The hype around Ski touring remains unbroken. Once you've reached the summit under your own steam and experienced the descent in powdery snow, you won't easily get enough of it. But beware: „Good skiers are made in the summer,“ knows expert Alex Kunert. A solid foundation in strength and endurance, as well as safety knowledge, are the cornerstones of every downhill adventure.
A ski tour challenges the body for hours. So that you still have enough reserves at the top for a safe descent, you need to turn two adjustment screws:
Endurance (Aerobic Base) Start your foundational training early. Hiking, trail running, or cycling are ideal for strengthening your cardiovascular system. The aim is to sustain moderate performance over a long period.
Intensity (Interval Training): To master steep sections without breathlessness, short, intensive units (e.g. hill runs or sprints) can help.
Pro tip: Use for your training control a modern GPS sports watch. It helps you keep an eye on your heart rate zones, track progress, and avoid overtraining.
Enormous forces act on joints and ligaments when skiing. Targeted strength training not only improves your performance, but is also the best form of injury prevention.
Strength endurance Many repetitions (15-20) with moderate weight. Focus: core stability, squats and lunges.
Hypertrophy (muscle building): Higher intensity (6–14 repetitions) for strong legs and a stable back.
Recommendation Start with strength endurance 4–6 months before the season and then switch to targeted muscle building in the gym.
Off the prepared piste, conditions change by the second. Crusted snow, deep snow, or icy patches demand clean technique.
Learn from the pro: A course with a state-certified ski instructor will save you arduous detours in learning.
Collect miles Use ski resorts with lift access to hone your downhill technique. Only those who have many downhill metres under their belt will also be confident off-piste.
Material check: Only perfectly waxed skis and sharp edges offer the necessary grip and desired manoeuvrability.
Ski touring in open terrain requires a high degree of personal responsibility. Meticulous planning is essential for survival.
The „Holy Trinity“ of equipment. Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are mandatory and must be checked for functionality before every tour (check battery level!).
Avalanche danger report (LLB) & Weather: Analyse the current report daily. Understand not only the hazard level but also the hazard patterns (e.g. wind slab or old snow).
Digital Support GPS devices or navigation apps (such as Alpenvereinaktiv or ski touring guru) will help you find your way. It is advisable to load the GPX track of your route onto your sports watch in advance, so that you can find your way even in poor visibility or stressful situations.
The Human Factor Never go alone. The group must harmonise, and the tour must always be adapted to the ability of the weakest member.
perfect for beginners or a quick workout after work Ski tours Ideal. Here, avalanche risk is generally not a concern. Nevertheless, the following applies: stick to the marked routes, observe the closure times during piste preparation (danger to life from winches!), and respect the local ski touring rules.
Conclusion: Ski touring is a combination of physical fitness, technical skill, and smart planning. Those who do their homework in the summer and autumn will be rewarded with unforgettable moments in the winter.
Here you will find a selection of guided ski touring camps with a ski guide. Of course you can always book your favourite tour with your private ski guide plan.
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Secure the best ski tours and freeride adventures on the spur of the moment! Only the best conditions, guided group tours at a lower price. Subscribe to the PEAKX WhatsApp channel now.
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Ski touring is more than just a sport – it's the ultimate freedom in the mountains. However, for your first time in untouched terrain to be a pleasure and not an ordeal, the right preparation is crucial. Professional ski guide Alex Kunert explains for peakx.at what really matters when it comes to fitness, technique, and planning.
Anyone who knows me knows: I leave little to chance in the mountains. As a state-certified ski guide, meticulous preparation is the foundation for safety and maximum enjoyment in the powder. My most important tool for this? Outdooractive.
Ski tours from hut to hut are becoming increasingly popular. Read this blog to find out which multi-day ski tours in Austria you should try out.
