mountain skiing, mountain skiing, mountain skiing, mountain skiing, mountain skiing, mountain skiing.
mountain skiing, mountain skiing.
mountain skiing! mountain skiing, mountain skiing!
mountain skiing? Well, thanks to the material we use that helps us to move forward sliding the skis on the snow because we use boots that allow us some mobility of our ankles. Also we wear some "seal skins" (now they are synthetic) that prevent the ski from sliding backwards in addition to some bindings that allow us to lift the heel and therefore walk and slide.
And how can we ski down a mountain? Because we can lock our boots by turning them into stiff boots like alpine ski boots, we can also block the fixation thus preventing the heel movement that we have had during the ascent. Likewise, once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed, once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed, once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed. once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed! once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed, once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed, once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed!
once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed
once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed, once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed.
once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed. once the surfaces that adhere to the snow have been removed, Hiring guided outings with Hiring guided outings with Hiring guided outings with, Hiring guided outings with.Hiring guided outings with, Hiring guided outings with
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Hiring guided outings with
Hiring guided outings with, to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains.
to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains.
to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains, to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains, to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains, to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains. further, to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains, to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains.
Necessary material
to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains? Well, first of all, I really want to live a wonderful experience in addition to snow and mountains!! further, as we have already explained at the beginning of this article, the specific material is needed consisting of boots, mountain skis with bindings that allow walking and skiing, sealskins and poles (To start with, we can use the piste ski poles)…
Also, You will be required to carry the essential safety kit against avalanches consisting of 3 essential items in this sport: DVA (Avalanche Victim Detector) known as "Arva", a shovel and a probe. Unfortunately, Every year there are accidents with fatalities caused by the triggering of avalanches and both carry this material and know how to use it, can save your life and that of your fellow adventurers.
To end, in addition to breathable mountain clothing that allows us to do intense physical exercise and that also shelters us and protects us from the wind, snow and rain, We may need crampons and ice ax if the slopes on which we are going to progress are hard since the sealskins would slip on these surfaces..
Required physical and technical skills
Ski mountaineering is a very complete sport that combines the technical ability and physical ability of climbing a mountain with the technique of descending it while skiing.. Therefore, It is required according to the objectives that one sets, a good physical level, being used to doing aerobic physical activity, know the ascent technique to progress safely both on low slopes and on a steeper slope. further, we need some mountain knowledge covering meteorological topics, of the stability of the snow mantle, of knowing how to choose the safest route, know how to progress with crampons and ice ax and to finish it is very important to know the avalanche victim search protocols and the use of the elements that make up the safety kit (think, shovel and probe).
Then, we name some of the most favorable areas to practice this sport. We will leave many places to name since it would require a specific article for it.
Catalan pyrenees
He Sanctuary of Núria and La Cerdaña due to their proximity to Barcelona and its metropolitan area, they are ideal for a getaway. As usual, Its mountains present a smooth relief with relatively easy ascents to numerous peaks that are reached with the skis on the feet.
The valley of Aran and the Sant Mauricio and Aigües Tortes National Park configure an immense space with a multitude of options. At the beginning of winter, the abundant nivation of the Arán valley allows itineraries to be carried out when other Pyrenean valleys still do not have snow. The national park has a good network of refuges that makes possible itineraries of several days sleeping in them. These refuge-to-refuge journeys usually start from the end of February, being the best time March and April.
He Boí valley Like its neighbor Aran Valley, it borders the national park and is also a good place to make bordering peaks to this protected area and when the shelters are open, make interesting itineraries from refuge to refuge.
Aragonese Pyrenees
The Benasque valley with the Aneto massif, Maladetas, Posets, Retriever etc. presents multitude of routes to be able to carry out throughout the season. On the northern slope of the Aneto-Maladetas the snow lasts until well into spring, being able to perform great ascents until the month of May to practice mountain skiing we need snow and mountains.
He Guistaín valley (Chistau) with the Bachimala, Eristes, Punta Suelza among others is a quiet place, away from ski resorts with wild terrain and less frequented than other neighboring valleys.
He Ordesa valley presents a complex and challenging terrain for ski mountaineering. Late spring, Some of its peaks are accessible and although the approaches are long, the reward of the landscape that surrounds us will compensate for the effort made..
He Tena valley and the mountains of Panticosa Spa they are one of the most frequented places in the Pyrenees. The Tena Valley has a multitude of peaks accessible during the day for all tastes and levels. The mountains of Panticosa present a greater challenge for skiers with greater slopes, greater degree of difficulty and where the experience in the mountains is necessary to enjoy this beautiful environment.
We cannot forget the mountains of other valleys like the Aspe, he Bisaurín o la Table of the Three Kings that borders France and Navarre.
