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
- Skis for ski hiking with suitable bindings
- Trimmed and well-maintained climbing skins
- Ski crampons compatible with bindings
- Ski touring boots
- Crampons with built-in anti-balling plates
- Straps for securing skis
- Scraper or anti-balling ski wax
- Mesh bag for storing climbing skins
Ski touring equipment centres on lightweight skis with suitable bindings, climbing skins and comfortable boots. Ski crampons and crampons help you move across hard snow. Straps and a storage net make the ascent more comfortable.
Technical clothing
- Thermal base layers
- Ski fleeces
- Packable insulated jackets with down or synthetic fill
- Softshell jackets for good conditions
- Waterproof, breathable hardshell jackets
- Ski touring trousers
- Windproof, waterproof overtrousers
- Gaiters for deep snow
- Beanies / headbands / balaclavas
- Neck gaiters / Buffs
- Lightweight gloves for the ascent
- Warm, waterproof ski gloves for the descent
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Thermal, breathable ski socks
- Spare pair of socks
Ski touring clothing makes up most of your ski touring kit list. On an outing, you alternate between hard work on the ascent and exposure to the cold on the descent. Managing your temperature is therefore essential, and starts with choosing the right clothing.
An effective outfit is built around the three-layer system: thermal underwear as a base layer, a fleece or insulated jacket as a mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket as a protective outer layer.
To decide which ski touring jacket to choose, focus on the conditions. A softshell is enough in good weather, but a hardshell jacket is more versatile and essential in rain or snow. To protect yourself from the cold, take a beanie, gloves, a neck warmer 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
- Survival blanket
- Whistle
- Individual first aid kit
- Multi-function knife
While good physical preparation for ski hiking is essential, safety equipment is just as important. This usually consists of the avalanche transceiver (worn on your person), 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. Be ready for the unexpected with a first-aid kit, multi-tool, whistle and 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 airbags
- 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.
