Ski mountaineering gear falls into three major groups: ski gear, mountaineering gear, and other outdoor gear. This guide will introduce you to the basics of all three groups to help orient you when you go shopping to get the essentials for your ski mountaineering pack.

Ski Gear

Ski gear for ski mountaineering includes basic ski gear and specialized gear.

The most fundamental choice in basic ski gear is between alpine skis, nordic skis, or snowboarding gear. Alpine skis for mountaineering can be standard downhill skis or specialized randonee skis, which allow more heel movement for climbing. Nordic skis for mountaineering are typically telemark skis, which allow heel movement for turning maneuvers. Telemark skis tend to be more popular in the United States, randonee in Europe. Snowboards are becoming increasingly popular around the world, partly because they are easier to learn for beginners.

Each type of ski further requires its own type of ski binding to anchor the ski to the user’s ski boot. Binding designs correspond to the degree of heel movement allowed by different types of skis.

Ski Skins can be attached to mountaineering skis to provide extra grip for moving forward. Ski skins were traditionally made from furry seal skin, but today they are usually woven from nylon. They fit to the base of the skis. They are woven at an angle that lets skis glide forward, but keeps them from sliding back.

Skis and ski skins require wax, along with scrapers to remove excess wax accumulations, so wax and scrapers should also be considered essential ski equipment for ski mountaineering.

Ski crampons are another important piece of specialized equipment for ski mountaineering. These spiked metal frames, adapted from traditional mountain climbing crampons, provide extra traction for navigating steep or slippery surfaces.

Finally, a ski mountaineer’s ski equipment includes ski clothing. This covers everything from hats and other headgear like balaclava and buffs, to goggles and sunglasses and glacier glasses, to insulated jackets, gloves, and boots.

Mountaineering Gear

On the mountaineering side of ski mountaineering, essential gear encompasses the range of basic mountaineering equipment. Standard equipment to aid climbing includes axes, pitons, piton hammers, harnesses, crampons, and rope. Also important is mountaineering emergency equipment, such as a bivy sack or tarp for an improvised emergency shelter, a crevasse rescue kit, an avalanche rescue kit (which should include avalanche probes, shovels, and transceivers), and rescue sleds for evacuation of injury victims.

Other Outdoor Gear

A ski mountaineer’s ski and mountaineering gear is rounded out by other outdoor gear common to activities like hiking, backpacking, and camping gear. For shelter, a bivy sack or tarp has already been mentioned. This should be supplemented by fire building equipment for emergency heat, light, and smoke signals. Essential gear for food and drink includes water bottles, steel bottles, thermoses, snacks, and cooking equipment.

A basic first aid kit is vital. This should be supported by the special mountaineering emergency equipment previously mentioned for dealing with crevasse rescue, avalanche rescue, and sled evacuations.

Navigation equipment is another important part of ski mountaineering gear. Essentials include maps, a GPS unit, and a compass all serve to help keep the expedition on track.

Communications equipment further ensures safe navigation as well as providing support for emergencies. The most essential item is the transceiver or beacon mentioned as part of the avalanche rescue kit. Cell phones and a tri-band radio are other recommended items.

Finally, packing sightseeing equipment such as lightweight outdoor binoculars and cameras help make ski mountaineering more fun. And that, after all, is what ski mountaineering is all about.

Worthy Ski Mountaineering Expert Advice

For more advice about essential gear we recommend following these experts:

Larry Dolecki | Icefall Lodge Calgary AB Canada

Rob Hess | Jackson Hole Mountain Guide

Eric Dumerac | Mountain Skills Academy Alberta Canada

Russell Brice | Chamonix Mont Blanc

Related Posts

1. Ski Mountaineering Pack Tips
2. Ski Mountaineering Essentials