When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think light, warm, and versatile. Weather can change from warm and sunny in the afternoon to frigid bone-chilling temperatures in the evening. Be prepared to switch from carrying most of your clothes and gear in your rucksack to avoid the heat to wearing nearly everything you have to keep warm! Preparing for the unpredictable conditions is definitely part of the adventure!
- Headwear: warm hat, sun-cap, or wide-brim hat for sun protection, ski helmet, snow cap/beanie.
- An outer shell jacket made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex. One with a hood is preferable to avoid letting snow inside.
- Multiple layers of thin fleece - rather than a single thick layer. Multiple layers allow for easy adding or removing of layers depending on the temperature and activity.
- Insulation layer like a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.
- A pair of thermal base layer pants under a shell.
As with all ski touring trips, you’ll want to go with all-mountain/freeride skis, ski touring boots and ski touring bindings. Dedicated ski touring boots or hybrid freeride boots are required for all touring trips to make it easier and more comfortable to walk uphill.
