Turno-smučarski seti

Complete Guide to Ski Tourin Sets: Boots, Skis, Bindings & Skins

Ski touring has seen tremendous growth in recent years. The reason for this was partly due to Covid and the subsequent closure of ski resorts, but certainly also the general trend of increasing popularity of all outdoor sports. Ski touring, when done the right way, is definitely one of the most beautiful forms of winter recreation. However, purchasing the right gear can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for many. One of the simpler, safer, and more optimal options is to choose a backcountry ski set, which includes everything you need: skis, skins, and bindings.

BACKCOUNTRY SKI SET – WHAT SHOULD IT INCLUDE

BOOTS

Without a doubt, the most important piece of backcountry ski equipment is the boots. If you choose boots that fit you well, you’ve already done more than half of the work. If you’ve already tried some test models and found one that fits, the task becomes easier as it’s best to buy something that has already been tested. Otherwise, our store advisors will first measure your feet and based on that, recommend the most suitable models and sizes. Depending on your skiing background and future goals, you will then choose the most optimal backcountry ski boot.

SKIS

The width and length of the skis are chosen based on your skiing experience, as well as your desires and goals for backcountry skiing. Opinions on ski width (measured in mm under the boot) vary widely, and anyone who has found their optimal ski will argue that it’s the best purchase in the world. My personal advice would be that a beginner, without alpine experience, choosing lighter backcountry skis, certainly doesn’t need skis with a width of 100mm or more under the boot. On the other hand, social media is flooded with skiers and their videos in deep powder and ideal terrains, often using skis that are 100mm+ wide. Don’t be misled by this, as for the average person with a regular job, this is achievable only 3-5 times a season. So, regarding width, I recommend not rushing; to begin with, skis around 90mm +/- a few millimeters will serve you well for the entire season. As for length, I would also categorize users into two groups: the classic touring crowd and the freeride-oriented freetouring crowd. The first group tends to choose skis shorter than their height, but considering new geometries and rockers (which differ from 10-year-old models), I wouldn’t recommend skis shorter than 10cm from your height. The freetouring crowd usually opts for skis that are their height or maybe a few centimeters longer. The best judge of this is the individual skier.

BINDINGS

In backcountry ski bindings, practically the entire market has shifted to the pin system. Given the vast range of these bindings available, there is no longer a solid reason not to go for pin bindings. However, since there are many brands and models in this segment, it’s very important to choose the binding that is most suitable for you. Not all bindings are the same or optimal for everyone. With our advisors, you’ll definitely find the optimal binding for your skis, skiing style, and weight. These three factors are the most important when choosing the right binding, which, while seeming like the least influential piece of equipment, is crucial in ensuring that everything works and never leaves you stranded.

SKINS

Skins, or backcountry skins, might seem like the most secondary part of the equipment, but only until you experience problems with them. I'm talking about issues like the skins clumping, the glue not sticking, or the glue getting stuck to the skis, etc. In short, equipment that can easily ruin your tour. We can roughly divide skins into hybrid skins and those with traditional glue. The advantage of hybrid skins is that the surface that sticks to the ski can be cleaned with a special cleaner, thus extending the lifespan of the skins. However, after a certain period (which can vary, depending on how well they are maintained), the glue will stop sticking, and the skins are no longer useful. The advantage of traditional glue is that it can be renewed (multiple times), and the skins can still be usable even after 20 years. The key is to properly maintain your skins: after every use, dry them in a dry place (away from heat sources) and then fold them up and prepare them for the next use.

As you probably already know, we have divided our backcountry ski sets into various segments that will be ideal for both beginners and more experienced ski tourers.