Backcountry Skiing and
Ski Mountaineering Equipment List
It is essential that you do a careful job in selecting and preparing your equipment for this course.
Winter weather in the mountains is a major objective hazard and can present extreme challenges.
Temperatures are typically in the twenties and thirties but can easily drop to -10 F to -20 F and can be
accompanied by high winds and blowing snow. These conditions, in combination with the greatly varied
activity levels inherent to skiing, can easily lead to problems of hypothermia or frostbite. For your own
safety and that of the group, please take this equipment list seriously.
Our backcountry ski touring program is conducted in several locations (the Cascades of
Washington & British Colombia, the Colorado Rockies, or in the Sierra Nevada). In all of these areas we
will be spending most of our time in the backcountry. When equipping yourself for winter backcountry
travel, you should pay equal attention to the need to have adequate protection from the elements as
well as the necessity of traveling light. As a general rule, you should not bring more clothing than you
can wear at one time. With the exception of extra socks and hand wear, avoid duplicate layers. Traveling
light will greatly improve your experience.
Please take the time to carefully prepare and understand your equipment. If possible, it is best to
use it in the field, perhaps on a shorter trip or inbounds skiing. Take the time to properly label and
identify all items of personal gear. Many items that people bring are almost identical. Your name on a
garment tag or a piece of colored tape on carabiners and miscellaneous items are easy ways to label
your gear; fingernail polish is universally excellent. If using tape or colored markers, make sure your
labeling method is durable and water-resistant.
At AAI we take equipment selection seriously. Our Equipment Services department is expertly
staffed by climbers, skiers, and guides. Additionally, we only carry products in our store that have been
thoroughly field-tested and approved by our guides. This intensive process ensures that all equipment
that you purchase from AAI is best suited to your course and future mountain adventures. Please
contact us at 360-671-1570 to select equipment for your course.