Gear for Back Country Skiing
The equipment we choose to utilize in the winter can make all the difference in the success of our day. The kit listed below will serve as the starting point for all of our SKI trips. Certain courses and objectives may require additional equipment (see other gear lists). Also, customization for the day’s weather and individual preferences may be needed. Please contact us if you have any specific questions about your needs.
The items below are REQUIRED unless otherwise specified. If you have questions about what to bring please email us at schools@ems.com
GEAR LIST
(1) Fleece Hat
You’ve probably heard that most of your body heat escapes from your head. When you’re feeling cold, the first piece to add to your clothing system is a hat. This should cover your ears and can be made of fleece or merino wool.
(2)Face Mask (BUFF style)
When the temperatures drop and the wind picks up, the skin on your face becomes very vulnerable to frost-nip, and even worse, frostbite. Wearing a buff adds protection and warmth to your clothing system.
(3) Ski Helme
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This is a must for all of our downhill skiing
(4) Goggles
You may choose to bring sunglasses instead, so bringing both is helpful and you can make a last minute decision on what to take on the tour.
(5) Glove Liners
Glove liners are very useful for the more aerobic approach to your climb.
(6) Gloves
We recommend having at least 2 pairs of gloves or mittens. Insulated gloves, like ski gloves, with a windproof/waterproof shell are a must for higher elevations and more technical climbing. Mittens with a windproof/waterproof shell are essential for those colder temperatures or if you tend to get cold hands.
(7) Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is very important. Having a bottle that keeps your water from freezing is equally as important. A double-wall insulated bottle does the job great. Wide-mouth water bottles are recommended for winter. 1-2 liters of water is a minimum to keep you hydrated during the day. Please do not use hydration systems, single-wall metal water bottles, or thin plastic. All of these systems freeze easily, making the water unavailable to you. It is a good idea to bring an extra water bottle for both the drive to and from the trailhead.
(8) Food
Fuel your body. Only bring enough food that you will actually eat plus a small amount extra. An example of this would be- A sandwich for lunch, a few bars, and some chocolate. We are usually out for 4-8 hours during the day, so enough to make it through that is plenty.
(9) Personal First Aid Kit
Our guides carry first aid kits with them, but you can make/bring your own tailored to your needs and let us know if you use inhalers, EpiPens, etc. Blisters are the number one issue we face while ski touring so having some tape or Moleskin with you can go a long way in keeping the day fun.
(10) Backpack
20-35 Liter pack is recommended with a max 20lb load. This does not need to be a ski touring specific pack (we will talk about what makes a good pack during the course). Use a backpack large enough to stow all of your gear on the inside without having to strap any of your personal gear on the outside where it is exposed to the elements. Tip: Pack your backpack with your gear before you arrive and make sure you still have enough room to stow your puffy jacket, hard-shell jacket, and extra warm layers for the initial hike in. This will save an enormous amount of time in the morning.
CLOTHING
Socks
Single pair of ski socks. How many times have your feet been way too cold? Merino wool or wool blends are great natural insulators, even when wet. Too heavy of a layering on your feet is your worst enemy; it constricts your blood flow and causes your feet to be cold.
Base Layer (top & bottom)
There’s no way around it — you sweat. Wear fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin. Unlike 100% cotton that gets wet and stays wet, wicking fabrics help you regulate your core temperature and avoid overheating or chilling. Great examples of winter base layers include merino wool layers and EMS® Techwick® Lightweight and Midweight polyester (which wicks, packs, wears, and washes like nothing else). Both top and bottom are needed. Light to midweight merino wool or synthetics, with a snug fit and close to skin.
Insulation Layer (top only)
Mid-layers add insulation to help retain heat that your body creates and are worn between the base layer and outer jacket. Examples of insulating mid-layers include a fleece jacket or a synthetic jacket made of PrimaLoft® or Thermore®. Jacket only. 200-300 weight fleece, heavyweight soft shell, or lightweight synthetic jacket.
Uninsulated Waterproof/Windproof Shell (jacket & pants)*
Forget about bulky coats. Wear an outer shell (over your base and insulation layers) to shed water and snow. Layering will give you more versatility, depending on the weather and your activity. Outerwear that is waterproof with increased breathability will be more adaptable and can help transfer moisture away from your body to keep you dry and protected from the elements. Both jacket and pants are needed. EMS System Three®, Gortex®, or similar waterproof/breathable material. Jacket MUST have an integrated hood. Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate. Full side-zip on pants are very helpful.
*Soft shell pants and jacket can be very appropriate on days when we are not expecting heavy snow or wet weather. They provide wind and water protection while still allowing you to breath.
“Over-it-All” Hooded Down or PrimaLoft® Jacket
This crucial layer is often added when you stop for a break. It helps to maintain your body temperature while you are resting and is essential for keeping you warm on those cold descents and during inconvenient breaks above tree line in high winds. This layer is generally worn over your outermost layers — yes, even over your Gore-Tex® or System Three® jacket.
FOOTWEAR
EMS will provide all skiers with skit touring specific boots. Boot sizes range from mondo size 23-31. If you have a larger or smaller foot please let us know before you arrive.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Camera
Hand/foot warmers
Sunscreen/ lip balm
EMS Climbing School Provides:
Touring boots, skis, bindings, skins, poles- You are more than welcome to use your own if you have it.
Avalanche kits when necessary.
Helpful Tips:
1) When packing clothing for your outing, do not pack any more clothing than you can wear at once. If we empty your pack and you can’t wear all your clothes because you packed too many layers, you will need to eliminate some clothes.
2) If you need help determining which layers to wear, bring more rather than less, and ask us to help you pack. Drop us an e-mail with questions. Remember we are out there every day.
