Choosing your touring skis
To choose the right touring skis, several criteria should be taken into account. If you are a beginner, we advise you to take skis slightly shorter than your height, which will be more manageable. If you are already a skier, you can choose skis from rando that fit you.
The width is also important (the measurement is made at the skate level). Choose a narrow ski (skate width 80mm and less) if you prefer climbing to descending, because they will be lighter. Medium width skis (between 80mm and 95mm) are more versatile and offer a good compromise. Those who like to go downhill in the powder will prefer wider skis (with a skate of at least 95mm).
For the race of Bélier, turn rather to narrow skis to medium! As far as bindings are concerned, those with inserts will be specific to the rando ski. Be careful to take compatible boots! Plate bindings are heavier because they are similar to those used in alpine skiing. Finally, there are hybrid bindings that are inspired by these two technologies and that will offer you real versatility.
Don't forget the famous sealskins! Attached under the sole of the ski, there are 3 types. The nylon skins, which will resist well to abrasion but will be rather heavy. The 100% Mohair skins offer excellent glide while being ultra-light, but will be a little less durable. There are also blended versions, which contain one third nylon and two thirds Mohair. These skins are a good compromise.
Choosing your ski touring boots
The ski boots of rando must allow to alternate the phases of ascent and descent. To do this, they are equipped with buckles and / or hooks that can be tightened or opened depending on the terrain. When going up, the shoe must be opened to free the tibia and move forward freely, this is called the travel. Before going down, you must remember to close the top of the shoe.
To choose the size of your hiking boots, proceed as for alpine ski boots, using the correspondence between size and value in mondopoint. In order to try them on properly, your feet must be comfortable in both up and down positions.
Good advice: always choose your ski boots from rando before you find your skis. Once you do, make sure you choose bindings that are compatible with the boots.
How to dress for ski touring
In order not to be cold on the big day, it is necessary to dress properly. For that, we find the rule of the 3 layers, which consists in superimposing 3 layers of clothing rather than only one thick layer. As for the trail, we will wear a first breathable layer (for example in merino wool), a 2nd thermal layer that will keep warm (a small fleece will do very well). To finish, we will add a 3rd insulating layer, whose role will be to protect against the wind and the bad weather. This last layer should be both waterproof and breathable, and can be added only at the top and during the descent.
Find your skis, boots, poles and skins for ski touring! And don't forget snowshoes for those who want to go hiking.
Summary of Bélier Blanc 2024
The 2024 edition of Bélier white 🐏 ❄️ is now over!
Thanks to our incredible volunteers
A well-deserved round of applause for our incredible volunteers, the true pillars of Bélier !
THANK YOU 💙
More than 2,300 intrepid fans, with headlamps screwed on their horns, challenged le Bélier on his favorite snowy playground in La Clusaz. Thank you for your participation!
