Let's talk about ski touring and free touring in Val Thorens
The Val Thorens-Orelle and 3 Vallées ski areas are known for their hundreds of kilometres of alpine skiing slopes, but they offer much more. Replace the ski lifts with ski ascents or combine hiking and freeriding to experience winter sports differently!
Ski Touring and Free Touring: what's the difference?
If you're used to winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing, you might not yet be familiar with ski touring and free touring, and you might even confuse these two practices. However, they're quite different and cater to different types of skiers.
Ski touring involves following marked paths (specific to ski touring or shared with pedestrians) to ascend the domain without mechanical lifts and then descending via the slopes. Free touring, on the other hand, focuses more on off-piste descent: free touring enthusiasts use the ski lifts to gain altitude and then ski up in untouched areas to find the best freeride spots.
Since ski touring primarily focuses on the ascent and free touring is more like freeriding, the equipment differs for each of these skiing activities. Ski touring gear is generally lighter to facilitate the ascent, which can last for hours, while free touring skis are more manoeuvrable with a typically wider shovel.
Touring Routes and Freeride Spots in the 3 Vallées
Interested in exploring ski touring in Val Thorens? From the ski resort, 3 paths are accessible for ski tourers: the Lacs trail, the Moutière trail, and the Montagnette trail, ranging from 2 to 6 km. You can also tackle La Camille loop, covering 3.8 km with an ascent suitable for beginners. And if you're looking for different routes (longer, more challenging, with greater elevation gain, or simply to see different landscapes), explore other possibilities in the 3 Vallées area, for example in Courchevel or Méribel Mottaret.
And as for free touring? It's crucial to have a high skiing level and know all safety precautions for off-piste skiing. If you're unsure about accessible areas or want to enjoy the most beautiful spots, it's ideal to hire a guide. The ski resort of Courchevel also offers a Freeride Lab for initiation.
And if you're experienced enough, here are some great ideas for free touring routes!
Renting Suitable Equipment with Sport 2000 Eskiador
Ski touring and free touring skis are specific equipment, with their sealskins, articulated bindings, and distinctive lines. If you don't have suitable gear for adventure, you'll need to rent it! Good news: this equipment is available for rent at Sport 2000 Eskiador.
Due to limited stock, they're not bookable online, but we do have several pairs to offer. Contact us by phone or visit our store to learn about the prices, benefit from our advice, and rent the touring skis or free touring skis you need.
(C) Photo by Federico Tomasoni
(C) Photo by Amza Andrei sur Unsplash
