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Equipment list

Equipment list for Ski mountaineering

1 Avalanche transceiver BeaconsMandatory

An avalanche transceiver is a small device, about the size of a paperback and weighing around 200 grams. It enables a group of off-piste enthusiasts to mount their own search and rescue operation in the event of an avalanche.		Reference
http://pistehors.com/		To top of page

1 Avalanche probeMandatory

Avalanche probe an invaluable tool in search of avalanche victims. You use the probe to stick done in the snow to find the person who is buried under the avalanche.		To top of page

1 Avalanche shovelMandatory

An avalanche shovel is designed dig out people who are buried in an avalanche		To top of page

1 Ski touring bootsMandatory

A Ski touring boots is a ski boot that can be set in flexible and ski mode. In flexible mode the top of the boot can move back and forward, so you can walk almost like a normal boot. When skiing is required the boot is set to ski mode at the boot is stiff.		To top of page

1 Touring (Ski mountaineering) BindingsMandatory

For ski mountaineering there is a special combination of the automatic release and the Nordic binding. They fixated on the front, while the heel remains free, and can be used for the descent when turned into a normal ski binding		To top of page

1 Ski mountaineering skiMandatory

Ski mountaineering ski are combined downhill and touring Skis. The Binding in a Ski mountaineering ski attaches only at the toe in walking mode, and can be set to downhill mode when skiing down.		To top of page

1 ScarfMandatory

A scarf is good to have to protect you neck and head against cold, since your body looses most of the heat from the top regions of your body		To top of page

1 ThermosMandatory

A Thermos is essential to have with you when you are in the mountains in cold weather. My favourite is peppermint tee with honey, gives you a boost when you are cold and thirsty		To top of page

1 Fleece jacketMandatory

A fleece jacket is important to have in your backpack. You can wear this alone or under your wind proof jacket. This is important so you can dress in layers to keep warm.		To top of page

1 Jacket Multi function windstopperMandatory

A Multi function windstopper jacket as the last layer is important to keep rain, wind and water away. All latest models are also “breathable” so sweat can exit your body and no rain can enter. Combined with a fleece this will keep you warm with minimum weight		To top of page

1 Pants for MountaineeringMandatory

A mountaineering pants for the entire year from stretchable, washable material must always be wtih you.		To top of page

1 Bivouac sackMandatory

A bivouac sack (also known as a bivy sack, bivvy bag, bivi bag or just bivy) is an extremely small, lightweight, waterproof and windproff shelter		To top of page

1 Ski skinsMandatory

The Ski skins are a climbing aid. The Ski skins are attached to the ski to provide grip on the snow. They prevent the skis slip backwards and simultaneously allow the glide forward.		To top of page

1 SuncreamMandatory

In the mountains the sun is much stronger than in lower altitudes, also the snow reflects the sun back. When you are in the mountains you need a high quality sun cream to protect your skin. I use the children version because it will not cause irritation in your eyes when you sweat		To top of page

1 Ski mountaineering poleMandatory

In contrast to classic ski poles are for the tour ski walkers indispensable. Ski mountaineering sticks are adjustable in the height since different size of the pole is used in the ascent and descent.		To top of page

1 two-chamber gloveMandatory

A good quality two chamber glove is essential when skiing or in the mountain, they are primarily used when you are not sweating, or should be in your backpack as a reserve in case you main gloves get wet or it gets colder		To top of page

1 Soft Shell GloveMandatory

A thin soft shell glove is used in good weather or when you are sweating. They should only be used if you have a spare 2 chamber gloves in your backpack		To top of page

1 CapMandatory

A good quality cap should always be with you on the tour to protect your head against the sun and the cold		To top of page

1 First aid kitMandatory

A First Aid Kit should always be in you backpack. From the standard stuff I also includes, Compeed against blister, Ibuprofen (Against pain in the joint, anti-inflammatory), Aspirin (against headache), Bepanthen (to treat small skin wounds), Climbing tape (For repairs and bandages), CPR leaflet, small cord (For repairs)		To top of page

