Our Recommended Backcountry Skiing Gear

Backcountry Skiing

Having The Right Backcountry Ski Gear is Crucial

It’s been a busy time in the backcountry. I’ve never seen as many people backcountry skiing. I’m not sure if that’s because people are finding themselves with more time due to COVID or are just looking for COVID-friendly activities. Either way, if you’ve just booked a guided backcountry ski trip to improve your technique or escape COVID. Then this list is right for you.

Backcountry Ski Gear List Download

Download our Free Backcountry Skiing Gear List before your nest trip. Simply enter your name and email address and we’ll send you a copy of our Professional Ski Guide Backcountry Ski Gear List

Having the right Ski Gear when you’re exploring the backcountry is crucial. I have been lucky enough to spend nearly every day of the last 20 years going in to the backcountry of various mountains – all over the word. And I can assure you, you want to get your gear right. Staying warm and dry are critical. That’s why I’ve detailed a list gear you’ll need. You can click on the product to see the recommended product.

Backcountry Ski + Technical

Skis With Alpine Touring bindings: We recommend a touring ski with a waist between 102cm and 116. Skis should be equipped with touring binding, preferably tech style bindings.
Climbing Skins: Skins need to be in good condition and cut to fit your ski.
Ski Touring Boot: Boots need to be compatible with your bindings. Boots must have a walk mode.*For Those doing a ski mountaineering objective
Ski Crampons: Ski Crampons must be compatible with your bindings and ski waist width.
Boot Crampons: We highly recommend aluminum crampons. Make sure they work with your ski boots
Harness: Harness must fit over ski clothing, be lightweight, and in good condition. You should also have 2 locking carabiners and a belay device.
Ice Axe: Ice Axe needs to be lightweight and short (Less than 55cm)

Safety Gear

Ski Backpack: A good ski pack should be lightweight and have a dedicated pocket for your avalanche rescue gear and be between 30-50 liters.
Avalanche Rescue Gear: You will need a shovel and probe. The Shovel should have an extendable handle and an aluminum blade. Both should fit into your pack without sticking out. Make sure your probe is in working order.
Avalanche Beacon: Your beacon should be a modern digital beacon. Check your battery life before you leave the house.
Ski Helmet: While not required a helmet is highly recommend.

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Backcountry Clothing

From head to toe you’ll find recommendations in the below lists. We also have an article that breaks down How to Layer for the Backcountry Skiing in case you would like tips for staying warm and dry while preparing for a day of backcountry skiing or ski mountaineering.

Upper Body + Hands

Beanie: Light or med. weight Beanie.
Buff/Neck Gaiter: We recommend a lightweight buff as it has many uses.
Goggles: We really like goggles with changeable lenses for use in bright and low light. They should also be compatible with your helmet.
Sunglasses: Even if you always prefer to ski in goggles, sun glasses are needed for the up. Goggles will get fogged with sweat.

Upper Body + Hands

Hard Shell Jacket: Waterproof/breathable jacket with ventilation
Midlayer: Breathable light insulating jacket .
Mid to Heavy Insulating Jacket: When temps are cold, you will be happy for a nice warm jacket.
Shell Jacket: Hard or Softshell protection from wind and snow. Lightweight material with no insulation or liner
Top Base Layer: We really like sun hoodies.
Warm Gloves: How warm depends on you. We recommend a durable well-fitting ski glove.
Light Gloves: lighter weight gloves are recommended for hiking up to reduce sweating

Lower Body + Feet

Ski boots can be found under the technical gear section.

Ski Pants: We recommend a light option or a more waterproof option .
Bottom Base Layer: bottoms.
Ski Touring Boot: Boots need to be compatible with your bindings. Boots must have a walk mode.*For anyone doing a ski mountaineering objective
Ski Socks: We prefer lightweight socks

Personal and Group Items

Personal Items

Sunscreen: 50 SPF or greater. Make sure your tube is not old as sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time
Lip Screen: Make sure it has at least 30 SPF
Food and Water: 1-2 liters of water, enough food for the day
Navigation/communication: InReach, Phone, extra phone battery or portable cell phone charger, headlamp, inclinometer/Compass
Avalanche observation kit: Notebook, snow saw, cord, crystal card and hand lense

Group Gear

Small First Aid Kit: CPR mask, Medical gloves, Blister stuff, wound care (band-aids, gauze pads etc), Med tape, Ibuprophren, Scissors.
Repair Kit: binding tool, duct tape, extra batteries, ski straps, lighter, skin wax, scraper, baling wire, zip ties, binding screws, and boot rivets.
Rescue Tarp/Shelter: One example