Title: How Alpine Touring Works | HowStuffWorks
Headings: How Alpine Touring Works
How Alpine Touring Works
Alpine Touring Equipment
Emergency Gear for Alpine Touring
Snowboard Touring
Avalanche Safety
Planning an Alpine Tour
What is corn snow?

Content: These floating "slabs" can suddenly shift and cause an avalanche. Avalanches are especially dangerous for backcountry skiers because of the cliffs and ridges. So, by waiting at least 24 to 48 hours after a big storm and avoiding areas where it looks like snow has recently fallen, alpine skiers can improve their chances of not being surprised by changes in the terrain. The best way to avoid getting trapped in an avalanche is to ski with an experienced guide. The best way to survive an avalanche is to practice with emergency equipment until you can rescue someone, including yourself, without thinking. You won't have ski patrols nearby, so you'll have to be prepared enough to react quickly and effectively in an emergency. Now that you know how to protect yourself, read on to begin planning your alpine skiing adventure. Advertisement
Planning an Alpine Tour
A group of alpine tourists on the ascent in Norway
Vegar Abelsnes Photography/The Image Bank/ Getty Images
If you want to go alpine touring, the Alps would seem an obvious starting point. And ski touring in Europe is, in fact, very popular. You can travel for a week or more through