Good to know

Piste Ski Tours Guidelines

Ski touring poses challenges for many ski resorts, as the safety of guests and the preparation of the pistes must be guaranteed. A few rules need to be observed to ensure that ski tourers and lift users can work together.

  • 1.

    Observe warning notices and local regulations.

    Learn more

  • 2.

    Comply with the closure of a piste or part of a piste.

    Learn more

  • 3.

    Only ascend at the edge of the piste and one after the other.

    Learn more

  • 4.

    Only cross the slopes at clear points and with sufficient distance between them.

    Learn more

  • 5.

    Only ski on freshly groomed pistes at the edges.

    Learn more

  • 6.

    Leave the slopes in the evening at the time specified by the cable car company.

  • 7.

    Make visible in the dark or in poor visibility.

    Learn more

  • 8.

    If there are special ascent routes/pistes dedicated to piste tours, only use these.

  • 10.

    Use designated car parks and pay any parking fees.

Level of Difficulty for ski touring routes

  • Blue – Easy cross-country ski route

    The ascent track has an average gradient of up to 20 per cent (approx. 11°), with maximum gradients of up to 25 per cent (approx. 14°), although there may be short sections that are slightly steeper. The slope gradient is up to 50 per cent (approx. 27°). Changes in direction can be managed easily throughout by taking bends.

  • Red – Intermediate trail difficulty ski tour route

    The ascent route has an average gradient of up to 30 per cent (approx. 17°), with maximum gradients of up to 40 per cent (approx. 22°). The slope gradient reaches up to 70 per cent (approx. 35°). Most changes of direction can be made on bends, but in some places simple hairpin bends are required (from a gradient of around 50 per cent or 27°).

  • Black – Difficult off-piste route

    The requirements are significantly higher than those for routes of intermediate trail difficulty. The ascent and changes of direction demand a considerable amount of strength, as well as a confident kick-turn technique, particularly on steep terrain with a gradient of around 50 per cent (approx. 27°) or more.

What equipment is recommended for ski touring in Tirol?

The following equipment is recommended for ski touring in Tirol:

  • Touring skis with skins: Specifically designed for the ascent.
  • Touring ski boots: More flexible than alpine ski boots and suitable for walking.
  • Telescopic poles: Make the ascent easier and can be adjusted to suit the gradient.
  • Safety equipment: Even on groomed slopes, you should carry an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe.
  • Helmet and protective clothing: For protection during the descent.
  • Head torch: Particularly important for tours in the evening.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: Layered clothing to cope with changing conditions.

This equipment ensures safety and comfort during the ski tour.

On the road with the air rescuers

Storytime

Mountain emergencies, collisions, broken bones. When help is needed in the mountains around Reutte, the RK-2 rescue helicopter flies in. On board is the volunteer flight rescuer Florian Selb.
Read now: On the road with the air rescuers

More about rules of conduct for piste ski tours

You might also be interested in:

Newsletter

The mountain is calling? So does our newsletter!

In our monthly newsletter we reveal the best holiday tips for Tyrol.