Ski Mountaineering: Your Guide to Gear

When the days get longer and the snowpack stabilizes, many backcountry skiers in Durango turn their attention to climbing bigger peaks and skiing bigger lines. While weather, snowpack, and daylight often conspire to limit big mountain activities through the winter, spring’s longer and warmer days give skiers a better chance at ticking off some more impressive lines.

While your standard winter backcountry skiing gear will get you far, a few specialized pieces of mountaineering gear will make your big days easier, safer, and more enjoyable. And there’s no need to buy new–you can find used ski mountaineering gear in Durango at Durango Outdoor Exchange. Here’s what you need to go big:

Skis, Boots, and Bindings for Ski Mountaineering

It’s all about the skis, right? Mountaineering skis may be the same as your go-to winter backcountry skis, though many will have a separate pair.

• Skis: Mountaineering skis may be lighter, narrower, and stiffer than skis you’d use in the backcountry powder. Think about long days and highly variable snow conditions–you don’t want to be lugging around a 2 pound ski–look for around 1500 grams per ski.

• Bindings: Tech bindings (pin bindings) are really the only alternative here, though some prone to punishment will insist on telemark.

• Boots: Like your skis, you are going to want something a tad lighter than standard backcountry boots. Look for three buckles or less, and some boots get by with two buckles.

Climbing Skins and Crampons for Ski Mountaineering

• Climbing skins: Nothing special is needed here, though you may want to bring a bar of skin wax in case you are alternating between cold dry powder and wet warm spring snow.

• Ski crampons: When normal skins won’t hold but you don’t want to switch to boot crampons, a pair of ski crampons can come in real handy. Do your research first–most are compatible only with specific binding brands and types.

• Boot crampons: These will be handy for most big summits, when you are in terrain too steep to skin and want extra security against a fall. Make sure to practice putting them on and walking in them long before you plan to use them, as walking with crampons takes getting used to, and some are prone to loosening.

Ice Axe and Ski Poles for Ski Mountaineering

• Ice axe: A mountaineering ice axe is convenient for self-arrest and balance on steep, icy sections. A shorter, lightweight axe (50-60cm) is ideal for ski mountaineering.

• Ski poles: The adjustable poles you use for normal touring will work just fine here.

• Whippets: Think of a whippet as a ski pole with a miniature ice axe bolted to the top. These can be handy for many tasks but are not meant to replace an ice axe in a true slide for life.

Avalanche Safety Gear for Ski Mountaineering

We all know how bad the San Juans can be when it comes to avalanches. While most ski mountaineering takes place when the snowpack has firmed up, you'll still want to be on your toes. All the normal avi gear you bring on winter tours should go with you here, even when weight is a major consideration. That means beacon, shovel, and probe.

Other Gear for Ski Mountaineering

This list is by no means exhaustive. You will also want lighter, stretchier clothing, a baseball hat, and thinner gloves, plus everything you need for navigation, a satellite rescue communicator, food and water, and a solid plan that’s been communicated to friends or family. Going extra hard? Consider a helmet to protect your noggin against rockfall and a harness and for dicey pitches.

Used Ski Mountaineering Equipment in Durango

Durango Outdoor Exchange has used ski mountaineering gear in stock and enthusiastic skiers who can help you choose what’s right for your outing. With new gear coming in all winter long, you can easily put together a ski mountaineering gear kit that will have you up in the mountains when the snowpack and weather are ready.