Detailed Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Trip Checklist

December 23, 2020

For adventure lovers, nothing is more adrenaline-inducing and satisfying than a backcountry ski and snowboard trip. If you do not pack the right gear, however, you may not have a good time. In this backcountry ski gear list, we will cover everything you will need to accomplish your skiing and snowboarding objectives.

The Backcountry Ski Gear List

To snowboard or ski, you will need most of the gear listed in this section:

A snowboard, split board, or skis
Skiing boots
Skiing Poles
Snowboarding helmet
Climbing Skins
Avalanche transceiver
Pack
Ski crampons
Skin wax, ski wax, and tools to help you with the waxing process
Signaling mirror or a whistle
Whippet self-arresting ski pole or ice ax
Avalanche airbag survival pack
Snowpit analysis kit and slope meter
Probe
Snow shovel
A guidebook or route description to aid with navigation
Multifunction watch featuring an altimeter
Ski goggles

The Essentials

For your survival, safety, and basic comfort, you should ensure that you have the items below on your snowboarding checklist:

Navigation

To reduce the chances of getting lost, ensure that you are carrying the following items:

Map – The ideal map should feature a protective case
Compass
GPS (this is optional)

Sun Protection

The sun can be unforgiving, even on snow. To stay safe, have the following sun protection items in your backcountry ski gear list:

Sunglasses
Lip balm
Sunscreen – Learn how to apply sunscreen correctly

Insulation

To avoid losing heat, insulation is necessary. The following gear should help you stay insulated:

Ski Jacket
Ski pants
Snowboarding gloves
Hat
Vest

Note: For more clothing ideas, check the clothing section

Illumination

To avoid being stuck in the dark, consider carrying the following gear:

Headlamp
Flashlight
Extra batteries

First Aid Supplies

Since accidents and common illnesses do occur even when you least expect them, having a way to take care of the affected individual is crucial. Ensure that your backcountry ski gear list has the following first aid items:

Plasters – These should be available in a wide range of shapes and sizes
Sterile eye dressing – At least 2.
Triangular bandages
Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
Scissors
Tweezers
Safety pins
Thermometer – Preferably, a digital thermometer
Disposable sterile gloves
Sterile gauze dressings – Carry large, medium, and small
Painkillers – Such as paracetamol
Distilled water for cleaning wounds
Eye bath and eyewash
Cough medicine
Antihistamine tablets or cream
Antiseptic cream
Skin rash cream

Fire

If you intend to go winter camping for more than a single day, you may need to start a fire at some point. To start a fire, your snowboarding checklist should feature the following items:

Lighter or matches
Waterproof container
Firestarter – Ideal for starting emergency survival fires

Repair Tools and Kit

Even after leaving home with properly-functioning gear, the gear may start misbehaving once you are in the snow. If you have the right repair tools on your backcountry ski gear list, fixing your gear should be easy. Some of the repair gear you may need to carry includes:

A knife or multitool
Duct tape strips
Other repair tools ideal for the equipment you will be carrying

Nutrition

For you to enjoy your time on your ski or snowboard, you have to be well fed. To ensure that you do not run out of food, you should carry an extra day’s food supply. If you will be snowboarding for 3 days, carry food capable of lasting for 4 to 5 days. In case something happens and you have to change your plans, you will not have to worry about starving.

Hydration

You won’t be able to have fun on your new ski if you are dehydrated. To stay hydrated, the following items should be on your backcountry ski gear list:

Water bottles
Hydration system – Preferably, insulated
Water filter or an alternative water treatment system

Emergency Shelter

If you intend to spend a couple of days away from home, an emergency shelter can come in handy. To sleep comfortably, include the following items on your snowboarding checklist:

Winter sleeping bag
Tent
Reflective blanket or bivy

Clothing

To stay warm on snow, consider packing the following:

Wicking base layers (wool or synthetic)
Insulating mid-layer (fleece vest or jacket)
Fleece pants
Insulating jacket (poly-fill or down)
Breathable/waterproof jacket
Breathable/waterproof pants
Insulating cap, headband, or balaclava
Buff or bandana
Sun-shielding cap (for the bright days)
Mitten or gloves
Socks (wool or synthetic)
Liner socks
Gaiters

Personal Items

Some of the personal items you should always have when going on a snowboarding or skiing trip include:

Sanitation trowel
WAG bags
Hand sanitizer
Quick-dry towel

Additional (Optional) Gear

After ensuring that you have acquired all the necessary gear outlined above, you can go ahead and invest in the items we have outlined below. These items are optional considering that they won’t play any key role in your skiing or snowboarding experience:

Camera
Binoculars
Passes/permits
2-way radios
Cellphone or a satellite messenger
Music player featuring headphones
Notebook and pen
Footwarmer/handwarmer packets
Personal locator beacon
Post-activity snacks
Post-activity change of clothing
Vacuum bottle (for your hot drinks)
Insulated sitting pad
Energy beverages
Photo ID
Cash or a credit card

Globo Surf Overview

If you are armed with the right equipment, snowboarding and skiing should be a fun activity for you. This backcountry ski gear list should make it much easier for you to plan your snowboarding and skiing trip.

You don’t need to have every item we have mentioned in this snowboarding checklist. However, there are some crucial items you should never forget. These include clothing capable of keeping you warm, protective gear, food, navigation gear, emergency shelter (if you will be skiing for more than a day), and obviously, a ski or a snowboard.

If you are under a budget and purchasing some of the important gear is impossible, consider renting the equipment. If you have some friends who enjoy skiing and snowboarding, chances are, they already have the gear you need. You can borrow their gear if they won’t be joining you.

More Snow Reviews:

Source

40 Ski Trip Packing List You’ll Want for Vacation, Theworldpursuit.com