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Get the Gear Ignore the Hype
Ok, so there isn’t a cheap way to do this sport, but you don’t always need the latest and
greatest. We’ve listed a few essentials that should be in your pack for Spring ski moun-
taineering.
Ski/Split Crampons – If you’re timing the corn cycle right, then you’ll be ascending early
in the morning, when the snow surface is still in the freeze part of the melt-freeze. That
means skinning up ice. Ski crampons allow you to glide forward, but when your heel
comes down on the ski, it forces the crampon teeth to bite into the snow preventing you
from sliding back.
Lightweight ice-axe or whippet – Needing to self-arrest may not be in the tour plan, but
having the ability to, could be worthwhile on steep runs with fall potential.
Boot crampons – a simple pair of lightweight aluminum crampons will do the job for most
pursuits. Having these in the bottom of your pack will allow you to spike up for short sec-
tions of ice, where you’ll need to kick steps.
Skis for the run - An ultralight ski may get you up the hill a bit faster, but there’s nothing
more puckering than encountering firm conditions with noodles strapped to your feet. If
you’re going out for the thrill of a big downhill run, and you aren’t trying to set a new FKT
(fastest known time), consider something just a touch stiffer and heavier. The improved
performance on the downhill will ensure that all the uphill effort was worth it.
Boots – Technically-good skiers can also spring for boots with as few as two buckles –
half as many as a typical alpine boot. The weight savings comes at a price though – you
need to work harder to initiate turns.
Pack equipped to carry skis – It seems like a no-brainer but loading your heavy skis onto
your back requires a purpose-made pack. There are several options out there – we rec-
ommend sussing out the attachments before you’re out in the backcountry.
MAR/APR 2019
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