Hut Ski Tour Kit List

KEY CLOTHING ITEMS

Summary:

CLOTHING

• 2 x Base layer tops

• 1x Cotton t-shirt

• 2 x Mid layer insulation (fleece, softshell or light down)

• 1 x Synthetic down jacket

• 1 x Hard-shell waterproof jacket (GORE-TEX or similar)

• 1 x Hard-shell ski touring pants (GORE-TEX or similar)

• 1 x Base layer leggings

• Underwear

HEAD & HANDS

• Warm hat (covers ears)

• Sun cap

• Buff (or neck gaiter)

• Sunglasses (Cat. 4 glacier or similar)

• Ski goggles

• Thin softshell gloves

• Thick warm gloves (waterproof)

FOOTWEAR

• Ski touring boots (compatible with pin bindings)

• Warm socks (Merino wool)

SKI KIT

(Rental available for many of these items. For any rental equipment we recommend Concept Pro, Adventure Base clients receive 10% discount.)

• Touring skis (80–105mm waist)

• Touring bindings (pin tech)

• Skins (cut to fit skis)

• Ski crampons

• Adjustable ski poles

• Avalanche transceiver

• Avalanche shovel (metal)

• Avalanche probe

• Ski helmet

• Ski strap

PACKING & ACCESSORIES

• Backpack (35–45L, with ice axe loop)

• Water bottles (2 x 1–1.5L) or hydration bladder

• Headlamp plus spare batteries

• First aid kit + personal medication

• Snacks (bars, gels, dried fruit)

• Mobile phone

• Copy of passport + insurance

• Credit card / cash for personal expenses

• Toiletries (ear plugs recommended)

• Travel clothes (for before/after trip)

TOPS

• Hard-shell Waterproof shell jacket (GORE-TEX or similar)

A hardshell jacket of Gore-Tex, or similar standard, is one of your key pieces of kit. Make sure it’s big enough to put over multiple layers and that it comes with a hood. You’ll use this if the weather becomes a little wild and you need protection from wind and rain. Something like: The ‘Hodr’, ‘Grim’ or ‘Odin’ Jottnar hardshell jacket.

• Down or Synthetic warm jacket

A warm jacket is essential for staying comfortable in cold alpine conditions. Whether you choose down or synthetic insulation, make sure it provides excellent warmth without being too bulky. Look for a jacket that fits comfortably over your layers and includes a hood for added warmth. Something like: The ‘Thorsen’ Jottnar Lightweight Down Jacket

• Base layer tops long sleeve x2

You’ll wear this everyday as your first layer so it’s worth bringing a minimum of two so you always have a dry one to wear. We recommend moisture wicking material as you will work up a sweat on the uphills but you want that moisture to disappear so it doesn’t freeze when you stop at the top. Something Like: The ‘Ove’ or ‘Mar’ by Jottnar but ideally long-sleeve.

• Mid layers (fleece, softshell or light down)

There are a few options here depending on your preferences but this layer needs to be a warm thick fleece, a softshell or a light down jacket. This is one of your key insulating layers so something comfortable and technical is recommended. Something like: The ‘Asger’ or ‘Floyen’ jackets from Jottnar are ideal.

• Cotton T-Shirts x1

It’s nice to change into a comfortable cotton t-shirt to relax in at the hut so you can dry out your sweaty base layer from the day!

BOTTOMS

• Lightweight, Durable Ski Touring Pant (GORE-TEX or similar)

You will spend all week in these ski pants so make sure they have zips on the side of each leg, to ventilate on the ascents. They must be Hardshell of Gore-Tex or similar standard, to keep you dry and protected in all conditions. Something Like: The ‘Magan’ or ‘Vanir’ from Jottnar works well.

• Base Layer Leggings

Make sure you’ve got some three quarter length or full leg, lightweight leggings to keep you warm and toasty if the forecast is particularly chilly. These are also great for when you are in the mountain hut.

HEAD GEAR

You’ll need a sun cap, a warm hat that covers your ears and a buff or balaclava. The idea should be that if needed, you can cover your whole face.

• Warm hat
• Sun hat
• Buff

EYEWEAR

You’ll need sunglasses with Cat. 4 sunglasses (ideally glacier glasses with side shields), that provide 100% UV protection. We recommend VALLON Heron Glacier sunglasses. You’ll also need some goggles (ski goggles are ideal), that can be easily thrown on if it’s windy. We recommend VALLON’s Freebirds™ goggles.

Adventure Base clients get 15% off your first order – Learn more here

• Sunglasses (Cat. 4 ideally with side covers)
• Ski goggles

HAND GEAR

You will need a thin softshell glove that provide protection in the cooler temperatures and when on the glacier and a thick warm glove (Like expedition shell gloves) that are ideally Gore-Tex or similar.

• Thin softshell gloves
• Thick warm waterproof gloves (GORE-TEX or similar)

BACKPACK

A 35-45L ski touring backpack is ideal for carrying all your essentials: layers, food, water, safety gear, and skis when needed. Look for one with dedicated compartments for avalanche kit, ski carry options, and an ice axe loop. A comfortable fit with good weight distribution is key.

• Ski Touring backpack 

TRAVEL ITEMS

• Copy of passport and insurance policy
• Travel clothes / toiletries
• Credit card / cash for personal expenses

GEAR / EXTRAS

• Water bottles (2 x 1–1.5L) or hydration bladder
• First aid kit + personal medication
• Snacks (bars, gels, dried fruit)
• Ski Strap (A simple but essential bit of kit for securing your skis together when carrying them or storing them. It also comes in handy for quick fixes on the mountain. Lightweight and compact — always worth having one in your pack. Something like: Black Diamond Ski Strap or similar.)

SKI KIT 

• Touring Skis and Bindings (Can be Rented) 

Ski touring skis must be lightweight. The width of the ski should be somewhere between 80 – 105mm. You need to have ski touring specific bindings fitted to the ski. If you’re bringing your own set up, make sure you have had it professionally fitted and you have experience using the skis and bindings. Something Like: Faction Agent 2.0 or Black Crows Orb skis and Plum Pika bindings.

• Ski Touring Skins and Ski Crampons (Can be Rented) 

The skins stick on the bottom of your skis and help you glide uphill, whilst the ski crampons clip into your bindings and help provide stability on steep ski touring terrain. We recommend something like: Black Diamond Glidelite Climbing Skins. The ski crampons will be sold or rented as part of the ski touring binding. Do not mix brands as they might not fit.

• Adjustable Ski Poles (Can be Rented)

Ski poles where you can adjust the length are useful on the ascents where you may want a longer pole before shortening for the descent. They are also useful to pack away during travel. Something Like: Black Diamond Expedition 2 Ski Poles

• Ski Touring Boots (Can be Rented)

Lightweight is essential as you don’t want to be lugging a heavy pair or boots up each climb. Walk mode is an essential function, as well as pin binding compatibility. The modern ski touring boots come with strong enough flex to make the ski descents easy and enjoyable. Something Like: Scarpa F1

• Avalanche Kit (Can be Rented)

Transceiver, shovel (not plastic) and probe. You can buy all three in a kit, or rent locally. Something Like: Black Diamond Recon Avy Set

• Ski Helmet (Can be Rented)

A lightweight ski helmet is essential for safety on both ascents and descents. It should fit comfortably over a thin hat or buff and work well with your goggles. Something like: The Salomon MTN Lab or similar ski touring-specific helmets.