Ski Touring Calories Burned Calculator
Calculate calories burned ski touring and backcountry skiing. Uphill climbing burns calories similar to high-intensity trail running.
MET: 9 for moderate ski touring / uphill
About the Ski Touring Calories Burned
Learn more about the calculator and its creator
Jonas
Ski touring combines the best of mountaineering and skiing. This calculator helps backcountry enthusiasts understand the significant calorie demands of climbing with skis.
Ski Touring Calories Burned Calculator
A 60-minute ski touring session burns approximately 600 to 910 calories depending on body weight, gradient, and intensity - similar to high-intensity trail running.
Ski touring, also known as backcountry skiing or alpine touring, involves climbing mountains on skis using climbing skins, then skiing down. The uphill portion creates exceptional calorie burn comparable to the most demanding cardio activities available.
Ski Touring MET Values
- Light intensity (7.0 MET): Gentle gradient, relaxed pace, easy terrain
- Moderate intensity (9.0 MET): Steady climbing, moderate gradient
- Vigorous intensity (13.0 MET): Steep climbing, racing pace, challenging conditions
Calories Burned Ski Touring by Weight
| Weight | 1 hour | 2 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg (132 lbs) | 540 kcal | 1,080 kcal | 1,620 kcal | 2,160 kcal |
| 70 kg (154 lbs) | 630 kcal | 1,260 kcal | 1,890 kcal | 2,520 kcal |
| 80 kg (176 lbs) | 720 kcal | 1,440 kcal | 2,160 kcal | 2,880 kcal |
| 90 kg (198 lbs) | 810 kcal | 1,620 kcal | 2,430 kcal | 3,240 kcal |
Factors Affecting Ski Touring Calorie Burn
- Gradient: Steeper climbs dramatically increase energy demand
- Snow depth: Breaking trail in deep snow can double calorie burn
- Altitude: Higher elevations increase metabolic demand
- Pack weight: Carrying gear adds to energy expenditure
- Uphill/downhill ratio: More climbing means more calories burned
Ski Touring vs Other Activities
The uphill portion of ski touring burns calories at rates comparable to:
- High-intensity trail running
- Stair climbing at vigorous pace
- Cross-country skate skiing
- Competitive rowing
Note: Use our main Skiing Calorie Calculator to account for snow conditions which can significantly impact energy expenditure.
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