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 ready, Cimalp reveals the complete ski touring kit list.
Key takeaways:
- Skis, skins, ski crampons and boot crampons must be in good condition and suited to the terrain.
- Heat management is based on the three-layer system.
- An avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are the foundation of ski touring safety.
- The rucksack must be well organised for quick access to equipment.
Skis, boots and crampons
- Touring skis with appropriate bindings
- Cut and maintained skins
- Snow crampons compatible with bindings
- Ski touring boots
- Crampons with integrated anti-balling system
- Straps to secure skis
- Scraper or anti-icing ski wax
- Storage net for skins
Ski touring equipment is built primarily around lightweight skis with appropriate bindings, skins and comfortable boots. Ski crampons make progress on hard snow easier. Finally, straps and a storage net 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 overtrousers
- Gaiters for deep snow
- Beanies / headbands / balaclavas
- Neck warmers / Buffs
- Lightweight gloves for the ascent
- Ski gloves — warm and waterproof for the descent
- Lightweight glove liners
- Ski socks — thermal and breathable
- Spare pair of socks
Ski touring clothing makes up the bulk of the ski touring kit list. During a day out, you alternate between intense effort on the ascent and exposure to cold on the descent. Good temperature management is therefore essential and starts with choosing the right clothing.
An effective outfit is built around the three-layer system: thermal base layers, a fleece or down jacket as the mid layer, and a waterproof jacket as the outer protective layer.
To find out 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 warmer and warm socks.
Safety equipment for ski touring
- Avalanche transceiver (DVA) 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
- Personal first aid kit
- Multi-tool knife
If good physical preparation for ski touring is essential, safety equipment is just as 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.
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 skins
- Ski rucksacks with airbag
- Rain cover for rucksack
- Insulated flask or hydration bladder
- Energy snacks: bars, dried fruit, gels
- High-factor 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 an avalanche airbag rucksack is recommended. With a capacity of 25 to 35 litres for a day out, 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 kit list is complete. It may however evolve depending on weather conditions, the type and duration of the outing. In all cases, a complete and well-organised ski touring kit will allow you to make the most of your mountain day out.
