Back to all guides > How to choose the right randonee skis
There are more and more top touring skis to choose from, but unfortunately there is no top touring ski that is best for absolutely everything. If you think about what kind of skiing you do most, you will probably be able to find the ski that is best for you and your use. Therefore, we recommend that you think through the following three points when buying new randonee skis.
Traditionally, the peak hiking season has been in the spring, a time of the season when the snow is usually firmer and more stable than in early winter. Firm snow means that you don't need the widest powder skis for a good experience on a summit tour. In early winter, we tend to have a lot of dry loose snow, and the need for a wide powder ski that floats well in loose snow is greater.
If you are a skier who is thinking of using the skis throughout the season and wants to be prepared for all conditions, we therefore recommend a ski with a medium width, preferably from 90 - 110 mm.
If you are only going to use your skis in the spring, you can save a lot of energy by choosing a slightly narrower and lighter pair of top touring skis. You will still have a good skiing experience on the spring snow with a pair of skis of less than 95 mm center width.
If you are the type of person who dreams of long tough downhills and several thousand meters of altitude a day, then it is clear that you should go for a light and narrow ski. If, on the other hand, you have slightly more moderate plans and focus on the descent, then you can think about a slightly wider ski for a better experience on the way down.
Many people want to use their top touring skis as much in ski resorts as on trips. Then we recommend that you do not choose the very narrowest and lightest skis. You will have a better experience on varying routes in the ski lift with a ski with a little weight and width.
There are also wide top touring skis with a center width of over 110 mm. This is for you who want to go round after round on your favorite mountain or forest on the deepest days.
What level of skier you are will primarily affect which length of ski you will go for.
We recommend that you use your height as a starting point. If you are a beginner, you can choose a ski that is slightly shorter than your height. This gives you a more maneuverable and easy-to-handle ski. If you are an experienced skier who appreciates high speed and large turns, you can choose a ski that is slightly longer than you. Then you will achieve both better flow and stability.
Based on these three points, we hope that you have become a little wiser about your choice of top touring skis. Below we have made a list of four ski models that may be what you are looking for:
An all-rounder perfect throughout the season. A ski for you who will have your first pair of top touring skis that you will use for everything. Moderate middle width provides control and flow on all surfaces. If you are more active, and have a wider ski for the deep days, these skis will also be perfect for your longer trips.
Center width: 90 mm (163 cm)
The Hurrungane is our most popular top touring ski, and for good reason. This is a model top tour enthusiasts have sworn by for years, thanks to the ski's versatility and ability to handle anything it throws at it. We are continuously working on product development, and together with selected mountain road guides, we have made it both lighter, more stable and easier to drive for this year's season.
Center width: 100 mm (174 cm)
A raw driving-oriented top touring ski for those who want stability and high speed in a light package. Do you want a light top touring ski without compromising handling and flow? Then Soleitind is something for you.
Center width: 109 mm (185 cm)
If you are looking for an easy-to-drive powder tool that you can take with you on a trip, Togga is without a doubt the ski you are looking for! A wide and light powder board for those who love loose and deep snow far from ski lifts and groomed slopes.
Middle width: 120 mm
A final but important tip is that we recommend that the randonee skis must match the rest of your equipment. Bindings, skis, traps and boots must be in the same category, meaning that light skis go best with light bindings and boots, and powerful riding-oriented skis go best with stronger bindings and boots.
We hope this guide has given you some understanding of how we think about choosing top touring skis. If you have further questions or need help with your purchase, just contact our sales manager Hans Kristian in the chat.
Hans Kristian Folde
Sales manager and top tour enthusiast
