Take up in ski touring in Cauterets

Le ski de randonnée offre à la fois les bénéfices d’une activité physique complète, et le bien-être que seule la montagne peut vous offrir : un air pur, un dépaysement total, des paysages fantastiques …

De décembre à avril, plusieurs professionnels à Cauterets proposent des sorties à la journée, et la station de Cauterets a même aménagé un espace tout exprès pour s’initier, en toute sécurité.

Alors n’hésitez plus, essayez-vous au ski de rando !

What are the prerequisites for practicing ski touring?

Ski touring requires a certain level of physical fitness, the ability to ski in all snow conditions and to master parallel turns.

Knowing how to perform the uphill conversion is also very useful for changing direction on a steep slope: it is the typical zig-zag track of ski tourers.

With a little practice, you'll get used to moving with touring skis equipped with climbing skins, allowing you to glide without unnecessary fatigue: avoid lifting the skis, and gradually increase the range of motion. It's a different balance than classic skiing, and it requires good arm and leg coordination.

What equipment is needed?

Bien entendu, ce sont tout d’abord les skis de randonnée avec leurs fixations spécifiques, et les peaux de phoques qu’on lie au ski du haut de la spatule jusqu’à un crochet sous le talon. Prenez soin de les choisir avec l’aide d’un pro, en fonction de votre taille, de votre niveau, et même de votre programme de sorties.
Et en ce qui concerne les chaussures, misez sur le confort avant tout : vous allez d’abord marcher avec - et ensuite seulement, descendre - pendant des heures.

Next, for safety, you'll need the essential trio: an avalanche transceiver (DVA), a shovel, and a probe. Generally, professionals lend you this equipment for the outing, and the guide will train you in avalanche safety and search techniques using the transceiver.

And since ski touring is… hiking, you need a backpack - for safety, the best is an airbag backpack - and something to keep you hydrated regularly, and to eat.

Apart from that, it's standard ski equipment, except that you need clothing suitable for both the effort of the ascent and the speed of the descent. To avoid being too hot or too cold, you need to be able to add or remove layers as needed during your outing, while respecting the three-layer rule: breathable thermal underwear, a warm layer such as a fleece, and finally a windproof and waterproof outer jacket.

And above all, don't forget good sunglasses and sunscreen.

Where to train?

Of course, going up the alpine ski slopes open to skiers is out of the question, and venturing outside the ski area will also be avoided at all costs! So where?

The Cauterets resort has created an introductory ski touring route near the ski slopes of the Cirque du Lys, in the Mauloc sector. It's a route of approximately 2 hours with 500m of elevation gain.

As an added bonus, the view from the Crêtes du Lys is exceptional. An excellent opportunity to get started before embarking on a longer hike.

Important note: Secure the straps linking the skis to the calves; touring skis sometimes do not have brakes like alpine skis.

Who should I go ski touring with?

A Cauterets, vous pouvez vous adresser à Caminando, au Bureau des Guides, ou encore à l'Ecole de Ski Français (ESF).

We offer half-day or full-day outings, private or in groups, always supervised by a high mountain guide.

S'initier au ski de randonnée, c'est possible en toute sécurité ! N'hésitez pas à en faire l'expérience lors de votre séjour au Chalet La Source.