Imagine cream-peaked mountains inviting you into their virgin white embrace. Enjoy the feeling of skiing through unbroken snow cover. The feeling of endless freedom. And although adrenaline is rushing through your veins, you feel indescribable peace and a profound connection with pristine nature. This is the magic of ski touring. This is no place for recklessness and error because a great deal of responsibility and deep respect for mountains and the laws of nature are required.
Ski touring is a combination of Alpine skiing on wild natural ski slopes, cross-country skiing and winter hiking. It usually takes place on unmarked slopes that are not organised for skiing. The main difference between Alpine skiing and ski touring lies in the fact that ski lifts or other means of transportation are not used to ascend the slope or hill. You climb the hill on foot or use skis with climbing skins attached for an easier ascent. Ski touring is intended for experienced and proficient skiers, but don’t underestimate the importance of suitable ski touring and safety equipment. The best time for ski touring is winter or spring, depending on snow conditions and air temperature.
Ski touring has several disciplines, depending on the type of equipment you choose and the kind of touring you wish to do.
Splitboarding is a combination of snowboarding on unmarked natural ski slopes and winter hiking. A boarder attaches the board onto the ski backpack, climbs the hill on foot and then descends into the valley by riding the deep snow.
Ski touring is a combination of mountaineering and skiing. Prerequisites for such skiing include a tremendous will for tackling challenging ascents and a desire to exercise amidst pristine nature. This type of skiing requires special equipment.
In Alpine skiing, skiers ascend and ski along the same route. These are most frequently difficult terrains, e.g. cliffs, ravines, gullies and even waterfalls. Anyone attempting this sports discipline requires additional mountaineering equipment.
Ski touring is much more dangerous than classic Alpine skiing. As skiers descend along unbroken snowy slopes, they can be exposed to the possibility of avalanches and depressions and crevasses covered with snow where they can injure themselves. It is important that several things are taken into consideration when planning a tour.
Check and observe the weather and snow conditions. Do not go ski touring during periods of heightened avalanche risk.
Use the appropriate safety equipment and check its functioning beforehand. Use equipment and clothing suitable for winter conditions.
Go ski touring only if you have sufficient skiing/boarding knowledge and experience, are physically fit and know how to react to extraordinary conditions in the mountains.
For ski touring, you will need special touring skis, suitable bindings and ski touring boots. But that is not everything you have to take with you when planning to tackle pristine white slopes. Suitable safety equipment is useful in any situation in which you find yourself in the mountains. Don’t forget the following:
Mountain slopes may be quite unpredictable and the risks they present must be taken seriously. So do not venture onto undisturbed white slopes on your own. It is best to go ski touring with an experienced certified guide, especially if you don’t have much experience and are unfamiliar with the terrain on which you wish to ski. Mountain guides have expert knowledge of the terrain and weather conditions. Furthermore, a good guide will help you improve your skills on icy terrain and attain a higher level of ski touring knowledge.
The Julian Alps are beautiful in all seasons of the year. In winter, when peaks are covered in snow, they are a true magnet for those pursuing ski touring joys. If you are one of them, you’ll certainly be glad to try a ski touring journey called Juliana SkiTour, which takes you across the Julian Alps from Kranjska Gora to Tolmin.
Now that you’ve chosen the ideal day and perfect snow conditions, and have all the necessary equipment prepared, the only question remains is where to go ski touring. See some of the most popular locations in Slovenia.
Ski touring on the Triglav Traverse is an experience every true ski tourer should experience at least once in their lives. You cross the snowy area between Mt Vogel and Mt Komna in 3 to 4 days on skis.
MoreSki touring on the Triglav Traverse is an experience every true ski tourer should experience at least once in their lives. You cross the snowy area between Mt Vogel and Mt Komna in 3 to 4 days on skis.
MoreThe Alpine plateau of Pokljuka is an excellent starting point for ski touring adventures on the neighbouring peaks. The most popular among ski tourers are Mrežce, Debela peč, Viševnik, and Mali and Veliki Draški vrh.
MoreLocations for ski touring of various difficulty levels can be found in the Julian Alps. Among the most popular are Mala and Velika Mojstrovka and Kotovo sedlo under Mt Jalovec.
MoreSmrekovec, Velika planina, Raduha and Dleskovec Plateau are only some of the places that attract ski tourers into the winter embrace of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
MoreSki touring may be pleasurable for you, but for the animals living in mountainous areas it brings stress and disturbance, making them use up precious energy that is needed for their successful winter survival. The most popular ski touring trails in the broader area of the Pokljuka Plateau are found in the vicinity of quiet areas for ptarmigan, capercaillie, black grouse and chamois. To allow them to spend the winter as quietly as possible, check out the map of recommended ski touring trails in Pokljuka on which the animals will be ensured more peace and quiet.
In the Alpine world, you will find a number of locations suitable for ski touring. Check out some of the destinations where you can find enjoyment on the pristine white slopes you prefer.
When snow covers the forests, meadows, streets and houses and the landscape is transformed into a true winter fairy tale, it’s time for unforgettable adventures on snow. You may find your inner playful child again or discover peace and quiet in the embrace of endless whiteness.
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