Ski Touring Gear
An equipment list for an adventure in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.
New England–based Alps & Meters’ Alpine Anorak ($695), Alpine Winter Trousers ($725), and Touring Flannel ($260) feature the latest tech (waterproof, breathable membranes and water-repellent DWR finishes) in classic European Alps styles constructed from durable and ultra-premium materials. alpsandmeters.com
The well-balanced, all-around Fischer Hannibal Skis ($700) with Tour Classic Bindings ($550) are lightweight (6.2 pounds per pair) and, because they excel on all types of terrain, they work well for beginners and advanced skiers skinning uphill and shredding back down. fischersports.com
Mountain safety pioneer Mammut developed its first avalanche transceiver for the Swiss army in 1968 and its modern Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon ($500) is the fastest, most user-friendly, and most powerful on the market. The Alugator Pro Light Snow Shovel ($80) and Carbon Probe 240 Light ($90) are equally effective when seconds count. Store all three tools in the Nirvana 35L Ski Touring Pack ($220), designed to holster the equipment, providing quick, obvious access with corresponding, color-coded panels and zips. mammut.com
The Swedish-made POC Obex Spin Helmet ($200) is loaded with tech that lends to both safety and comfort on the mountain. Pair it with Orb Clarity Goggles ($250), which feature a dual compound lens designed by Carl Zeiss for maximum clarity and field-of-view in all kinds of conditions. pocsports.com
Investing in lightweight skis for easier uphill climbs is pointless if you’re wearing a heavy pair of boots. Fischer Travers CC Boots ($900) add less than 2.2 pounds per foot and do not sacrifice the stiffness needed to handle technical downhill terrain. A Boa closure and single power strap make putting them on and taking them off a breeze. fischersports.com
This Swedish glove maker has been designing outdoor gloves, mitts, and gauntlets since 1936. Choose the cowhide Hestra Leather Fall Line ($165) for style and warmth, while the breathable, dexterous Ergo Grip Active ($110) excels for the higher aerobic output required while skinning up the slope. hestragloves.com
Pair an OtterBox Elevation 20 Tumbler and Thermal Lid ($65) with the lightweight Snow Peak TI - Single Wall Cup 600 ($35). Fill the cup with a super-concentrated version of your favorite hot drink; then while touring, scoop up some snow to cool your beverage while simultaneously diluting it enough to drink. The concentrated version ensures that you’ve got enough hot drink to last the day, without hauling around extra water weight. otterbox.com; snowpeak.com
After a long day of touring, few things feel better than trading ski boots with Glerups Low Boots ($100). Made from 100-percent felted wool, they keep feet warm and the rubber-sole version keeps feet dry. glerups.com
