Ski Touring & Mountaineering Equipment Guide

Proper equipment makes backcountry ski touring safer and more enjoyable. This guide covers the recommended kit for SnowMonkeys trips, including ski touring equipment, avalanche rescue gear, clothing layers, mountaineering hardware, and personal items. Requirements can vary by trip. We send a final packing list after booking, and hire can be arranged if requested in advance.

Ski Touring Equipment

The core kit you need to travel uphill and ski back down in the backcountry. Bring reliable touring gear that you already know how to use

  • Skis or splitboard

    Touring skis or a splitboard suited to mixed snow and variable terrain. Wider powder skis are useful, but very heavy setups make long days harder.

  • Bindings

    Pin / tech touring bindings (or a compatible splitboard binding system). They should be well-adjusted to your boots before the trip.

  • Climbing skins

    Full-length skins that fit your skis or splitboard. Bring glue that still works in cold, dry conditions and a backup if your skins are old.

  • Ski touring boots

    Comfortable touring boots with a good walk mode. They should be already fitted and used — new, untested boots are a common cause of blisters.

  • Ski poles

    Adjustable touring poles with powder baskets. A simple, durable pair is better than a fragile ultra-light setup.

Avalanche and Safety Gear

Essential equipment for travelling in avalanche terrain. Please bring your own transceiver, shovel and probe, and make sure you are comfortable using them. If you need to hire any of these items, let us know when you book and we can try to arrange this. Please also bring fresh batteries and a spare set.

  • Avalanche transceiver

    A modern digital transceiver (3-antenna recommended). Please check that you are familiar with your device before the trip, fit fresh batteries, and pack a spare set.

  • Shovel

    A metal avalanche shovel that packs easily into your backpack.

  • Probe

    A collapsible avalanche probe, usually 240 cm or longer.

  • Helmet

    A ski or mountaineering helmet. Recommended on all ski touring trips and required on more technical itineraries.

  • First aid kit

    Guides carry a group first aid kit. Please bring any personal medication and blister care you may need.

Clothing System

Dress in layers so you can manage heat on the climb and stay warm during breaks and descents. Avoid cotton.

  • Base layers

    Moisture-wicking top and bottom. Pack at least one spare set for hut or lodge evenings.

  • Mid layers

    A light fleece or active insulation layer for skinning and cooler weather.

  • Shell jacket and pants

    Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants with enough room to move and layer underneath.

  • Insulation layer

    A warm puffy jacket for transitions, ridgelines, and evenings. Down or synthetic both work if kept dry.

  • Gloves, hat and buff

    Bring at least two pairs of gloves (lighter pair for climbing, warmer pair for descents), a warm hat, and a buff or neck gaiter.

  • Socks

    Ski-specific socks, plus a spare pair. Good socks matter as much as good boots.

Technical / Mountaineering Gear

Extra equipment for glacier travel, steeper lines, and high-altitude trips such as Tuyuk-Su or Lenin Peak. Not required on every itinerary.

  • Climbing harness

    A lightweight mountaineering harness. Needed on glaciated and high-alpine trips.

  • Ice axe

    A compact mountaineering axe for steeper slopes, icy approaches, and glacier travel.

  • Crampons

    12-point mountaineering crampons compatible with your boots. Required on selected alpine and expedition trips.

  • Helmet

    A climbing-compatible helmet if the trip includes glacier travel, couloirs, or objective hazard from above.

  • Rope and technical hardware

    Group ropes and most technical hardware are provided by guides where the itinerary requires them. You do not need to bring your own rope unless we specifically ask.

Personal Items

Everyday items that make the trip safer and more comfortable. Keep the pack light, but do not leave out the essentials.

  • Backpack

    A 25–35 litre ski touring pack for day tours. Larger expedition packs are only needed on selected trips.

  • Water bottles or hydration system

    At least 1–1.5 litres. Insulated bottles work better than tubes in very cold conditions.

  • Headlamp

    A reliable headlamp with spare batteries. Useful for early starts and hut or camp use.

  • Sunglasses and goggles

    Category 3–4 glacier glasses or sunglasses, plus goggles for wind and snowfall.

  • Sunscreen and lip protection

    High-SPF cream and lip balm. High-altitude sun is stronger than it looks, even in cold weather.

  • Personal toiletries and medication

    Keep it minimal. Include blister kit, pain relief you already use, and any prescription medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help with your kit list?
Tell us which trip you are joining and we will help with packing questions, hire requests, and what to bring.