Snow and ice
Ski touring
Climb uphill on skis and ski back down off-piste.
- Very hardintensity
- ~630kcal per hour
- Higher costbudget
- Mediumimpact
Is ski touring right for you?
Climb uphill on skis and ski back down off-piste. It is a very hard-intensity, medium impact activity that you can do outdoors, on your own or in a group. Expect to burn around 630 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.
Steep learning curve. Lessons, hire or kit make this one of the pricier options, so try a taster first.
Why try ski touring
- Improves fitness. It raises your heart rate and builds stamina.
- Teaches a skill. There is always something new to learn, which keeps it interesting.
How to start ski touring
Book a guided introduction with a qualified mountain guide.
Get the basics: touring skis, avalanche kit. Borrow or hire before you buy.
Book a few lessons. Good coaching at the start saves months of frustration.
Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.
A 4-week starter plan
| Week | Sessions | Minutes each | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 45 | Learn the basics and keep every session easy. |
| 2 | 1 | 60 | Repeat last week and add a little time. |
| 3 | 2 | 75 | Add a session or make one a bit harder. |
| 4 | 2 | 90 | Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next. |
This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.
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Not sure ski touring is for you?
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