Don't be afraid to turn back or abandon your goal if conditions deteriorate. Respect the mountains. Descending For skiing downhill, attach the heels of the bindings and adjust your boots if appropriate. Technique is identical to alpine skiing, except that a more conservative style should be adopted. Carrying a heavy pack, perhaps tired from walking uphill, and far from emergency services, this is not a good time to take chances.
Emergency Stop A dangerous slide can be arrested by using ski poles.
Hold the two poles together, one hand by the handles, one hand down by the baskets, and dig the points into the snow or ice. Practicing an emergency stop could save your life. Some routes have become classics, such as the Haute Route between Chamonix and Zermatt or Saas Fee, first done in 1903, which takes around a week. If you feel you would like to try touring, contact the guides' office in your resort. They should be able to put you into a group, select an appropriate route and provide guidance in hiring the necessary equipment.