Gray Training

For long ascents, favor narrower, ultralight skis or splitboards with carbon or wood cores and tech bindings under 500g per pair to save weight on climbs. If you ride deep snow, pick wider models built for powder surfing to get more flotation and stability on descents.

Check that your boot sole and heel interface are compatible with the binding type—tech bindings require tech‑compatible boot soles while frame bindings accept more traditional soles. Also confirm the binding’s DIN range (tech models often cover 4–12) to match your weight, skiing style, and safety needs.

A 30–45 liter pack covers most day tours, giving space for layers, a probe, shovel, and snacks without weighing you down. Look for reinforced features like goggle pockets, ski‑carry straps, a dedicated safety pocket, and room for a Petzl headlamp with a full charge for low‑light reliability.

Prioritize a beacon with a 3‑antenna search pattern for faster multi‑victim searches, a probe in the 240–300cm range, and a shovel with an ergonomic blade for efficient digging. Regular practice with your beacon, probe, and shovel is essential; equipment only helps if you and your partners know how to use it under pressure.

If your route crosses avalanche‑prone slopes, consider an airbag backpack for added flotation and a helmet rated specifically for alpine touring, such as the Salomon MTN Lab, for appropriate protection. Packs with dedicated safety pockets and helmet carriers also speed access to gear and improve comfort on long approaches.