Take up in ski touring in Cauterets

The ski touring offers both the benefits of a complete physical activity, and the well-being that only the mountain can offer you: a pure air, a total change of scenery, fantastic landscapes ...

From December to April, several professionals at Cauterets offer day trips, and Cauterets station has even set up an express space to learn, in complete safety.

So don't hesitate, try hiking skiing!

What are the prerequisites for hiking skiing?

Hiking skiing requires a certain physical condition, being able to ski in all snow and master the parallel turn.

Knowing how to practice upstream conversion is also very useful for changing direction on a steep slope: this is the typical zig-zag trace of ski hikers.

With a little practice, we will get used to evolving with hiking skis equipped with seal skins, to slide without tiring unnecessarily: do not lift skis, and gradually give the movement. It is a different balance of classic skiing, which requires good coordination of arms and legs.

What material should it be?

Of course, it is first of all the hiking skis with their specific fixings, and the seal skins binding to skiing from the top of the spatula to a hook under the heel. Take care to choose them with the help of a pro, depending on your size, your level, and even your outing program.
And with regard to shoes, bet on comfort above all: you will first walk with - and then only go down - for hours.

Then, you need for security, the essential trio DVA (avalanche victims detector), shovel and probe. In general, professionals lend you this equipment for the exit, and the guide will train you in avalanche safety and research techniques with the DVA.

And like hiking skiing, it's ... hiking, you need a backpack - for safety, the best is an airbag backpack - and what to hydrate you regularly, and eat.

Other than that, it is the classic equipment of the skier, except that it takes clothes compatible with the effort of the climb such as the speed downhill. To avoid "too hot, too cold", you have to be able to remove or put clothes at the end of the output, respecting the 3 layers rule: breathing thermal underwear, a hot layer like a fleece, and finally a Vente and anti-luidi protective jacket.

And above all, do not forget good sunglasses and sunscreen.

Where to train?

Of course, it is excluded to reassemble the alpine ski slopes open to skiers, and we will also avoid venturing outside the ski area with a little happiness! So where?

Precisely, the Cauterets station has created an initiation route to ski touring, near the ski slopes of the Lys Cirque, in the Mauloc sector. It is an itinerary of about 2 hours by 500 m of elevation.

As a bonus, the view from the crests of Lys is exceptional. An excellent opportunity to learn, before committing to a longer outing.

Important note: tie the strips well linking skis to calves; Hiking skis sometimes do not have brakes like alpine skis.

WHO WITH A HIKING SKI CHIP?

In Cauterets, you can contact Caminando , at the Guides office , or at the French Ski School (ESF) .

Are offered, outings on ½ day or 1 day, in private or in group, and always supervised by a high mountain guide.

Tying up on ski touring is possible in complete safety! Do not hesitate to experience it during your stay at the La Source chalet .