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___Boots - Alpine touring or plastic telemark boots are recommended. Lighter, softer boots are typically better for touring and walking, while heavier, stiffer boots provide more downhill control. Strive to find a happy medium.

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Socks - Wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton. A single medium wieght pair is best. A pair of liners with a medium sock also works well. Bring a spare pair.

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Pants - Synthetic preferred. Pants made from Schoeler Fabric such as Patagonia's "Alpine Guide Pants".*

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Long Underwear top - Capilene or polypropylene recommended - bring a spare

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Lightweight shirt - A lightwieght fleecesuch as Patagonia's R1"* or wool shirt

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Jacket - Synthetic, pile or wool.Patagonia's "Puffball"* or similar synthetic is a great option as its lighter, warmer and more packable than fleece.

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Shell gear - Gore-tex or other waterproof breathable parka with hood and pants as lightweight as possible. These will live in your pack for much of the trip.

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Gloves- Two pairs: one insulated with shell, the other lightweight, such as a windstopper fleece or nordic ski glove. Mittens are not recommended.

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Sun cap/hat - Quick drying preferable.

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Warm Hat - A wool or fleece ski hat.

Climbing and skiing Gear:

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Skis - In general between 75 - 10mm underfoot. Modern skis seem to get wider and wider each year, yet still ski a variety of snow conditions extremely well. A wide, medium stiffness ski with short turn radius is ideal. This gives you the ability to make short, quick turns on steeper slopes, and float well through challenging snow.

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Poles - Adjustable poles are great. Alpine length for downhill skiing, longer for long sections of skating or double poling.

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Ski Strap - Something to hold your skis together on your pack or your shoulder. Be sure it is long enough for fat skis.

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Climbing skins - Should be trimmed to fit the shape of your ski. You want to make sure you still have some metal edge showing at the waist of the ski, though no more than about 2mm on each side.

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Transceiver -We will supply single frequency 457 kHz BCA Tracker models for your use. If you have a beacon of your own that you are more familiar with, you are welcome to bring it. Bring fresh batteries to start the tour.

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Shovel - If you own a shovel, bring it, otherwise let us know and we can provide one.

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Probe - If you own an avalanche probe, bring it, otherwise let us know and we can provide one.

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Ski Crampons -Also known as Harscheisen. These are removable crampons that attach to your bindings to improve grip in firm snow conditions. Most modern AT bindings offer compatible ski crampons. These can be harder to find for telemark bindings. SkiAlp makes one that can be used with tele bindings. Be sure and try them before the tour!

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Boot Crampons - We will need boot crampons for climbing steep, frozen snow. We recommend aluminum crampons. While not as durable, these are much lighter than steel ones and will be in your pack the majority of the trip. Whatever type of crampon you choose must fit securely on your ski boots.

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Ice axe - This again should be as light as possible. Many companies make aluminum axes designed for ski mountaineering. For a more versatile axe consider one with an aluminum shaft and a steel head. Your ice axe should not be more than 60cm long.

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Climbing Harness - A lightweight alpine harness is best. Ideally one with a belay loop and adjustable leg loops. Black Diamond's "Coulior" or Camp's "Coral" are good choices.

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Locking Carabiners - Bring 2 lockers.

Camping Gear:

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Tent – Lightweight 4-season tents in good shape. Often course participants pair up in one or share a rental. Ask your guide.

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Sleeping bag – Down or synthetic rated to 15 F. Bring large, garbage bag type liner for your sleeping bag stuff sack.

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Sleeping pad – 3/4 or full length closed cell or Thermarest.

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Stove – Pump type, white gas stove or isobutane stove are recommended. Participants often pair up on stoves.

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Fuel – Sufficient amount for entire course. Often depends on if needing to melt snow for drinking/cooking water. 1 cup/person/day if melting snow. Ask your guide if unsure about this.

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Fuel bottle – Leak-proof bottle such as MSR or Sigg work best.

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Pots – one 1 1/2 to 2 quart pot is enough for one person. Two or more participants sharing one stove should have two pots.

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Utensils – Large cup, a spoon and a bowl, all as lightweight as possible.

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Water bottles – Two 1 quart wide mouth bottles. Camelback type hydration bladders are highly recommended.

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Water purification – Bring tablets such as Potable Aqua or a filter pump. Your guide will usually carry this as well.

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Food – Enough breakfast, lunch and dinner meals as needed. Should be lightweight, fast cooking, tasty and nutritious. Click here for more info on food planning.

Miscellaneous Gear:

Day Pack - Around 3000 cubic inches or about 30-35 liters is ideal. Much bigger and the pack gets too heavy and does not ski well. This is merely a day pack as you won't be carrying camping gear.

Overnight Pack - Around 5000 cubic inches or about 45-55 liters is ideal. Consider lining your pack with a trash compactor bag if weather looks iffy.

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Headlamp - A necessary tool for early starts and reading in the tent. A lightwieght LED model will work fine for this trip. I reverse one of the batteries in my Petzl Tikka to make sure it doesn't turn on in my pack.

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Sunscreen/ lip protection - SPF higher than 30. A small tube should last the entire trip. Many Dermatone products work for both skin and lips.

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Sunglasses - With 100% UV protection. Consider wearing with retention straps. Changeable lenses are great for variable light conditions. Smith's slider series offers this option. Dark lenses are a must and many people use side shields as well.

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Goggles - Essential when its dumping or skiing face shot powder.

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Foot protection - For blisters and hotspots. Molefoam , athletic tape and Spenco's second skin all work well.

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Repair Kit - Bring any spare parts specific to your bindings. Your guides will carry a full repair kit and a leatherman tool, so keep yours simple and light.

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Toiletries - Keep it simple. A tiny tube of toothpaste and travel toothbrush is all you will need for a few nights out. A few wetwipes will feel like a real luxury. Don’t forget some toilet paper (which we will pack out).

Optional Gear:

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Camera - Most likely you will want to document this great adventure. Try to get a carrying case that fits on your pack and will not interfere with your skiing. If you keep your camera in your pack you won't take many pictures.

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Pocket Knife - Simple and Light.

* - A 30% discount is available for NCMG guests on Patagonia items. Call us for details.