Your Cart is Empty
accepting gear drop offs Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. No Consignment acceptance on Sundays.
accepting gear drop offs Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. No Consignment acceptance on Sundays.
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 atDurango Outdoor Exchange. Here’s what you need to go big:
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: 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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
We’re all guilty of buying gear we don’t use or don’t use enough–and almost everyone has a closet that hasn’t been cleaned out in ages. With the new year here, now is the perfect time to declutter and turn unused gear into store credit or cash.
Durango Outdoor Exchange makes it easy to bring in your gear and let us sell it for you. Here’s your guide to decluttering your outdoor gear the smart way.
Work crews were busy over the off season making changes to ski areas across the region. While the hoped-for new lifts at Purgatory aren’t going to spin, there are plenty of reasons for you toget some wax (or new skis) from Durango Outdoor Exchange and hit the slopes this winter.
Thanksgiving is almost here–and skiing this early is always a gamble. Here are some non-skiing warm(er) weather destination ideas for the long break.