Winter Multi Activity Kit List

Please have a look at our winter multi activity holidays.

Technical equipment such as snowshoes, skis, harnesses, helmets, crampons and ice axes will be provided for you where specified on your quote.

Essentials

• 2 or 3 pairs of warm walking / skiing socks - proper walking / skiing socks have extra padding where you need it the most and are worth getting!

• A decent pair of walking boots or snowboots for snowshoeing and general walking around in the snow. They need to be waterproof, warm and reasonably stiff with ankle support (also gives you a bit of extra height and protection from snow entry!). A good 3 - 4 season walking boot is fine. Walking trainers are not suitable.

• Waterproof jacket and trousers or sallopettes. As you will be skiing, walking or climbing, you will be creating your own body heat, so a waterproof, breathable shell is fine to keep any snow from getting in and melting. It is a good idea to have trousers with elasticated bottoms or snow cuffs to stop snow from getting inside your boots. For trousers and jackets if it is possible to get material with some stretch in it – go for it. If you will be predominantly downhill skiing or snowboarding then padded ski wear is better as you will generate less body heat and the extra warmth is worth it!

• At least three layers - thin thermal layer or t-shirt made of wicking material rather than cotton next to the skin, a mid weight fleece and a thicker fleece. It is better to have lots of layers so you can strip off going up and pile on the layers when you have a rest as your body temperature will vary quite a lot as you are walking, skiing and climbing up and down. The merino wool thermals made by companies such as ice breaker are perfect.

• Extra fleece or sweater

• Fleecy trousers, tights or thermals to wear under your outer trousers and / or a decent pair of mountaineering trousers – usually made from a thickish, water resistant stretchy material.

• Gaiters – if your waterproof trousers don’t have snow cuffs, and even if they do, sometimes a pair of gaiters are worth bringing as an extra defence against snow entering your walking boots!

• Gloves, hat, neck warmer or ear warmer. It's worth getting decent waterproof warm ski gloves or mitts. For ice climbing and general activities in snow and ice conditions your gloves need to be flexible enough for you to be able to use your fingers to do things like clip a caribiner but still warm. A couple of pairs of fleecy gloves are a good idea as they will get wet. A 'buff' with a fleecy and a material end is good for head and neck as it can fit under your helmet – or alternatively / in addition a thin fleece hat or balaclava is good. Two different weights of hat are good for different temperatures.

• Rucksack to carry spare sweater, waterproofs, packed lunch, water bottle, climbing kit, ice axe, crampons etc and other bits and pieces. Good idea to put a waterproof rucksack liner inside your rucksack.

• Good sized water flask or a plastic water bottle. A Platypus or similar water system is also very handy, but beware, they can freeze so an insulated tube is a good idea.

• Thermos flask – the metal ones are best as they can't beak when you drop them!

• Sun screen and lip salve with sunscreen - factor 50 is recommended for all skin types.

• Sun glasses - you should make sure they wrap well round your eyes at the sides to protect you from snow glare from the ground

• Goggles – for eye protection in snow blizzards

• Sun hat or cap for warm winter sunny days.

• Duvet jacket - serves as a good lightweight warm jacket for those frosty cold days.

• Head torch – essential for those early alpine starts, nights in the igloo or moonlit snowshoe walks!

For Ice Climbing

• Mountaineering Boots – a decent pair of boots are invaluable but expensive so if you don't already have a pair think about hiring and try a few out before you decide to buy. They need to be rigid enough to take a step in crampon, waterproof, warm and have good grippy soles (some have special rubbery material on the soles for grip on rock).

• Gloves - for ice climbing you need good grippy fleece gloves as you will need to be able to manipulate the caribiners and rope. They will get wet so it is a good idea to have a couple of pairs. Otherwise technical ice climbing gloves are perfect but expensive!

For Igloo Expedition

• Sleeping Bag and camping mattress – if you have your own sleeping bag (that goes down to -5) and a good camping mattress (eg thermarest) then it is worth bringing your own. They are available to hire if you don’t have one. Please give us advance notice if you will need to hire them.

• Decent Rucksack – for the igloo expedition, you will be carrying quite a lot of equipment, including spade, sleeping bag, camping mattress, food and clothes for the night so will need a good sized rucksack. At least 45 litres with places on the outside to strap things or larger. These are available to hire if you don’t have them.

Other useful things

• Camera, spare film or memory card and batteries.

• Binoculars

• Pen knife– not essential but it is always good to have a decent knife – mainly for picnics! But it can serve as a tool for repair and maintenance.

• A small sit mat or bit of old camping mat - not essential but good for a bit of comfort when picnicking in the snow.

• Swim suit – please note that boxer short style swimming trunks are not allowed in french pools.