You need to be well-organised, physically fit and technically prepared when going ski mountaineering!
That way you’ll enjoy the ascents and descents without getting too tired and you’ll be able to manage your skis properly.
Don’t forget:
- Be careful, you’re not on a slope and the terrain might be uneven
- If you have limited experience, it’s a good idea to sign up for a course (that also gives you a better understanding of snow and snow pack stability) and then hire a mountain guide
- Get as much information as you can from guidebooks, books, forecasts and contact tourist offices, local mountain guides or refuges open in the area to find out the conditions of the snow and how busy the trails are. The conditions of the terrain can differ from those of the forecast and even change throughout the day itself, meaning you might have to change your plans.
When going ski mountaineering or splitboarding, you will need: skis or a splitboard, a transceiver worn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, shovel, probe, climbing skins (synthetic) and a first aid kit in your backpack. You will need to wear a helmet (when ascending and descending) and a GPS device (very important in an emergency). Make sure you know how to use all your equipment before setting out.
To cope with the changing temperatures and physical exertion, the best thing is to wear layers. You will need waterproof trousers and a jacket (shell), a thin down jacket if it gets very cold and a spare pair of gloves in your backpack. And don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen – you’ll need them.
