Girls Who Hike – Ski touring equipment especially for women

In recent years, not only has the number of women who go ski touring increased significantly, but also the choice of equipment, which is specially tailored to the needs of female ski touring enthusiasts. Today, the technology of skis and equipment is more adapted to female needs. In terms of weight, dimensions, and construction of the touring skis and the ski touring equipment: The boots for women, for example, have a shorter shaft, the skis are usually a little lighter and the backpacks and airbags also take into account the anatomical differences.

 

Are you a ski touring beginner and have ski touring been on your list for a long time? Or are you experienced in ski touring and would like to refresh your knowledge? – In our blog post we tell you how to find the best touring skis and boots, what equipment you also need, and why it makes sense to buy special women’s models for ski touring.

 

 

Ski touring equipment for women: What you need for ski touring

Which is the right women’s touring ski for me?

Does it really make sense to buy a special women’s touring ski? – Yes, it makes sense, because most unisex touring skis are too long for women. The smallest sizes are often over 1.60 m long, which is quite long for the average woman. The big advantage of special ladies touring skis: Thanks to the shorter length, they also weigh less. On average, a ski is about 100 g lighter for every 10 cm, although manufacturers such as Scott or K2 sometimes reduce the weight of women’s models even further. The main differences between women’s touring skis lie in their construction and handling characteristics.

 

Before choosing the right ski model for you, it is important to clarify what type of ski tourer you are. Do you like to quickly tour up the slopes with friends in the evening after work or are you the first to draw your lines into the untracked slopes early in the morning? – Or maybe a combination of both? The perfect ski also depends on your skiing style, your strength, your skiing ability, and your body weight. Manufacturers such as Salomon, Dynafit, K2, Rossignol, Scott, Völkl, and Fischer bring all round, uphill performance, freeride and race women’s models onto the market every season. Here we explain the differences:

 

Allround Touring Skis for women

As the name suggests, the range of use of all round touring skis for women is quite broad. They are suitable for ski touring novices as well as for experienced touring skiers. With all round touring skis, you are well equipped for ascents and descents, because the low weight supports you on the way up and the good handling characteristics score points on the descent. The width under the binding is usually between 80 and 95 mm, which gives the skis significantly more lift in deep snow and makes it possible to handle even difficult conditions.

 

 

Uphill Performance Touring Skis for women

Do you focus on fast ascents with the lightest possible material? Then take a closer look at the uphill performance touring skis. The touring ski for women has low weight and lets you move fast on long ascents in steep terrain, as well as on your training tour on your local mountain. If you like to go on longer day and multi-day tours, the uphill performance touring ski is a good choice. They do not have an extreme waist and are not as wide as downhill-oriented women’s models. Accordingly, you have to be careful when skiing downhill in treacherous terrain. The width under the binding of uphill performance touring skis goes up to about 82 mm.

 

 

Freeride Touring Skis for women

Do you love powder, powder, and more powder? Then you should take a closer look at the freeride touring skis for women. With the Freeride touring ski models, you can draw your lines through untouched slopes and steep flanks, as well as in the powdery snow. Perfect for all downhill-oriented free-riders and experts. It has a good amount of floatation in deep snow as well as stability and smoothness at high speed. However, due to the higher weight, greater effort and a secure technique are required for ascents. The Freerider touring ski has ca. more than 95 cm under the binding. However, if you are looking for even more lift, you can’t go past models with 110 to 120 mm.

 

 

Race Touring Skis for women

Race touring skis for ladies are all about fast ascents. Whether for high alpine ski traverses or ski touring races, with the lightweight Race touring ski you have time on your side. Due to the reduction in weight, the light race models have to make sacrifices in terms of downhill performance such as smoothness and edge stability on the slop. Because here, too, the following applies: The heavier the ski, the more stable it is, and the wider the ski, the more lift it has. On average, the width under the binding of a racer is about 65 cm. If you decide on a race touring ski, you should also consider the weight of the binding.

To make your choice easier, you will find a large selection of complete touring ski sets for women in our online shop. Here you will find touring ski sets from brands such as K2, Dynafit, Völkl, and Salomon, already with the matching bindings and sometimes even with the respective skins.

 

The length of the Touring Skis depends on the following criteria:

  • Experience and ability
  • Area of use
  • Bodyweight
  • Body size
  • Ski model

 

 

Ski touring equipment especially for women

With the right ski for your ski tour, you are not yet at the end of your preparation for your ski tour. The next steps are about the right ski touring boots, bindings, and the appropriate equipment, such as crampons, poles, helmets, touring clothing, touring backpack, and avalanche equipment. And yes – in almost every one of these areas, it’s worth taking a look at the women’s models.

 

Ski Touring Equipment: Ski Touring Boots for women

The most important piece of equipment on your ski tour is clearly the ski touring boot. In contrast to alpine ski boots, ski touring boots are lighter and have an important walking function.
As with hiking and trekking, the euphoria falls and rises as soon as the new boot pinches, you slip in the boot or the ski boot simply doesn’t feel good. To ensure an optimal fit, many manufacturers offer pre-formed thermal inner shoes. The inner boot is heated at the specialist retailer and thus adapts exactly to the anatomy of a woman’s foot.

 

The difference between women’s and men’s models lies in the weight and shape of the ski touring boots. Special ski boots for ladies have a lower weight for the same body size and are partly equipped with a softer and lighter shell than the models for men. In addition, the calf muscles of women are a little lower than those of men, which is why the shaft is a little shorter than in comparable boots for men. The basic rule for buying a ski touring boot is that the boot must fit: Not too big, you should bump lightly when standing, the heel must be tight and the toes should still be able to move. – It’s best to try out the different models and sizes at a specialist shop and be sure to ask them to show you the women’s models. Don’t forget that the boot must of course also fit the binding. When buying a women’s ski touring boot, therefore, pay attention to the compatibility between the ski touring boot and touring binding specified by the manufacturer.

 

 

Ski Touring Equipment: Touring Poles for women

Of course, there are also special touring poles for ski touring. They enable you to progress more easily and quickly on the ascent and replace the usual ski pole on the descent. They are available in different lengths, weight classes and with different fixing systems, loops, tips, plates, etc. The difference between these and men’s models often lies in the length and the quality of the grip. Ski touring poles should be adjustable in length because the poles are adjusted longer for the ascent than for the descent. Adjustability is therefore the typical difference between touring ski poles and alpine ski poles.

 

The touring poles are equipped with an extended grip, which enables a quick change of grip during the ascent. This is especially important when traversing steep terrain. To keep your fingers warm for longer and prevent slipping, the extension is often made of grippy cork. If you’re a female skier, check out the range of women’s models, as these usually have a women’s-specific grip with a smaller diameter than men’s models. The cheaper poles have a simple plastic grip, whereas the higher quality touring poles have grips made of cork and a rubber or foam compound. These materials offer a better grip than plastic grips. 

 

 

Ski Touring Equipment: Ski Touring Helmets for women

Fortunately, the ski helmet has become part of every skier’s equipment and is also indispensable for ski touring. It not only protects you from injuries on the descent, but also from wind and weather, whereby a thin merino cap is advantageous due to the lower warmth. The difference between a touring helmet and a conventional ski helmet lies in the weight and the ventilation. To reduce weight, the ear pads, helmet, and headlamp holders, and other gimmicks on touring helmets are often removable. Of course, the safety standards and norms must be fulfilled equally for all helmets. Touring helmets, like ski and climbing helmets, differ in construction. We distinguish between in-mold helmets and hard-shell helmets.

Some manufacturers also offer special women’s models or models for smaller heads. When buying a ski helmet, we recommend putting on and testing models from different manufacturers such as Salomon, Alpina, Uvex, Scott, K2, Giro. This is because the anatomical shape of a head varies from person to person. Only when you feel comfortable, nothing pinches and the helmet fits perfectly have you found your companion for your next ski tour. It is important: In case of damage, the helmet must be replaced. 

 

What should I look for when buying a ski touring helmet?

