Avalanche Course Equipment List

Below is a list of the equipment necessary to safely and efficiently enjoy a day of backcountry education and powder skiing. If you are in need of any of the equipment listed below, please call our local rental & retailer stores listed at the bottom of the page. Mention you are taking a course with Sun Valley Guides to receive a discount on rentals.

Ski Equipment (if on skis):

• Alpine touring skis (powder models preferred)

• Ski Boots (Alpine touring or Telemark with walk mode)

• Adjustable ski poles

• Climbing skins (pre-cut to fit skis)

Snowboard Equipment (if on a board):

• Spiltboard

• Snowboard Boots compatible with bindings

• Climbing skins (with tail clips)

• Adjustable ski poles (3 section poles, preferred to break down tightly)

Avalanche Rescue Equipment:

• Avalanche Transceiver (must be a 3 antennas)

• Avalanche Shovel (metal)

• Avalanche Probe (clip lock mechanism)

Example kit: Black Diamond Recon Avy Set

Clothing (NO COTTON):

• Long underwear tops and bottoms (a polypropylene/wool baselayer blend is recommended - Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Wool Base Layer)

• Sun hoodie (recommended for warmer days - Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody)

• Mid layer (Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody)

• Insulated jacket (down/puffy coat - Black Diamond Access Down Hoody)

• Hard or Soft Shell Jacket (wind and water resistant - Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell or Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell) 

• Shell pants or bibs (wind and water resistant - Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bibs)

• Ski socks

• Buff or neck gaiter

• Beanie or wool hat

• Lightweight gloves (for uphill touring) (Black Diamond Trekker Gloves)

• Warm gloves or mittens (*wind and water resistant - for skiing!) (Black Diamond Impulse Gloves)

Personal Items:

• 25-40L Day Pack: big enough to hold extra clothes, all avalanche equipment (inside the pack), water, food and extra belongings (Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32)

• Pencil and Notebook (provided)

• Sun Screen  (at least SPF 30)

• Sunglasses (sun protection)

• Ski goggles

• Helmet (recommended)

• 1-2 liters water bottle (filled)

• Favorite high-energy snack food and lunch (food is NOT provided on day trips)

• Headlamp (with extra batteries)

• Blister Kit (if prone, carry your own please)

• Hand/Foot Warmers (if prone to cold)

SNOW STUDY KIT (ex: BCA kit):

• Map or GPS (guides will carry one)

• Snow crystal card, 10x loupe and folding ruler - optional for L1, necessary for L2

• 6’ Parachute cord for isolating large columns (ECT/PST) - L2 only

• Snow saw - isolating stability columns (great for stability tests!) - optional for L1, necessary for L2

• Inclinometer (highly recommended) or phone app (Steve’s BA or Theodolite)

Overnight Trips:

• Compact overnight backpack

•   Sleeping bag (down or synthetic/rated to at least 20℉) with compression sack

• Inflatable pillow (puffy jackets in stuff sac work well!)

• Insulated booties/slippers with rubber soles

• Camp Towel such as PackTowl & Swim suit (sauna)

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, personal medication, etc.)

• Comfy après ski clothes (ex: cotton t-shirt and shorts/pants)

• Charging cords

(SEE WINTER HUT TRIP EQUIPMENT LIST FOR MORE INFO)

***GUIDES WILL CARRY A SNOW STUDY KIT, A MEDICAL KIT, A REPAIR KIT, RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE (SATELLITE PHONE OR INREACH)

Sun Valley Rental & Retail Shops:

Sturtevants Rental & Cycle Haus (mention you are going out with Sun Valley Guides to receive a discount)
340 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340 
(208) 726-4501
Rental Link

Backwoods Mountain Sports
711 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-8818

Elephant’s Perch
280 N East Ave, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-3497

The Board Bin (Only place you can rent splitboards in town)
180 4th Street E, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-8818