Ski touring equipment list – what really belongs in your backpack

Basic equipment: what gets you up there?

• Touring skis with touring bindings. The binding frees the heel for the ascent and locks it for the descent.
• Climbing skins, cut to fit. They stop you sliding back.
• Ski crampons. Often essential on hard, icy snow in the morning.
• Ski touring boots with walk and ski mode.
• Telescopic poles with large powder baskets.
• Helmet and goggles, plus sunglasses for the ascent.

Emergency equipment: nobody sets off without it

Transceiver, probe and shovel belong together. If one is missing, rescuing a companion is hardly possible. And: the equipment only helps if you know how to use it.

• Avalanche transceiver (avalanche beacon) with three antennas, worn on the body, not in the backpack. Batteries full.
• Avalanche probe, at least 240 cm long.
• Metal avalanche shovel. The Alpine Club recommends metal because it's sturdier than plastic.
• First aid kit, emergency blanket and bivvy bag.
• Phone, fully charged. Emergency number 140 (mountain rescue) or 112.
• Optional: Avalanche airbag backpack.

Clothing: why layers?

On the way up you sweat, at the summit the wind whistles. Several thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jacket.

• Base layer (merino or synthetic, no cotton)
• Light insulated jacket (down or Primaloft)
• Windproof and waterproof hardshell jacket and trousers
• Two pairs of gloves: thin for the ascent, warm for the descent
• Hat or headband, buff
• Spare shirt for the summit

Backpack contents: what else to take?

• 25–35 litre backpack with ski attachment
• Hot tea in a flask, and water
• Snacks and energy bars
• Sun cream and lip balm
• Map or app with slope angles, route description
• Head torch
• Repair kit: pocket knife, tape, spare skin glue, cable ties

Before you set off

• Avalanche bulletin read
• Weather forecast checked
• Someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back

Buy or rent?

For your first tours, renting makes sense. You can get touring skis, skins and boots from our rental partner Frühsports. Transceiver, probe and shovel are included in our Ski touring camps .