What should you look out for in touring skis?

Choosing the right touring skis is crucial for an optimal outdoor experience. A frequently asked question concerns the right length of touring skis. A tried and tested guideline is to subtract around 10 cm from your own height. This ensures that the ski is both manoeuvrable enough for the ascent and stable and smooth-running for the descent. A slightly longer ski is recommended for downhill-oriented skiers, while a shorter ski may be the better choice for those focussing on fast ascents.

The radius of a touring ski depends on the waist. A smaller radius makes it easier to initiate turns, while a larger radius offers more stability and smoothness. All-round and Freeride-orientated skis have a radius of 15 m or more, while ascent-orientated models with a narrower waist have a larger radius of 20-23 m.

The weight of the touring skis plays an important role and depends on the individual preference of the skier. All-round touring skis usually weigh between 1200 and 1500 grams per ski. Skiers who are particularly downhill-orientated can opt for skis weighing more than 1500 grams per ski. Lightweight models weighing 1000 grams or less require advanced skiing skills and are characterised above all by their efficiency on the ascent.

The choice of bindings for touring skis offers a choice between pin bindings and frame bindings. Frame bindings, similar to Alpinbindungen, are somewhat heavier, but offer excellent power transmission and precise control. Pin bindings, on the other hand, are lighter and are mounted directly on the front and back of the ski, which makes them particularly attractive for skiers who are orientated towards ascents. The decision between the two depends on individual preferences and personal performance requirements.