Ski touring, High Tauern mountain range, Austria

© RooM the Agency/Alam

Info. High Tauern mountains

The High Tauern mountains above the Austrian spa town of Bad Gastein is one of many regions around the world that attract brave ski-touring enthusiasts, like the three skiers crossing the ridge here. Ski touring is a sport for only the most skilled athletes, since it usually involves mountaineering – navigating unfamiliar mountain territory and climbing with equipment, all without removing your skis.

Ski touring has been around since the late 19th century but has become more popular in the past few decades. It's usually done outside the established boundaries of ski resorts. And while these skiers will sometimes take a ski lift or helicopter to the upper elevations, those who commit to true ski touring do the hard work themselves, as the idea of ski touring is often to reach the most remote areas you can find. The skiing can be a combination of downhill and cross-country styles.