Ski Touring Kit List 

 

Hardwear 

 

Transceiver/shovel/probe* Essential. Metal shovel, 200cm minimum probe, modern digital 
transceiver with new batteries. 

Skis* There is a huge choice available. Fat skis are great downhill in powder, but too heavy 
for big climbs. Most tours you’ll ski all sorts of snow anyway, so try medium wide (80-
90mm) and short-ish. 

Bindings* Your choice! Fritschi are easy to use and popular, Dynafit save a lot of weight. 

Boots* Medium stiff is best compromise. Buy with thermo inner. Hire boots are rarely that 
comfortable. Light, soft boots don’t help your skiing. 

Skins* Must fit the ski – narrow skins don’t work on big skis. 

Ski crampons* (couteaux/harscheisen) Essential any tour later than February. 

Sticks* With big baskets. Don’t need to be telescopic – rigid is lighter, stronger and cheaper. 

Crampons/ice axe.* Essential for some tours. Make sure crampons fit ski boots. 

Harness * This can be very lightweight – Black Diamond “Bod”. You must be able to put it 
on over boots/skis 

Helmet* Optional – if you feel happier then wear a helmet. 

Rucksack 30-45 litres is plenty. Must be able to carry skis on the rucksack. 

 

Clothing 

 

Waterproof Jacket and trousers Lightweight materials – Paclite – are ideal. Trousers should 
have full length zips so they can go on without removing boots/crampons/skis 

Clothing Layering systems work best. Lightweight, long sleeve and light colour base layers, 
mid layers plus fleece jacket. Soft shell/mountain trousers, thin base layer for cold days. Spare 
socks/t-shirt for huts. 

Duvet Jacket Down or synthetic: essential extra layer. 

Hats Warm hats that protect ears. A sun hat is a good idea for later season tours. 

Gloves 2 pairs. Light gloves will be fine for skinning on warm days. 

Sunglasses Must be minimum Category 3, but 4 is better. Consider a spare pair… 

Goggles Essential for windy/poor visibility days 

Facemask/Scarf Good for cold windy days. 

 

Other Stuff 

 

Camera A small and light digital is ideal. 

Headtorch For early starts and dark huts. Petzl Tikka type is fine, and very lightweight 

Water bottles Bottles are best, Camelbaks will freeze. Or burst. Or leak. 

Suncream, blister kit, repair kit, personal first aid/medication, contact lenses, glasses, etc 

Sheet sleeping bag, ear plugs Many huts insist on sheet bags – you can buy them there - at a 
price. Ear plugs can help… 

 

Technical gear (*) can be hired if needed.