Skiing uphill, often referred to as ski touring or alpine touring (AT), involves using specialized equipment and techniques to ascend snow-covered slopes before skiing down. It's a demanding but rewarding way to explore terrain beyond traditional ski resorts.
Essential Equipment for Uphill Skiing
To ski uphill efficiently and safely, you need specific gear designed for the ascent:
- Touring Skis: Lighter than downhill skis, often with features optimized for climbing.
- Touring Bindings: These bindings allow the heel to lift freely for walking uphill and then lock down securely for skiing downhill. They often have climbing risers to adjust the angle of the boot on steeper slopes.
- Touring Boots: These boots are lighter and more flexible than downhill boots, with a "walk mode" that allows for greater ankle articulation.
- Climbing Skins: These are strips of material (traditionally animal hide, now synthetic or mohair blends) that attach to the base of your skis. They have a napped surface that grips the snow to prevent you from sliding backward while allowing forward glide.
- Ski Poles: Adjustable poles are helpful for rhythm and balance on the ascent.
Core Techniques for Ascending
Once you have the right gear, mastering a few key techniques is crucial for efficient uphill travel.
The Basics of Skinning
Skinning is the primary method of moving uphill on skis with skins attached.
- The Glide: Lift one ski slightly, slide it forward, and then glide on the skin as you transfer your weight. Maintain a consistent, rhythmic motion.
- Weight Transfer: Keep your weight balanced over your skis. Avoid lifting your skis too high off the snow, as this wastes energy.
- Pole Usage: Use your poles to help push off and maintain rhythm, similar to cross-country skiing.
- Finding the Pace: Find a sustainable pace that you can maintain for the entire ascent. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
- Trail Breaking: If you are the first person setting the track, aim for a consistent grade (ideally around 10-15 degrees) and switchback on steeper sections to avoid tiring yourself out too quickly.
Master the Kick Turn
Kick turns are essential for changing direction on steep uphill tracks. They allow you to pivot 180 degrees smoothly.
- Stop and plant your poles firmly for balance.
- Lift one ski and kick it forward and up, pivoting it 180 degrees so the tip is now pointing downhill.
- Place the pivoted ski down parallel to your other ski, but facing the opposite direction.
- Shift your weight onto the pivoted ski.
- Lift the second ski, swing it forward and around to join the first ski, completing the turn.
- Resume skinning in the new direction.
Optimizing Your Gear & Posture
Making small adjustments to your gear can significantly improve comfort and efficiency during the climb.
Boot Buckle Management
Proper boot setup is vital for a comfortable and efficient ascent. According to experts, you should:
- Unbuckle the top buckles of your touring boots.
- This action allows full rotation in the boot cuff.
- This provides full articulation in your ankle.
Having full articulation in your ankle is key for the most efficient uphill skiing. It allows your ankle to flex naturally with each step, reducing strain and improving your glide.
Binding Settings
Utilize your binding's climbing risers. Start with a flat or low riser on gentle slopes and switch to higher risers as the gradient increases. This helps maintain a more natural stride angle.
Posture
Maintain a relaxed, upright posture. Leaning too far forward or backward can strain muscles and reduce efficiency.
Efficiency Tips
- Pace Yourself: Start slowly and maintain a steady pace.
- Layer Your Clothing: Dress in layers you can easily add or remove to regulate body temperature and prevent sweating excessively.
- Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Drink water and eat snacks regularly, even on moderate ascents.
- Share Trail Breaking: If in a group, take turns leading and setting the uphill track.
| Aspect | Key Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Buckles | Unbuckle top buckles | Increased Ankle Articulation |
| Ankle Movement | Allow full ankle flexibility | Efficient Glide/Stride |
| Binding Risers | Use appropriate height for slope | Natural Stride Angle |
| Pace | Maintain a steady, sustainable speed | Conserve Energy |
| Layering | Manage clothing layers | Regulate Body Temp |
| Skins | Keep bases clean, ensure good adhesion | Prevent Slipping Backwards |
| Technique | Smooth glide, efficient kick turns | Minimize Effort |
By utilizing the proper equipment, practicing efficient techniques like skinning and kick turns, and optimizing your gear setup – particularly by unbuckling your top boot buckles for maximum ankle articulation – you can effectively and efficiently ski uphill.