Cantabrian Mountains
The Picos de Europa present a complex relief and on many occasions, adverse weather. We recommend going into these mountains with very good weather conditions and in spring. We will enjoy wild mountains, a unique relief, special and unique landscape very different from what we are used to.
The Palencia and León mountains like the Pico Tres Provincias, Coriscao, Mampodre, Peña Ten, Curavacas, Peña Ubiña, etc. they are ideal for ski mountaineering. Starting from mountain villages, In an environment that is generally not frequented, we will unleash our explorer facet.
Central Sistem, Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra de Gredos
Between Madrid and Segovia the Central Sistem with heights up to 2.400 meters. The Sierra de Guadarrama, very close to Madrid, It is the playing field for Madrilenians and Segovians. If you are lucky enough to be active after a recent snowfall it is worth going down the north of Peñalara or the north of Heads of Iron.
The Sierra de Gredos presents an abrupt relief and are mountains more challenging than those of Guadarrama. In winter it is a paradise for mountaineering and in spring it opens its doors to beautiful mountain ski routes both in the Circo de Gredos and in the Sierra de Béjar.
Sierra Nevada.
Sierra Nevada has the highest elevations in the Iberian Peninsula, which allows it to host snow from the beginning of the season and that it lasts until well into spring. The most comfortable access is through the alpine ski resort of Sierra Nevada, although it carries with it the natural overcrowding of any ski resort. Other possible accesses are through the Jerez del Marquesado the by the Alpujarras on the southern slope of the mountain range.
Once away from the ski resort, Sierra Nevada is presented to us as a large playing field with multiple options for every taste.
Hugo Cózar Romeu
Sports Technician in High Mountain
TABLE OF DIFFICULTIES
HIKING AND TREKKING: NF / TT
PHYSICAL LEVEL | ||
Unevenness + accumulated | Physical condition | |
* | until 700 m | Normal: sporadic sports practice |
** | until 1200 m | Good: practicing sports regularly |
*** | until 1500 m | Very good: practicing sports regularly |
TYPE OF LAND | |
* | Forest tracks or trails in good condition |
** | Trails in good condition. Presence of rocks and roots that requires attention during the tread |
*** | Obstructed trails, quarries and out of the way |
MOUNTAIN SKIING: NF / NE
PHYSICAL LEVEL | ||
Unevenness + accumulated | Physical condition | |
* | until 700 m | Normal: sporadic sports practice |
** | until 1200 m | Good: practicing sports regularly |
*** | until 1500 m | Very good: practicing sports regularly |
SKI LEVEL | ||
Blachere Scale and Traynard Scale relationship | Ski level | |
* | EM / S1-S2 | Inexperienced or inexperienced in mountaineering skiing that although they go down in parallel on the piste have difficulties in the off-piste descents |
** | EB / S2-S3 | Already started with mastery of the parallel on slopes up to 35 º |
*** | EB-EMB LOW / S4 | With experience who ski on any non-extreme slope (up to 35º-40º) using different descent techniques |
**** | EMB / S4-S5 | With experience who ski on any slope (up to 45º) mastering the queue jump |
Blachére scale according to the technical level of the skier | |
IN | Average skier who can handle moderate and wide slopes of up to 25º |
EB | Good skier, able to face slopes of 30º-35º and difficult snows |
EMB | Very good skier, up to slopes of 40-45º, with exposed steps and snows of all kinds |
EE | Excellent skier: able to face slopes of up to 50º, with obligatory passages somewhat exposed and with snows of all kinds |
EX | Extreme skier, able to face slopes of more than 50º, with highly exposed obligatory passages and snow of all kinds |
Traynard scale | |
S1 | Low slopes with ease for turning. Very suitable areas for off-piste initiation |
S2 | Low slopes or moderate slopes (up to 25º) but with room for turning and without obstacles. |
S3 | Moderate slope (up to 35º). No difficulty in all types of snow. Downhills that can be considered accessible to good or very good skiers |
S4 | Slope maintained higher up to 45º in terrain with little exposure and between 35º-40º in exposed terrain, narrow and bound. |
S5 | Very strong slopes, inclination greater than 45º-50º, very obligatory terrain and with exposure. Forbidden to fall! |
S6 | Maintained incline greater than 50º on exposed terrain or more than 55º on little exposed terrain. |
S7 | More of 60 º, very exposed |
CLIMBING: NC / NT
COMMITMENT LEVEL | |
Commitment level | Description |
* | Short itinerary, not far away, easy descent. |
** | Longer itinerary with certain objective hazards, easy descent. Less than half a day of climbing. |
*** | Wide itinerary in need of good mountaineering experience. Long approach and tricky descent. At least half a day of climbing or a full day. |
**** | Long itinerary on a great wall; delicate course and exposed to objective dangers on the ascent and on the approach. Difficult withdrawal, track not equipped, difficult descent. The rope must have an excellent level of competence. At least half a day of climbing or a full day. |
TECHNICAL LEVEL | |
Difficulty graduation | Description |
III | Fucking, you have to use your hands but prey abounds. |
IV / VI * | Land where you already have to use the rope. |
V / V * | Difficult climbing requiring systematic belaying. |
6a / 6a + | Difficult climbing requiring systematic belaying. |
6b/6b+ | Difficult climbing requiring systematic belaying. |
* If there is any part of the route that must be progressed in artificial climbing we will add this classification:
A0. We hold on to the safety and surpass ourselves in order to progress. We do not use stirrups.
