Backcountry skiing (also known as ski touring) is a mountain activity that involves skiing off marked trails, using seal skins under the skis to climb, and removing the skins to descend. Off-piste skiing, also known as freeride skiing, also involves skiing off marked trails, on varied and possibly ungroomed terrain. Both of these activities require good skiing skills and knowledge of the mountain environment, as well as good physical condition and a good team.
Here are a few things to consider to help you assess your level:
● Your skiing skills:
Both ski touring and off-piste skiing require good skiing skills, especially in descent. It is therefore important to be able to ski parallel on red or black runs in a ski resort and to be able to make tight turns. Knowing how to control your speed is also necessary before tackling off-piste skiing. Don't hesitate to ask a professional to assess you on the slopes: they can give you a precise level.
● Your physical condition:
Good physical condition is necessary because these activities involve climbing steep slopes (using skins for backcountry skiing), which can be demanding. It is also important to know if you are able to ski for several hours in a row. In any case, take your time, do not rush, and listen to your body!
● Your knowledge of the environment:
For backcountry skiing and freeriding, skiing off marked trails involves being able to orient oneself in the environment and take into account weather and snow conditions. It is therefore important to know how to read a map, use a GPS, and be able to assess the risks of avalanches.
● Your knowledge of safety techniques:
Backcountry skiing and off-piste skiing can present risks, especially in relation to avalanches, as well as falls that you or your companions may take, as well as accidents. It is therefore important to know the safety techniques related to this activity. Do you know what an AVD is and how to use it? Are you familiar with using a probe? Would you know how to react in the event of an accident in the mountains? If at least one of the answers to these questions is no, maybe you should first learn the proper steps to take if a situation requiring these skills arises.
If you are a beginner or if you are not sure of your abilities, we cannot recommend enough starting backcountry skiing and off-piste skiing accompanied by an experienced instructor or mountain guide, in order to benefit from their supervision and advice. He will teach you everything you need to know before starting, and in this way, you can progress safely and become familiar with these exciting activities.
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