Ski touring is the best winter adventure, but don’t forget about safety.

Ski touring is a great adventure in the mountains, but it is necessary to know that not only is the equipment different than for downhill skiing, it also requires great skiing skills. If you are interested in getting to know this sport, we suggest taking an avalanche course and it is safest to start on group trips led by guides-instructors. It will give us experience and we will learn about routes with various difficulties.

It is the end of February, we can still expect snowfall and perfect skiing conditions. Unfortunately, the period is approaching when we can expect avalanches, so before each trip it is necessary to check the weather conditions. We are safe on the ski slopes, but when going to ski tours, and often off trails, check whether there is an avalanche risk that day and take the equipment that is indispensable on such trips. Be sure to check out the Detailed Avalanche Announcement. Remember that the second degree of danger is the danger around steep slopes with a slope of 30 degrees and more. Nobody should go ski touring when the avalanche danger level is 4 or 5. In case of emergency, the phone number to the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service is 985. We should always inform the hotel reception where we are going and the intended time of return, let's be safe!!! It is worth checking the TOPR website, where the current chronicles of the events of tourists who needed the help of rescuers appear.

Ski tours are the most interesting winter adventures and unforgettable views, but not everyone has enough experience and knowledge of what to expect. Most often, we go into the unknown, even having all the necessary equipment, we will move away from the trails, not knowing exactly what awaits us. Even experienced skiers must gain knowledge on ski touring courses, go through the avalanche course and go on the routes in larger groups. For beginners and even those who are moderately advanced, we recommend training, courses and trips organized by Skiturowe Tatry, this team consists of TOPR rescuers Jacek Żyłka-Żebracki and Jan Korlatowicz, Paulina Figura, a ski mountaineer with many years of experience and medalist of the Polish Championships and Michał Stoch, a licensed Tatra guide and PZN ski instructor. 

Emergency phone for TOPR: +48 601 100 300

Link to the movie of the TOPR Mountain Academy, episode 3 - "Avalanches": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvcqtlh90ww

Professional instructors and guides: https://www.skitourywtatrach.pl/

Equipment rental: https://zakopane-goski.pl/skitury.html

Much more about safety in the Tatras in winter