Equipment List

 

P = equipment provided if you do not have your own

* = equipment can be hired if you do not have your own

Contact us for more information. We would be pleased to answer your questions.  

Clothes and Boots

Warm hat - A fleece hat with a windproof layer inside is good. Should cover the ears and fit underneath a helmet.
Sun hat - Make sure it stays on your head even when it is windy.
Thermal Underwear - Top preferably with long sleeves and long johns. Wearing cotton next to your skin can mean you get cold as it does not dispel moisture in the same way as a thermal, wicking garment.
Fleece layers - It is better to carry several thin layers than thick bulky ones, to allow you to adjust your clothing according to temperature, weather and activity.
Jacket - Should be wind and waterproof - Gore Tex or similar breathable material. A shell jacket is good and it should have a hood.
Trousers - Should be wind and waterproof - Gore Tex or similar breathable material. Preferably with long leg zips to make them easier to take on and off without having to take your boots off.
Mountain Trousers- Should be of robust stretchy material e.g. schoeller, not cotton.
Thick Gloves - Should be insulated warm gloves or mitts. Gloves make it easier to fiddle with climbing gear but mitts tend to be warmer.
Thin Gloves - A fleece wind stopper glove with reinforced palms gives better grip.
Socks - Thick mountaineering socks are important. Carry a spare pair for overnights in huts.
Gaiters - To keep snow out of your boots. Best if they are made of a breathable material.
Boots - Fully rigid leather mountaineering boot e.g. Sportiva, Nepal Extreme. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable but not as warm. When climbing Mont Blanc you might want to consider plastic depending on the time of the year and the temperature.

Hard-wear

Rucksack - It is important that your rucksack fits you and is comfortable to carry even when heavily loaded. For most courses and activities 30-40 litres is a good size. You might want a slightly bigger one if you are climbing for several days.
Crampons - A 12 point clip-on crampon is recommended. Anti-balling plates are a must, plus safety straps.
Ice Axe - One normal mountaineering axe (also called a walking axe) is good enough unless you are waterfall ice climbing. Should be 50-70cm depending on how tall you are.
Technical Axes - For ice climbing only.
Harness - Should have adjustable leg loops to fit over your Gore tex trousers and jacket.
Helmet - Should be big enough to fit over your hat.
Head torch - Something fairly small and light is sufficient. Remember spare bulbs and batteries.
Poles - Part of your ski equipment and also very useful in the summer for trekking and mountaineering. Highly recommended for the Haute Route and for Mont Blanc! One or two is an individual choice. They should be collapsible to attach to your rucksack.
Avalanche Transceiver - Should be worn at all times when skiing/boarding off-piste. Remember to regularly check the batteries! Can be used by you to search for avalanche victims and will help others to find you should you be caught in an avalanche.
Shovel and probe - Should be carried by all off piste skiers and boarders.

Other

Sleeping Bag - You do not need to bring a sleeping bag for any of our alpine courses. Blankets and pillows are provided in all of the refuges.
Sleeping Bag Liner - Optional for French refuges, obligatory for Swiss refuges.
Sun cream - Very important! Our skin burns easily when spending time on snow and glaciers as snow and ice reflect the sun.
Lip salve - Should be factor 25 or above.
Sunglasses - A must when you are spending time on snow and ice! You can badly damage your eyes without them. Make sure they are big enough to cover your eyes well. Factor 4 lenses are recommended by opticians, factor 3 is a minimum.
Goggles - If you are climbing Mont Blanc or other 4000m peaks it is recommended to have a pair of goggles in your rucksack in case of bad weather.
Toothbrush and toothpaste - A nice luxury that your companions will appreciate. Try and find an almost finished tube.
Personal medical kit - Should contain:
* pain killers - aspirin or paracetamol
* kit to prevent blisters, compede and elastic tape is recommended
* toilet paper or serviettes
* antiseptic cream
* plasters
* ear plugs for the refuge (optional)
The guide will also carry a comprehensive first aid kit. All guides are trained in mountain first aid.
Wet wipes or a small light towel - Only necessary for multi day trips like the Haute Route. Most outdoor shops sell a small, lightweight quick dry towel made for mountaineering or camping.
Thermos - Not a must and adds weight, but a welcome addition to have a hot drink on a cold day climbing Mont Blanc.
Water bottle - Should be at least 1 1/2 litres and resistant.
Camel bag- Good as long as they are kept clean. Not recommended for winter sports / Mont Blanc as the tube tends to freeze up.
Penknife - A small one is useful for picnic lunches.
Camera and film - Remember to check the batteries. The cold can cause batteries not to work.

Ski Equipment

Touring skis- Preferably lightweight. Touring bindings e.g. Fritschi are essential. When renting skis they are normally provided with skins and harcheisen (crampons for the skis).
Touring boots- Required if you are doing a multi-day ski tour like the Haute Route. They are lighter and more flexible than downhill boots, but do not provide the same support.

Contact us for more information. We would be pleased to answer your questions.