Bruce Goodlad, the Ski Club’s Mountain Safety Advisor and IFMGA-qualified guide, has put together this list to help your prepare for your next ski tour.

Ski Equipment

Skis

There are many specialist ski touring skis available we would suggest something in the 95-100mm underfoot range, this offers a great balance between weight and float. It is worth remembering the lighter the ski the easier it will be to skin with but the more difficult it will be to ski in descent. Bruce is skiing on Dynastar M Tour 100. 

Skins 

Skins cut specifically to your pair of skis, we would recommend a mixed Mohair / Nylon blend this is a great balance between glide when pushing the skin uphill and grip. We would not recommend the newer ‘glue less” style of skins which always seem to create problems, failing in the most difficult of positions. 

Bindings

Pin or Tech bindings are the most comfortable for touring being light for the ascent and solid for descent, hybrid models such as the Salomon shift are worth consideration for those starting their ski touring career as they offer a downhill bindings level of security, but it must be remembered that they are much heavier than many other tech models. 

Boots 

Comfortable boots that you have used prior to your trip with a full touring / walk mode. In general, the lighter the boot the poorer it will be to ski in but the more comfortable it will be to tour in. You need to match the weight and performance with your ski ability. 

Ski Crampons

These allow you to continue uphill when the snow is icy making it difficult for the skins to grip. They are binding specific and sized width wise for your skis, so if you change bindings or skis make sure you check they will fit. 

Poles

Standard ski poles will work fine; larger baskets are easier to use in soft snow. Models with foam grips that extend down the pole are more comfortable to hold. 

Rucksack

A bag of about 25-30 litres is big enough for day tours but you will want a larger bag for hut to hut tours. Bags should have straps to attach skis to the outside. Black Diamond Cirque or Dawn Patrol. 

Ski Strap

A nylon ski is invaluable for keeping your skis and poles together and if you are attaching your skis to your rucksack. 

Avalanche Safety

Avalanche transceiver

Modern three Antenna digital transceiver, these should have been serviced within the previous 3 years. Pieps IPS Mini or IPS, Mammut Barryvox 2 or S2, Ortovox Diadect 

Avalanche Shovel

Metal blade shovel with extendable handle should conform to UIAA standard. Black Diamond Transfer Lt or Transfer. 

Avalanche Probe

Minimum length of 240cm with a wire or dyneema cord to lock in place. Should conform to UIAA standard. Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe 240