Learn the ski tour lingo

There is a lot of lingo in ski touring. I'll do my best here, but it will not be exhaustive.We do not give any terms relating to avalanche safety, as you must take a comprehensive course before even considering leaving without a guide, and you must understand the terms for yourself.

Backcountry  skiing that takes you well... into the backcountry - away from the resorts.

Topo Map - This is a map that shows the contours of the area. Essential kit.

Route - this is the planned course for your tour. This must be clear to you on the topo map.

Skinning up - Not what you might think. This is where don your skins (see below) and head up the mountain.

Kick turn - the method used for turning around when climbing steep slopes. See technique for an explanation. 

Arva / Tranny / Bleep / Avalanche Transceiver - used to locate people after the event of an avalanche carrying someone with it.

Probe - used for probing for trapped skiers when search narrowed.

Shovel - used for digging snow in a variety of scenarios.

Skins - adhesive strips of a synthetic copy of seal skin stuck to the bottom of the ski, which allows the skis to slide forward only, unless you cut them the wrong way round, something Alex once discovered...oops.

Leashes - This is for telemarkers, or tourers who do not really do not want to lose their skis. A small length of wire or cord attaches the ski to the boot so when you wipe out, you do not loose your ski. Careful with these though, Ed almost had his head off during a particularly epic wipe out. 

Gnarly - When it's tough... but you love it.