The Guardian - Life & Style • Jan. 28, 2026, 3 p.m.

Zooming down a mountain is fun, but ‘uphilling’ – or ski touring – is a wonderful way to see the slopes in a whole new light. And don’t worry, you’ll still get to enjoy the descent if you’re game “One, two, one, two,” I count rhythmically as I glide along the glistening snow.

The soft, velvety silence around me is comforting; far below, the bustle of the French resort of La Plagne feels like a different world, all noise lost on the wind that whispers its way around the peaks. The sun is beating down, so I pause to strip some layers: I place my backpack down where I stand and take a swig of water, before rolling my jacket tightly and packing it.

I feel gloriously tiny and insignificant surrounded by this endless panorama of mountains thrusting into the clear blue sky. Ski touring offers a different pace, and a chance to get away from the crowds.

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