Ski Mountaineering: Your Guide to Gear

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.

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.