Ski Touring
Ski touring is a form of skiing where participants climb up mountains on skis before skiing back down, rather than using ski lifts. It combines elements of hiking and downhill skiing, requiring specialized equipment and skills. This activity is important in mountain guiding as it allows guides to take clients to remote, ungroomed areas away from traditional ski resorts. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates that the person has experience in backcountry navigation, snow safety assessment, and leading groups in challenging winter conditions.
Examples in Resumes
Led 50+ Ski Touring expeditions in the Alps with groups of varying skill levels
Certified instructor for Ski Touring and Backcountry Skiing courses
Managed safety and risk assessment during Ski Touring trips in challenging terrain
Typical job title: "Mountain Guides"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Mountain Guides
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Guide Questions
Q: How do you assess avalanche risk and make decisions about route selection?
Expected Answer: An experienced guide should explain their systematic approach to evaluating snow conditions, weather patterns, and terrain features, plus describe how they make and communicate decisions to ensure client safety.
Q: Describe how you would handle an emergency situation during a ski touring trip.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of emergency protocols, evacuation procedures, first aid in winter conditions, and how to coordinate with rescue services while managing client safety.
Mid-Level Guide Questions
Q: How do you adapt your guiding style for different client skill levels?
Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to assessing client abilities, adjusting route difficulty, and maintaining safety while ensuring an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
Q: What factors do you consider when planning a ski touring route?
Expected Answer: Should discuss weather conditions, client abilities, time management, terrain options, and backup plans for changing conditions.
Entry Level Guide Questions
Q: What essential safety equipment do you carry on ski touring trips?
Expected Answer: Should list and explain basic safety gear including avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, first aid kit, and communication devices.
Q: How do you teach basic ski touring techniques to beginners?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of teaching progressions, basic movement patterns, and how to communicate technical concepts to newcomers.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic navigation and route finding
- Equipment knowledge and maintenance
- Basic avalanche awareness
- Group management fundamentals
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced route planning
- Weather interpretation
- Client instruction techniques
- Emergency response procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex terrain navigation
- Advanced risk management
- Program development
- Guide mentoring and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal avalanche safety training
- Lack of proper certifications for the region
- Limited experience in varying snow conditions
- Poor understanding of weather patterns and their effects
- No experience leading groups
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