Skiing is back! Local ski areas were previously closed for the season, but thanks to the novel coronavirus, world-class ski resorts are now operating at full capacity. The resorts that opened first – such as Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s backyard in Canada – were able to do this thanks to the efforts of their local communities.
While the resorts that opened last – such as Val d’Isere in France – are still trying to get back to their pre-pandemic levels, it’s clear that skiers around the world want to strap on their ski boots and hit the slopes once more.
For those unfamiliar, alpine touring is a combination of skiing and mountaineering. It was first practiced in the 1800s and is considered to be a great all-round sport, suitable for both ski and non-skiing enthusiasts.
The basic principle behind alpine touring is to minimize the time spent on the ground. A great deal of practice and technique is required to successfully engage in alpine touring, so there are a variety of equipment and accessory options available to enhance your experience. The following will examine some of the essential items you’ll need for a fully equipped alpine touring kit.
Table of Contents
Ski Boots
Like any other part of your skiing kit, your ski boots are going to be key to your success. It’s important to invest in a good pair of ski boots that are comfortable and secure, as well as providing good traction on the slopes. If you’re looking for a complete ski boot review, you can check out this article by TwinSportGear.com. There are several options available for both men and women, so it’s worth looking around at the local ski shops to find the pair that suits you best.
Goggles
Also known as ski goggles, protective sunglasses, and ski mask protectors, goggles are another part of your helmet-free skiing gear. Wearing goggles will protect your eyes from the whipping snow and sun that can cause you to lose track of where you are going and potentially hurt you (or others) on the slopes. In addition to protecting your eyes, googles can also shield your face from the wind, preventing you from freezing and maintaining your ski form.
Mountaineering Rucksack
A rucksack is a knapsack, backpack, or large hand bag that is specifically designed for travel and climbing. These are also known as hammock backpacks or Katabatic Backpack in some parts of the world, due to the fact that they are light and compressible, making them easy to roll up and stick in your back for climbing. With a rucksack, you can bring along all the essentials for a day on the slopes without feeling weighed down by a heavy backpack.
Roping Equipment
This is used for many different applications, including snowsport touring, high-altitude aid climbing, and survival climbing. This consists of a series of webbing connected to a snap or clasp, which can be worn around the neck or attached to the chest using a carabiner or similar gear. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, you may also need the following:
- Double webbing
- Triple check locking
- Roped track record
- Pioneer kit
- Mountain hare
- Bike lock
- Trolley
- Tire spikes
- Ice axe
- Mixed climbing harness
- Pecko pads
- Rafter
- Knee pads
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Mountain boots
- Goggles
- Helmet
Backpack
A backpack is a knapsack, backpack, or large hand bag that is designed to carry your essential gear for a day or more on the slopes. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, you may also need additional items such as the following:
- Hiking boots
- Snowboard
- Fanny pack
- Petzval cap
- Sunglasses
- Tropical shirt
- Puffer
- Mitten/gloves
- Bandana
- Fanny pack
- Tropical shirt
- Mountain boots
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Bergspätsch
- Mountaineering boots
- Ropes
- Pecko pads (small)
- Rafter
- Knee pads
- Helmet
- Goggles
Rucksack
A rucksack is a knapsack, backpack, or large hand bag that is designed to carry your essential gear for a day or more on the slopes. These are also known as hammock backpacks or Katabatic Backpack in some parts of the world, due to the fact that they are light and compressible, making them easy to roll up and stick in your back for climbing. With a rucksack, you can bring along all the essentials for a day on the slopes without feeling weighed down by a heavy backpack.
Pelikan I.D. Badge
This is a small tin badge that is affixed to your chest using an adhesive strip. The Pelikan company was originally founded in 1881 in Germany, so you know these are high-quality items.
Paraclete Air Mat
This is a small device worn around your neck that provides you with a cushion between you and the ground. In foul weather conditions or when climbing, the snow will build up around you as you rise, creating a wind chill that can make it rough to keep your balance. As a result, you’ll be much happier while laying on the ground and breathing the fresh air than struggling against the wind on your feet. It’s worth investing in a pair of these for extended periods of time.
Handy Whistle
If you’re going to be out on the slopes for a while, it’s worth having a whistle around as a precautionary measure. Hand whistles work on the same principle as regular whistles do, but they are more compact and easier to carry. For those unfamiliar, a whistle is a simple, reliable tool that can save your life if you need it. Whether you’re skiing, kayaking, or hiking, a whistle can be a useful addition to your essentials.
Tinder
Tinder is a must for any outdoors enthusiast. Be it matches, lighters, or sparklers, you’re never going to get bored of this classic fire starter. It is a great way to signal your friends and family that you’re okay, and it can help you avoid trouble if you use it correctly.
Flashlight
A flashlight is a critical part of any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection. It’s worth bearing in mind that not all flashlights are equal, so it’s important to invest in a quality one that will stay powered for a considerable amount of time. When you’re in the wilds of nowhere, away from any form of electricity, it’s important to have a reliable light source available. Without one, you’ll be navigating the dark using a headlamp or an electrical torch, both of which can cause injury or worse. If you’re really pushing the envelope, a high-intensity rechargeable flashlight can be programmed to flash a specific pattern or sequence of flashes, allowing you to send an SOS to search and rescue teams in case you get stranded or hurt.
Stove
You’ll need a stove to prepare your nightly meal if you’re camping out or hunkering down for the night at a wilderness site. You can get creative with your choices when it comes to stoves, so long as you keep in mind that you should have one that is high enough to reach the top of your kettle. This ensures that you are always going to be able to make hot water to drink regardless of the weather or proximity to a town.