Skiing comes in several disciplines, including cross-country skiing and ski touring. These two sports differ in their audience, practice and environment. In this article, we explain the difference between cross-country skiing and ski touring.
Key takeaways:
- Cross-country skiing takes place on marked trails with minimal elevation gain, while ski touring unfolds in the heart of the mountains, away from the pistes.
- The former favours a smooth glide and demands intense cardiovascular effort, while the latter combines endurance and technical skill.
- Cross-country skiing is accessible after basic training, while ski touring requires specific skills.
Characteristics of cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing takes place on flat or rolling terrain with minimal elevation gain. Open to everyone, this sport is available at resorts on marked routes with groomed and tracked trails. It delivers a smooth gliding sensation and allows you to reconnect with nature in a convivial, relaxed environment.
The gliding technique used sets the difference between cross-country skiing and skating. The former uses the diagonal stride, which resembles walking and is performed in parallel tracks. The latter uses the skate step outside the rails — a technique that demands more power and dynamism.
Cross-country skiing equipment is minimal to optimise glide and effort. You'll find long, narrow skis fitted with an anti-kickback zone underfoot to propel you forward, and glide zones at the front and back for descending on cross-country skis. The bindings allow the heel to remain free to facilitate the stride. The poles are long for better propulsion.
Finally, cross-country skiing clothing is lightweight and breathable. It must allow you to manage the intense effort this endurance activity demands.
Characteristics of ski touring
Ski touring takes place in unmanaged terrain, generally in high mountain environments. This sport involves climbing significant elevation gain, often far from resorts. You then descend on natural snow, off-piste.
Ski touring requires in-depth knowledge of the mountains. If you take up this activity, you must have skills in navigation, first aid and even survival. It is essential to assess the terrain and snow conditions before and during your outing — to avoid any risk of avalanche.
Ski touring differs from cross-country skiing or alpine skiing, both in practice and equipment. The ascent requires lightweight gear and the use of climbing skins (strips that attach to the base of the ski and allow you to climb any type of snow). On the other hand, the descent demands the ability to adapt to variable conditions (powder, crust, dry snow…).
For this activity, the skis are shorter and lighter. The bindings allow the heel to be locked or released, and the boots adapt for both ascent and descent. Ski touring clothing prioritises breathability on the ascent, but you should also carry warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
Finally, ski touring requires you to carry safety equipment. Your backpack must include an avalanche victim detector (AVD), a probe and a shovel. Depending on the outing, you may also need a crevasse rescue kit, a rope or crampons.
Choosing between the two disciplines
As you'll have gathered, cross-country skiing and ski touring have many differences. In terms of sensations, the former takes place in a more accessible setting and offers continuous fluidity and glide. The latter allows you to explore wild nature, with regular ascents and descents closer to alpine skiing.
In terms of difficulty, cross-country skiing demands intense physical effort, particularly at a cardiovascular level. The activity requires mastery of a specific gliding technique with good coordination between arms and legs. Ski touring, on the other hand, combines endurance and technical skill. It requires solid technique, thorough preparation and specific knowledge of the mountains.
Understanding the difference between cross-country skiing and ski touring helps you choose the right activity. Cross-country skiing is ideal if you prefer a rhythmic, fluid activity on marked trails. Ski touring is better suited to adventure seekers in the heart of nature. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed unique sensations.
