Beginner’s Guide to Ski Touring: Gear, Safety & First Steps

Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry • Ski Touring 101

Your first skin track starts here.

An approachable, expert-built path from “what is ski touring?” to choosing gear and planning a smarter first day in the mountains.

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Ski touring adventure in a snow-covered mountain landscape

Updated by the Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry ski touring team, November 2026

First things first

Ski touring means moving uphill on skis under your own power, usually with climbing skins and touring bindings, then switching to downhill mode to ski back down.

You can start with lift-served resort uphill routes where permitted, or eventually progress to uncontrolled backcountry terrain. The equipment overlaps, but the hazards, planning and education do not.

Before buying gear, learn where and how to travel safely

Ski touring can be a beautiful way to explore the mountains, but leaving controlled resort terrain changes the risk. Avalanches, weather, navigation mistakes and equipment failures require preparation that a shopping checklist cannot replace.

  • Start with appropriate terrain. Learn resort uphill policies, choose designated routes and respect closures. Resort uphill travel is not automatically safe or open everywhere.
  • Get trained before going into avalanche terrain. Take a recognized avalanche course, practice partner rescue and understand the local forecast and terrain choices.
  • Travel with prepared partners. For avalanche terrain, carry and know how to use a transceiver, shovel and probe, plus the rest of your emergency kit.
Read this next: Backcountry skiing safety basics and education resources. This page is educational and does not replace field instruction or local conditions analysis.

Your five-part ski touring gear guide

Think of this as a guided conversation with one of our backcountry specialists. Start with the part of your setup you know least, then follow the next article. Each guide gives you the quick answer first, then the decisions that matter when you're out in the backcountry.

What should your first ski touring setup include?

For a complete backcountry-capable ski setup, most new tourers will need skis, touring-compatible bindings, properly fitted boots and climbing skins. For trips away from controlled resort terrain, add avalanche rescue equipment, appropriate clothing, a pack, navigation and emergency supplies—and the knowledge to use all of them.

The best gear depends on three questions: Where will you tour? How long will your typical outings be? How much do you prioritize uphill efficiency versus downhill performance? Our how to choose your ski touring setup guide and touring ski sizing guide can help you narrow the options.

Gear to move

Boots + skis + bindings + skins

Prioritize fit, compatibility and a balanced setup over chasing the lightest component.

Gear to prepare

Layers + pack + rescue and emergency kit

Plan for changing weather, a delayed return and access to critical tools.

A smarter plan for your first uphill day

  1. Choose a legal, beginner-friendly uphill route. Check the ski area's current policy, route, hours and closures.
  2. Get comfortable with transitions. Practice putting skins on, switching boots and bindings between modes, and removing skins in a controlled setting.
  3. Pack and test your layers. Start slightly cool, vent early and insulate promptly when you stop.
  4. Build skills before stepping into avalanche terrain. Take education and go with trained partners; do not treat a first resort uphill as backcountry certification.

Beginner ski touring questions, answered

What's the difference between ski touring and backcountry skiing?

Ski touring describes uphill travel using touring equipment. Some ski touring is on designated resort uphill routes; backcountry skiing takes place in uncontrolled terrain where avalanche, weather and navigation hazards may be substantially greater.

Can I learn on resort uphill routes?

Yes, where the resort explicitly allows uphill travel. It's a good way to learn movement and equipment transitions, but always check the latest uphill policy and stay on the designated route.

Do I need avalanche training before going into the backcountry?

Before traveling in or around avalanche terrain, seek formal avalanche education and hands-on companion rescue practice. Equipment by itself doesn't tell you whether a slope is safe.

Do I need special boots and bindings?

Typically, yes. Touring boots offer a walking range of motion, and compatible bindings let your heel move freely uphill. Specific compatibility and release requirements vary—confirm them before buying or mounting gear.

How much does a beginner ski touring setup cost?

It varies widely by whether you already own suitable components, the terrain you plan to ski, and your preference for lightweight equipment. Start with fit and safety needs, compare complete setups, and consider rentals or an appointment before committing.

Keep exploring

We're here to help

Let's build a setup you'll love using.

Our team helps new and experienced tourers from our Colorado and Seattle shops. Talk us through your goals, or browse ski touring gear.

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Expert guidance from Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry. Always verify current manufacturer instructions, local restrictions, weather and avalanche conditions.

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Tell us how you ski, where you ski, and what you want out of your next setup. Our experts will help you build the right combination of skis, bindings, boots, and skins for you—not just what happens to be on the wall.

Once we have your setup dialed, we take care of the rest. We’ll make sure everything works together, mount your bindings specifically to you and your boots, trim your skins, and get the entire setup ready for the mountains.

Your perfect setup starts with expert knowledge and service. When you pick it up, it’s not a box of gear—it’s your complete ski setup, fully mounted, dialed, and ready to go.