Back Country Skiing Equipment Checklist     The U S National Park Service lists these 10 essentials for all back country travel:

1.     pocket knife
2.     matches
3.     flash light
4.     fire starter
5.     sun protection
6.     map
7.     compass
8.     first aid kit
9.     extra food
10.     extra clothing

 You will also need these items :

•     skis, boots, poles 
•     warm clothes, warm socks
•     gloves or mittens
•     warm hat
•     gaiters
•     watch
•     parka or anorak
•     back pack or fanny pack
•     food
•     water or juice drink
•     sunglasses and/or goggles
•     lip balm (with sunscreen)
•     sun screen
•     toilet paper
•     map

Here is a list of additional things you might need :

•     over mitts
•     glide wax or maxi-glide
•     kick wax
•     climbing skins 
•     sun visor
•     no fog cloth
•     knee pads
•     avalanche shovel
•     transceiver
•     avalanche cord
•     avalanche probe
•     high energy snacks

Here is a list for the car:

•     chains
•     ice scraper
•     snow shovel
•     ski rack
•     extra clothing
•     blankets

The actual equipment and supplies you bring along will vary with each outing depending on 4 things:

1.     the weather    (this will effect appropriate clothing the most)
2.     where you are skiing    ( you don't need avalanche beacons in Barn Flats)
3.     your ability    (beginners don't need knee pads)
4.     your disposable income    ( not everyone can afford Telemark skis and climbing skins)

                                               Copyright© 1998 by Ed Strauss. All rights reserved

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