The difference between randonee and mountain skiing

Randonee and mountain skis are two different types of ski equipment used to explore mountain terrain in winter.

Here is a simple explanation of the difference between them:

• Randonee (also known as alpine touring skis)

1. It is essentially a slalom ski that you use outside the ski resort.
2. Det fokuseres på å gå bratt opp og deretter kjøre ned. Randonee ski bruker bindinger som er åpne bak når du går oppover, og du fester dem igjen bak som alpinbindinger når du renner ned.  Støvlene du bruker gir støtte for både oppover- og nedoverbakke.
3. When you go uphill, you release a loop at the back that makes them movable. When you ski down, you fasten this loop again.
4. Uphill movement is made possible by so-called 'skins' that are attached to the bottom of the skis to provide grip on the snow. These are removed for downhill skiing.
5. The goal of randonee is to explore the mountain by climbing up on your own and then enjoying the descent on skis.

• Mountain skis

1. They are wider than cross-country skis that you usually use in the ski track. They are more stable and have better floatation in soft snow and challenging terrain.
2. The skis are equipped with steel edges. The bindings (BC bindings - backcountry) are wider than cross-country bindings.
3. The boots you use are often larger and heavier than cross-country boots. They also withstand more water. Ski wax is used under the skis for better glide and grip. Many people use ski skins. Here, one distinguishes between short skins and long skins. Long skins provide better grip in uphill.
4. Mountain skis are primarily used for long ski trips into the mountains and on the plateau, but also for ski activities like alpine tours and cross-country skiing. Unlike randonee, you have to ski more crosswise when going down a mountain slope.

In short, randonee is a specialized activity that involves climbing and skiing down in the mountains. Mountain skis are designed for skiing in and outside ski tracks, as well as long ski trips into gentler mountain and plateau terrain. Which type of equipment you choose depends on your activity and preferences, as well as the terrain and snow conditions you are facing.