Big Mountains, Big Adventures

Alaska Skiing

Big mountain riding.

Each year at NCMG we offer what we call the "rotating tap".  These trips are for people that have skied with us before and want to try something new. The trips we run vary from year to year, so if you see something you like and want to know when we will be running that trip again please send us an email and we will let you know!

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, allows 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 discuss this with your guide in advance to determine the 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 
  • Ski Socks

Upper Body Layers

  • Lightweight Base Layer Top
  • Lightweight Insulating Jacket
  • Softshell Jacket with Hood
  • Puffy Jacket with Hood
  • Hardshell Jacket with Hood

Lower Body Layers

  • Lightweight Baselayer Bottom
  • Softshell Pants
  • Hardshell Pants

Accessories

  • Backpack (30-50 Liters, designed for skiing)
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen and spf lip balm
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Water & Food 
  • Headlamp
  • Blister Kit
  • Helmet – recommend a dual rated (ski/climb) helmet

Ski/Ride

  • Skis or Split Board (we recommend tech/pin bindings and skis > 90mm and < 110 waist width for spring 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 can be rented from NCMG

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

Climbing/Technical (these can 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
Available Guides
Jeff Ward
Larry Goldie
Drew Lovell
Joshua Cole
Steph Williams
Location
Technical Difficulty
4
Physical Difficulty
4

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