4 tips to go ski touring safely
1. Study the map
This is where it all starts. Use the Suunto app and FATMAP to study the area, get familiar with the mountain and look for insights indicating a safety-oriented route. With the 3D maps on the Suunto app, it is even easier to visualize the situation, potential difficulties and how to bypass them.
Ski-touring heatmaps available on the Suunto app help in listing pratice areas, finding easy and accessible starting points (i.e parking lots) and the right route.
How to use maps and routes with the Suunto app? Learn more
2. Get your equipment ready
Once you've picked your route, import it to your GPS watch? iOS / Android.
Don't forget to charge your watch (the automated battery-level reminder will have you covered). To navigate through the menus during your activity, remember to customize your activity beforehand on the Suunto app.
During the activity, several Suunto features could prove useful such as:
- Dfferent navigation options: itinerary tracking, compass navigation, navigation to a predefined point of interest (refuge, waterfall, watering place,...), backtrack feature…
- SuuntoPlus – Safe gives you quick access to your GPS coordinates and other key information of your current location to provide to the emergency services in case of emergency.
- SuuntoPlus – Weather lets you follow context-based weather insights and warnings during your outdoor activity.
- Measuring the Oxygen lets you check your acclimatization with the altitude.
- Monitor the rate of burning fats and carbs with the Burner feature to save energy.
Other essentials to remember: the famous trilogy of 'shovel, probe and Arva', a "must have" for all ski-touring & mountain enthusiasts in Winter. Once your backpack, watch and equipment are ready, do not forget to check the weather information bulletin and the Avalanche Risk Information bulletin before leaving.
3. Share your adventures
Plan your adventure as a team. Avoid groups with possible inertia, pick a small one and for which you already know the experience, competences and stamina level of each member. Make sure that the general level fits your route and the expected weather conditions. Do not hesitate to call on mountain guides.
Apart from safety reasons, it's always nice to share a great adventure!
4. Test yourself on a ski touring event
Suunto often sponsors ski-mountaineering and ski-touring events. This is the perfect occasion to test your skills, take part in safety workshops, meet athletes and guides who will give your their pro tips to make the most of ski-mountaineering, etc.
You will also most likely get to meet the Suunto team, learn more about the brand and discover our GPS outdoor watches.