1 MobilephoneMandatory

A mobile phone is good to have with you on your tours so you can call for help in case of emergency or to get the latest weather forecast. BUT it should be turned off during the tour so it doesn’t interfere with your avalanche rescue device.		To top of page

1 Ski helmetIs good to have

A Ski helmet should nowadays be standard equipment. 15% of all injuries by skiing are head injuries		To top of page

1 Avalanche backpacksIs good to have

If you are caught in an avalanche, you can trigger an "Airbag" which is integrated into backpack; it will increase your buoyancy in the avalanche. In this way you can avoid being dragged down by avalanches and ending up in the surface. This will increase your chance of survival.Two manufacturers currently: ABS (according SLF database 120 cases documented in Europe, of which 114 people (95%) survived), Snowpulse (available since spring 2008, yet no).		Reference
http://www.snowpulse.ch/		To top of page

1 HarscheisenIs good to have

These devices fit between the boot and the plate of the binding and allow a row of metal teeth to protrude downwards on either side of the ski. When the foot and the plate of the binding are raised the ski can glide forward; when the foot is lowered the teeth bite into the snow like a crampon.		To top of page

1 AvalungIs good to have

With the AvaLung, someone buried by an avalanche is able to breathe the oxygen contained in the snow. Even heavily compressed snow has an air component of at least 50%. The person’s exhaled air is directed into the snowpack at the rear corner of the pack, away from the fresh air intake zone. This dramatically increases the amount of time a victim can breathe and stay alive while trapped in the snow		To top of page

1 DAV-SnowCardIs good to have

The method from the German mountaineering club DAV to in a fast way to check and do risk assessment of avalanche danger		Reference
http://www.av-snowcard.de/		To top of page

1 Check and RideIs good to have

Safety product to record the most important information given by the avalanche report.		Reference
http://www.ortovox.com		To top of page

1 Powder CordsIs good to have

Powder cords are long, brightly colored cords made from durable fabrics that attach to your bindings and trail out from your skis when you fall		To top of page

1 Multi function t-shirtIs good to have

A multifunction t-shirt that’s transports you sweat away from your body is essential as first layer		To top of page

1 Drink bottleIs good to have

Drink bottle with a least room for one litre of water		To top of page

1 HeadlampIs good to have

A descent into the darkness without a headlamp can be dangerous if your tour for whatever reason, is delayed, you should always have a headlamp in your backpack. Also in the huts at night without lights, a headlamp is practical		To top of page

1 Energie-Bars/Powerbar/PowerGelIs good to have

Energy bars or power gel provide a high concentration of carbohydrates, along with proteins and fats, to give the body the fuel it needs to continue functioning. It is good to have with your to boost your energy or in case of emergency		To top of page

1 GPS receiverIs good to have

A GPS navigation device is a device that receives Global Positioning System (GPS) signals for the purpose of determining the present location. New models also include digital maps, routing and tracking functions. This can be very useful for tour planning and in the mountains to keep on track and to track back in case of bad weather or poor sight		To top of page

1 BinocularsIs good to have

Binoculars are good to have with you to find the best descent, or the best route.		To top of page

1 Cable StripsIs good to have

When it is cold or wet it can happen that your ski skins do no prober glue to your skies any more, or the attachments can break. An easy solution is to use cable strips to attach the ski skin.		To top of page

1 Impregnating waxIs good to have

Special paraffin prevents wrinkling for long periods and improves the gliding properties of adhesive ski skins.
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1 Leathermann MultitoolsIs good to have

A multi function tools is good to have to make small repairs on your equipment, it is important the multi tool has screwdrivers that fits the screws on your boots and bindings. Also spare screws for your boot and binding can be a big advantage.		To top of page

1 Seat CushionsIs good to have

When having a rest a small cushion is nice to have because I prevent you to get a cold or wet behind		To top of page

1 Ski gogglesIs good to have

A ski goggles with red or yellow glass can improve you sight dramatically and is a must to protect your eyes from the wind and to improve your sight during bad weather conditions		To top of page