Backcountry Ski/Snowboard 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, 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.

WHAT IS PROVIDED:

Guides will be carrying a first aid kit, navigation equipment, skin wax/scraper, inReach satellite device, repair kit, bivy/rescue sled and survival supplies

WHAT YOU NEED:

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 (3 antennas)

• Avalanche Shovel (metal blade)

• Avalanche Probe (click-lock mechanism)

Example kit: Black Diamond Recon Avy Set 

Clothing:

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

• 1-2 liter water bottle (filled) - hydration bladders tend to freeze up during winter (unless using an insulated bladder)

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

• Ski goggles

• Helmet (recommended)

• Sun Screen (at least SPF 30) and lip balm with SPF

• Sunglasses (sun protection)

• Sun visor or ball cap (sun protection)

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

• Hand/Foot Warmers (if prone to cold)

• Headlamp (optional) - with tested batteries

Ski Mountaineering:

• Ski crampons (compatible with your bindings)

• Boot crampons (discuss with your guide)

• Ice Axe

• Helmet

• Harness (skimo specific)

• Carabiners, webbing, slings, etc. (guide will determine)

RENTALS (SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, BACKPACKS, ETC.):

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