Ski touring in Szczyrk - why is it worth starting?

Skitouring – have you tried it yet? If not, don’t wait until the next season.

In Szczyrk, you will find plenty of trails of varying difficulty, perfect for starting your adventure with this sport.

Skitouring is a new type of skiing that gives people a strong sense of independence. It has taken hold in the mountains for good. This way, we can explore the Beskidy mountains in all their glory.

This form of tourism has been developing extremely dynamically in recent times. Five or six years ago, this type of skiing was practiced only by mountain rescue workers and a handful of enthusiasts of qualified sports.

Now it is as popular as riding a motorcycle in summer. At any time of day or night, people go skiing in the mountains – on skitours, which is a variation of classical skiing,

where specially designed equipment allows for comfortable climbing uphill, followed by descent down the mountain slope.

More and more people are practicing skitouring because this form of recreation does not make them dependent on anyone or anything. This way of spending free time offers freedom and turns into a passion.
In today's world of various dependencies, skitouring provides a large dose of independence. People go to the mountains whenever they have time.

They are not limited by transport or the operation of ski lifts. They simply put on their gear and head into the mountains, enjoying pleasant physical exertion. One feels free – just nature and me.
In skitouring, while going uphill, one can stop and admire the landscapes, deviate from the trail, sit on a log to drink tea.

In Szczyrk, there are many places and trails where you can explore the Beskidy mountains. Each trail can be planned such that you can ski down already on a ski trail.

Of course, a more advanced skier or skitourer can ski off the trail. The most popular skitouring routes “upwards” in the area of Szczyrk are:

• Zimnik Valley in Lipowa – Duże Skrzyczne
• Dunacie Valley – Duże Skrzyczne (via FIS)
• Solisko – Małe Skrzyczne
• Gondola – Małe Skrzyczne – Duże Skrzyczne
• Uncle Tom's Cabin – Salmpolska Pass
• Salmpolska Pass – Malinowska Rock – Małe Skrzyczne
• Solisko – Malinowska Rock – Małe Skrzyczne

Skitury are skis designed for both descending and climbing. They combine the functionality of downhill and cross-country skis. Thanks to this, you can ski off the designated slopes and not rely on lifts.

Skitury are much lighter than traditional skis – their weight ranges from 1 to 1.5 kg – this lightness is a significant advantage when climbing.
For skitouring skis, special bindings are used that allow for a firm attachment of the heel to the ski or its release (when the boot is attached only at the front).

An essential part of the equipment during skitouring is also the so-called skins – strips of special fabric that, thanks to hair arranged in one direction, prevent the ski from sliding backward.

Why is it worth trying skitouring? The answer is very simple.

The technique of moving on skitouring skis allows us to reach practically anywhere, and thus see more, all while being a faster means of movement than snowshoeing or hiking. Additionally, independence from ski lifts, closer contact with nature, and skiing in fresh, previously untouched snow.