Spring is a great time to enjoy the backcountry with a relatively stable snowpack and high-tide snow conditions. South-facing slopes will likely be firm in the morning but as the temps rise the day can often bring near-perfect corn skiing!
Cold mornings and warming daytime temperatures can also bring special challenges to packing the right gear.
In addition to my avy safety equipment, here’s what I pack for a spring tour:
- ski crampons or skeats (skin cleats) can make or break an adventure. These devices improve grip and allow you to get up tricky skin tracks with ease.
- Ice axe for crux moves
- Sunscreen
- energy bars
- water— plenty of it!
- helmet .
- beanie
- baseball hat or visor
- puffy and a light versatile water repellant shell
- Two pairs of gloves: one warm pair for mornings– another, lighter pair for midday.
- Headlamp—just in case!
- First aid kit— including matches and an emergency bivy sack
All of these items can be conveniently found at Skinny Skis. Check the avalanche report, grab your backpack, refill your sunscreen and go explore!