    1. Determine head circumference
    2. Adjust and close the chin strap

  1. Shake your head (the helmet should not slip)
  2. Push the helmet back and forth with your hands (there should not be a lot of slack)
  3. Check if your ski goggles are compatible (gap between helmet and goggles should be as small as possible)

 

Ski Touring Equipment: Ski Touring Backpacks for women

When buying a touring backpack, you should first think about the area of use: What kind of ski tour are you planning? Are you going on an alpine tour or on the slopes? What extras should your touring pack have, such as hydration system preparation, nets, and compartment layout? – Or would an avalanche backpack be better for your plans? In general, your backpack should have enough space for a change of clothes, food, and avalanche equipment. A backpack volume of 18 to 25 liters is sufficient for piste tours. Of course, this always depends on the prevailing temperatures and the length of the tour. On multi-day tours in high alpine terrain, in addition to the equipment just mentioned, you will also need a climbing harness, crampons, and overnight equipment in your pack. Many ski touring backpacks, therefore, have attachment loops for ice axes, shovels and touring poles. For multi-day tours and high-altitude tours, we recommend a capacity of between 35 and 45 liters.

 

When choosing your rucksack, also look for a device for your helmet. This is extremely practical for attaching the helmet to the outside and still having access to all the equipment in the rucksack. Depending on your personal preferences, there are touring backpacks with pockets on the hip belt, mobile phone pockets, signal whistles, devices for hydration systems, mesh pockets, and much more. Another feature worth mentioning is the back protector, which is already integrated into some models. This is not absolutely necessary for every area of use, but it is valuable protection and a worthwhile feature for downhill-oriented women. In any case, make sure that the zip of your backpack is robust and water-repellent and that the backpack fabric is abrasion-resistant.

Before you try on different models, you should first determine your back length. Use this to find the right touring backpack for you. Be sure to try out the women’s models, as they are designed for women’s anatomy in terms of fit, weight distribution, and strap systems. In most cases, the women’s models are real comfort gainers, but as always, this rule does not apply to all women.

 

 

 

 

Ski Touring Equipment: Avalanche Equipment for women

As soon as you go off-piste, you have to take the necessary safety equipment with you. A distinction is made between the standard avalanche equipment, the extended emergency equipment, and the individual additional equipment. Standard equipment belongs in every ski touring backpack and consists of tracker beacons, avalance probe, and shovel. This equipment enables you to find people buried in an avalanche and also increases the chance of being located and rescued under the snow cover. Avalanche equipment for women does not differ in weight, size, and appearance from the men’s versions. But remember: The highest quality and most expensive avalanche equipment is of no use if you are not able to use it in an emergency. We, therefore, recommend that you attend an avalanche safety course. 

 

 

 Ski Touring Equipment: Airbag Backpack for women

The airbag backpack is particularly interesting for female free riders among you. These have balloons with a volume of 150 to 200 liters and function according to the principle of inverse segregation: large items go to the surface and smaller items to the lower layers. And how does an airbag backpack work? As soon as you are caught by an avalanche, you have to deploy the airbag of your airbag backpack. As soon as it is pulled, the airbag or balloon inflates within 2 to 3 seconds and pulls the wearer upwards. Ideally, you will not be buried with an avalanche backpack.

 

The technologies used in avalanche airbag systems differ in detail from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is important to note that all airbag backpacks should be serviced regularly. With regard to women’s and men’s models, the difference in airbag backpacks, just as with touring backpacks, lies in the points: Fit and weight distribution, as well as back and strap systems that are tailored to the women’s specific shape. In our blog post, you will learn everything about the necessary avalanche equipment. We also provide you with a checklist for your next ski tour. To help you put together your set, you can find an avalanche transceiver configurator on our website.

 

Ski Touring Equipment: Crampons

Whether you are ski touring on the slopes or in the backcountry, if the snow surface is frozen hard, the skins lose grip. In steep terrain, this can quickly become dangerous because anyone who has ever lost contact with the snow surface knows how helpless this can be. Therefore, before slipping off, mount crampons on your binding and ideally continue the ascent without climbing assistance. The sharp side plates break through the snow crust with every step and give you the necessary grip and safety during your ascent. When buying crampons, please note that not every crampon fits every touring binding. – Therefore, ask your specialist dealer about the appropriate models.

 

Touring apparel for women

The equipment for your next ski tour is complete. Your rucksack is packed, your skis are polished, your avalanche transceiver is checked and your ski touring boots and poles are ready. Now it’s time to find the right touring apparel for you. Of course, functionality and comfort are the most important factors. The basic principle for ski touring is clearly the onion principle. This means that you wear several layers on top of each other and put on or take off clothes depending on your needs, exertion and the weather.

 

Women’s Touring Apparel: The Outer Layer

The top layer of clothing for ski touring is a hardshell jacket. This protects you from wind and weather and should therefore have water- and wind-repellent properties. A good ski touring jacket should also be breathable and have taped seams. In warmer temperatures, a softshell or fleece jacket may be sufficient as an outer layer. Softshell jackets in particular have the advantage over hardshell models in that they are more breathable and still keep the wind out. The same applies to ski touring pants.

 

In addition to the wind- and water-repellent materials and freedom of movement, you should pay attention to features such as zip thigh pockets, sufficient ventilation and leg zip when choosing your pants. There are also some manufacturers who use Recco technology in their touring clothing. This is a system that helps professional rescuers around the world to find buried victims when they are caught in an avalanche.

 

Women’s Touring Apparel: Midlayer

The mid-layer is primarily there to keep you warm and regulate your body temperature. Depending on the temperature conditions, it is often sufficient to wear only a thin layer of clothing under your hardshell jacket, because as soon as you have the first meters of altitude behind you, your body is already running at full speed. When buying your mid layer, look for functional materials. Cotton, for example, is not suitable for ski touring because of its absorbency. We recommend mid layers made of wool blends. 

 

Women’s Touring Apparel: Baselayers

Breathable functional underwear made of merino wool is a good choice for “underneath”, like a second skin, so to speak. This cools you in the heat, warms you in the cold, and ensures long-lasting comfort. The base layer should fit close to the body and scores points at the decisive moment because the right material ensures that you don’t freeze when you stop. Manufacturers like Ortovox and Icebreaker offer a wide range of functional and breathable sports bras, tops, functional shirts, and leggings.

As you can see, every single layer fulfills an important function and should not be missing from your equipment. Of course, you also need a change of clothes in your touring rucksack. Here we show you what other equipment you will need on your ski tour.

What you also need for your ski tour:

 

 

 

  1. Follow the avalanche report, weather forecast, and snow report beforehand
  2. Pack enough food and drink
  3. Functional merino wool clothing: keeps you warm even when you have sweated and cools you when it is too hot

 

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for ski touring?

To go ski touring you need touring skis, touring boots and bindings, poles, halyards, a helmet, a ski touring rucksack, an avalanche set, safety equipment, and enough provisions.

 

How well do I need to be able to ski for a ski tour?

In order to go on a ski tour, you should be able to ski safely in advance. Safe downhill skiing is a basic requirement for a ski tour. If you do not know how to ski, you should attend a ski course before your first ski tour.

 

How can I learn to ski tour?

You can learn to ski tour in many courses. For example, the German Alpine Association and various alpine schools offer annual ski touring courses for beginners and advanced skiers. Before you go out into the open, you should try out your technique on the slopes.

 

Can I go ski touring on the slopes?

Ski touring is allowed on most ski slopes. Always follow the signs and the local regulations. In many ski areas, there is a separate designated ascent track for ski touring.

 

Women’s power on ski tours

Ski touring has long ceased to be a male-only sport. Lighter, more agile, and tougher! This applies to both the skis and the female skiers. Many ski manufacturers offer a large selection of touring skis and matching equipment, which are specially tailored to the needs of women. Starting with ski helmets specially adapted for smaller heads, through touring poles that have a smaller grip, to ski touring boots with heights specific to women. It is therefore always worth taking a closer look at the women’s models. Because one thing is for sure: With an optimally fitting ski outfit, correctly measured touring backpack and the right skis, the ascent, and the descent are even more fun! So what are you waiting for? Find an untracked slope or ski run and have fun.