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What to pack for a ski tour?

Basic gear

Emergency equipment (for off-piste ski tours in mountains)

Essentials not to leave home without. The following are absolute musts for off-piste mountain ski tours:

  • Avalanche gear: shovel, probe, finder

  • First aid kit, including insulating foil

  • Headlamp

Other equipment depends on the conditions. How long is the hike? Just going up a hill above a village, or across a glacier? Weather conditions? Snow and avalanche reports? Don’t overestimate your strengths, and carefully evaluate your abilities. Regular ski tourers know which items to pack for what conditions. But here’s a list of essentials for newbies.

Clothing

Both worn and packed. At the summit you’ll need dry clothes, or extra layers if the weather worsens.

UNDER LAYER:

  • Ski socks

  • Absorbent and breathable under layer: Kráľová, Bukovec

  • Long or three-quarter under-trousers

MID LAYER, TOP LAYER FOR ASCENT

TOP LAYER FOR SUMMIT AND DESCENT

ACCESSORIES

  • Cap, headband

  • Multifunctional neck scarf

  • Thinner climbing gloves

  • Thicker, warm, windproof downhill gloves

Other key accessories

UV protection is essential in the mountains. So pack UV filter sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF factor lip balm. And you’ll appreciate:

  • Thermos/insulated hydro bag

  • Food, energy bars, etc.

  • Ski tape

  • Mini repair tools

  • Swiss army knife

  • Map (paper), GPS, compass

  • Bivouac bag

  • Documents (in small, ideally waterproof bag) + mountain insurance

  • Cash

  • Fully-charged cell phone. Be sure to bring - you may need help at any time.

Additional equipment for difficult terrain

  • Crampons for ski boots

  • Ice axe

  • Rope - to secure yourself or for abseiling during the hike

  • Seat harness

Ski tours are in open terrain. So respect safety, don’t overestimate your strength, take an avalanche course, and monitor the weather and local avalanche situation before each hike.