Equipment List

Ski Mountaineering

EQUIPMENT LIST – OVERNIGHT SKI MOUNTAINEERING

TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:

  • Ski Mountaineering Course
  • NCNP Ski Traverses (e.g. Forbidden Tour, Isolation Traverse)
  • Mount Baker & Mt. Shuksan Skiing

A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand.  All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather.  Select garments that are warm, lightweight and durable.  Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allow flexibility and resists wind, water and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please talk to your guide in advance about conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast.  With a good weather forecast some of these items may be left behind to save weight. All trips require that you bring adequate food and water, please see our “food” equipment list for details.

CLOTHING

Head, Hands & Feet

  • Warm Hat
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff
  • Lightweight Gloves (for uphill; softshell)
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Heavyweight Gloves (for downhill; waterproof and breathable)
  • Ski Socks

Upper Body Layers

  • Lightweight Base Layer Top
  • Lightweight Fleece jacket
  • Softshell Jacket with Hood
  • Puffy Jacket with Hood
  • Hardshell Jacket with Hood

Lower Body Layers

  • Lightweight Baselayer Bottom
  • Softshell Pants
  • Hardshell Pants

ACCESORIES

  • Backpack (30-40 Liters, designed for skiing)
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles

ACCESSORIES continued…

  • Sunscreen and spf lip balm
  • Water & Food (we strongly recommend not using drink hoses during winter trips)
  • Headlamp
  • Blister Kit
  • optional: Ski Helmet

SKI / RIDE

  • Skis or Split Board (we recommend tech/pin bindings and skis > 105mm waist width for winter conditions)
  • Climbing Skins (sized and cut for your skis or board)
  • Ski or Snowboard Boots
  • Ski Poles (collapsible for split boarders)
  • Ski Strap (rubber voile style)
  • Ski Crampons (sized to fit your ski width and binding type)

AVALANCHE SAFETY (these may be rented from NCMG)

  • Transceiver (3 antenna, less than 5 years old)
  • Shovel (metal blade required)
  • Probe (240cm or longer)

CLIMBING / TECHNICAL (these may be rented from NCMG)

  • Ice Axe (lightweight)
  • Boot Crampons (recommend aluminum for weight savings)
  • Climbing harness (a lightweight ski mountaineering model such as the Black Diamond couloir)
  • 2 Locking Carabiners

CREVASSE RESCUE GEAR (this is required for our ski mountaineering course and recommended for skiers that have crevasse rescue experience)

  • 3 additional locking carabiners (5 total)
  • 6 non-locking carabiners
  • 1 Double-Length (120cm) dyneema/spectra sewn runner
  • 1 cordalette 18—21 feet long, 6mm—7mm
  • 2 Friction hitches (recommend sterling hollowblock)
  • Optional: 1 Petzl micro traxion ratcheting pulley

OVERNIGHT GEAR

  • Tent (4 season, lightweight)
  • Sleeping Bag (15-20 degree rating)
  • Sleeping Pad (inflatable)
  • Stove (recommend isobutene stoves over liquid fuel)
  • Fuel (adequate for cooking and melting snow for water – the quantity will vary with the trip length; please consult your guide)
  • Pot
  • Utensils
NCMG Equipment List - Ski Mountaineering.pdf351.01 KB

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