Ski touring: the equipment checklist for your outings!

More technical than downhill skiing, ski touring also requires more equipment...
Our team provides you with a checklist so you don't forget anything when you head out!

1 – Have the right clothes

When ski touring, even more so than when downhill skiing, weather conditions and the effort required to climb up the mountain mean you need very specific clothing.
Ready to take your layers off and put them back on again countless times?

A breathabletechnical base layer to wick away moisture during the climb – bring a second T-shirt to change into for the descent if necessary?
Asecond thermal layer, such as a compressible fleece, down jacket, or softshell jacket—to retain heat.
AGore-Tex-type membraneto protect against the elements
Breathable, insulated pants+ thermal tights for very cold weather
Reinforced ski socksto prevent blisters (be careful of friction when climbing)
A pair oflightweight liner glovesfor climbing
Warm, waterproof glovesfor the descent
Aneck warmer, worn on your head to protect your ears from the wind or sun on the way up, and around your neck on the way down.
Sunglassesfor the ascent and/orski gogglesfor the descent

Ski touring in Tignes – ©Stéphane Cande

2 – Always opt for safety

For any outing, whether on groomed trails or in the mountains, we recommend that youalways wear a helmet when skiing.

That being said, here is the equipment you will need to explore the mountains away from groomed and secured trails:

Anavalanche transceiverand new batteries: theAvalancheVictimDetectorcan transmit waves (in transmit mode) or receive waves from other avalanche transceivers (in search mode). Remember to activate it when you leave safe areas, both on the way down and on the way up!
Abendable probe: during an avalanche, once the victim's position has been (roughly) determined by the avalanche transceiver, you will need to use the probe to pinpoint their exact location!
Ashovel: it will be more than useful for removing the snow covering the victim...

If you'd like to take it a step further, you can also choose to be guided by an instructor with an Evolution 2 certification in Tignes orLa Rosière, for example.

3 – Choose a suitable backpack

While a standard 25-30 liter backpack may be perfectly adequate for a day trip, you can also opt for a backpack designed specifically for ski touring:

With side attachments for skis —in case of steep, narrow slopes that require climbing without skis—and specific compartments for goggles, shovel, and probe.
Equipped with anairbag system—once deployed, the airbag allows the victim to remain on the surface of the avalanche.

4 – The little extras that can make all the difference

Even if you're not embarking on a multi-day hike, it's always a good idea to reserve a little space in your backpack for these few items:

Blister plasters– very useful if you don't yet know how your feet will react to the climb
Totalsunblock
From lip balm
One survival blanket
One headlamp
Yourcell phoneto share your best photos on social media by tagging@alpapart_residences

Finally, remember to bringa small plastic bag totake your trash back with you. It's important to leave the mountain as clean as we found it.

Ski touring trips can quickly take longer than expected.Make sure you bring enough water and energy bars to replenish your energy when needed!

Ski touring – La Rosiere Tourism

And above all, don't forget to have fun!

ALPAPART DEAL: To rent your ski touring gear, ski touring boots, and skins, our Alpapart residences partner withINTERSPORTstoresin Tignesand theSKIMIUM storein La Rosière. All offer rental packages ranging from half-day to weekly rentals.
You’ll also find safety equipment for rent (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and airbag pack) and can purchase all the clothing and bags you need for ski touring!

Visit our ALPAPART website to learn more about our accommodations in Tignes and La Rosière !