Alps Ski traverse GEAR LIST

You need to provide everything on this list. Due to baggage constraints for international travel I am unable to offer any loaner or rental equipment for this trip.

A word about packing for this trip

This what your pack should look like for this trip. About 45 L capacity, nothing attached to the outside except the helmet on the uphills.

You need to have everything on the list - but not more!

It is essential that you pack light for this trip. If you have more than your regular day pack plus a few extras for the evenings you may struggle.

This traverse has the capacity to carry a bit more risk than the regular lodge day trips we have done together as may we need to travel in high alpine terrain in poor weather or conditions, there are no tree skiing options. Although it is still within our operational risk band (I have guided many trips like this before), having light packs enables us to move faster and therefore reduce our risk. If you pack too heavy and are slow as a result you may put the entire group at greater risk than is required. Packing light will reduce the risks on this trip.

The List

SKIING EQUIPMENT

  • AT touring skis or telemark skis or splitboard. Skis do not need to be very wide underfoot, around 100 mm or even less should be fine.

    • Understand that telemark and snowboard bindings may not be releasable and greatly increase your risk if caught in an avalanche.

    • No snowboard/snowshoe combinations, splitboards only.

  • Skins

  • Ski crampons

  • Still to be determined: Lightweight aluminum foot crampons, fitted to your ski boot. Please ask if we need them before you buy a pair.

  • Touring specific ski boots

  • Adjustable length ski poles

Safety equipment - carry this with you at all times

  • Digital avalanche transceiver with a triple antenna (a marking function is highly recommended)

  • Avalanche shovel

  • Avalanche probe

  • Ski helmet

  • Lightweight and compact climbing harness and 2 locking carabiners (or one triple action locking carabiner with a captive eye)

  • 120 cm length sling with another locking carabiner

  • If you have a tibloc, micro-traction, and other crevasse rescue gear that will work on a 6 mm Petzl Rad line please bring it. The guides will provide two full crevasse rescue kits compatible with the Rad lines. Do NOT bring crevasse rescue equipment such as thick prussik cords that will not work on thin ropes.

  • Medical insurance and mountain rescue insurance information.

optional safety gear

  • Airbag pack. Although most airlines will allow the canisters and batteries for balloon packs on the aircraft there are special regulations involved. Please check with your airline well before you arrive at the airport.

Ski touring equipment - carry this with you at all times

  • Sunglasses: dark, wraparound lenses - this trip can be very bright

  • Goggles

  • Sunscreen, minimum 50 SPF (bad sunburn is one of the most common risks on this trip)

  • Lip protection, minimum 50 SPF

  • Water bottle and/or thermos (1-2 L). Tea is available to purchase at the huts.

  • Headlamp

  • Skin wax

  • Small personal first aid/repair kit: band aids, blister kit, headache pills, hand and toe warmers, extra batteries for transceiver and headlamp, duct tape, pocket knife, specialized binding and boot parts.

  • Toilet kit: toilet paper, baggie for used paper, hand sanitizer (there is toilet paper in each hut)

  • Camera

  • 45-50 L capacity backpack

    • All your gear and clothing must fit inside your pack

    • Nothing should be strapped to the outside, with the exception of your ski helmet

    • You will need to be able to accommodate 1-2 L of additional volume for group equipment plus some extra room for your snacks and lunch food

    • Must have an easy and effective system to strap skis on to the pack

    • I will be using the Ortovox Peak 45. Margie will be using the smaller version, the Peak 42 S. It has a large outer pocket for shovel and probe and plenty of space for the gear required for this trip. Some people can get away with a slightly smaller pack, such as the Ortovox Haute Route series, but I prefer a bit more volume and a lid rather than the zip closure top. If you have a pack that does not have an outside pocket large enough for shovel and probe it can be a bit awkward to get other gear in and out of your pack.

CLOTHING SYSTEMS

Expect temperatures to be anywhere from -20 to +15 degrees celsius on this trip. You need to be prepared for a wide temperature range from hot to cold to storms with wind and snow or rain. Several thin layers are better than fewer thicker layers. No cotton!

The following list includes ALL the outdoor clothing you should bring. Pack light.

  • 1 - 2 wool or synthetic T-shirts

  • 1 - 2 wool or synthetic long sleeved tops

  • 1 - 2 wool or synthetic long underwear bottoms

  • 2 pair ski socks

  • Ski pants – softshell or light hardshell pants both are fine.

  • If you use softshell pants bring a lightweight pair of rain pants with a full side zipper so you can get in and out of them without taking your boots off.

  • Thin windbreaker/softshell - for walking uphill in warm conditions

  • Warmer softshell jacket – I prefer a hooded jacket but it’s not absolutely necessary

  • Shell jacket – to keep the wet out, Gore-tex or similar seems best, hood essential

  • Down or synthetic insulated jacket – for breaks and emergency use

  • Lightweight gloves – for walking uphill in warm conditions

  • Warm gloves (mittens are optional but recommended if you get cold hands)

  • Hand warmers if you get cold hands

  • Warm toque for skiing down

  • Lightweight toque for walking up

  • Balaclava or neck tube – essential for cold and stormy conditions

  • Full brim sun hat that protects your ears and neck (bad sunburn is one of the most common risks on this trip)

around the Huts/LODGE

  • Toiletries - the basics only: Small amounts of soap and shampoo. A small camp towel. Wet wipes are handy.

  • Prescriptions and basic pain medications for those sore muscles

  • Ear plugs

  • Battery pack for recharging phones and devices. There may be charging options at the huts but it may not always be available or convenient.

  • A lightweight sleeping bag liner like this or this. A new group moves through the huts daily and laundry is not done every day. The huts are all heated and blankets are provided so you will not be cold.

  • A lightweight, low volume camp pillow.

  • Compact and lightweight hut slippers.

  • OPTIONAL: 1 t-shirt, lightweight pants, and socks for the evenings.

  • €50 cash per day for food, beverages, etc. You can get away with a bit less if you carry lunch food up from the valley.

GROUP GEAR

You will need to carry one of the following. Each item is 1-2 L in volume.

  • Group repair kit

  • Emergency toboggan/shelter

  • Lightweight air mattress

  • Lightweight rope (2)

  • Your lunches and snacks

THE following WILL be PROVIDEd at each hut:

  • Blankets (the huts are all heated)

  • Toilet paper

Travelling

  • Ensure the expiry date for your passport is well after the trip ends.

  • Airplane tickets

  • Health insurance and mountain rescue information (carry this on you)

Guides will carry

  • Group first aid kit

  • Communications equipment

  • Crevasse rescue kit

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