As ski lifts grow pricier and snowlines retreat, more skiers are seeing the opportunity to swap lift passes for skins. Ski touring is part of the origin story of skiing, 100 years ago ski lifts were in their infancy and ski touring was often a means for locals to move across the mountain. Across Europe, trails once forgotten or too impractical for resorts are now a popular way to explore untouched snow and quiet peaks.
Over the past decade, ski touring in Europe has re-surged from niche pursuit to one of the continent’s fastest-growing winter sports. The reasons are easy to see. Traditional ski resorts face shorter seasons, unpredictable snowfalls, and ever-increasing costs. For many, the idea of waiting in a lift queue feels at odds with the wilderness that skiing once promised.
Ski touring offers something different and more freedom. With lightweight gear, climbing skins, and an adventurous mindset, skiers can leave the crowds behind and carve their own path through vast alpine landscapes.
This shift has redefined winter travel. Ski touring holidays are no longer just for elite mountaineers. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Dolomites in Italy, travellers are discovering that the best slopes aren’t always beneath the chairlifts they’re found truly off the beaten track.
An overview of ski touring
Self-powered adventure
At its core, ski touring is about independence. Instead of relying on mechanical lifts and groomed pistes, touring skiers use specialist equipment that allows them to climb under their own power and descend on untracked snow. Skis are fitted with “skins” (fabric strips on the base of the ski that grip the snow during ascents) and lightweight bindings that release the heel for uphill movement.
Once at the summit, the skins come off, the bindings lock down, and the reward begins: smooth, untouched descents deep in the backcountry.
From day tours to multi-day epics
The appeal of backcountry skiing in Europe lies in its flexibility. Some prefer gentle, guided day tours near established resorts; others set off on multi-day hut-to-hut routes that cross glaciers and high passes. A growing community of weekend explorers is seeking quiet valleys and open spaces, far from the noise of groomed pistes.
As more people look for meaningful, sustainable ways to enjoy the mountains, ski touring for beginners has become easier than ever; with improved gear, accessible routes, and more guides offering introductory courses across Europe.
Best ski touring destinations in Europe
Europe is home to countless touring routes from remote wilderness to iconic alpine classics. Here are some of the most rewarding places to explore.
Scotland
Remote, wild, and wonderfully unpredictable. The Cairngorms and Ben Nevis region offer a true sense of adventure close to home. When conditions align, Scotland’s mix of plateaus, ridges, and corries creates unforgettable touring days in dramatic surroundings.
Norway
A backcountry paradise. Norway delivers steady snow, endless routes, and surreal fjord-side descents. Tromsø, Lyngen, and Romsdalen are among the most scenic, where you can ski from summit to sea beneath the northern lights.
Morzine, France
Perfect for beginners wanting to mix resort comfort with off-piste exploration. Morzine’s strong infrastructure, rental options, and easy touring routes make it one of the best places for a first ski touring holiday.
Chamonix, France
The undisputed mecca of alpine adventure. From glacier crossings to high-altitude traverses, Chamonix is a destination for experienced tourers chasing challenge and reward in equal measure. Several routes do require a guide to accompany you.
Austria (Stubai Alps / Tirol)
Reliable, welcoming, and perfectly organised. The Stubai Alps and Tirol region boast deep snow, outstanding hut networks, ideal for multi-day tours.
Italy (Dolomites)
Scenic, stylish, and endlessly photogenic. The Dolomites combine world-class skiing with Italian hospitality. Multi-day traverses through dramatic limestone peaks make this region a dream for those seeking culture as well as adventure.
Switzerland (Verbier / Zermatt)
The classic alpine experience. Reliable snow, immaculate infrastructure, and breathtaking terrain make Switzerland a favourite among serious tourers and first-timers alike.
What to look for in a ski touring destination
Choosing the right ski touring destination can make or break your experience. The best areas combine beauty, accessibility, and safety, but each region offers something unique depending on your skill level and goals.
