Ski Traverses

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Clothing

  • 1 – Long underwear top – synthetic or wool (light colors are good)
  • 1 – Light fleece or a light wool sweater
  • 1 – Light weight wind jacket – nylon or ‘Schoeller’
  • 1 – Waterproof -breathable shell jacket
  • 1 – Warm insulated jacket – down or synthetic
  • 2-3 Pair of wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
  • 2-3 Pair wool or synthetic underwear
  • 1 – Long underwear bottoms – synthetic or wool
  • 1 – Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
  • 1 – Waterproof breathable shell pants (light weight and full zip is best)
  • 1 – Warm hat – wool or synthetic
  • 1 – Brimmed cap  for sun protection
  • 1 – Handkerchief for sun protection
  • 1 – Face warmer – scarf, neck tube or balaclava (optional)
  • 1 – Light gloves – wool, synthetic or leather
  • 1 – Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell
  • 1 – Spare warm gloves or mitts
  • 1 – Down or synthetic camp booties (optional)

Travel Equipment

  • Skis or split board
  • Ski boots or snowboard boots
  • Ski poles
  • Climbing skins
  • Skin wax (or a candle)
  • Ski crampons (for spring tours)
  • Specific binding repair items to fix your personal travel setup

Glacier Gear (if required)

  • Harness – fitted for over your ski clothing (Cilao, Camp, BD and Arcteryx make the best lightweight ski touring harnesses)
  • 3 – Light weight locking carabiners
  • 3 – Light weight non-locking carabiners
  • 2 – 6mm by 5m prussik cord (7mm cord is generally too large!)
  • 1 – 120cm lightweight sewn climbing sling (Dyneema or Spectra blends)
  • Crampons – fitted to your ski boots (Aluminium crampons are recommended)
  • Lightweight ice axe without a leash

Snow Safety Equipment

  • Avalanche beacon with spare batteries
  • Shovel
  • Probe 2-3m in length

Personal Equipment

  • Pack (60-80 litres)
  • Garbage bag to line your pack
  • Sunglasses (Having both orange and dark lenses is a real benefit for uphill travel in all conditions)
  • Goggles (orange lenses)
  • Sunscreen (60 spf+) and lip cream (30 spf+)
  • Head lamp with good batteries
  • Insulated water bottle(s) 1.5-2L
  • Lunch bag/container (optional)
  • Personal blister kit and/or tape
  • Pocket knife
  • Camera (optional)
  • Sleeping foamy (Ensolite 5-10mm)
  • Sleeping pad (Inflatable style)
  • Sleeping bag (-15 to -25’C rating)
  • Plastic eating cup (500 to 750ml)
  • Spoon
  • Personal mug (optional)
  • Hygiene kit – “Wet Wipes”, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hand lotion
  • Ear plugs
  • 1 roll of toilet paper and lighter in a Ziplock bag
  • Pee bottle – 1L (optional)
  • Personal medications
  • Lighter
  • Personal liquor or treats
  • Large stuff sac for carrying food

Group Gear

  • Altimeter
  • Map(s) and compass
  • GPS
  • Tent(s)
  • Stove(s) and pump(s)
  • Pot set(s)
  • Fuel – generally 150-200ml/person/day
  • Stove repair kit
  • Snow and/or bush saw
  • Snow study kit
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency tarp
  • Emergency toboggan
  • Group repair kit
  • Radio, satellite phone or cell phone
  • Rope for glacier travel
  • Ice screw(s)
  • Rappel device/pulley
  • Guide book/Route description