EQUIPMENT

Whether you are planning on going on a three-hour tour (like Gilligan) or a multiple day tour, you should be prepared to deal with an emergency that might force you to stay out in the backcountry snow overnight. The backcountry skiing equipment different people bring depends on the person packing but there is certain ski touring equipment which should always be brought along. Another item—which we can’t really refer to as “gear”—is knowledge. There’s little use to a compass or transceiver (for example) if you have no idea how to use them. In general, prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

Here’s a list of the must haves: