Testing. Analysing. Skiing powder.

The demands placed on the right ski touring equipment are manifold and highly individual. It is not unusual to encounter every conceivable condition on a single tour, with your gear sometimes performing well and sometimes less so. On top of that, the very same equipment can feel tailor-made for one person and be an entirely unsuitable choice for another. It all depends on personal skill, individual preferences and, not least, fitness.

Especially in touring skis, boots and bindings, equipment has become highly differentiated, and it is worth considering the luxury of having different gear available for different conditions and types of tour.

At the end of March we tested in St. Anton am Arlberg with five women and seven men: the current ski models in the ascent-oriented class (waist width 80–90 mm), the all-round class (90–100 mm) and the descent-oriented class (100+ mm). Among airbag backpacks we examined day packs up to 25 litres and multi-day packs above 25 litres. In ski poles we were able to test new two-piece, three-piece and one folding model. For the first time, 5 testers used 10 different climbing skins throughout the entire winter. This test will continue next winter so that we can make a practical statement particularly about the adhesive quality of the skins.

In the categories touring boots, bindings, helmets, avalanche shovels, probes, headlamps and crampons we have compiled comprehensive comparable data that will support your buying decision.

Our thanks go to the entire team, who tested the new products with full commitment and the necessary care and curiosity. Many thanks also to all equipment partners of the test, to the St. Anton tourism board, to our accommodation Hit the Sky, and to binding manufacturer ATK, who provided uniform touring bindings for the ski test and thereby makes this test unique on the market in terms of quality.

Yours, MARTIN FIALA, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief