GEAR AND CLOTHING NECESSITIES

The start to any good trip is packing the right equipment and clothing necessary for the constantly changing temperatures and different elevations we will be at. Not just for safety reasons, but also for comfort, please try and have the following before departing on your trip. Remember that more is not always better, pack efficiently and take what you are going to use. For the trips to Europe it will be easier to find any items which you may have forgotten or discover that you need while there. As far as South America, it is a bit more isolated and all the gear necessary for back country travel can not always be found.

Spend some time making sure that all your new gear works and that you have broken in new boots (whether ski or hiking boots). Dressing in layers works well, as the temperatures are always fluctuating throughout the day.

Go through this list and decide what gear/clothing is appropriate for your specific trip and if you are having some trouble deciding, please feel free to contact us regarding any specific items. There may be additional personal items which you may need, so plan accordingly.

Personal Equipment

• Backpack (good fit, 30 liters for extended hut skiing, 20-25 liters for day trips)
• Travel bags with wheels!!! (essential items, both ski and duffels should have wheels for better mobility)
• Avalanche Beacon (with extra batteries)
• Collapsible snow shovel and probe (Voile or Black Diamond are both excellent)
• Watch (with altimeter is a good option), alarm clock (unless on watch)
• Sunglasses, goggles(2), sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 40+)
• Hydration system (water bladder), water bottle, energy snacks (GU, Cliff bars, etc.)
• Headlamp (extra batteries)
• Skins for ski touring (extra glue for touching up skins, extra tips for skins, skin wax)
• Boots (Downhill, randonnee, telemark. or snowboard)
• Randonnee or telemark skis or a split snow board (Voile and Burton make great ones)
• Backcountry adaptable poles (two stage probe poles work best)
• Ski straps for tying skis to backpacks
• Crampons and Ice ax (depending on trip, consult us before purchasing)
• Harness and carabiners (depending on which trip as well)
• 2 pairs of gloves (winter and spring)
• Hats (winter and a baseball cap)
• Ski helmet
• Multi tool for repairs (with knife on it, but put in checked luggage on plane)
• Radios (with at least a 3-5 mile range, essential!!!)
• Rub-on ski wax and p-tex for fixing holes in skis/ snowboards
• Moleskin or Band Aid foot repair patches (for blisters)

Clothing Suggestions (layering works best while in the mountains)

• Gortex shell jacket and ski pants (winter and spring pant)
• Soft shell and/or fleece jackets (wind shirts are good as well)
• Fleece pants
• 2 sets of long underwear (tops and bottoms)
• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
• 5 pairs of ski socks
• Neck gaiter/ face mask  
• 1 sweater or an extra fleece   
• Waterproof hiking boots, trekking shoes, or snow clogs