Ski touring takes place in varied conditions, often on unmarked trails without ski lifts. To minimise risk, it is essential to be well equipped while keeping your pack light and organised. To help you get started, Cimalp reveals the complete ski touring kit list.
Key takeaways:
- Skis, climbing skins, ski crampons and crampons must be in good condition and suited to the terrain.
- Heat management relies on the three-layer system.
- An avalanche transceiver (DVA), a shovel and a probe are the basics of ski touring safety.
- The backpack should be well organised for quick access to equipment.
Skis, boots and crampons
- Touring skis with appropriate bindings
- Trimmed and well-maintained climbing skins
- Ski crampons compatible with bindings
- Ski touring boots
- Crampons with integrated anti-balling system
- Straps for securing skis
- Scraper or anti-balling ski wax
- Mesh bag for storing climbing skins
Ski touring equipment is built primarily around lightweight skis with appropriate bindings, climbing skins and comfortable boots. Ski crampons and crampons make progress on hard snow easier. Finally, straps and a storage mesh improve comfort on the ascent.
Technical clothing
- Thermal base layers
- Ski fleeces
- Down jackets — compact, in down or synthetic fill
- softshell jackets for favourable conditions
- hardshell jackets — waterproof and breathable
- Ski touring trousers
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers
- Gaiters for deep snow
- Beanies / headbands / balaclavas
- Neck gaiters / Buffs
- Lightweight 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 kit list. During a tour, you alternate between intense effort on the ascent and exposure to cold on the descent. Good temperature management is therefore essential, and it all comes down to choosing the right clothing.
An effective outfit is built around 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 shell.
To know which jacket to choose for ski touring, you need to adapt 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 gaiter and warm socks.
Safety equipment for ski touring
- DVA (Avalanche Victim Detector) with fresh batteries
- Metal shovel
- Probe — minimum 240 cm
- Ski helmet
- Classic ice axe
- Lightweight harness
- Lightweight rope
- Crevasse rescue kit: pulley, ascender, carabiners, sling
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Individual first aid kit
- Multi-function knife
If good physical preparation for ski touring is essential, safety equipment is just as important. It generally consists of the essential trio: a DVA (worn on the body), a shovel and probe. A helmet and ice axe are also useful, as is a harness, a rope or crevasse rescue gear for glaciers or exposed sections. To handle the unexpected, don't forget a first aid kit, a multi-function knife, a whistle and an emergency blanket.
Accessories list for ski touring
- Poles with large 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 ski skins
- Ski backpacks with airbag
- Rain cover for the backpack
- Insulated water bottle or hydration bladder
- Energy snacks: bars, dried fruit, gels
- High-SPF sun cream 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 litres for a day out, it should be able to carry water and snacks, navigation gear, a repair kit, certain documents and a few small extras.
With all these items, the ski touring kit list is complete. It may however need to evolve depending on weather conditions, the type and duration of the outing. In any case, a complete and well-organised ski touring setup will allow you to make the most of your time in the mountains.
