Ski Mountaineering Gear List

This ski mountaineering gear list covers what to bring for guided ski mountaineering objectives with The Mountain Guides — including technical descents in the Tetons, Wasatch, Beartooths, and Sawtooths that combine backcountry ski touring with mountaineering skills like steep skinning, booting, ice axe and crampon use, and short technical sections. Our AMGA-certified guides supply group safety equipment and technical hardware, but every participant brings their own ski touring setup, avalanche safety gear, and personal layering.

Ski mountaineering season runs roughly December through May, with March through May offering the most stable snowpack and longest daylight for big objectives. Conditions vary widely by range and elevation — your guide will confirm specific gear requirements based on your itinerary.

Ski Mountaineering vs. Backcountry Skiing — Which List Do I Need?

Ski mountaineering goes a step beyond standard backcountry ski touring. Expect:

Steeper, more exposed terrain (often 35°+ couloirs or face skiing)

Boot-packing sections with ice axe and crampons

Short technical climbing or downclimbing that may require a harness and rope

Longer days with bigger vertical and committing exit strategies

If you're booked on an AIARE avalanche course, intro backcountry ski tour, or hut trip, use the Winter Equipment List instead — it covers standard backcountry ski touring without the technical mountaineering gear.

What's Included vs. What You Bring

The Mountain Guides provides group rope systems, anchor hardware, and specialized technical equipment when required.

You provide your personal kit, including:

Ski touring boots, skis/splitboard, bindings, and skins

Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) — rentals available

Ice axe, crampons (ski-boot compatible), ski crampons

Harness — rentals available

All personal clothing, layering, and accessories

Rentals are available for ski mountaineering setups, avalanche safety gear, and harnesses. Coordinate with the office in advance to confirm sizing and availability.

Upper Layers

Long-Sleeve Base Layer – synthetic or merino wool, mid- to expedition-weight Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket – breathable mid-layer for high-output skinning Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody (alternative use)

Shell Jacket – waterproof with hood, ski-cut Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell (Men's / Women's)

Insulated Puffy Jacket – synthetic or down with hood; for transitions and summits Guide Pick: Black Diamond Mission Down 4000 or Solution 2.0 Hoody

Bottom Layers

Long Underwear Bottoms – synthetic or merino, mid- to expedition-weight Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants

Shell Pants – ski-cut with full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Pants (Men's / Women's)

Ski Socks – synthetic or merino, sized for your boots; liners recommended for blister prevention

Head & Hands

3 pairs of gloves – one lightweight, one mid-weight, one heavyweight insulated Guide Pick: Black Diamond Tour LT Gloves, Tour Pro Gloves, Guide Gloves

Warm Hat – mid-weight ski hat that fits under a helmet

Sun Hat – baseball cap or visor for skin tracks

Buff or Neck Gaiter – versatile sun, wind, and warmth protection

Ski Touring Setup

(Packages available for rent through The Mountain Guides — coordinate in advance for sizing.)

Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Splitboard Boots – stiff enough for technical descents

Skis or Splitboard – with compatible touring binding Guide Pick: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 or 102, Fritschi Xenic 10 Bindings

Climbing Skins – fit to your skis or splitboard Guide Pick: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Skins

Adjustable Ski Poles – telescoping recommended Guide Pick: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro Poles

Helmet – ski helmet rated for both ascent and descent

Mountaineering Hardware

(Rentals available — confirm with office which items your specific objective requires.)

Ice Axe – general mountaineering axe; technical tools may be required for steeper objectives

Crampons – ski-boot compatible (semi-automatic or strap-on)

Ski Crampons – for spring corn snow and firm skin tracks

Climbing Harness – lightweight, with adjustable leg loops

Locking Carabiners – 2 minimum (provided by guides; bring your own if preferred)

Avalanche Safety Equipment

All ski mountaineering objectives require complete avalanche safety equipment, which you must wear and carry on every tour.

Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon) – modern 3-antenna; fresh batteries

Shovel – metal blade, packable handle Guide Pick: Black Diamond Transfer LT Shovel

Probe – 240cm minimum, 280cm preferred Guide Pick: Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe 280

Rentals are available — coordinate with the office in advance.

Backpack & Hydration

30–40L Ski Pack – with diagonal or A-frame ski carry, ice axe attachment, and dedicated avy gear pocket Guide Pick: Black Diamond Cirque 35 Pack or JetForce Pro 35L Avalanche Airbag Pack

Hydration – insulated water bottles or thermos; hydration bladders freeze in winter

High-Calorie Snacks – bars, jerky, nuts, dried fruit, electrolyte mix; aim for sustained-energy foods you can eat with gloves on

Other Essentials

Sunglasses – Category 3 or 4 lenses; bring a backup pair

Ski Goggles – with low-light and bluebird lenses if you have them

Extra Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses

Sunscreen – 35+ SPF for face and lips

Lip Balm with SPF

Headlamp – with fresh batteries; alpine starts and late exits are common

Small First Aid Kit – blister care and personal medications (guides carry a full kit)

Spring & Late-Season Considerations

For March–May ski mountaineering trips, consider:

A lighter shell jacket and pants for warmer touring

Sun gloves in addition to insulated pairs

Extra electrolyte mix — spring days run long and hot

Ski crampons become more important as snow firms up

Related Trips & Resources

Ski mountaineering programs — bookable trips and custom itineraries

Mountaineering programs — for pure-summer technical objectives

Winter Equipment List — for AIARE courses, intro backcountry tours, and hut trips

Avalanche education courses — AIARE 1, AIARE 2, Avy Rescue, and Pro courses

Questions About Gear?

We're here to help. Contact our office with any questions about gear requirements, rental availability, or trip-specific kit recommendations — especially for objectives that may require additional technical equipment beyond the standard list above.