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FAQ
Should touring skis be longer or shorter?
The length of the skis depends primarily on the terrain you intend to ski on. If you want to ski steep and long lines, you need a longer ski, if you want to go hiking on skis without a lot of downhill riding, then take shorter skis. A longer ski gives you stability, especially at higher ski speeds, but it also weighs more, which is a disadvantage for climbs and long tours. A light and shorter ski allows you to climb quickly, but is therefore unstable for descent. Apart from the length, perhaps it is more important to pay attention to the width of the ski. A wider ski collapses less in the snow when driving, i.e. it has greater "floatability". In short, a longer and wider ski - better for freeride, a shorter and narrower ski - for fast climbing and ski mountaineering. Of course, between these extremes there is a wide range of skis for different types of terrain and the affinities of the skiers themselves.
Can I enter the world of ski touring as a complete beginner?
Ski touring is a much more complex discipline than classic alpine skiing, which means that it requires a wide range of knowledge and skills. When beginners ask this question, they usually only think of ski technique, i.e. ski management when riding downhill. Ski touring can take place on flat and undulating terrain where you have almost no descent, so a high level of skiing technique is not necessary. But for a proper and safe entry into the world of ski touring, it is necessary to proceed gradually, and that is why we recommend that you first master skiing on the slopes, and then try your hand at ski touring. The same goes for splitboarding.
How can I try ski touring or splitboarding without buying equipment?
The best option is to go on a tour before you buy the equipment and see if you like it and if you want to invest money in the equipment. The only way, of course, is to rent or borrow from a friend who has the same one. In our country, this equipment is mostly rented by AOB (https://www.aob.org.rs/) and previously had specific stores that sell different ski brands. There is a problem that one year they have an annuity, the other they don't.
As for splitboarding, "Green bear" on Tara and "Kiteloop" on Kopaonik rent.
How should they dress for touring?
Certainly not like skiing / snowboarding in a ski center. The equipment should be closer to winter hiking, good membranes and without a lot of thermal layers that are built into the pants and jacket. So there are no fitted jackets and trousers. In this sport you raise the temperature a lot uphill and this is where layered clothing works. Zippers / zippers are very important. Feather jacket in a backpack for freeriding.
So no pants and jacket for the ski resort!
Can I ski downhill with furs?
With furs on your skis, you can slide down gentle slopes on a shorter section, when it is not worth it to make a transition. Also, with furs, you can make a traverse or a slanting slope on a slope. Of course, you have to keep in mind that with furs the skis move slower downhill and you don't have good control over them, and at the same time you wear out the furs. On the other hand, frequently removing the fur on the tour, apart from increasing your transition time, the glue gets wet and the fur holds less. That's why you should have good judgment on the tour, take off your furs before skiing longer lines, and ski the shorter sections.
How physically fit do I need to be?
Ski touring / splitboarding requires solid physical preparation, and that's why you should prepare well before going on the tour. In addition to aerobic endurance, work on specific exercises for strength and balance. Most of the tour you will be in "walk" mode with a backpack on your back, and often the quality of the snow can make walking difficult. That's why it's important that you're in good shape to deliver it. On the other hand, when you go downhill, you need specific leg strength, agility, explosiveness. Be aware that only with quality preparation can you avoid injuries that can happen to you.
What additional equipment should I bring with me on the tour?
On tours, in addition to the basic equipment, it is necessary to always have additional and spare equipment in the backpack. What you must always carry with you is a headlamp, spare batteries, first aid kit, astro-foil, spare gloves, hat, visor, thermal insulation layer (fleece, down jacket,...), tools for small repairs. Liquid (water, tea) is definitely necessary, of course in a thermos, to prevent freezing, and it is definitely important to have some food in your backpack.
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