The Best Gear for Spring Ski Touring
When lift lines grow endless and spring snowpack stabilizes, the backcountry starts calling. From touring basics to must-have accessories, here's the best gear for a long, sunny day in the mountains.
Before heading into the backcountry, it's your responsibility to get educated on avalanche awareness and routinely update yourself on avalanche alerts in your area. If you're local to Utah, referring to resources like Ogden Avalanche and the Utah Avalanche Center are crucial in keeping you and your touring crew safe.
VOILE MANTI SKIS
With its lightweight and durable aspen core, the Manti truly embodies Utah-based Voile's commitment to simple and solid backcountry equipment. A real quiver-killer, this is truly "a ski that can handle it all."
Demo these skis for only $50 (boots, skins and poles included) by reserving a backcountry ski rental here.
ORTOVOX ASCENT 30 AVABAG
The AVABAG includes 30 liters of usable volume to carry everything you need for an enjoyable ski tour. Most importantly, its compact & light airbag system allows for quick and correct action in an emergency.
VIEW PRODUCTSDYNAFIT HOJI FREE 110 SKI BOOT
Want a ski boot that charges like it's built for full-on downhill alpine riding but tours like a lightweight uphill boot? That's the reason why the Dynafit Hoji Free 110 is our favorite ski boot for the backcountry.
VIEW PRODUCTSBIG SKY MOUNTAIN PRODUCTS SKI SKINS
This nylon skin is equipped with adjustable Quick-Snap tail clips and wire tip clips, and features a beautiful illustration exclusive to GEAR:30. $10 from each pair sold is donated to Ogden Avalanche.
VIEW PRODUCTSBLACK DIAMOND GLOP STOPPER WAX
A must-have for spring tours or temperature inversions, use this wax on your skin fabric to keep waterlogged snow from sticking and weighing them down.
VIEW PRODUCTSMILLIE'S SIPPING BROTH
This savory hot broth beverage is ideal for ski touring on the coldest days. Steep it in your thermos like you would a tea bag.
VIEW PRODUCTSHYDRAPAK STOW BOTTLE 1 L
With durable lightweight construction and a minimal design for effortless packing, this flexible water storage system makes it easy to stay hydrated in the backcountry.
VIEW PRODUCTSSUNBUM SUNSCREEN
Ski goggle tan lines are cool, but protecting your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays is even cooler.
VIEW PRODUCTSBLACK DIAMOND HEADLAMP
Regardless of how thoroughly you plan your tour, you never know how late you might be out. Make sure to bring a headlamp in case things take a turn for the worst.
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