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.

Our AMGA trained and experienced 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 (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)

  • Sun hoodie (recommended for warmer days)

  • Mid layer

  • Insulated jacket or puffy coat

  • Hard or soft shell jacket (wind and water resistant)

  • Shell pants or bibs (wind and water resistant)

  • Ski socks

  • Buff or neck gaiter

  • Beanie or wool hat

  • Lightweight gloves (for uphill touring)

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

  •  

Personal Items:

  • 25-40L day pack: big enough to hold extra clothes, all avalanche equipment (inside the pack), water, food and extra belongings

  • Pencil and notebook (provided)

  • Sun Screen (at least SPF 30)

  • Sunglasses

  • 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:

  • 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)

Example kit: BCA Kit

Overnight Trips Only:

  • 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 details on what to pack for overnight hut trips

 

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 splitboard rentals in town
180 4th Street E, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-8818