know how to use it. Many providers offer avalanche courses, especially at the start of the season – some even free of charge.
Avalanche Safety Equipment Checklist
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
- Bivouac sack
- Avalanche forecast
- Optional avalanche backpack with airbag system
An avalanche transceiver should always be worn on your body – even during the ascent. Photo: Sport Conrad
BACKPACK ESSENTIALS: COMFORT & EMERGENCY GEAR
In addition to helmet, backpack, and safety gear, you should always carry the following:
Navigation, Health & General Items
- ID, insurance card, alpine club membership card
- Cash
- Pocket knife or multitool
- Skin spray
- Headlamp
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Optional GPS device
- Optional rain cover for backpack
- First aid kit & emergency instructions
- Sunscreen & lip protection (SPF 50+)
- Tissues
Food & Hydration
- Water bottle or thermos
- Snacks / energy bars / fruit
- Trash bags
- Optional sit pad
Pack all essentials carefully – but make sure your backpack doesn’t become too heavy. Photo: Sport Conrad
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR SKI TOUR
- Your packed backpack should not exceed 9 kg for day or multi-day tours
- Check weather, snow conditions, and avalanche forecast at home before every tour
- Adjust clothing to the forecast, but always bring a warm jacket just in case
- Merino base layers keep you warm even when damp and help regulate temperature
Important⇨
Before every tour – ideally at home – turn on your avalanche transceiver and perform a beacon check.
Here is a packing list – ready to print
CONCLUSION
Getting started with ski touring is much easier when you have the right equipment: clothing, skis/boots/skins, safety gear, and comfort items all belong together. At Sport Conrad, you’ll find suitable products for every category listed above.
Be sure to allow enough time before your tour to assemble your gear properly. And remember: ski touring (with the exception of resort touring) takes place in uncontrolled alpine terrain. Alpine hazards should never be underestimated. Beginners are strongly advised to take a course – or at least a theory session – and to start touring with experienced, responsible partners.