Discover the Lech Valley on touring skis

Ski touring combines exercise, nature and the mountain experience in a unique way. Unlike traditional skiing, the ascent itself is an important part of the tour. You move slowly through the snow-covered landscape, enjoying the peace and quiet, and have time to take in the natural surroundings. In winter, the sounds are muffled, the forests are deep in snow and the peaks rise majestically above the valley. That is precisely what makes ski touring in the Lech Valley so special.

It’s not just about getting to the top as quickly as possible. It’s about the journey, the landscape, the camaraderie and, of course, the descent at the end. And after an active day outdoors, it’s particularly lovely to return to the cosy LechZeit.

Ski touring for beginners

Would you like to give ski touring a go? Then the Lech Valley is a wonderful place to gain your first experiences.

For beginners, shorter tours with a moderate gradient and a manageable elevation gain are particularly recommended. The focus should not be on reaching the summit, but on the experience itself and getting to know the sport safely.

Taking your first steps on touring skis can feel a bit strange at first. Walking with skins, kick turns, finding the right pace and, later on, taking the skins off are all skills that need to be learnt. With a bit of practice, however, the movements will soon feel more familiar.

Our tip for your first tours

It’s best to start with a shorter tour and build up gradually. This way, you can work out how much elevation gain feels comfortable for you and how you cope with different snow and weather conditions.

If you’re completely new to ski touring, it’s best to undertake your first trips with experienced friends or a professional mountain or ski guide.

This way, you’ll not only learn the correct technique, but also what’s important when it comes to tour planning and avalanche safety.

For advanced skiers: more vertical ascent, more peaks, more adventure

Those with previous experience of ski touring can choose from a wide range of more challenging destinations in the Lech Valley.

Longer ascents, steeper sections and varied descents make these tours a genuine mountain experience. Depending on conditions, tours ranging from several hundred metres of elevation gain to challenging summit days are possible.

Well-known touring destinations in the region include the Jöchelspitze, Hahnleskopf, Pimig and Muttekopf, amongst others.

However, it is important to note that not every destination is suitable in every snow condition or at every avalanche warning level. The specific choice of tour should always be adapted to the current conditions.

This is because, particularly in winter, conditions can change within a matter of hours.

A ski tour doesn’t just begin on the mountain

A good ski tour begins at home – or in the LechZeit – with the right preparation. Before setting off, you should familiarise yourself thoroughly with the planned route:

• How many metres of elevation gain are involved?
  How long will the ascent take, approximately?
  Which slope aspects will you be tackling?
  Are there any steep sections?
  What is the current avalanche risk?
  How will the weather develop over the course of the day?
  Where are the possible fallback or turning-point locations?

It is particularly important for less experienced ski tourers to assess their own capabilities realistically. The mountain isn’t going anywhere. If the conditions aren’t right or the tour seems too difficult, turning back is always the right decision.

Safety on ski tours

The beauty of the snow-covered mountains should not obscure the fact that ski touring in open terrain involves alpine risks. Appropriate training and experience are therefore particularly important. Standard personal equipment includes, amongst other things:

Touring skis with suitable skins, an avalanche transceiver, an avalanche shovel and a probe. Depending on the tour, crampons, an ice axe or other equipment may also be necessary.

The avalanche transceiver should not only be used in an emergency. Every ski tourer should know how their own equipment works and practise using it regularly.

It is equally important to check the latest avalanche bulletin and weather forecast every day.

Anyone who is unsure when planning a tour should seek professional assistance. An experienced mountain guide knows the region, can assess the current conditions and, at the same time, demonstrate the correct technique and help choose safe routes.