Ski Mountaineering

As the name suggests, this type of skiing puts together the skills used not only for skiing but for mountaineering as well.  This is also for skiers who have a passion for heights and who will go to all lengths just to get to areas that are virtually remote and inaccessible, with some hint of danger involved.   Ski mountaineering effectively comes up with an exciting blend – the joys of skiing, mountaineering and nature-tripping.

With skis in tow at their backpack, ski mountaineers climb up, up, up!  And since the skis can be securely strapped at their backs, they can have access to terrain that would otherwise be closed for skiers.  They climb to the most remote spots, all in search of the extreme terrain that will give them a thrill unlike any other.

Combining both mountaineering and skiing actually makes good sense.  As it oftentimes is easier to ski uphill in the deep snow than it is to walk.  Also, you have the option of choosing the level of danger you want during your descent.

There are times, though, that a through and through descent is dangerous, if not impossible.  For cases such as these, ski mountaineers will just do some rappelling or downclimbing and once they are past the danger zone, they can continue with their skiing.

The standard set of equipment includes skiing equipment, as well as mountaineering tools such as ropes, crampons and ice axes.  As for the skis, these are the kind that is used for alpine touring and other similar skiing disciplines.  Crampons enable you to ski more easily on the slippery snow while the skins make it easier for you to go uphill.  Skins are usually made out of mohair or nylon and is attached to the underside of the ski.  Other equipment include snowshoes, since there may be time when ascending with the use of skis cannot be done because of snow conditions.  You should also consider using ski brakes in place of safety straps.

Ski mountaineering is said to be originated by Geman Wilhelm von Arlt.  In 1894, he was able to do a ski ascent of Rauris Sonnblick, which has a height of 3,103 meters.  For this fear, he is considered the father of ski mountaineering.