Cross country skiing in the mountains

Skidåkare i spår med ledkryss.

Gliding away on skis along a winter trail is a bit like hiking, but on snow with different conditions. With touring skis on your feet, you can explore completely untracked mountain terrain. Touring ski equipment differs from cross-country skis, which require groomed tracks and are often used near resorts.

Anyone who can hike can usually also ski on touring skis, which are a little more stable than regular narrow cross-country skis. Not only adults, but even smaller children can go on winter tours. The youngest can come along in a mountain pulk. If you are a beginner, it’s wise to stick to marked winter trails on flat ground. Eventually, you can start exploring the mountains off the trails, provided you prepare well in case the weather changes.

Ski equipment is roughly the same for beginners as for pros. Touring skis are wide and stable. Some are suitable for flat terrain with loose snow, but most resemble alpine skis, meaning they have steel edges that provide grip on mountain slopes.