Ski

touring

gear:

your

guide

to

picking

the

right

equipment

What should a complete ski touring setup include?

A well thought out ski touring setup is what separates a good day in the mountains from a great one. It gives you the safety, comfort, and versatility to handle whatever the mountains throw at you. So whether you're engaging in the challenging climb up or enjoying your well-deserved descent – your equipment needs to have your back at all times. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's what belongs in every ski tourer's arsenal:

• Touring skis & bindings

• Touring ski boots

• Touring ski skins

• Ski crampons

• Touring ski poles

• Touring backpack/airbag backpack

• Avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel & probe

• Helmet & goggles

• Appropriate clothing

Touring Skis & Bindings

Picking your skis and bindings comes down to how you like to move, and what kind of terrain you're hitting. Lightweight setups are ideal for quick and efficient approaches, while wider skis will keep you afloat in deep snow and provide rock-solid stability on the way down. For bindings, you've got frame bindings and pin bindings (tech bindings) to choose from. Frame bindings are sturdier and often more comfortable on the descent, while pin bindings are much lighter, giving you a better range of motion on your way up. The key is making sure your skis and bindings work together seamlessly so you can move efficiently and safely – whether you're going up or down.

Touring Ski Boots

Picking out the right pair of boots will go a long way to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency while you’re out and about. You want boots that walk well on the ascent, but still provide enough stability when you’re skiing back down.

Depending on whether you’re mostly moving uphill or downhill, you can choose between two options: Ultralight boots are ideal for long approaches, ensuring plenty of mobility – whereas freeride-oriented ski touring boots will give you more stability and control when skiing downhill.

A solid touring boot needs to flex freely when you hit walking mode, but lock down tight in skiing mode. As with all types of shoes, fit is everything – make sure there’s no pinching or pressure points, and that they’re compatible with your chosen type of bindings. Look for breathable materials and heat-moldable liners for extra wearing comfort.

Touring ski skins

Skins are vital for getting up the mountain – they're what keeps you from sliding backward on every step. They generally come in one of two options: mohair and nylon skins. Mohair (goat hair) is super light and glides like butter, making it perfect for long approaches. Nylon skins provide more grip and are sturdier, but they're also a bit heavier to carry. Mixed skins split the difference, giving you the best of both worlds.

How they’re fastened is also important: Glue-on skins attach straight to your skis for an extra strong hold, but you'll also need to use separation sheets when carrying them around. Adhesion skins don’t require any glue, but stick to your skis by creating a vacuum seal – which makes them a whole lot easier to remove, but you’ll have to slightly compromise on grip. Hybrid skins combine both technologies: reliably sticking to your skis even when it’s brutally cold outside,  while being super easy to use.

Ski crampons

When you're dealing with frozen and icy ground, ski crampons are non-negotiable. They’ll give you that extra bite to prevent slipping on steep or slippery sections. Especially on exposed traverses or icy approaches, they'll provide added safety and peace of mind. Make sure they’re fully compatible with your skis and bindings, so you can quickly put on and remove them as needed. They should be sturdy and made from hardwearing materials like aluminum or steel to provide that all essential grip in tricky conditions. Ski crampons are your insurance policy against accidental slides – a must-have on any challenging ski tour.

Touring ski poles

For touring, adjustable poles are where it's at. Telescopic poles can quickly be set to the perfect length – a huge plus if you prefer longer poles on the way up, and shorter ones for skiing downhill. Or when you’re moving in constantly changing terrain. When it comes to materials, you’ll have two options to choose from: Aluminum poles are hardwearing, durable, and won't break the bank, while carbon is a lot lighter, helping you preserve your energy on exhausting days. For maximum comfort, opt for ergonomic grips that feel good in your hands, as well as  big powder baskets for added grip and stability in deep snow.

Backpack for ski tours

A good ski touring backpack  shouldn’t only be lightweight, but also functional and comfortable to carry. Look for a model with an ergonomic suspension system to ease the strain on your back and maintain maximum freedom of movement. A stretchy chest strap will hold everything in place, while the aluminum frame will ensure the weight is spread out evenly across your body. A full-zip main compartment is another great feature, allowing you to quickly access all your important items without having to unpack everything first. When you hit technical terrain, you need to be able to strap your skis A-frame or diagonal style to the pack. In addition to dedicated compartments for your shovel and probe, look for rope attachment points and loops for axes and poles.

