Preparing your ski touring equipment carefully will help you make the most of your day in the mountains and avoid discovering that something is missing at the starting point.
From touring skis and avalanche safety equipment to appropriate clothing and backpack essentials, every item plays an important role.
Here is the Annecy Mountain Guides Office checklist for preparing a day of ski touring in the Aravis mountains or any other mountain range.
The essentials: Bring touring skis fitted with climbing skins, suitable ski touring boots, poles, ski crampons and the three essential items of avalanche rescue equipment: a transceiver, shovel and probe.
Ski touring equipment checklist
Equipment for the ascent and descent
Touring skis with suitable bindings
Ski touring boots
Climbing skins fitted to the length and width of the skis
Ski poles with sufficiently wide baskets
Ski crampons compatible with the bindings
Ski helmet
Ski goggles
Sunglasses suitable for high-altitude use
Before setting off, make sure that the climbing skins adhere correctly, the ski crampons are compatible with the bindings and the boots work properly in both walk and ski modes.
What avalanche safety equipment should you carry?
Every participant should carry the following avalanche rescue equipment:
an avalanche transceiver, sometimes referred to as a beacon;
a sturdy, fully functional shovel;
a probe that can be assembled quickly.
The avalanche transceiver is used to search for a buried person. The probe helps locate that person precisely, while the shovel is used to dig them out.
Simply carrying this equipment is not enough. You must understand how it works and practise using it regularly.
The Annecy Mountain Guides Office offers avalanche safety training covering transceiver searches, probing, strategic shovelling and the organisation of an avalanche rescue. An avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe may be provided as part of the course.
What to check before every trip
Battery level or condition of the transceiver batteries
Correct operation in both transmit and search modes
No error messages when switching on the transceiver
Condition of the transceiver casing and carrying system
Quick and correct assembly of the shovel
Correct deployment of the probe
Overall condition of the backpack and straps
The Annecy Mountain Guides Office recommends using a shovel with a metal blade and telescopic handle, as well as a rigid probe that can be assembled quickly.
What should you wear for ski touring?
The level of physical effort varies considerably between the ascent, breaks and descent. A three-layer clothing system allows you to adjust your outfit throughout the day.
Base layer: managing moisture
Breathable technical base layer
Thermal leggings in cold conditions
Warm, breathable ski socks
Avoid cotton because it retains moisture and dries slowly.
Mid-layer: staying warm
Lightweight fleece
Insulated jacket or compact down jacket
Additional warm layer in very cold conditions
Outer layer: protection from the elements
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Ski touring trousers
Waterproof overtrousers, depending on the conditions
Essential accessories
Warm hat
Neck warmer
Lightweight gloves for the ascent
Warm gloves for the descent
Spare gloves
Sunglasses
Ski goggles
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sun protection
What should you pack in your ski touring backpack?
For a day trip, choose a backpack that can carry all the necessary equipment without restricting your movement.
Backpack contents
Shovel and probe stored in their dedicated compartments
Down jacket or warm insulated layer
Spare gloves
Water or a hot drink
Packed lunch
Energy snacks
Fully charged mobile phone
Small power bank
First-aid kit
Emergency blanket
Headtorch
Sunscreen
Ski goggles
Ski crampons, when they are not immediately required
Your avalanche transceiver must not be stored in your backpack. It must be worn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, switched on and set to transmit mode while travelling.
How much food and water should you bring?
For a full-day trip, adjust the quantity of food and water to the length of the activity, the temperature and your personal needs.
Bring:
water or a hot drink;
an easy-to-eat lunch;
several small snacks;
an additional emergency food reserve in case the trip takes longer than expected.
Choose food that is easy to eat in cold weather and while wearing gloves. Suitable options include dried fruit, energy bars, fruit purée pouches, sandwiches and pieces of cheese.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe?
Boot crampons and an ice axe are not required for every ski tour. However, they may be essential on a steep or exposed itinerary, or when travelling over hard snow.
Depending on the planned route, your guide may ask you to bring:
crampons compatible with your ski touring boots;
a lightweight ice axe;
a climbing harness;
roped travel equipment;
a helmet.
The final equipment list will depend on the route, snow cover and current mountain conditions. Always check the information provided for your trip and follow the instructions given by your guide.
an ski crampons replace boot crampons?
No. Ski crampons attach to the ski bindings and provide extra grip when climbing skins no longer offer sufficient traction.
Boot crampons attach directly to your boots. They are used when you need to continue on foot over hard snow, steep slopes or more technical terrain.
Ski crampons must be compatible with your bindings. Check this before setting off and practise fitting them in advance.
Can you hire ski touring equipment?
Touring skis, boots, climbing skins and poles can usually be hired from a specialist outdoor or ski shop.
When booking your equipment, provide:
your height;
your weight;
your shoe size;
your skiing ability;
the type of trip you are planning.
Check with the hire shop that the climbing skins are correctly fitted to the skis and that compatible ski crampons are included or available.
The Annecy Mountain Guides Office may provide an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe for selected activities. Please check availability when booking.
Common mistakes to avoid
Setting off without testing your equipment
Climbing skins that no longer adhere properly, incorrectly adjusted boots or incompatible ski crampons can compromise your trip.
Test every item before your first ski tour of the season.
Carrying an avalanche transceiver without knowing how to use it
An avalanche transceiver is only truly useful if you know how to conduct a search, use a probe and shovel efficiently.
Regular practice helps you develop the correct techniques and automatic responses required during an emergency.
The Annecy Mountain Guides Office offers practical avalanche rescue courses for ski tourers, freeride skiers and snowshoers.
Overloading your backpack
Every additional item increases the weight you have to carry during the ascent.
Bring everything required for the conditions, the planned route and your safety, but avoid carrying unnecessary equipment.
Forgetting spare clothing
Wet gloves or a damp layer can become a serious problem during a long day in the mountains.
Keep a warm layer and a spare pair of gloves readily accessible in your backpack.
Ski touring checklist before departure
Ski equipment
☐ Touring skis and bindings
☐ Ski touring boots
☐ Climbing skins
☐ Ski poles
☐ Ski crampons
☐ Helmet
Avalanche and emergency equipment
☐ Avalanche transceiver switched on and checked
☐ Shovel
☐ Probe
☐ First-aid kit
☐ Emergency blanket
☐ Fully charged mobile phone
☐ Headtorch
Clothing
☐ Breathable base layer
☐ Fleece
☐ Down or insulated jacket
☐ Waterproof and windproof jacket
☐ Suitable ski touring trousers
☐ Warm hat and neck warmer
☐ Lightweight gloves
☐ Warm or spare gloves
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Ski goggles
Food and drink
☐ Water or a hot drink
☐ Packed lunch
☐ Energy snacks
☐ Additional emergency food reserve
Prepare your ski tour with the Annecy Mountain Guides Office
Would you like to discover ski touring, improve your technique or learn how to use avalanche rescue equipment?
Our mountain guides offer trips adapted to your skiing ability, fitness level and the current mountain conditions.
The Annecy Mountain Guides Office offers avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe training, as well as ski touring and mountain safety courses in the Aravis mountains.
