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___Boots - Alpine touring or plastic telemark boots are recommended. Lighter, softer boots are typically better for touring and walking, while heavier, stiffer boots provide more downhill control. Strive to find a happy medium.

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Gaiters - Generally only necessary if your pants don't cinch around your boot cuff.

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Socks - Wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton. A single medium wieght pair is best. A pair of liners with a medium sock also works well. Bring a spare pair.

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Pants - Synthetic preferred. Pants made from Schoeler Fabric such as Patagonia's "Guide Pants", or Black Diamond's "Alpine pants" are great options.

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Long Underwear top - Capilene or polypropylene recommended

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Lightweight shirt - A lightwieght fleece (Patagonia's R1) or wool shirt

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Jacket - Synthetic, pile or wool. Patagonia's "puffball" or similar synthetic is a great option as its lighter, warmer and more packable than fleece.

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Shell gear - Gore-tex or other waterproof breathable parka with hood and pants as lightweight as possible. These will live in your pack for much of the trip.

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Gloves- Two pairs: one insulated with shell, the other lightweight, such as a windstopper fleece or nordic ski glove. Mittens are not recommended.

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Sun cap/hat - Quick drying preferable.

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Warm Hat - A wool or fleece ski hat.

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Climbing and Skiing gear - This is the area where weight makes a big difference. Strive to get the lightest gear available to you; consider renting or borrowing here.

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Skis - In general the wider the better. Modern skis seem to get wider and wider each year, yet still ski a variety of snow conditions extremely well. A wide, medium stiffness ski with short turn radius is ideal. This gives you the ability to make short, quick turns on steeper slopes, and float well through challenging snow.

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Poles - Adjustable poles are great. Alpine length for downhill skiing, longer for long sections of skating or double poling.

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Ski Strap - Something to hold your skis together on your pack or your shoulder. Be sure it is long enough for fat skis.

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Climbing skins - Should be trimmed to fit the shape of your ski. You want to make sure you still have some metal edge showing at the waist of the ski, though no more than about 2mm on each side.

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Transceiver -We will supply single frequency 457 kHz BCA Tracker models for your use. If you have a beacon of your own that you are more familiar with, you are welcome to bring it. Bring fresh batteries to start the tour.

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Shovel - If you own a shovel, bring it, otherwise let us know and we can provide one.

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Probe - If you own an avalanche probe, bring it, otherwise let us know and we can provide one.

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Ski Crampons -Also known as Harscheisen. These are removable crampons that attach to your bindings to improve grip in firm snow conditions. Most modern AT bindings offer compatible ski crampons. These can be harder to find for telemark bindings. SkiAlp makes one that can be used with tele bindings. Be sure and try them before the tour!

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Boot Crampons - We will need boot crampons for crossing some of the higher passes. We recommend aluminum crampons. While not as durable, these are much lighter than steel ones and will be in your pack the majority of the trip. Whatever type of crampon you choose must fit securely on your ski boots.

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Ice axe - This again should be as light as possible. Many companies make aluminum axes designed for ski mountaineering. For a more versatile axe consider one with an aluminum shaft and a steel head.

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Climbing Harness - A lightweight alpine harness is best. Ideally one with a belay loop and adjustable leg loops. Black Diamond's "Alpine Bod" or Petzl's "Pandeon" are good choices.

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Locking Carabiners - Bring 2 lockers.

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Miscellaneous Gear - Again, light is right...

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Pack -Around 3000 - 4000 cubic inches is ideal. Much bigger and the pack gets too heavy and does not hug your body while skiing. If you are going light, this size should hold all of your gear. Be sure it has ski attachment points.

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Headlamp - A necessary tool for early starts. A lightwieght LED model will work fine for this trip. I reverse one of the batteries in my Petzl Tikka to make sure it doesn't turn on in my pack.

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Food - An adequate amount for high-energy days. To learn more about food planning click Here.

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.Water bottles - Carry at least 2 quarts. Hydration bladders work well. An insulated sleeve for your tube is crucial in winter. A thermos is also a nice treat when the weather is cold or stormy.

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Sunscreen/ lip protection - SPF higher than 30. A small tube should last the entire trip. Many Dermatone products work for both skin and lips.

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Sunglasses - With 100% UV protection. Consider wearing with retention straps. Changeable lenses are great for variable light conditions. Smith's slider series offers this option. Dark lenses are a must and many people use side shields as well.

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Goggles - Essential when its dumping or skiing face shot powder.

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Foot protection - For blisters and hotspots. Molefoam , athletic tape and Spenco's second skin all work well.

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Pocket Knife - Simple and Light.

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Repair Kit - Bring any spare parts specific to your bindings. Your guides will carry a full repair kit and a leatherman tool, so keep yours simple and light.

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Optional Gear

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Camera and film - Most likely you will want to document this great adventure. Try to get a carrying case that fits on your pack and will not interfere with your skiing. If you keep your camera in your pack you won't take many pictures.

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Toiletries - Keep it simple. A tiny tube of toothpaste can supply several people. Many people enjoy using handiwipes or hand sanitizer.

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Toilet Paper - which will be packed out