How to pack for a ski trip

What the hell is in that backpack? I ask myself this sentence often when I'm sweating under the weight of my backpack on a ski hike. Although over time I learned to pack minimalistically, i.e. I don't take anything extra with me, but there are things that should not be missing from the list of "What to pack in your backpack for a ski hike". Let's take a look at them.

November 6, 2023 ·2 min read

Ako sa zbaliť na skialpovú túru

Basic equipment

  • Alpine skis
  • Alpine ski boots
  • Climbing belts
  • Alpine cats, so-called haršajzne - they are used to prevent you from slipping during a hike in icy or too hard terrain
  • Helmet
ako sa zbalit na skialp

Emergency equipment (intended for ski mountaineering in mountains off groomed slopes)

Don't even think about leaving these things at home. The following things are an absolute necessity for a ski-alpine hike in the mountains off the groomed slopes:
  • Avalanche equipment: shovel, probe, finder
  • First-aid kit including insulation film
  • Headpiece
Other equipment depends on different conditions. How long is the hike? Are you just going up the hill above the village or across the glacier? What about weather conditions, snow and avalanche reports? Do not overestimate your strengths and consider your individual abilities. Everyone who regularly goes to skialp usually already has his own way and habits of what, when and how to pack with him. But if you're just starting out, we'll present you with a list of things you shouldn't miss in your backpack.
ako sa zbalit na skialp

Clothes

Something you wear right away, something you have in your backpack. You will need to change clothes at the top, or change clothes if the weather worsens.

BOTTOM LAYER

  • Ski socks
  • Absorbent and breathable bottom layer: Kráľová, Bukovec
  • Long or ¾ bottom pants

MIDDLE LAYER, OUTPUT LAYER

INSULATING LAYER, TOP LAYER FOR DOWNHILL

ACCESSORIES

  • Cap, headband
  • Multifunctional neck scarf
  • Thinner gloves for climbing
  • Thicker, warm, windproof gloves for downhill
ako sa zbalit na skialp

Other important equipment

In the mountains UV protection is very important. Therefore, don't forget to pack sunglasses with a UV filter, sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF factor. You will also definitely appreciate:

  • Thermos/insulated water bag

  • Food, energy bar, etc.

  • Ski tape

  • Mini repair tool

  • Swiss army knife

  • Map (paper), GPS, compass

  • Bivouac bag

  • Documents (in a small, ideally waterproof bag) + mountain insurance

  • Cash money

  • The phone must be fully charged, that's important. Be sure not to forget it, you never know when you will need to call for help.

ako sa zbalit na skialp

Additional equipment for difficult terrain

  • Climbing irons, so-called crampons that you attach to ski boots

  • Axe

  • Rope - how you need to secure yourself during a hike or abseiling

  • Seat harness

Skialping is an activity in open terrain, so it is important to take care of safety, not to overestimate your strength, take an avalanche course and check the weather and the local avalanche forecast before each hike the situation.