WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON A DAY SKI TRIP?
These are suggestions for any ski trip. Sierra Club leaders will usually give you specifics for your trip.
The "Ten Essentials" - These items have been found useful to cope with emergencies:
- Headlamp Flashlight (with extra bulb and batteries) - headlamps are easier to ski with.
- Dark Sunglasses (to prevent temporary snow blindness) and Sunscreen (lotion 15+)
- Lunch - with an extra energy bar or two in case you are out overnight
- Extra clothing (wool or polypropylene jacket and shirts for wind, rain, and cold)
- Quad topographic map
- Compass
- Fire starter ribbon, small candle i.e. something to light damp wood
- Waterproofed matches or BIC-type lighter .
- Pocket Knife and other ski repair equipment. Multipurpose pliers, a foot of duct tape, and a foot of electrical tape can be handy. Wrap the duct tape and electrical tape around your canteen.
- First Aid Kit - including band aids for blisters -Use the band aids as soon as you feel a hot spot on your heel or foot. Don't wait for the pain!
Equipment for day ski-packs:
- Daypack or Internal frame pack for clothes, lunches - packs should ride on your hips. The high riding summer backpacks are unstable for skiing.
- Canteen(s) - If the temperature is going to stay below freezing, consider an insulated canteen holder.
- Toilet articles - burn used toilet paper on a safe place in the snow
- Skis, poles and ski Boots that fit your ski bindings - see SKI EQUIPMENT for types of equipment.
- Light socks - a combination of a light inner sock and heavy outer sock reduces the chance of blisters
- Heavy wool or polypropylene socks
- Ski Pants or knickers
- Light shirt
- Wool shirt or polypropylene undershirt - Don't use cotton! Cotton loses insulating properties when it's wet.
- Hat and gloves - leather palmed gloves hold up best
- Jacket or heavy sweater
- Outer wind/rain shell garment