A1 Easy artificial. The sites are usually simple and solid.
A2 Moderate artificial. Sites are typically strong, but they can be delicate and arduous to place. Normally there are one or two locations that only support the weight of our body.
VIAS FERRATAS: NC / NT
COMMITMENT LEVEL | |
Commitment level | Description |
* | Short itinerary, not far away, easy descent. |
** | Longer itinerary with certain objective hazards, easy descent. |
*** | Wide itinerary in need of a good experience in the mountains. Long approach and tricky descent. |
**** | Long itinerary on a great wall; delicate course and exposed to objective dangers on the ascent and on the approach. Difficult withdrawal, track not equipped, difficult descent. The rope must have an excellent level of competence. |
TECHNICAL LEVEL | |
Difficulty graduation | Description |
K1 | Easy |
K2 | Little difficult |
K3 | Something difficult |
K4 | Hard |
K5 | Very difficult |
K6 | Extremely difficult |
* Additionally, the French scale could be added:
The French scale, inspired by the graduation mode of the classic alpine routes, dispose of 6 different levels of difficulty of F a ED on a scale of easy a extremely difficult. The main difference with the escala Hüsler is that intermediate levels are also accepted here indicated with the symbol (+) superior o (-) inferior, like in the climbing.
Easy | Little difficult | Quite difficult | Hard | Very difficult | Extremely difficult |
F | PD | AD | D | TD | ED |
*Clarifying that the extremely difficult level does not mean that it is so difficult as to put the human capacity to the limit, but it defines the most difficult itineraries that exist.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING: NF/ NT
PHYSICAL LEVEL | ||
Unevenness + accumulated | Physical condition | |
* | until 700 m | Normal: sporadic sports practice |
** | until 1200 m | Good: practicing sports regularly |
*** | until 1500 m | Very good: practicing sports regularly |
TECHNICAL LEVEL | |
Difficulty graduation | Description |
F: Easy | Slopes (of rock, snow and / or ice) with moderate slopes, always lower than 45%, that are promoted progressing (in snow sometimes with ice ax). Easy climbs up to grade II. Some sections of glacier with crevasses. Experienced mountaineers can ascend without rope. |
PD: Little difficult | Slopes (of rock, snow and / or ice) with steep slopes always higher than 45%, although they walk up. Narrow, aerial ridges and ridges. Climbing of some difficulty, up to III degree. Cracked glaciers. The use of the rope may be necessary on more than one occasion. |
AD: Something difficult | Long earrings (of rock, snow and / or ice) with steep slopes always higher than 50%, although they can walk up. Narrow, aerial ridges and ridges. Climbs of moderate difficulty even on vertical terrain, grades III and IV. Very cracked and complicated glaciers. Mandatory use of rope. Only for experienced mountaineers. |
D: Hard | Maintained climbing, so much in rock (frequent IVº), ice or snow |
MD: Very difficult. (TD in France) | Difficult technical ascents and climbs on any type of terrain, being able to reach up to the Vº degree of classic climbing. Considerable length. Limit graduation slopes. Very high exposure. Required a lot of technique. In remote places. |
ED: Extremely difficult | Extreme difficulty with huge exposure, long-lasting, in remote places |
CANYONS: ND
DIFFICULTY LEVEL | ||
Denomination | Description | |
* | Familiar | Drops of a small length, and comfortable approaches. Possible some small rappel. Existence of playful elements to allow the little ones to enjoy themselves in the company of adults. Eventually existence of some optional adult progression elements. |
** | Initiation | Runs of moderate length, and comfortable approaches. No more than three small rappels. Existence of playful elements that will allow us to discover the activity in a pleasant way. Generally without forced jumps. Eventually existence of some more challenging optional progression items. |
*** | Sports | Moderate length descents and moderate approaches, eventually some return or approach with good unevenness. Presence of rappels in greater numbers, or someone taller, in general without going beyond 20 m. Progression elements like jumps, slides, living waters, most challenging, but with controlled risk. |
**** | Technical | Drops between moderate and long length, possibly long approaches or with sections of steep slope. Presence of rappels, some with distance greater than 30 meters. Progression elements like jumps, slides, living waters that require knowing the correct execution of the technique. |
