What Is Alpine Touring? | Ski Uphill, Ski Down

If you’ve ever looked at a snow-covered peak outside the resort boundaries and wondered how skiers get up there without a lift, the answer is alpine touring (AT). It combines the fitness of a climb with the reward of fresh, untracked downhill runs. Unlike traditional resort skiing, AT demands a specific gear setup and a strong understanding of backcountry safety.

The Core Mechanics: How AT Gear Works

The defining feature of alpine touring is the “free heel” during the ascent. Your ski boot’s cuff unlocks into a flexible “walk mode,” and the heel of the binding releases so you can glide forward with a natural stride. Climbing skins—strips of fabric that grip the snow—are attached to the bottom of each ski to prevent backward slipping. At the top, you remove the skins, lock the boot cuff into stiff “ski mode,” and engage the binding’s heel piece for a fixed-heel descent using standard alpine parallel turns.

Essential Gear for Alpine Touring

Because AT takes place in remote, unpatrolled terrain, your gear list has two layers: what you need to move efficiently, and what you need to stay safe. Here’s the breakdown:

• AT Skis: Typically 80mm or wider at the waist for float in off-piste snow.
• AT Bindings: Offer distinct uphill (unlocked heel) and downhill (locked heel) modes.
• Touring Boots: Plastic shells with a walk/ski mode cuff switch.
• Climbing Skins: Sized precisely to the ski base; removed before the descent.
• Safety Kit (Mandatory): Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel — and the training to use them.
• Navigation: Map, compass, and/or GPS. Cell service is unreliable in the backcountry.
• Clothing: Breathable layers for the uphill, a heavier jacket for the descent, and vented ski pants. Adjustable poles (longer for climbing, shorter for skiing) and a 15–20 liter backpack complete the setup.

Related Guide: If you’re building your kit, our roundup of the best alpine touring pants covers the top options for mobility and weather protection.

How To Alpine Tour: The Basic Sequence

The physical flow is straightforward once your gear is set. First, attach the climbing skins to the ski bases and switch your boots to walk mode. During the ascent, glide each ski forward on the snow without lifting it — think of a long walking stride. At the summit or your objective, remove the skins, lock your boot cuffs, and click the binding heels into fixed mode. Ski down using standard parallel turns. Before any trip, check the local avalanche forecast and ensure your safety kit is packed and functional.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Snowshoeing stride: Lifting the skis rather than gliding. Keep them on the snow.
• Over-layering: Starting the climb in a heavy jacket. Begin in your lightest layer — you warm up fast.
• Skipping avalanche training: A beacon is useless if you don’t know how to search. Take an AIARE course before your first tour.
• Gear confusion: AT gear is distinct from telemark or resort alpine gear. Rent from a shop that demonstrates binding transitions.

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