Alpine skiing takes place within ski resorts: equipped areas with groomed slopes graded by difficulty (in Italy marked blue, red and black), connected by lifts such as chairlifts, gondolas and drag lifts. 

The slopes are prepared, marked out and patrolled; rescue services, signage and clear rules of conduct are in place. This makes the environment predictable and relatively safe, and it is one of the reasons why it's the ideal choice for getting started.

Alpine skiing includes several specialities, both competitive and recreational. 

The competitive ones are slalom, giant slalom, super-G and downhill, which differ in course length, distance between gates and speed reached. 

Alongside these are more recreational practices such as freeride, which however already comes very close to the typical environment of ski mountaineering and requires the same safety skills.

Alpine skiing equipment is designed to provide stability, precision and control on the descent. 

The skis are sturdy and fairly stiff, while the boots wrap the foot snugly to transmit movements to the skis. 

The bindings keep the boot completely locked to the ski. Helmet and poles complete the kit, along with any protective gear for more demanding situations. 

Weight matters less than in other disciplines, because lifts do the work of getting you uphill.

To tackle the ascent, climbing skins are applied to the base of the skis; today they're made of synthetic materials, mohair or blends. Their structure lets the skis glide forward while preventing them from sliding backwards. 

You climb at a steady pace, favouring efficiency over speed, and the body produces a lot of heat: an important element to consider for clothing as well. 

At the top, you remove the skins, lock the bindings and switch to descent mode.

The descent in skitouring takes place on ungroomed snow, often fresh and variable from one day to the next, and on natural terrain. Snow quality, slope angle, aspect and the presence of rocks or obstacles change constantly, and call for the ability to read the terrain and adapt your technique. 

For this reason, unlike on the slopes, safety is not guaranteed by the environment but by the choices of those who venture into it: checking the avalanche bulletin, choosing the route, managing time and weather conditions. 

Every outing also requires the safety kit for snow-covered terrain: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, which you need to know how to use competently.

In skitouring, equipment has to strike a balance between lightness on the climb and control on the descent. Skis and boots are lighter than those used on the slopes, and the bindings leave the heel free while climbing, then lock it before the descent. 

To these you add climbing skins, poles and, when needed, ski crampons to tackle hard snow and steep slopes.

The most obvious difference is how you get up high. In alpine skiing you use lifts, concentrating your energy and attention on the descent. 

In skitouring, on the other hand, you climb under your own power: every metre of elevation gain is part of the experience, and the descent becomes the end point of a journey that began long before. 

It's a more physically demanding activity, one that lets you experience the mountains in a slower, more immersive way.

Alpine skiing equipment prioritises sturdiness and stability, and can afford to be heavy. 

In skitouring, on the other hand, every gram counts, because it has to be lifted with every step for hours: skis, boots and bindings are designed as a compromise between lightness and downhill performance. 

On top of this comes the backpack with safety equipment, spare clothing and everything needed for the day, making it important to choose each item with weight and bulk in mind.

Clothing also changes between alpine skiing and skitouring. In alpine skiing, descents alternate with more static moments on the lifts: you therefore need warm garments that protect against cold, wind and moisture.

In skitouring, on the other hand, temperature management is essential. On the climb the body produces a lot of heat, while during breaks and on the descent it cools down quickly. This is why you need garments that can adapt to changes in intensity and temperature during the activity.

The ideal solution is to dress in layers: a breathable base layer, a light mid layer and a protective shell, to which you add a down jacket when you need more warmth. On the climb, lightness and breathability take priority; during breaks and on the descent, insulation and protection.
A softshell can be a valid alternative on milder days or in more dynamic activities.

The last major difference concerns the terrain. The slope is a shaped environment: groomed by snowcats, marked out, signposted and patrolled. 

Skitouring, on the other hand, takes place on natural terrain, where the snow constantly changes in quality and stability, where there are no signs or immediate rescue, and where every decision rests with whoever is choosing the route. 

For this reason, training, knowledge of snow and weather conditions, and the experience of whoever leads the group are essential, not optional.

If you've never skied or you mainly want to have fun going downhill, alpine skiing is the natural choice. 

A course with a ski instructor lets you learn the technical basics safely, in a predictable and well-equipped environment, and gradually build confidence on skis.

If instead the idea of experiencing the winter mountains away from the crowds appeals to you - reaching peaks and valleys on your own legs and skiing down untouched snow - skitouring is the discipline for you. It's important, though, to have realistic expectations: it requires good physical fitness, a minimum of confidence on skis and, above all, specific training in safety on snow-covered terrain. 

At the beginning, relying on a mountain guide or a skitouring school is the best way to learn the basics properly.

If you already know how to ski on the slopes, you have a good head start, but moving to ski mountaineering takes some preparation and a gradual approach. Here's where to begin:

• Get comfortable with natural snow: off the slopes conditions change, and you need to learn to adapt your skiing.

• Learn the climbing technique: stride, rhythm, use of skins and handling of equipment are a fundamental part of ski mountaineering.

• Take a course or rely on a mountain guide to learn the basics and take your first steps with greater awareness.

• Learn mountain safety: from the avalanche bulletin to the use of transceiver, shovel and probe.

• Start with simple routes, gradually increasing elevation gain and difficulty as you gain experience.

• Try before you buy: renting equipment can be a good way to understand what really suits you.

Skitouring is learned one step at a time. The climb, knowledge of the environment and the ability to move independently are as much a part of the experience as the descent.