Size-wise, you want something between 20-35 liters depending on the lengths and demands of your tour – enough space for your whole equipment, but lightweight enough to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body. An integrated attachment for hydration bladders  is great for staying hydrated along the way. Just one heads-up though: Beware of those icy days, which can quickly freeze your water supplies. For more info, check out our hydration bladder post. Plus, an integrated helmet carrier is a very handy extra on those long and grueling ascents.

If you're venturing into serious backcountry, an avy pack  or airbag system  isn't optional – it's mandatory. Mammut's Removable Airbag Systems boasts a clever design that allows you to quickly swap between different pack models like the Tour 30 or Flip 22. The system deploys in seconds if you get caught and dramatically increases your odds of survival by keeping you afloat. When an avalanche is triggered, an airbag will seriously reduce your chances of getting pulled under – which is often the only difference between making and not making it out alive. Even with the airbag system, these packs are still comfortable and light, have plenty of room for safety gear and snacks, and don't restrict your movement, regardless of whether you're moving up or going downhill.

At the heart of the whole system lies the cartridge, which needs to be purchased separately. Depending on the model you’re using, you can either swap it for a fresh one at selected stores or refill it yourself once it’s been triggered. Plus, you can check the pressure anytime thanks to the built-in gauge – super important for full control and your own safety.

Avalanche equipment

While you'll hopefully never have to use it for real, avalanche equipment is your life insurance when you go off piste. It consists of three key components:

• Avalanche transceiver

Mammut's Barryvox series  are sturdy and super intuitive transceivers. Designed for real-world use, they come with a serious range, crystal-clear displays and work perfectly even when wearing thick gloves. Additional features like auto-revert to transmit mode and multiple burial support make them a reliable companion – even in highly critical situations.

• Avalanche shovel

The Alugator Ride is a straight-up classic at Mammut. Built from solid aluminum, lightweight and fitted with an ergonomic blade with great leverage, you’ll get exactly what you need in an avalanche shovel  when seconds count and lives are on the line. Plus, its tiny packsize means you’ll easily be able to fit it into your backpack. Whatever your needs, there’s plenty to explore at Mammut – including a wide range of different shovel blade sizes and handle styles to match your preferences. All UIAA certified, of course.

• Avalanche probe

Mammut's avalanche probes  like the Carbon Probe Speed Lock and Alugator models are a great choice when putting together your vital safety equipment: They are super light, deploy lightning-fast, and the tensioning system works perfectly even when your hands are frozen. With the standardized length of 280 cm, they strike the perfect balance between weight and functionality.

If you're just getting into touring, you should definitely consider getting an avy safety set , which already includes three of the “Essential 4”. Especially in terrain with a high risk of avalanches, you’ll absolutely need this type of equipment. When shopping, keep an eye out for easy-to-use, lightweight and compact models – which will go a long way, particularly on extensive tours.

With that being said: Carrying safety equipment is one thing, actually using it in case of an emergency is a whole different story. So make sure to familiarize yourself with the risks and MOs through resources like our Avy Hub , ask your local Alpine Club for info or get certified mountain guides to show you the ropes. Plus, take a proper avalanche training course before you hit those unexplored areas – that way you’ll know exactly how to read terrain, assess hazards, and react accordingly when it becomes necessary.

Helmet & goggles for ski tours

A helmet is basic safety 101 for touring – whether you're heading up or speeding downhill. The biggest difference from regular skiing helmets is the weight. Your touring helmet needs to be as lightweight as possible so you don’t feel that extra strain on the ascent. At the same time, it still has to be sturdy and hardwearing enough to effectively protect you in case of a fall or collision. Make sure it fits properly and works with your goggles. For goggles, you want lenses that can adapt to changing light conditions – from bluebird days to total whiteouts. That way you'll be covered either way, no matter what the mountains throw at you.

Mammut's new Haute Route Helmet  is a great choice, which is also available with MIPS and Twiceme. Triple certified for touring, climbing, and biking, it combines top-tier safety with minimum weight. Perfect for all types of alpine sport!

Get more tips & advice

Once you’ve sorted all of the above equipment, you’re ready to hit the great outdoors. Keep in mind that every tour is different – snow conditions and weather can always change at a moment’s notice, so your kit needs to be able to adapt. Always do your homework beforehand, and you’ll be fully prepared to face every challenge heads on. To make sure your threads can keep up with your equipment, check out our guide to the perfect clothes for ski touring. Plus, don’t miss our  Mammut Stories & Guides  for more tips and inspiration.