Cross-country Skiing Checklist (Day Touring)

Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every skier will carry every item on every outing. Expect to carry less when skiing on groomed trails, more for longer tours on ungroomed terrain.

Basic Gear

• Skis
• Boots
• Poles
• Pack
• Helmet

• Glide wax for skis (if needed)
• Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
• Whistle/signaling mirror
• Trail pass

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Trail or topo map (plus any route description)
• Compass

• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Sunglasses or goggles (w/antifog cloth/spray)

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 for matches

• 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

• Reflective blanket or bivy sack

Clothing options

(again, this list is intentionally extensive; base choices on possible weather extremes)

• Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
• Insulating mid layer: Fleece jacket or vest
• Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
• Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill; worn at stops)
• Fleece pants (for cold days)
• Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
• Neck or face gaiter (bandana or similar)
• Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares

• Liner socks
• Gaiters
• Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
• Light gloves (for vigorous activity or mild days)
• Sun-shielding cap or hat (for sunny days)
• Lightweight nylon pants (for sunny days)
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sunny days)

Personal items

• Tissue/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
• ___________________

• Credit card/cash/photo ID
• Cell or satellite phone
• Two-way radios
• Personal locator beacon
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player with headphones
• Stove, fuel, pot and lid (for melting snow)
• Climbing skins, if needed
• Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
• ___________________

If touring in avalanche-prone areas

(also see our Mountaineering checklist for other gear options)

• Avalanche transceiver
• Probe

• Snow shovel
• Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit

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