Correcting the Three Most Common Mistakes People Make Ski Touring in the Backcountry

[@jf9149]

Nice tips, even for someone with lots of experience skinning. I learned by trial and error by spending lots of time in the backcountry. It would have been usefull to learn these tricks when I started. Good point about the use of risers! Without knowing the proper use of it, I naturally try not to use them too much, and try to take the time to lower it when not necessary. I also realised that using them too much put a lot of pressure on the soles of my feet and I will often get bad cramps. Reducing the use of it helped for my pain, and also, not to climb too steep, which is so important!!! As you mentionned, I noticed most people use them as soon as they travel up. I will definitely share that knowledge next time I tour with friends.

[@GOLH]

Thanks for that JFred, It does take a bit of faith and commitment to reduce the use of the risers. It seems so much better at first to use them a lot. But in the long run, it creates a few cons like a shorter stride and the tendency to go too steep.

[@xavieroggy3128]

Green beans l

[@ChristianPaulPhotography]

Great video! Yes! For sure stand up and trust your skins! Putting all your weight the front of the ski is going to pull the rug out from under you. Those folks who insist of putting in a steep skin track with terrible switchbacks have "Steep Disease" Its common here in the Wasatch. I was out today and put in a new corner on the upper part of the track on a well used skin track because they went straight up in a corner right next to a tree. When we are hiking dirt trails, we have a tendency to lean into steep sections of trail. But that is self defeating on skins. I always keep my line of sight forward when going up steeps. Yes put those risers down on the flats! I have found, even on mellow terrain, when the snow is deep, being in your low riser makes the rear of the ski sink and brings the tip to the surface when breaking trail. It's like putting the board into 4 wheel drive. Really enjoyed this! Pray 4 snow!

[@MrPacobolo]

One of the only times I use risers is for breaking trail in super deep conditions. Gets the tips to the top on each stride without burning out your hip flexors.

[@esgee3829]

listening to the Québecois english has been fun.

[@DaveMarkelPhotography]

Good advice. I'll add that if you are planning your route 100 m in advance, a small change in angle lower down can put you in a better position to get around steep areas or obstacles ahead without significantly changing how steep your track is.

[@alan4sure]

This is one of those things that you'd think people would figure out fairly easily on their own, but turns out not so. Think ahead. Plan ahead. You should learn how to use the terrain to your advantage, making gentle curves and turns as you gain elevation, not just head straight up.

[@katiearcher1919]

Great reminder tips, Rene-Martin. I recently took an Avy Level 2 course, and the instructor demonstrated choosing the 'path of least resistance' by putting a hat over his eyes and blindly choosing his skin route up a slope. It has significantly lowered my "need" for kick-turns. Though it is also important to remember up-track etiquette to not disturb the best skiing lines!

[@GOLH]

I did the same exercise 20+ years ago. Thanks for the feedback

[@alan4sure]

When going uphill, it takes a good eye and experience to use the terrain to your advantage. People who lack that ability just go straight up. That sounds like you. Lol

[@MarcoJovi]

Great tips, especially the not using the risers part. I personally always use a very low riser ca. 20 mm (on top of a small TLT binding) and never change that. For me it works everywhere, if too steep you most likely shouldn't go up there in the first place (i.e. go around, choose another line).

[@wertigo74]

Good tip for the steepest parts, I Will try it in upcoming winter season. Btw. Always glad to see someone skiing like you do.

[@GOLH]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlespitz8986]

Renee-Martin, great video, thanks You mention at one point that it can be a better choice to lose a little elevation while climbing...a rule of thumb I use when climbing, choose a route that keeps the loss of any elevation to an absolute minimum. Much more efficient to not climb something twice!

[@pietjepuk9408]

6:47 , I'll try it. Sounds effective. Never too old to learn. And the rest: I see those mistakes regulary.

[@kurtXhecticXpl]

Great sound quality and overall, everything.

[@GOLH]

Thanks kurt_hectic, we put a lot of effort into producing a quality video. Cheers!

[@geeberg5129]

Hips forward and butt out seems kind of contradictory. I think I get the idea, push hips forward then move your upper body even more upright by arching your back, but I don't think butt out is a particularly good way of explaining this.

[@mordicuspb]

Great new series. Well needed and rounded. Can't wait for next episode!

[@bvtterso6057]

What a great teacher

[@MaticHrovat]

I am not sure I agree with you about the risers unconditionally. In deep snow you might have a point, but on hard pack picking the steeper line using the risers is IMHO more energy efficient and faster, even though the stride is shorter. Especially with fatter skis.

[@GOLH]

Hey Matic. I agree. It's not a religion. You can play with them as I mention. The main mistake I see is people not playing around with risers and having the on de facto. Then they don't realize it impairs their stride.

[@philippegermain8815]

Nice! Thanks René-Mart for the tips!

[@nicolapoco1561]

great to see some telemark bindings out there :)

[@bengordon2330]

Nice to see you back Rene. Have a safe winter

[@GOLH]

Thanks Ben, you too

[@Rocky-jq9vt]

Have a good winter!😊

[@alexwipe]

He’s exactly right here, good video!!

[@larsjlarsj]

Excellent advices and reminders, for the skilled and the newbies!

[@GOLH]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kb-f4682]

Thanks for your tips.You explain it very easy to understand. Cheers from Switzerland

[@GOLH]

Bitte! We just added 2 videos on early season dangers that might interest you. Check them out in our Backcountry Skiing playlist. Cheers.

[@aidamujic5353]

Great video! Well explained!

[@GOLH]

Glad you liked it!

[@yelizesen]

Thanks for sharing.👏🦸🏼‍♀️

[@nurmibeowulf]

Long steps and not bending forward are really important. As it gets steeper with risers the steps shouldnt be to long, which will lead to crunching and moving the hips back. I try to focus on literally walking up with a continous movement and active "push" from the back foot. Try not doing step-rest-step, which in my case will result in lifting all the weight with the front foot and arching the back - leaning forward. Nice vid. Greets Stefan

[@davidlawton6220]

6:12 Smooth.

[@GOLH]

Dropped my poles so many times. Gotta be good at something - Rene-Martin :)

[@SnowShackboy]

I definitely need to ease up on my heel riser use and my friends often remind me of that... Though It should be mentioned that my boots have about 20 degrees less motion in the ankle compared to theirs :(

[@arnaudrodier9608]

Great tips! I am sure it’s going to be useful! Thanks

[@yogiballa]

This video is great, thank you for putting in the time!

[@GOLH]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moonvillalobos2251]

Great vid!

[@PeterGray-dy6cy]

Loved it. Good advice.

[@lionelclarac2608]

A lot of great tips ! Many thanks

[@GOLH]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IoachimSavianPopovici]

I didn't even know one could travel by skis, before. I always just went by foot and it was so tedious. I've got to try this method as well

[@GOLH]

Have fun!

[@templetonplumbing11]

great stuff here thank you for it. I'm new to this so it should be very Helpful.

[@nicolebourget5394]

Excellent tips mate !! 🙌

[@finnolson4251]

Awesome video and very helpful.

[@GOLH]

Glad to hear it!

[@ericdonascimento6426]

Merci j’ai beaucoup appris de points techniques très important ! Je partage les vidéos! 🙏☀️❤️⛷🏂

[@GOLH]

C'est super! Merci.

[@brigittelavoie3784]

Thanks René, can't wait to try my new useful tips!!

[@vivasoccer1994]

Conseils simples et biens détaillés! Vivement le début de la saison!

[@alexisbgallant5587]

Yeah Golh! Excellent tips, can’t wait for the next vidéo!

[@christianlooff1348]

Very Good Tips !!

