Remember you will have to carry all of this, while skiing, so light is often best. Practice skiing with it if you find chance.

Equipment

Avalanche safet Kit: Transceiver, Shovel, Probe

Essential!

Modern digital transceiver, ideally with 3 antennae. It’s a good idea to take it to a ski shop each year to make sure any software is up to date, as well as checking functions. Try to spend some time getting to grips with the basic controls and how it works. Start with fresh batteries and bring spares for longer tours.

Metal shovel with an extendable handle. Digging is the most physically demanding and time consuming part of a rescue; Probe >200cm long.

Boots

One thing you’re best not to cut corners on. Best to get them fitted by a shop with a thermo-moldable liner and good insole. A good walk mode and rubber sole are important. Developments in boot technology mean that you don’t have to decide between ski support and walking comfort quite as much as you used to, it is still a bit of a trade off. Speak to an expert and play to your strengths. I.e, if you’re fit, but less confident skiing off piste, then aim for more of a free-rando boot with more support.

Skis

If longer tours are intended then best to go for a ski which isn’t too wide. About 90-95 under foot is a good all round width and slightly shorter than you might have a downhill ski.

Bindings

Hybrid bindings, such as Fritschi or Salomon Mountain Lab, can be a little easier to clip in to. For regular tourers pin style bindings are very hard to beat for fuction. ATK, Dynafit and Plum all have great options. If you’re using pin bindings for the first time, then practise, practise, practise the clip in, so you’re ready to do it in the powder with a group of keen skiers raring to go!

Skins

These have to be specifically cut to the size of your ski, ideally by a professional. A tail clip is always a good idea. Check how well they stick at your first opportunity and store them carefully. Backing sheets should be half the length of each skin, so they can each be stored separately, with the skin folded around the backing sheet.

Ski crampons

These must be specific to the size of your ski and the binding you are using.

Poles

I like single piece poles, because they’re stronger, lighter and cheaper. A little longer can be a good idea for touring, but with long grips to provide flexibility for where you hold them.

Crampons / Axe

Necessary for some tours. Crampons must fit and be fitted to your ski boots! For a specific ski touring crampon the Irvis are hard to beat. If you’re expecting ice or mixed terrain to be encountered then it’s a good idea to go for the Irvis Hybrid, with a steel forefoot.

Harness

This should fit over your ski boots and lighter is better.

Helmet

Our head is the most important thing we have! For general skiing and shorter touring I would say this is a must. For longer tours I will often use a lightweight helmet. Many ski brands offer these and some climbing helmets are now certified for ski mountaineering too, such as the Petzl Meteor. Just remember that weight is a real consideration.

Pack

Must have a way to carry your skis. 30-45l for longer tours (25l up for day tours). If buying your pack for skiing, then a separate avalanche kit pocket at the front is a very good idea.

Clothes

Clothing This is all about a flexible layering system: Think light coloured, long sleeved base layers; fleece style mid layer and / or soft shell jacket; Soft-shell trousers work best, with long johns. Spare t-shirt / socks for huts.

Waterproofs Jacket and trousers / salopettes.

Ventilation zips on trousers is a good idea and mean you can remove them over your boots.

Duvet Jacket

Should fit over other clothing, synthetic or down. A small downy will cover most spring touring.

Warm hat + Sun hat

Buff / Balaclava

Gloves 2 Pairs

Warm and thin for skinning.

Goggles

Sunglasses Minimum Cat 4.

Bring spare if you have them.

Other

Headtorch

Petzl Tikka or similar is fine.

Water bottles / Flask Not Camelback.

A small bottle can be carried in a jacket pocket / on harness.

Suncream + lip Balm

Factor 50

Personal First Aid + Blister Kit.

Sleeping bag liner + ear plugs

Camera Ideally light and convenient

NB. Technical equipment can often be rented at a reduced cost from me. Just let me know what you’re missing.