Avalanche Rescue Skills Course Equipment List 

You need to have everything on the list!

WHAT I CAN PROVIDE

I may be able to provide the following:

  • Transceiver (charge of $15/day applies)

  • Shovel (no charge)

  • Probe (no charge)

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS

  • We only allow MODERN DIGITAL TRANSCEIVERS on our trips.

  • A TRIPLE ANTENNA transceiver is REQUIRED.

  • A transceiver with a PERSISTENT MARKING FUNCTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Note that Tracker transceivers do not have a persistent marking function. Trackers are allowed on our trips but are not recommended unless you have diligently practiced multiple burial searches with them.

  • Your transceiver must have been tested in both transmit and receive modes – it needs to have a signal at a minimum of 30 metres in both modes.

  • It is best if your transceiver is less than 10 years old.

  • Your transceiver has to have been manufactured since 2001 (so it meets EN 300718 standard).

  • If your transceiver does not meet the specifications above you will not be going skiing!

  • I can recommend Pieps, Black Diamond, and Barryvox transceivers for this course.

Let me know if you would like more information on transceivers.

THE LIST

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

  • Touring specific boots

  • Adjustable length ski poles

Safety EQUIPMENT

  • Digital avalanche transceiver (persistent marking function recommended)

  • Avalanche shovel

  • Avalanche probe

OPTIONAL SAFETY GEAR (I will have this as well)

  • Ski helmet

  • Airbag pack

  • First aid kit

  • Repair kit

  • Emergency toboggan/shelter

  • Satellite messenger and/or radio

  • GPS, compass, map etc

other Equipment

  • Sunglasses

  • Goggles

  • Water bottle and/or thermos

  • Small 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.

  • Toilet kit: toilet paper, baggie for used paper, hand sanitizer

  • Camera

  • Health insurance and mountain rescue insurance information

  • 35-45 L capacity backpack

    • All your gear and clothing must fit inside your pack

    • Nothing should be strapped to the outside.

CLOTHING SYSTEMS

  • Average temperatures are normally about -5 to -15 but you need to be prepared for temperatures from -25 to +5

  • Several thin layers are better than fewer thicker layers. No cotton!

  • Long underwear tops and bottoms - wool or synthetic

  • 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 – 2 pairs (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

  • Sun hat

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