[@ondrejrohon5696]

Wow thanks for great video. I’m beginner and I just realized how bad my technique is. Gonna try better tomorrow. Cheers :)

[@GOLH]

Glad it was helpful! You can always learn more and improve. It's all about the journey!

[@dominicsimard6548]

Good to know! Can’t wait for my next expedition. Cheers,

[@andywithers592]

I'm relatively new to ski touring and these really are the mistakes I make. (I'll probably be doing more of it this year. Standing in line for the lift doesn't sound healthy). Going with a more experienced person to "watch and learn" is very helpful... as are neat videos like this. I also ski telemark. 🙃

[@GOLH]

Thanks Andy

[@iananderson1627]

enjoyed the video... good tips. Can't wait to get back on the snow.

[@t.blaschke7461]

Thanks a lot for those very useful tips! Have a great winter!

[@Trabateo]

Great! Well done 👍

[@GeoterricsOutdoorsAustralia]

Wow - great info - thanks. I've subscribed. Great work! Greetings from Australia.

[@GOLH]

Ta! Fair Dinkum.

[@denisfaucher8348]

Thanks for the tips!

[@skypiratez]

Awesome, thanks!

[@GOLH]

You bet!

[@chriscowan8749]

Very useful. Thanks! Looking forward to trying that longer stride

[@simonrenaud-ducharme795]

Great video! I definitely have some flaws to work on

[@daviddrouin1102]

So nice! I learned a lot of things. Can’t’ wait to practice those tips.

[@bielergirlcreative4781]

great tips. thank you for sharing!

[@alin2085]

thank you , very useful, good tips

[@GOLH]

You are welcome!

[@mononclesimon4528]

I really liked the path of least resistance 😎 Still impressed by the winter beard

[@GOLH]

Rene-Martin is the Yoda of backcountry skiing, hehe, the Force lives in him! Charles.

[@markymarkpowpow]

great instructions!

[@GOLH]

Glad you think so!

[@mikelmoral-salar5452]

Very useful!!! Many thanks! Greetings from the German Alps!!

[@GOLH]

Danke!

[@craigbarth7474]

I use my risers a lot! More because it reduces my heel rub - please don't comment re boot fitting etc I've been through it all but have very difficult feet and have ended up with full vacuum fit boots, custom insoles, thin socks etc but heel rub is still the biggest challenge for me to being able to skin for more than an hour or so (not continuous), and using my heel risers definitely helps heaps.

[@GOLH]

Very interesting. This is the first time I see this as a major problem after boot fitting

[@alan4sure]

Here's a tip you might not know about. Do like the adventure racers and wear nylons under socks. It minimizes friction against the skin and therefore, blisters. I'm a guy and found this out several yrs ago. The wife buys me the "queen size" calf height cuz there are no King size. Lol

[@PierreCarbonneau]

Super good tips, looking good!

[@GOLH]

Thanks! More to come.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Great tips for this rookie. Cheers!

[@GOLH]

You bet! And for the experts too!

[@jeffreybruno2614]

Are you the Absolute Telemark guy? I love the stuff you post, keep up the good work.

[@GOLH]

Yes I am! On this chanel I will concentrated exclusively on the backcountry aspect, whatever your sport, ski, telemark or snowboard. These tips will apply.

[@jeffreybruno2614]

@@GOLH Well, I will be following this channel as well. Can I ask you a question about cutting/ fitting my new skins here?

[@GOLH]

@@jeffreybruno2614 ask away, bu we will be making a video on the subject shortly

[@jeffreybruno2614]

@@GOLH Thanks GOLH. I did get the help I needed, but I am looking forward to you next post/ installment.

[@christinegerard4974]

Thank you .Very interesting video ...Some more please ! (What to do in case of problem ...lose a stick ,cold ,injury ,roots of tree etc...)

[@GOLH]

Thanks Christine! Stick around we have an upcoming video that will answer the biggest question people ask themselves every season.

[@blog2jeromemarie]

Top video, thank you (merci as I am in France !).

