Backcountry Ski Equipment
In this section of the site I provide a summary of the equipment available for travelling and skiing in the backcountry.
If you are just starting out, or want to give the backcountry a try for the first time, the good news is you don't need to much additional gear. However, the additional gear you require is not likely to be cheap so I'd recommend hiring it for starters. Another good reason to hire gear is to 'try before you buy'.
Skis and Bindings
There are numerous set-ups for ski touring. If you want to bushwalk on skis cross country skis are probably the way to go. These are very light and a fast way to travel across the snow but they are definitely not designed for tackling steep terrain – not enjoyably anyway. If you actually want to ski challenging terrain you’re going to need something a little beefier.
The variations of Alpine Touring (AT) bindings are probably the best option for resort skiers wanting to get a taste of the backcountry. However, the cheapest way to get into ski touring and backcountry skiing is to use AT adaptors such as the ‘Alpine Trekker’. These fit into standard alpine binding like a ski boot and allow you to pivot from the toe whilst touring. The adaptor is removed and the ski used as normal when skiing a slope. The adaptors are the cheapest way to try the backcountry but they are heavy and sit high above the ski making them awkward. For these reasons they are probably best suited to areas close to the resorts and are not recommended for long tours. Most people who try adapters look for better options after one or two outings.
Skier using trekker binding adaptor and downhill boots. Note how high the skier is off the snow and the unhappy look on her face!
The second and more expensive option for those not willing to learn a new turn are AT bindings. These are very similar to downhill bindings except that a heel piece can be disengaged to allow the binding to pivot from the toe. Early versions of AT bindings didn’t offer the same safety features as downhill bindings but the newer versions do and many people use them to ski in the resort and in the backcountry. Unlike AT adaptors, AT bindings are permanently fixed to the ski. They can be fitted to any ski.
A skier using AT bindings.
The third option available to skiers are telemark bindings. A new technique and skill set is required to ride telemark skis so they aren’t really an option for the downhiller who wants a taste of the backcountry. Most telemarkers probably started in the backcountry and I doubt any would be reading this page so I’ll leave it here.
Skier climbing with telemark bindings.
Manufacturers make dedicated AT / Telemark skis that are lighter than resort varieties. Some AT / telemark skis are designed especially for touring (light and skinny), others are designed as a compromise between touring and downhill skiing and some are designed for downhilling (fat and heavy).
You can hire AT adaptors and skis fitted with AT or telemark bindings from some of the outdoor shops close to the snowfields. Hiring gear for the first backcountry skiing experience is a good idea. If you don’t enjoy it you’re only up for the hire cost. If you do enjoy it you have a better idea of what you might need to buy for your next trip.
Skins
Now you’ve got a binding with a heel freeing feature, but you’re not going to get far without something to grip the snow. The lightest option for grip is a pattern base. Some skis have a pattern cut into the base that helps to grip the snow. These are probably the best option for you if touring long distances with the occasional downhill is what you have in mind. If you want to yo yo ski decent grades you’re going to need skins, which provide a lot more traction. What are skins? Basically a strip that features felt like hair pointing in the one direction. They allow the ski to glide forwards but grip into the snow when forced backwards. Whilst traditional skins actually animal skin, todays skins are made from a range of plastics.
There are many different makes of skin on the market and there's not much between them. However, it is worth pointing out the different designs available.
The amount of grip provided by the skin is related to the area of the ski base that the skin covers. The most common skin used to ski steep grades are full length. As the name suggests, full length skins cover the entire length of the ski. They typically have a loop attachment for the tip of the ski and a hook or clip for the tail. Some feature an adjustable buckle and others have a rubber segment that provides tension to keep the skin in place. Besides providing maximum grip the main benefit of full length skins is that they stay on, even if the glue loses tack or you get snow underneath them. The shortcoming of full length skins is that you get very little glide when traversing flat terrain or slight declines.
Skis fitted with full length skins. These skins are held in place by a loop around the tip of the ski and clip fixed to an adjustable rubber strap at the tail of the ski.
Skis fitted with full length skins. These skins are held in place by a fixed tail clip and tip loop fitted to a stretchy rubber.
Short (kicker) skins are an alternative to full length skins, however they do not provide the same degree of traction. Kicker skins are approximately 50cm long and are placed directly under the ski binding, where most downward pressure is applied. Kicker skins are lighter and provide more glide, but are not as effective at climbing steep slopes. They have straps that tie them to the ski but they are more susceptible to coming off the ski than full length skins, especially once glue becomes wet.
