Ski touring takes place in varied conditions, often on unmarked trails without ski lifts. To minimise risks, it is therefore essential to be well equipped, while keeping your pack lightweight and organised. To help you find your way around, Cimalp reveals the ski touring gear list.
Key takeaways:
- Skis, climbing skins, ski crampons and lugs must be in good condition and suited to the terrain.
- Heat management is based on the three-layer system.
- An avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe are the foundation of ski touring safety.
- The backpack should be well organised for quick access to equipment.
Skis, shoes and lugs
- Touring skis with suitable bindings
- Trimmed and maintained climbing skins
- Snow crampons compatible with bindings
- Ski touring Shoes
- Lugs with integrated anti-balling system
- Straps for securing skis
- Scraper or anti-icing ski wax
- Storage net for climbing skins
Ski touring equipment relies primarily on lightweight skis with suitable bindings, climbing skins and comfortable shoes. Ski crampons and lugs make progress on hard snow easier. Finally, straps and a storage net improve comfort on the ascent.
Technical clothing
- Thermal Base layers
- Ski Fleece
- Down jackets compact in down or synthetic material
- softshell jackets in favourable conditions
- hardshell jackets waterproof and breathable
- Ski touring Trousers
- Waterproof and windproof Overtrousers
- Gaiters for deep snow
- Beanies / headbands / balaclavas
- Neck warmers / Buffs
- Thin Gloves for the ascent
- Ski Gloves warm and waterproof for the descent
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Ski Socks thermal and breathable
- Spare pair of socks
Ski touring clothing makes up the bulk of the ski touring gear list. During an outing, you alternate between intense effort on the ascent and exposure to the cold on the descent. Good temperature management is therefore essential and depends on choosing the right clothing.
An effective outfit is primarily based on the three-layer system: thermal base layers as the first layer, a fleece or down jacket as the mid layer, and a waterproof jacket as the outer protective layer.
To know which jacket to choose for ski touring, you need to adapt above all to the conditions. A softshell is sufficient in favourable weather, but a hardshell jacket is more versatile and essential in rain or snow. To protect yourself from the cold, pack a beanie, gloves, a neck warmer and warm socks.
Safety equipment for ski touring
- Avalanche transceiver (DVA) with fresh batteries
- Metal shovel
- Probe of at least 240 cm
- Ski helmet
- Classic ice axe
- Lightweight harness
- Lightweight rope
- Crevasse kit: pulley, ascender, carabiners, sling
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Individual first aid kit
- Multi-tool knife
If good physical preparation for ski touring is essential, safety equipment is equally important. It generally consists of the trio: avalanche transceiver (worn on the body), shovel and probe. A helmet and ice axe are also useful, as are a harness, rope and crevasse rescue equipment for glaciers or exposed sections. To handle the unexpected, don't forget a first aid kit, a multi-tool knife, a whistle and an emergency blanket.
Ski touring accessories list
- Poles with wide baskets and spare baskets
- Scraper or cloth for skins and skis
- Adhesive tape — "Duct Tape" type
- Repair kit: screwdriver, binding screws, Dyneema cable
- Glue or tape for skins
- Ski backpacks with airbag
- Rain cover for backpack
- Insulated flask or hydration bladder
- Energy snacks: bars, dried fruit, gels
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Category 4 Sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Lighter
- Waterproof bag for documents
- Bin bags
- Map, compass, altimeter, GPS watch
- Smartphone and power bank
- Paper and pen
Ski touring equipment also includes several accessories. Poles are essential, and a backpack with an avalanche airbag is recommended. With a capacity of 25 to 35 liters for a day outing, it should allow you to carry water and snacks, navigation equipment, a repair kit, certain documents and small additional items.
With all these items, the ski touring gear list is complete. It may however evolve depending on weather conditions, the type and duration of the outing. In any case, a complete and well-organised ski touring kit will allow you to fully enjoy your mountain outing.
