Nordic ski touring, the 100% eco-friendly winter activity?

A brief history of Nordic ski touring

The Nordic ski touring takes us straight back to the origins of skiing. For several millennia, people in snowy regions have used boards to get around more easily on snow. Long before ski lifts and groomed slopes, skiing was above all a way to cross snow-covered land.

With the development of skiing as a sport, various disciplines gradually emerged. Two major families in particular took off: Nordic disciplines and alpine skiing. Between the two, Nordic ski touring has kept a distinctive philosophy: move freely on the snow while keeping your heel free.

For a long time, the available equipment closely resembled that of cross-country skiing. The thin and lightweight skis made progress on less rugged terrain easier, but limited the possibilities in more technical descents.

However, manufacturers have significantly improved the equipment. Today, you can find wider Nordic touring skis, with generous sidecuts and sometimes a pronounced rocker. The scales under the base make progress easier on many types of terrain without always requiring skins.

When it comes to bindings, the free-heel principle remains at the heart of the activity. Telemark-inspired systems allow great freedom of movement on the way up while offering more control on the way down.

Finally, boots also play an essential role. Some skiers prefer leather models for their comfort and flexibility. Others choose stiffer boots when they want more precision on demanding terrain. In any case, the equipment must allow the foot to move naturally as you progress.

Nordic ski touring, a real invitation to escape

The Nordic backcountry remains above all a touring activity. As in alpine ski touring, you have to put in some effort before enjoying the descents. However, the Nordic version has one major difference: it allows climbs, descents and relatively flat sections to be linked much more naturally.

On a hilly terrain, the skier can thus climb a few dozen meters, immediately enjoy a short descent, and then continue his progress. He does not need to constantly modify his equipment with each change of terrain.

This simplicity brings a true sense of freedom. Instead of considering the ascent as a step before a big descent, the practitioner takes advantage of every movement of the terrain.

Furthermore, the free heel promotes a natural movement of the foot. The ankles and feet contribute more to the movement during progression. The stride therefore approaches that of walking while taking advantage of the glide provided by the skis.

The Nordic ski touring thus makes it possible to cover long distances, cross varied terrain and above all explore the mountains at your own pace.

The freedom of Nordic ski touring

The terrain is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of this discipline. In Nordic ski touring, there is no need to always look for a long slope or a summit to climb. On the contrary, rolling terrain becomes a wonderful playground for gliding.

A few turns on a gentle slope, a natural dip, a short climb, then five or six more turns: the terrain sets the pace and constantly changes the outing.

This succession of climbs and descents brings plenty of variety. Whereas a classic alpine ski touring outing may be built around a long ascent followed by a descent, the Nordic version lets you play more with small terrain features.

However, the two disciplines share the same pleasure: moving through natural areas far from groomed slopes. The calm, the landscapes, the snow and the sense of freedom take center stage in the experience.

Nordic hiking also calls for taking your time. A break before a panorama view, a stop in a cabin, or a picnic with local produce can easily add to the day.

Ultimately, there’s no need to constantly strive for performance. Nordic skiing also allows you to slow down, contemplate the scenery, and simply enjoy the pleasure of being outdoors.

Nordic ski touring: an accessible activity

The Nordic ski touring is aimed at many different types of practitioners. Alpine skiers will simply have to adapt certain habits to master free-heel skiing and shoes that are generally more flexible.

Skiers coming from cross-country skiing already have several useful reference points. They know the feeling of a free heel and generally master the movements needed to progress on gentle terrain.

However, a beginner can also discover this discipline. Nordic ski touring offers good stability and allows you to gradually learn the various techniques of movement.

When going downhill, there are several ways to control your speed and line. Depending on their level and equipment, skiers can use the snowplough, parallel turns, side-slipping or telemark-inspired techniques.

Thus, everyone can gradually enrich their technical repertoire. The goal is first and foremost to find the necessary ease to adapt to different types of snow and terrain.

A multitude of terrains to explore

One of the great advantages of Nordic backcountry lies in its versatility. An outing can be contemplative, sporty or playful depending on the terrain and how you feel that day.

Some will choose a quiet walk around a snowy village. Others will prefer to cross the wide open spaces of the Vercors, explore the landscapes of the Maurienne or glide through the combes of the Jura.

Plateaus, valleys and moderate relief are particularly interesting terrains. They allow for alternating movements of the terrain while fully enjoying the landscape.

However, venturing outside of secure areas requires knowledge of the specific risks of winter mountaineering. Therefore, before each outing, it is advisable to check the weather conditions, the snow cover, and the avalanche risk forecast when the route crosses a terrain affected. A mountain expert can also accompany practitioners who wish to explore this activity in good conditions.

Another way to enjoy the mountains in winter

Nordic hiking skiing does not necessarily seek the highest peaks or the most challenging descents. Its strength lies rather in its ability to transform a snowy landscape into a true field of exploration.

A slight slope provides an opportunity to make a few turns. A valley allows you to prolong the slide. Then a climb leads you to resume your progress calmly before the next descent.

This freedom explains in large part the charm of the discipline. With the right pair of skis, a little technique, and a good understanding of the terrain, every outing can take a different direction.

Between touring, gliding, discovering the landscapes and the pleasure of the free heel, the Nordic ski touring ultimately offers a simple and authentic approach to the winter mountains. An ideal activity for those who want to leave the groomed slopes behind and rediscover the pleasure of exploring vast snowy spaces.