The 5 most common mistakes made by first-time ski tourers

Backcountry skiing, also known as randonnée, is one of the most complete ways to explore the mountains in winter. It combines ascending with skins, navigating snowy terrain, and skiing off-piste, all far from the noise and crowds of a ski resort. But getting started in this discipline without adequate preparation can turn the experience into a bad memory.

In this article, we share the five most common mistakes made by those starting out in backcountry skiing and how you can avoid them to move safely and confidently in the mountains.

Error 1: Going out without a certified guide or instructor

Why shouldn't you start randonnée without professional guidance?

Unlike alpine skiing, backcountry skiing is practiced in open mountain terrain, where there is no signage, rescue patrols, or controlled slopes. Thinking that you can learn on your own or with a more experienced friend is underestimating the risks of the natural environment.

A certified guide or instructor not only teaches you the basic techniques of ascending, transitioning, and descending, but also takes care of reading the terrain, assessing potential avalanche conditions, and making key route decisions. Their knowledge is crucial to avoid risky areas and help you develop safety criteria from day one.

They also introduce you to essential concepts such as managing effort, reading the snowpack, and using safety equipment (ARVA, shovel, and probe). All of this is part of the randonnée learning curve and cannot be learned just by watching explanatory videos.

Error 2: Dressing as if you were skiing on groomed slopes

What happens if you wear the wrong clothing for backcountry skiing?

One of the most common mistakes for beginners is dressing as if they were going to a ski resort: lots of insulation, thick layers, and little ventilation. In randonnée, where ascending generates a lot of body heat, this results in excessive sweating, wet clothes, and then, a lot of cold.

The key is to dress in light and functional layers:

• First layer (base layer): thermal and breathable

• Second layer (mid layer): fleece or softshell, easy to remove

• Third layer (shell): waterproof, lightweight, and windproof jacket

During the ascent, you should wear light clothing with active ventilation. Only when you reach the summit or start the descent should you bundle up more. Wearing a hat, goggles or sunglasses, a buff neck gaiter, and spare gloves is also essential.

“Dressing incorrectly for randonnée is not only uncomfortable, it can compromise your safety in the face of temperature or wind changes”

Error 3: Using inadequate or poorly adjusted ski equipment

Why should randonnée equipment be specific and well calibrated?

Not all ski equipment is suitable for backcountry skiing. Skiing with alpine boots or resort bindings makes each step in ascent a torture. Randonnée equipment is designed to be lighter, allow mobility, and facilitate transitions.

What you need:

• Randonnée skis, lighter than resort skis

• Bindings with walk/ski mode and adjustable lateral release

• Randonnée boots, with walk mode and good ankle mobility

• Skins in good condition

• Telescopic poles

• Technical backpack with ski attachments

• Mandatory safety equipment: ARVA (transceiver/receiver), shovel, and probe

A common mistake is not knowing how to use safety equipment. It's not enough to carry it in your backpack: you must know how to activate it, search with ARVA, use the probe, and efficiently dig with the shovel. That's why training beforehand is crucial.

Error 4: Underestimating safety in avalanche terrain

Why is it not enough to just check the weather before going out?

Unlike the marked slopes of a ski resort, backcountry skiing takes place in uncontrolled environments, where there is a real risk of avalanches. Many beginners believe that if it hasn't snowed recently or if the weather is sunny, there is no danger. Wrong.

Avalanches depend on multiple factors: wind, terrain orientation, layers of the snowpack, temperature, slope... and all of these must be analyzed before choosing a route. That's why a safe outing always involves:

• Checking the avalanche bulletin of the day

• Evaluating slopes and orientation of the slopes

• Having basic knowledge of snow science

• Knowing when to turn back or avoid an area

“Going out without a guide, without training, and without safety equipment is taking an unnecessary risk. In randonnée, prevention is everything”

Error 5: Not being in shape for the physical demands of randonnée

Why is lack of physical preparation one of the costliest mistakes?

Backcountry skiing requires a much more complete physical condition than alpine skiing. Not only do you have to ascend by your own means (sometimes for hours), but you also need muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and good technique to face the descent with tired legs.

A very common mistake is to embark on a several-hour outing without prior preparation. The result: fatigue, dehydration, navigation errors, clumsiness in descents, and a higher risk of injuries.

To avoid this:

• Engage in prior physical activity (ideally mountain or trail)

• Hydrate well before and during the day

• Bring high-energy snacks

• Respect your limits: start with short and progressive routes

• Learn to regulate your pace during the ascent.

“Backcountry skiing is as demanding as it is rewarding. Proper preparation is part of the experience”

What is the best way to start in backcountry skiing?

The best way to start in randonnée is with a guided experience, where you can learn from the ground up, safely, and in a natural environment. At Outdoor Index, we offer outings designed for beginners, with complete guidance:

• Bilingual local guide with mountain and avalanche training

• Ski instructor with randonnée experience

• Technical backcountry equipment (skis, skins, poles, boots)

• Personal safety kit: ARVA, shovel, and probe

• Pre-briefing and active learning during the day

Backcountry skiing is one of the most beautiful ways to connect with the mountains in winter. Avoiding these mistakes and starting off well accompanied can make the difference between a good story or a bad experience.

Check out all the guided experiences we have for you: The best options for backcountry skiing in Chile