| Ski mountaineering is misunderstood by many people. | | | | on moving safely. Sometimes this will involve making |
| Sometimes people will use 'ski mountaineering' and | | | | detours to avoid avalanche prone slopes and using |
| 'backcountry skiing' to describe the same thing. In | | | | other mountaineering methods which at times might |
| fact they are very different. | | | | be more appropriate than skis. If you are heading out |
| Backcountry skiing is when you access downhill ski | | | | into the mountains then you should have a lot of |
| runs in the back country. The emphasis is always on | | | | experience using all the mountaineering skills that you |
| finding the best way down the mountain. Ski | | | | need in winter. You should be very competent at |
| mountaineering on the other hand has its emphasis | | | | mountain navigation, understand how to use ropes to |
| on skis as a means of travel. | | | | keep you and your companions safe and have a lot |
| Ski mountaineering uses bindings which are hinged at | | | | of experience using ice axes and crampons. If you |
| the toe. This allows you to free your heels and climb. | | | | are skiing on glaciated terrain you should also know |
| To gain traction on the snow when you are climbing | | | | how to rescues someone from a crevasse. |
| you use 'skins'. These allow you to push forward with | | | | When you are doing anything in the mountains which |
| no resistance but grip when you exert a downward | | | | is off the piste you should be very aware of the |
| force. The combination of both the skis and skins | | | | dangers that snow can cause. Every year hundreds |
| make climbing snowy relatively easy. | | | | of people are killed in avalanches. If you are going to |
| When it comes to skiing downhill you are able to | | | | be exploring on skis then it is very important that |
| remove the skins and clip your heels down. | | | | you know the risks and how to minimise them. For |
| Alternatively you can keep your heels free and | | | | this the best recommendation I can make is to go on |
| 'telemark'. This type of skiing is very rewarding and | | | | a course. Even just a 2 day course will increase your |
| will take you places that will seem a hundred miles | | | | awareness and skills enough for you to make |
| away from the crowded pistes. It is important | | | | informed decisions in the mountains. This could be the |
| however to know the dangers. | | | | difference between a good day out and tragedy, it is |
| The focus when you are ski mountaineering must be | | | | well worth it. |