Icefall traverse GEAR LIST

what i can provide

I can provide the following:

  • Transceiver (charge of $105 applies)

  • Shovel (no charge)

  • Probe (no charge)

  • Harness and locking carabiner (no charge)

Let me know as soon as possible if you need any of this.

A word about packing for this trip

This what your pack should look like for this trip. About 45 L capacity, nothing attached to the outside except the helmet on the uphills.

You need to have everything on the list - but not more!

It is essential that you pack light for this trip. There is at least one day that is as big as any we have done together. If you have more than your regular day pack plus a few extras for the evenings you will struggle and may not make it on the ascent from Alexandria Cabin.

This traverse has the capacity to be riskier than the regular lodge day trips we have done together. Although it is still within our operational risk band, having light packs enables us to move faster and therefore reduce our risk. If you pack too heavy and are slow as a result you may put the entire group at greater risk than is required. Packing light will reduce the risks on this trip.

The List

Safety and SKIING EQUIPMENT

  • AT touring skis or telemark skis or splitboard

    • Understand that telemark and snowboard bindings may not be releasable and greatly increase your risk if caught in an avalanche.

    • No snowboard/snowshoe combinations, splitboards only.

  • Skins

  • Ski crampons

  • Touring specific boots

  • Adjustable length ski poles

  • Climbing harness and 1 locking carabiner. I can provide this if you do not have it but please let me know as soon as possible. The guides will provide enough crevasse rescue equipment for the entire group.

Ski touring equipment

  • Digital avalanche transceiver with a triple antenna (marking function recommended)

  • Avalanche shovel

  • Avalanche probe

  • Ski helmet - required

  • Sunglasses (dark lenses - this trip can be very bright)

  • Goggles

  • Sunscreen, minimum 50 SPF (bad sunburn is one of the most common risks on this trip)

  • Lip protection, minimum 50 SPF

  • Water bottle and/or thermos (1-2 L)

  • Headlamp

  • Skin wax: I find a simple candle works fine.

  • Small personal first aid/repair kit: band aids, blister kit, headache pills, hand and toe warmers, extra batteries for transceiver and headlamp, duct tape, pocket knife, special binding and boot parts, 1 set of batteries for your headlamp/transceiver.

  • Toilet kit: toilet paper, baggie for used paper, hand sanitizer (there is toilet paper in each hut/cabin/lodge)

  • Camera

  • Health insurance and mountain rescue insurance information

  • 45-50 L capacity backpack

    • All your gear and clothing must fit inside your pack

    • Nothing should be strapped to the outside.

    • You will need to be able to accommodate 1-2 L of additional volume for group equipment/food, as well as three lunches.

optional safety gear

  • Airbag pack. Although most airlines will allow the canisters and batteries for balloon packs on the aircraft there are special regulations involved. Please check with your airline well before you arrive at the airport.

CLOTHING SYSTEMS

Average temperatures at this time of year are normally about -10 to +5 but I have seen anywhere from -20 to +15 degrees on this trip. You need to be prepared for a wide temperature range. Several thin layers are better than fewer thicker layers. No cotton!

The following list includes ALL the outdoor clothing you should bring. Pack light.

  • 1 - 2 wool or synthetic T-shirts

  • 1 - 2 wool or synthetic long sleeved tops

  • 1 - 2 wool or synthetic long underwear bottoms

  • 2 pair ski socks

  • Ski pants – softshell or light hardshell pants both are fine

  • Thin windbreaker/softshell - for walking uphill in warm conditions

  • Warmer softshell jacket – I prefer a hooded jacket but it’s absolutely necessary

  • Shell jacket – to keep the wet out, Gore-tex or similar seems best

  • Down or synthetic insulated jacket – for breaks and emergency use

  • Lightweight gloves – for walking uphill in warm conditions

  • Warm gloves (mittens are optional but recommended if you get cold hands)

  • Hand warmers if you get cold hands

  • Warm toque for skiing down

  • Lightweight toque for walking up

  • Balaclava or neck tube – essential for cold conditions

  • Full brim sun hat that protects your ears and neck (bad sunburn is one of the most common risks on this trip)

around the Huts/LODGE

  • Toiletries - the basics only. There is soap for showers at the lodge. Wet wipes are handy for the basic huts.

  • Prescriptions and basic pain medications for those sore muscles

  • Ear plugs

  • Battery pack for recharging phones and devices. Bring enough power for four charges. There is a charging station at Icefall Lodge that you can use for 2 nights.

  • A lightweight sleeping bag liner like this or this. A new group moves through the huts daily and laundry is not done every day. The huts are all heated so you will not be cold.

  • A lightweight, low volume camp pillow.

  • OPTIONAL: 1 t-shirt, lightweight pants, and socks for the evenings.

GROUP GEAR

You will need to carry one of the following. Each item is 1-2 L in volume.

  • Group repair kit

  • Emergency toboggan/shelter

  • Lightweight air mattress

  • 2 lightweight ropes

  • Food (on days 1, 2 and 6 only)

  • Three lunches for yourself

THE following WILL be PROVIDEd at each hut/cabin/lodge:

  • Lodge slippers and outdoor boots

  • Blankets (the huts are all heated)

  • Towel (Icefall Lodge)

  • Soap

  • Toilet paper

  • Power at Icefall Lodge only

Travelling

  • U.S. and foreign participants need passports to travel to Canada. Ensure the expiry date is well after the trip ends.

  • U.S. and foreign participants may need additional travel documents to enter Canada. See here for details.

  • Airplane tickets

  • Health insurance and mountain rescue information (carry this on you during the ski day)

Guides will carry

  • Group first aid kit

  • Radio

  • Crevasse rescue kit

  • 1 rope

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