Ski Touring Calories Burned Calculator

Calculate calories burned ski touring and backcountry skiing. Uphill climbing burns calories similar to high-intensity trail running.

By Jonas Lindemann · Updated · How we build our calculators

lbs
min

MET: 9 for moderate ski touring / uphill

Your Results

1392kcal

Total Calories Burned

696kcal/hr

Calories per Hour

9.9MET

Metabolic Equivalent

69.6%

of 2000 kcal Diet

Summary

A 120-minute ski touring / uphill session at moderate intensity burns approximately 1392 calories for a 70 kg person.

High Calorie Burn: Ski Touring / Uphill is one of the highest calorie-burning activities because it engages your entire body - arms, legs, and core working together continuously.

Note: Actual calorie burn varies based on terrain, technique, elevation changes, and individual fitness level. Downhill skiing includes rest periods on lifts. These estimates use validated MET values from the Compendium of Physical Activities.

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About the Ski Touring Calories Burned

Learn more about the calculator and its creator

Jonas

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.