Equipment List for Skiing in the Alps - back to Skiing >
One of the remarkable things about skiing in the Alps is the ability to access ski terrain in a stunning alpine setting, all from the comfort of a world-class hut system. The term "hut" does not serve these accommodations any justice. They are architecturally beautiful and blend the old world of historic huts with modern, off-the-grid technology. Equipped by helicopter, they are able to provide fine meals, comfortable beds and the occasional shower. These resources enable us to travel with very small and light packs, enjoying our turns so much more than we would carrying a full overnight kit.
Your aim should be to get all your gear into a 35 liter ski pack weighing around 20-25 lbs, and you should be able to attach your skis to the pack in a secure and efficient manner. As with any mountain environment, we will encounter extreme temperature swings. The following list is a recommendation of what I feel is a proven kit to manage the conditions we may encounter. Thermal regulation is a full-time job in the mountains and having experience with your layering system and equipment prior to the tour is strongly recommended.
Equipment List for Skiing in the Alps
Technical Ski and Glacier Kit:
- Climbing Pack (30 – 40 liters), Recommended Mammut Nirvana ski pack 35l or Trion Guide 35l
- Ski poles with mid sized basket, telescoping best, Back Diamond flick lock work best
- Mid Fat Skis, say 95-100ish under foot is recommended to balance the tour and turning, something like the Dynafit Manaslu
- Alpine touring bindings or Tele Bindings with the correct screw head bit and extra screws, Recommended any Plum or Dynafit freeride binding
- Climbing Skins and Skin Wax, These must be cut from edge to edge with only a couple mil of base relief, well conditioned skins will be a time saver if in doubt re-glue a couple thin layers allowing 24hr dry time between layers
- Ski Touring Boots, Therma fit liners and custom foot beds highly recommended
- Ski crampons are a must! Tele bindings will necessitate finding a compatible system that will work for you. Some folks use a Dynafit plate mounted under the toe piece to slip in a Dynafit crampon, need to be connected to pack within arms reach with a non locking carabiner
- Climbing Harness (needs to fit over shell pants /coats ) Recommended Mammut Alpine light harness, lighter and less bulky the better preferable with a belay loop and quick slide lock buckles
- Crampons (12 point, semi-rigid with anti ball plates),make sure they interface well with the walk/ski mechanism off the boot, Recommended Petzle Vasak or This is one time I would recommend using aluminum crampons such as the Grivel Haute Rt. a combo of steel and Al. Or Camp makes some nice Al. ones as well
- Alpine Axe (50-60cm), Recommended Petzle Summit or Sum 'Tec
- Avalanche Shovel, Recommended G3 Avitech
- Avalanche Probe Minimum 235 cm, Recommended BD Guide 300
- Avalanche Transceiver, Recommended Mammut Pulse
- 2 locking pear shaped carabiners
- 2 non-locking oval carabiners
- 5.5 meters/18' of 7mm perlon cord for anchor material
- 1.5 meter/4' of 6mm perlon cord for prusik loop
- Long rubber ski straps 1 or 2
Equipment List for Skiing in the Alps
Head:
- Polar fleece or wool ski hat
- Baseball hat or visor (dark underside of visor)
- Buff (goggle them, their amazing) or fleece neck warmer
- Sunglasses or glacier glasses w/ retainer strap (wrap around or w/shields is best) 100% UV protection, Recommended Julbo Explorer alt arc 4 lens
- Goggles with light lens for low viability, Highly recommend Julbo Zebra
- Sunscreen and Lip screen , min 30 SPF
Upper Body:
- 1 Synthetic or Wool t-shirt
- Light Weight Synthetic or Wool Long Sleeve base layer
- Expedition Weight Synthetic Long Sleeve shirt
- Schoeller Soft shell Jacket with hood or Heavy Weight Fleece Recommended Mammut Ultimate Jacket
- Hard Shell Jacket (waterproof breathable),Recommended Mammut Grade Jacket
- Insulating jacket/Puffy (synthetic fill or down)
- Recommended Mammut Stratus Hoody or Stratus Flash something to throw over everything for a break but light weight and packable as well
Hands:
- Lightweight Gloves for ski touring
- Insulating Gloves with Shell and gauntlet (waterproof breathable shell w/ removable synthetic liner)
- Recommended Mammut Expert Tour glove and Astro glove
- Puffy synthetic Mitts or Dachstein wool Mitts if hands prone to being cold
- Hand warmers
Lower Body:
- Underwear as needed (synthetic preferred).
- Light or Mid-weight Synthetic long underwear bottoms
- Schoeller Soft Shell Pants , Recommended Mammut Champ or Glacier pant, Patagonia Backcountry Guide
- Lightweight Shell pants must have side zippers to at least knee high, Recommended Patagonia Rain Shadow Pants
Feet:
- 2 pairs of light synthetic/wool ski socks socks, Hut slippers available
Miscellaneous:
- 2 1-liter water bottles or 1 if thermos
- .5-1 liter thermos for hot brew (optional)
- 1 headlamp (w/ fresh batts), Recommended Black Diamond Spot
- Sleeping bag liner Mandatory in all Mountain Huts! A thin cotton, silk or poly work well
- 1 toiletry kit (toothbrush & small tube paste, lip balm, gold bond, feminine hygiene, ear plugs, handi-wipes or hand sanitizer) Keep it Light!
- 1 Personal First-Aid kit (includes band-aids, blister kit/compeed, meds, cough drops, etc.)
- Prescription eyeglasses back up to contact lenses
- Small stuff sacks to organize clothing and gear
- Camera w/ extra battery & card
Shovel, probe, saw, 8x10 guides tarp shelter, rescue sled, maps/tour plans, GPS, compass, phone, altimeter/watch, headlamp (plus extra small Tikka in first aid), extra double/triple A batteries, sunscreen, first aid kit, repair kit, extra ski straps, my 2 pairs of ski gloves, extra hat/neck-warmer/wool mitts, gortext shell top/bottom, synthetic puffy jacket, googles, .5L thermos, 1L bottle, snacks, sleeping bag liner, piolet, crampons, ski crampons with own non locker, 5 pear lockers, 4 non lockers, V. threader/knife, 2 screws, plaquette, Triaxon, T Bloc, 30-40 meters of 8mm rope, 2 cordelletts, 2 double shoulders, 2 prussik loops
