3677 Main Ave - Mon - Sat 10AM to 6 PM - Closed Sundays

0

Your Cart is Empty

January 15, 2025 3 min read

When the days get longer and the snowpack stabilizes, many skiers 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 help give skiers a better chance at getting high in the mountains and 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 objective 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:

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.
  • 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.

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

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 glued 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, including beacon, shovel, and probe.

    Other Gear for Ski Mountaineering

    This list is by no means exhaustive. You will also want weather-appropriate clothing, hat, and gloves, 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.

    Jen LaCroix
    Jen LaCroix



    Also in News

    How to sell your used outdoor gear
    How to sell your used outdoor gear

    March 15, 2025 2 min read

    It happens to all of us–we accumulate a few too many pairs of skis, a bike saddle we took off an old steed but never found another use for, pants we **might**have, um, outgrown, and shoes we loved but just never fit right.

    It’s nice to accumulate old gear in closets and sheds, but it’s nicer to sell it. Much nicer.

    Selling your used gear to Durango Outdoor Exchange is a great way to pass on the good vibes and build store credit that you can use for upgrading your quiver(s). Best of all, selling your used outdoor gear is a super chill and easy experience. Read on to learn how.

    A short guide to Colorado’s smallest ski areas
    A short guide to Colorado’s smallest ski areas

    March 01, 2025 3 min read

    Look–we can’t deny that huge ski areas are popular for a reason. Mega ski resorts often have the most terrain, the newest lifts, the snazziest shuttles, the most interesting base villages, and the best dining and aprés options. They can also (sometimes) have the best snow.

    But big ski areas can also be a big pain in the rear. Crowds, traffic, lift lines, parking hassles, wild hotel and meal prices, and jaw-dropping lift ticket rack rates can all conspire to make skiing seem a LOT less fun than it should be.

    New mountain biking tech for 2025
    New mountain biking tech for 2025

    February 15, 2025 3 min read

    Winter snow may still cover the high country for another six months or more, but it’s never too early to learn about what’s new in mountain bike tech for 2025. Spring Break is right around the corner and whether it’s a trip to the desert you have planned, or you are dreaming about your perfect ride for this summer, now is the time to learn about what’s new for this year.

    Not up for a new bike? Come spring,Durango Outdoor Exchange will have plenty ofused bikes to choose from–we just may have the perfect project bike for some of the tech you see listed below.

    Sign up for our Newsletter