[@GOLH]

Merci pour le commentaire. C'est nickel. :-)

[@perbjellerup6401]

Very good!

[@kemmsdad]

thank you for the tip with the hip;-)

[@GOLH]

You bet!

[@miclavoie5744]

Nice tips!!! Thanks!

[@db.db12345]

Génial , merci !

[@MrXav95]

Nice Video ! Great tips! I’ll think to that du ring my next adventure!

[@GOLH]

Cool! Let us know how it went.

[@PhilippKlein]

Excellent Video! Shared it with friends :)

[@GOLH]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tanyaradowiczboillot5137]

Some nice tips, good things to think about and experiment with!

[@GOLH]

Thanks Tanya. Working on more right now

[@seppeyjack5936]

Can you make a video about your telemark binding and boots? 🤔

[@benvaillancourt]

Thanks!!! I'll be a lot less out of breath this winter! :-)

[@franciscoluis3978]

Very good❤

[@GOLH]

Thanks 😄

[@plugboot]

I’m so glad I learned all this stuff on my own and didn’t force myself to use a lot of these tips that don’t work for me.

[@23skido]

Great video! I am a winter enthusiast, which includes backcountry light skiing and longer overnight camping. Haven’t really invested much in my equipment, for a longer excursion and overnight. I use what i have. Looking recently at HOK skis and black diamond Glidelight. Wondering if you could break down briefly, what distinctions of pros and cons you would make between such skis and the kind of equipment you’re using thanks much!

[@GOLH]

Ski Hoks are good for rollly/hilly terrain where the descent are non existant or very small. The level of control is somewhat very limited.

[@chriscowan8749]

Modern AT gear is a bit expensive but awesome compered with 20 or 30 years ago.

[@gwendalynnmacander390]

Great video

[@mordicuspb]

up up up what a great vid!!!

[@pauldrinan]

Good stuff. Thanks!

[@GOLH]

Glad you liked it!

[@markthomasson5077]

Not sure I totally agree, you need to bend these rules all the time. Not lifting skis is certainly the no one. I find I need to consciously press the ski onto the snow, definitely counter intuitive. I find shorter strides more efficient, unless I can get some glide. I will often go straight up until I start to loose grip. Some friends don’t, there is not any real difference.

[@GOLH]

Thanks for your feedback I like your idea of pressing on the snow. Good way to say it. I have meet ski tourers that go very steep all the time. I found that they are generally in top physical condition and that it is not for everyone. Long strides and steep are not too compatible so I can see that you like shorter steps. Those tips have made me a more efficient backcountry skier. I have improve my endurance and the number of kilometres I can do in a day without getting exhausted.

[@markthomasson5077]

.....I should have added I have rather short legs! I see I missed the full stop off no. one, as in number one, in case that confuses anyone

[@macjan8886]

Very usefull tips

[@GOLH]

Thanks a lot

[@andromeda6937]

Bon vidéo!

[@charles-louisallizard5630]

Thanks !!

[@girliejourney8754]

I just went skiing and ski touring for the first time last weekend. It was fun but I didn't get very far up the hill. I had to stick to the relatively level road area. This was very clear and informative. Thank you so much! Can you tell me what kind of bindings you have on those skis with both the heel risers and the lock? That looks like a useful option compared to my universal pivot binding if I'm willing to commit to a ski boot.

[@sedum31]

Super intéressant!

[@GOLH]

Merci!

[@georgevanhecke4728]

Hi Rene-Martin, great video. Can you tell a bit more about your gear ? Specifically pants & jacket. Thanks !

[@alainouellette3160]

Tres bien faites. Merci

[@GOLH]

Merci Alain! We'll continue to post videos to help answer the biggest questions asked.

[@markmckenzie3522]

Man those conditions looked prime....must have been hard to shoot a video and not just skin up and get the goods ; ) Great video

[@GOLH]

Prime, YES! Warm, NO! The hardest part was not, not skiing, but not freezing your hands and face at -28C! Yikes! Thanks for the comment, we appreciate it.❄❄❄❄❄❄⛄

[@bihlygoat]

Good tips. I disagree about the heel risers though. I find to avoid back sliding, I need to keep weight on my heels and not just my toes - similar to why you say to stand up straight and not bend over. Using the risers helps me weight the ski evenly and not back slide. Without the risers I slip backwards much more often.

[@GOLH]

Yes, there is a limit to not using the risers. But trying to not use them is actually more feasable then people think

[@alan4sure]

Sounds like the ski track is steeper than it needs to be. Developing the ability to visualize where make a track while taking advantage of the terrain and not need to make it too steep is an art. seems some ppl never do learn it.

[@bihlygoat]

alan4sure - I actually have been on the same skin track with friends who are not back sliding. I have good skinning technique, although I imagine you’ll question that. I believe my G3 skins have horrible traction, especially compared to Pomoca’s mixed nylon/mohair skins. Having low-traction skins does help one fine-tune their skinning technique though!

[@alan4sure]

@@bihlygoat G3? Ahhhh---I'd agree, not as good grip as some other skins and risers do apply more weight underfoot and behind. That does help traction.

[@undrellx]

Great video! I was given the same good advice when off track skiing n Finland. You are doing this in lovely powder conditions but on icier surfaces I would add a push down on the sliding ski at the end of the slide, into the snow, to enable more grip from the skins. This can avoid any sliding backwards which I find very awkward and discouraging, as it not only means your climbing the same bit twice but losing height at the same time. As you say, efficiency is the name of the game. cheers ps where are you skiing?

[@chemik7469]

Great videos, dude. It is very helpfull and interesting. Animations is cool, because when you are from Russia it really helps to understand, what do you mean))

[@GOLH]

Thanks a lot C4mik. Have you checked my kickturn tipskzbin.info/www/bejne/aWLWd354fNd2arM

[@micagas]

I spend a life with pulling up the climbing risers on my splitboard, so i barely used all the time lifted up but ill try to make them soften to spend too much energy

[@paddor]

There should be a hook for that on your pole handle. No need to even bend over.

[@yungthunder2681]

Uphill is easy, I need advice on skiing downhill through weird snow and trees

[@GOLH]

You could watch this video to help you understand terrain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poLSd6emo5t9gqc

[@lauriedumas6495]

Yeah! C'est tellement vrai, prenez le temps de descendre vos talonnières!

[@bobbowlby3257]

Tres bien

[@davemacleod9623]

I certainly don't agree with the long strides ...they will cost energy if they are inefficient for your leg length...in fact personally I reccomend short strides until your cardio fitness can cope with a longer stride...also the snow depth will dictate the length of your stride and whether or not you have your heel raises up or down...find out what suits the individual, that is comfortable, if you are sweating you either have too many clothes or a warm hat on or you a moving those long strides to fast...

[@joffeloff]

Minimum 3 people? Where do I buy friends? I'll continue touring alone..

[@AnonymousOtters]

At the nearest trailhead with a 6-pack of beer, or some warm cider and rum, and a good friendly introduction.

[@robertcampbell9364]

Rule #1 - never go 1st. That is impossible by yourself. I tried though.

[@BrookCobaugh]

Just look up some local clubs or your closest AMC, or just post your next trip online and see if anyone wants to join!

[@bob15479]

FB

[@bbarber1066]

Great tips. I gotta ask, though, what boot/binding setup is that? It looks like you can ski tele or alpine style with those. Id be interested in learning about those

[@Professional_Dirtbag_Hippie]

Number 2 is the big one I see a lot

[@danielrudnitsky]

Can wait to start this funky ski sub culture. Thanks COVID !

[@GOLH]

I think you are not the only one

[@beingoutdoors7382]

nice Tipps

[@GOLH]

Thanks!