Ski touring

Good skis and appropriate bindings

Good ski touring boots with “on” and “off” positions.

Seal skins

Poles , preferably adjustable to adapt size for ascent and descent.

Safety equipment and a good helmet

If you don’t want to feel cold, it’s essential to choose the right clothing. The three-layer technique, also known as the “onion technique”, is the best way to manage your effort.

• The first layer, known as “breathable”, does not absorb moisture: a Merino wool or polyester T-shirt.
• The second, “thermal” layer keeps you warm and wicks away perspiration: a fleece or even a wool sweater.
• The third layer, called the “waterproof” layer, will protect you from wind and rain and wick away perspiration.

Warm, waterproofski touring pants, preferably with ventilation zips on the thighs for climbing.

Thin under-gloves, preferably in merino wool for greater comfort.

Gloves: half-gloves, half-slippers for optimum protection.

Sunglasses: category 4 for optimum UV protection

Mask to prevent fogging

A choker

A hat

Rucksack

Ski touring requires a minimum ski level of class 3 (parallel skiing and speed control on red runs) and good physical condition.

Consult the opening conditions of the permanent itineraries and the snow report .

You’ll need :

• An avalanche beacon (DVA)
• Shovel
• A probe

An avalanche transceiver is a piece of digital equipment that is indispensable for searching for one or more buried persons, or for being found under an avalanche. It works in both transmit and receive modes. You go skiing in transmit mode, you search for someone in receive mode. The probe locates the victim precisely and measures depth. The shovel is used to dig out the victim. It’s vital to master this equipment before venturing out onto snow-covered terrain (BCA safety kit).

The Vars resort is equipped with a park in partnership with the BCA brand for training in their use.