Terrain variety
Look for destinations that offer a mix of terrain, from gentle rolling slopes ideal for learning to steep alpine routes for seasoned climbers. The Dolomites and Tirol are perfect examples, offering everything from mellow valleys to technical ascents.
Level of experience
Beginners should start with accessible, well-marked trails and a strong guiding community. Many resorts have cross-country trails that are perfect to get the hang of the technique. Advanced skiers might prefer high-altitude regions with thrill seeking ridges and challenging couloirs.
Access and logistics
Proximity to mountain huts, ski villages, and transport networks can transform a tough trip into a seamless adventure. Many European regions have established hut systems that make multi-day tours both comfortable and safe.
Facilities and community
Choose destinations with rental options, avalanche safety courses, and active local guiding associations. A strong touring community ensures routes are well documented and newcomers can learn in a supportive environment.
Snow reliability and altitude
Higher elevations and consistent snowfall often mean longer, safer touring seasons. Norway, Switzerland, and Austria remain reliable choices.
Resorts with retired ski lifts or cross-country trail networks often make ideal touring zones with great access, moderate terrain, and fewer crowds.
The future of ski resorts
Across Europe, the ski industry could be facing a reckoning. Shorter winters, higher costs, and environmental pressures have forced many resorts to rethink how they operate. Some smaller resorts have closed altogether, while others struggle with rising energy costs and artificial snow production.
In contrast, ski touring has emerged as a sustainable, self-powered alternative. It requires no lifts, minimal infrastructure, and leaves a lighter footprint on fragile alpine ecosystems. Many resorts are adapting by maintaining marked touring trails alongside traditional slopes.
This shift reflects a broader change in how people want to experience the mountains: less consumption, more connection.
As sustainability becomes central to the future of skiing, ski touring’s appeal will only grow. It aligns perfectly with today’s traveller – seeking authenticity, adventure, and respect for the natural world.
Safety and preparation
Ski touring offers immense freedom, but that freedom depends on awareness and preparation. Safety should always come first.
Avalanche awareness
Every tourer should carry avalanche gear including a transceiver, shovel, and probe and more importantly – know how to use them. Checking daily weather and snow reports is non-negotiable; conditions can shift quickly in alpine terrain. Local guidance from resorts is also essential to follow for a full picture on the conditions.
Guided support
Beginners may need to start with a certified guide or a trained group. Fitness and preparation matter too as long ascents at altitude can be demanding, so steady training ensures a safer, more enjoyable experience.
Essential kit
A solid ski touring gear checklist includes skins, lightweight skis and touring bindings, touring boots, warm layers, communication tools, and navigation devices. Preparation and respect for the mountain turn a simple day out into a safe and memorable journey.
Freedom beyond the lifts
Whether it’s a quiet day on cross-country trails in Morzine or a week-long journey through Norway’s fjords, ski touring in Europe offers a rare kind of freedom – defined not by speed or luxury, but by solitude and self-reliance.
In a world where mountain resorts can feel increasingly commercial, ski touring brings skiing back to its roots with a human-powered adventure. Beyond the lifts and crowds lies a landscape of endless possibility waiting to be explored at your own pace.
For those willing to climb for their turns, the reward isn’t just the descent, it’s the challenge and climb itself.
You’ll need Ski Touring Insurance from SportsCover Direct
Standard travel insurance or even ski insurance often doesn’t cover ski touring. If you plan to leave marked pistes or ski without lift access, check your policy carefully. Some policies will also have restrictions on how far you can be from habitation, in case you need to be rescued.
SportsCover Direct’s ski touring insurance offers various levels of cover to suit your needs. Our winter sports travel insurance includes emergency medical cover, trip cancellation, search and rescue, sports equipment and much more. Be aware that you should always ski off-piste with another person to ensure your ski touring and off-piste policy is valid, but this does not have to be a guide.
Alternatively, you can select our bolt-on cover if you already have an insurance policy but need the specialist off-piste cover.
Find out more and get a personalised quote today. If you need any help, our team are just a phone call or email away.
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.