10 Basic Tips for Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering is a wonderful and exciting sport; climbing to the heights and then sliding down the snow is more than tempting, however this sport is not without its difficulties: long walks to find good snow, places where the snow is too abundant or too scarce, excessive wind, avalanches, etcetera. This is why it requires physical preparation, good equipment, a lot of practice and experience.
Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your ski mountaineering activity, avoid mishaps and embark on a safe adventure.
1. Train physically.
You are going to be doing exercise that requires a lot of physical effort, tackling portages, overcoming steep slopes, long walks, and jibes. That's why you should go on outings before tackling a big trek. Do mountaineering-oriented training. You can choose a mountain near your home, of medium altitude, and climb it at a fast and steady pace to increase your heart rate. When going downhill, take small, quick steps. Of course it is ideal that you go to the gym a lot in the months leading up to the race and do both cardio and muscular exercise. On the downhills you will need muscle power, which is why you need to prepare beforehand.
2. Take a course with instructors.
Taking a course with certified instructors can be a good idea. They will know how to teach you and give you the best advice on routes, safety, prevention and what equipment is the most suitable for you. There are many good courses given by experienced people who can teach you a lot and make you feel more confident when you set off into the mountains. Clear all your doubts with them, learn the techniques of progression and descent, and don't be afraid to ask questions even if they seem very basic.
3. Learn mountaineering techniques.
Mountaineering techniques for progression or belaying on rock and ice can be very helpful, as well as getting used to tackling exposed ridges and steep terrain. You will need to know the techniques of progression with crampons and ice axeHow to secure a tricky pass on a ridge or how to rope up for a glacier.
4. Equip yourself appropriately.
You will need to provide yourself with ski mountaineering equipment, with good performance and adapted to you. At the beginning and while you are in the training stage, it may make the most sense to rent, so that you can try out a piece of equipment and decide if it is right for you. Essential equipment includes appropriate skis, boots with good bindings for the type of ski touring you will be doing, adjustable ski poles, a shovel, a probe, an arva (avalanche victim detector), a headlamp, and a small medical and repair kit. We will tell you that the equipment of skimo is expensive, yes, but you'll be putting your security in the hands of many of their items.
Uses specialised ARVA equipment
5. Practice in stable snow
It is during mid-winter to late winter that the snow is at its firmest. With the accumulation of snow in the first months of the season, without settling, or at the end of the season, in spring, when temperatures rise, the risks of practising this sport increase. Check the time of year and snow conditions before you go skiing. skimoThis way you will be exposed to less risk. There is a lot to learn about ski mountaineering: what decisions to make, how to act as a team, what are the best routes, what to do in case of an avalanche, and much more. One decision can save your life. If possible, practice with experienced partners, because you learn a lot from experience and if this is a sport you want for your life, the more practice you get, the more experience you will have and the more you will develop your intuition.
6. Organise your supplies. Don't neglect your nutrition and hydration.
Mountaineering is a discipline that requires good athleticism and a well-functioning body. A lot of calories are consumed and so that your body does not suffer from this, you must have an idea of the calories you will expend per day and know how to replenish them. Good nutrition is essential. Take energy bars and dried fruit and nuts to give you energy. Don't neglect your hydration. In cold environments we tend to do this. Hot drinks, in a thermos flask, can help you replenish your body temperature.
7. Prepare for the worst.
Avoid engaging in the activity of skimo in very isolated places -especially if you are not yet experienced in this practice-, you may pass near refuge areas or areas that you expect to be frequented. You never know when you might get lost. Take a first aid kit with first aid items. Don't forget to take a thermal blanket. Study the terrain, with exit routes in case of sudden weather changes or any unforeseen events.
8. Be flexible.
The weather can change at a moment's notice and so can plans. There is no point in getting frustrated or wasting the day. If you have to stop, the best thing to do is to reorganise and recharge your batteries. If the route you have chosen is impracticable due to avalanche risk, next time, safety in the mountains comes first. There is no need to take risks, you will learn with experience.
9. Be prepared for avalanches.
As well as for all the mishaps that a person can expect in the mountains. You will need to bring avalanche equipment: arva, probe and shovel. If you do not have experience, hire a guide who will explain you how to do it. how to act quickly, how to use your equipment and how to handle yourself in case of an avalanche or accident.
10. Inform someone before you go into the mountains.
Do not go ski mountaineering alone. And in any case, inform them where you are going, the route and the timetable you have planned.
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