Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will use every item on every outing. List is for day use.

For printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking or Winter Camping lists.

Gear choices

(see our Mountaineering checklist for other gear options)

• Skis, snowboard or splitboard
• Boots
• Poles
• Goggles
• Helmet
• Climbing skins
• Ski wax, skin wax, waxing tools
• Crampons/ski crampons
• Pack

• Avalanche transceiver
• Snow shovel
• Probe
• Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit
• Avalung or avalung pack
• Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
• Whistle/signaling mirror
• Ice axe/Whippet
• Route description or guidebook

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass

• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Extra batteries (kept near body when cold)

5. First-aid supplies

• First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)

6. Fire

• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container

• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool

• Duct tape strips; repair items as needed

8. Nutrition

• Extra day’s supply of food

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)

• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Clothing options

(base choices on possible weather extremes)

• Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
• Fleece jacket or vest (insulating mid layer)
• Fleece pants
• Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill)
• Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
• Waterproof/breathable pants or bibs (or soft shell)
• Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband

• Bandana or Buff (neck or face gaiter)
• Sun-shielding cap or hat for bright days
• Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
• Light gloves (for high-energy activity)
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Liner socks
• Gaiters

Personal items

• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel and/or WAGbags

• Hand sanitizer
• Quick-dry towel

Other options

• Lunch
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Vacuum bottle (for hot drinks)
• Insulated sitting pad
• Handwarmer/footwarmer packets
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Permits/passes
• ___________________

• Two-way radios
• Personal locator beacon
• Cell or satellite phone
• Credit card/cash/photo ID
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player with headphones
• Post-activity snacks, water and beverages
• Towel and post-activity change of clothing
• Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
• ___________________

Back to Top