Alpine Touring (AT)

Also known as Randonée (French) or Ski Mountaineering.

A form of backcountry skiing that can take place in terrain ranging from extremely steep to perfectly flat. Unlike alpine skiing, the skier's heels are left free to allow a natural walking motion while traversing and ascending.

Special ski boots with rigid soles are used, something of a cross between a hiking boot and a downhill ski boot, which are flexible and light enough to be comfortable to walk up in, whilst still being stiff enough to provide good control when skiing down. A special Alpine touring binding is used to enable the heel to be clipped down for more support when skiing downhill, and allows it to be released to swing resistance-free from the toe when climbing. Alpine and alpine touring boots and bindings are not compatible.