Boots
One of the benefits of using AT bindings or adaptors to access the backcountry is that they are compatible with downhill boots. Whilst downhill boots do the job there are many reasons to upgrade to purpose made AT boots.
AT boots are designed as a compromise between downhill performance, touring and boot packing performance. If you pick up a pair of AT boots the first thing you will notice is that they weight about half as much as downhill boots. Bootmakers reduce the weight of the boot by replacing as much metal as possible with plastics. Because plastics are a little less rigid than metals AT boots are not as stiff as downhill boots. If you put a pair of AT boots on you’ll notice they are very easy to get on. If you’ve got a pair of downhill boots that fit well you can really struggle trying to get them on after a cold nights snow camping.. In the past I’ve had many long tussles with downhill ski boots on cold mornings. The second thing you’ll notice is that they are actually quite comfortable. If you walk in them you’ll notice they are much more shoe-like than downhill ski boots and that you actually get some grip on hard or icy surfaces because of the rubber sole.
AT boots are much more suitable for boot packing which was handy in the lean snow season of 2006.
As with most gear there’s boots and there are boots. Softer boots with fewer buckles are more suitable for the person that is more interested in touring moderate terrain in the backcountry whilst the firmer four buckled varieties are better suited for those concentrating on skiing challenging terrain. At the extreme end some boots marketed as AT boots are actually very similar to downhill boots and may not be no better for AT than you typical downhill boot. If you are in the market for AT boots I highly recommend getting a boot with a rubber sole
Unfortunately the local market for AT gear is small and AT boots will set you back a packet. However, if you ever encounter icy stepping stones across the Snowy River on that spring trip you’ll be happy you shelled out the extra cash for a pair of AT boots!
If you want to try telemarking you’re going to need a dedicated telemarking boot because telemark bindings are not compatible with downhill boots. Similar to AT boots, telemarking boots range from low cut leather lace ups suitable for touring to four buckle plastic behemoths that can ski anything. Like AT boots they are light and most feature a grippy rubber sole
Clothing
The difference between mainstream ski clothing and clothing designed for ski touring and mountaineering is weight, bulk, and practicality. These aren’t a big issue when skiing the resort, but when you’ve got to haul your arse uphill the last thing you want to be carrying is a stud belt and a wallet chain. And when the weather closes you’re probably the only one that’s going to know that your undies were poking out the top of your duds. So we’re not so worried about fashion, as long as it keeps you dry and warm.
Different people require different clothing to keep warm under the same conditions so I don’t want to recommend a particular setup of clothing. However, I will outline what works for me. On my lower half I wear mildly insulated ski pants. I have a tendency to get warm whilst climbing and traversing in these pants but combined with thermal under layer they keep me warm enough at night to avoid having to carry a pair of fleece pants. An alternative setup would be to wear thermals under shell pants during the day and carry fleece pants for sitting around at the camp site. Ski pants with full length zips along the side allow them to be taken off and put on without removing ski boots, and the zips double as vents whilst climbing.
I typically start the day wearing a thermal top and a light weight soft shell jacket. As I warm up I either open up the zips of the jacket or take it off completely. Even on very cold windy days I find the heat generated whilst touring is enough to keep me warm even though the jacket is quite light. I also carry a waterproof shell to wear in case the weather gets really bad or there’s moisture in the air. I start the day wearing light weight soft shell gloves. If I heat up the gloves are one of the first items to be removed. I also carry a pair of waterproof heavy gloves for foul weather or emergencies.
The only supplementary items of clothing I carry are a down jacket and down booties. Whilst these items aren’t necessary they are a great luxury item to have when sitting around camp. Before I purchased the down jacket i couldn't hang around outside for to long at night but with the down jacket I can stay outside as long as I want, taking in the serenity.
A down jacket can make cold weather camping very comfortable. The only downside is that your mrs may want to come out camping with you to often!
The down booties allow you to get out of your ski boots as soon as you’re back at camp and keep your feet toasty. They’re also a great slip-on bit of footwear in case you’ve got to go out for a pee in the middle of the night. The booties have limitations. They won’t grip any slope greater than about 5 degrees and they’ll get wet if you try and walk through deep snow. I’d recommend preparing some walkways around the camp site before donning the booties. Some people pay me out for wearing booties, the smart ones just go and buy a pair!
Poles
Poles are probably one of the last things to think about upgrading. If you’ve bought everything else and still want to splash the cash around extendable poles are the go. The additional length helps you glide further when traversing relatively flat terrain. Whilst it’s nice to have them they are definitely not necessary and can be a bit painful if the locking mechanism becomes loose.