Basic gear

• Ski tour skis

• Ski tour boots

• Climbing belts

• Telescopic poles

• Ski tour crampons to prevent slipping on icy or very hard terrain

• Helmet

• Ski tour backpack

Emergency equipment (for off-piste ski tours in mountains)

Essentials not to leave home without. The following are absolute musts for off-piste mountain ski tours:

• Avalanche gear: shovel, probe, finder

• First aid kit, including insulating foil

• Headlamp

Other equipment depends on the conditions. How long is the hike? Just going up a hill above a village, or across a glacier? Weather conditions? Snow and avalanche reports? Don’t overestimate your strengths, and carefully evaluate your abilities. Regular ski tourers know which items to pack for what conditions. But here’s a list of essentials for newbies.

Clothing

Both worn and packed. At the summit you’ll need dry clothes, or extra layers if the weather worsens.

Base layer

• Ski socks

• Absorbent and breathable under layer: KRALOVA, BUKOVEC

• Long or three-quarter under-trousers: RESWOR, ZDIARSKA

Mid layer and top layer for ascent

• Mid breathable layer ZLIECHOVA, SULOV

• Trousers suitable for ski-touring: RYSY, JAVORINKA

• Jacket suitable for ski touring: KRIZNA, SOLISKO

Top layer for summit and descent

• Warming jacket: OHNISTE, OPALENA

• Insulating layer for legs: JARABA, KOSIARE, PODKOVA

• Hardshell or waterproof jacket: CHABENEC

Accessories

• Cap, headband

• Multifunctional neck scarf

• Thinner climbing gloves

• Thicker, warm, windproof downhill gloves

Other key accessories

UV protection is essential in the mountains. So pack UV filter sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF factor lip balm. And you’ll appreciate:

• Thermos/insulated hydro bag

• Food, energy bars, etc.

• Ski tape

• Mini repair tools

• Swiss army knife

• Map (paper), GPS, compass

• Bivouac bag

• Documents (in small, ideally waterproof bag) + mountain insurance

• Cash

• Fully-charged cell phone. Be sure to bring - you may need help at any time.

Additional equipment for difficult terrain

• Crampons for ski boots

• Ice axe

• Rope - to secure yourself or for abseiling during the hike

• Seat harness

Ski tours are in open terrain. So respect safety, don’t overestimate your strength, take an avalanche course, and monitor the weather and local avalanche situation before each hike.