Ski touring Kit List

This list is not exhaustive – please ask if you have any questions. Technical gear (*) can be hired if needed.

The aim is to keep your rucksack as light as possible. Light is Right!

Hardwear

-Transceiver/shovel/probe.* Essential. Metal shovel, 200cm minimum probe, modern digital transceiver with new batteries. More info here

-Skis* (!) There is a huge choice available. Fat skis are great downhill in powder, but too heavy for big climbs. Most tours you’ll ski all sorts of snow anyway, so try medium wide (75-85mm) and short-ish.

- Bindings.* Your choice! Fritschi are easy to use and popular, Dynafit save a lot of weight. HERE is everything you need to know about Dynafit...almost)

- Boots.* Medium stiff is best compromise. Buy with thermo inner. Hire boots are rarely that comfortable. Light soft boots don’t help your skiing.

- Skins.* Must fit the ski – narrow skins don’t work on big skis.

- Ski crampons* (couteaux/harscheisen) Essential any tour later than February.

- Sticks.* With big baskets. Don’t need to be telescopic – rigid is lighter, stronger and cheaper.

- Crampons/ice axe.* Essential for some tours. Make sure crampons fit ski boots.

- Harness * This can be very lightweight – Black Diamond “Bod”. You must be able to put it on over boots/skis

- Helmet.* Optional – if you feel happier then wear a helmet.

- Rucksack. 30-45l is plenty. Must be able to carry skis.

Clothing

- Waterproof Jacket and trousers. Lightweight materials – Paclite – are ideal. Trousers should have full length zips so they can go on without removing boots/crampons/skis

- Clothing. Layering systems work best. Lightweight, long sleeve and light colour base layers, mid layers plus fleece jacket. Soft shell/mountain trousers, thin base layer for cold days. “Gilet” style jackets work well. Spare socks/t-shirt for huts.

- Duvet Jacket. Down or synthetic: essential extra layer.

- Hats. Warm hats that protect ears. A sun hat is a good idea for later season tours.

- Gloves. 2 pairs. Light gloves will be fine for skinning on warm days.   

- Sunglasses. Must be minimum Category 3, but 4 is better. Consider a spare pair…

- Goggles. Essential for windy/poor vis days

- Facemask/Scarf. Good for cold windy days.

Other Stuff

- Camera. A small and light digital is ideal.

- Headtorch. For early starts and dark huts. Petzl Tikka type is fine, and very lightweight

- Water bottles. Bottles are best, Camelbaks will freeze! Or burst.

- Suncream, blister kit, repair kit, personal first aid/medication, contact lenses, glasses, etc

- Sheet sleeping bag, ear plugs. Many huts insist on sheet bags – you can buy them there - at a price. Ear plugs can help…