Backcountry Skiing in Valdez, Alaska

This is a small sewn loop to assist in rappelling. The #1 choice on the market is the Sterling Hollowblock, or the Sterling Autoblock.

Modern, digital, three-antennae beacon with fresh batteries.

Collapsable metal or carbon rod used to probe avalanche debris while attempting to strike a buried target.

Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. A metal blade is mandatory.

Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing. Large backpacking packs are acceptable, depending on the climb.

Synthetic or Merino Wool, Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended.

Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets.

Plaquette style devices with auto-block mode are ideal.

UIAA or CE approved; With belay loop and gear loops. The waist belt should fit over multiple layers of clothing.

Nylon or mohair. Trimmed and adjusted to fit your skis or splitboard ahead of time.

Used for navigation and orientation. A compass with adjustable declination is preferrable.

Should be made with at least two layers of fabric. Your mask needs to cover your nose and mouth without large gaps. The mask should have ear loops or ties so you can adjust it. Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.

Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips.

These should be non-insulated pants with ankle cuffs wide enough to fit over your ski or ride boots.

Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark.

This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes.

Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it’s cold outside.

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility.

Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered.

Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds.

This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn on warmer days when mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers.

Utilized in ascending or descending snow slopes. Ideal length is variable based on terrain and height of person.

Steel crampons with horizontal front points are ideal. Must be semi-rigid and compatible with your boots.

“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun.

Medications, glasses or contacts, feminine products, etc.

At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a “Rest Stop.” The Rest Stop, known as “Blue Bags” in the Pacific Northwest, or the “Wag Bag” in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe.

1m of 6mm nylon accessory cord. Tech cord (kevlar, spectra) is not acceptable.

Each binding style has ski crampons that fit them specifically.

This item is recommended but not required. We will be skiing in the trees, and in snow conditions where rocks, stumps, and downded logs are present.

Footwear should be appropriate to mode of travel i.e. ski, snowboard, or insulated winter boots for snowshoes. For snowshoers, a boot such as the Scarpa Mont Blanc is the minimum level of boot required. Ski Boots should have a walk mode.

Two poles, with powder baskets, are required for all skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers. It is ideal if poles are ski-specific and collapse small enough to fit onto a pack when climbing.

18″ Rubber or velcro straps to connect skis when attaching them to a pack. Also useful for a variety of in-the-field equipment repairs.

Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes and poles.

Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone.

For cutting columns during snowpack analysis

Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable.

Softshell material is stretchy, wind-proof, water-resistant, and resists abrasion. Mid-weight is recommended and light-weight pants can work for warm days. Typical thin, nylon “hiking pants” are generally not tough enough.

Provides support and allows for full range of motion

A billed hat to keep the sun at bay during the approach and descent.

“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.

Travel size.

Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet.

Wool and synthetic blends are great for long days on the trail. “Ski” and “Snowboard” socks are especially useful when warmth is desired.

Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles.

Help keep you warm on particularly cold days.

Bring enough for the trip. Toothpaste; brush, floss, deodorant, lotion, eye drops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

Lining the inside of your pack with a heavy duty trash bag will keep the contents of your pack dry on rainy days.

An altimeter is very useful in gauging progression of altitude gain or loss when climbing, and especially when visibility is decreased due to weather. Many Altimeter watches have compasses or GPS tracking functions.

1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable.

Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers.