WINTER PACKING LIST

Depending on the type of terrain and the microclimate expected, it is essential to carefully prepare the equipment to bring, choosing the right components to ensure comfort and safety during the adventure. For a multi-day trip during the winter season, warm and protective clothing is a must in your backpack, preferably designed to be worn in layers to adapt to varying weather conditions. It is also important to include any specific equipment, such as skis or skins for ski mountaineering enthusiasts, and any other necessary tools based on the activity you will be engaging in. Waterproof and snow-resistant clothing is essential to handle even the most challenging conditions. The following list is valid for all activities involving snowshoes, ski touring, or ski safaris, but for each of these, you will still need to add specific equipment based on the particular needs of each discipline.

BACKPACK

A backpack for a multi-day tour should be designed to ensure comfort, stability, and practicality during long hikes. The first factor to consider is the capacity. For a winter tour, we recommend a 40-50 liter backpack, large enough to carry all the necessary equipment. However, it's very important that it’s not too large to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. The backpack should have a padded waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps to better fit the body, improve weight distribution, and reduce the risk of back pain. A good ventilation system on the back helps reduce sweating and improves breathability. It’s essential that the backpack has a waterproof coating or includes an integrated rain cover to protect the contents from snow and water.

CLOTHING

Dressing in layers is always a winning choice, both in summer and winter, but during the cold season, it becomes even more essential. Prepare with warm, comfortable clothing specifically designed to face low temperatures. Follow the proven "3-layer principle": start with a breathable base layer that is in direct contact with your skin, followed by an insulating synthetic layer to retain heat, and complete with an outer jacket that protects you from wind, rain, and snow. Synthetic fabrics are perfect for cold weather: they provide excellent thermal insulation, are lightweight, quickly wick away sweat, and dry fast, ensuring comfort throughout the activity. Wool or a combination of wool and synthetic fibers are also ideal choices due to their natural warmth and excellent breathability properties.

- BASE LAYER - THERMAL UNDERWEAR: wear comfortable base layers with good breathability properties. Thermal underwears should be in direct contact with the skin.
- MIDDLE LAYER - FLEECE JACKET: a fleece jacket represents the perfect mid-layer between thermal underwear and the jacket. Fleece fabric has properties similar to wool, trapping air to keep the body warm and dry. 
-UPPER LAYER - WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF JACKET: a waterproof and windproof jacket is a must for any hut-to-hut tour, both in summer and in winter. The mountains are unpredictable, subject to rapid weather changes. Even on the clearest days, disturbances and subsequent drops in temperature are always possible. The ideal solution? A waterproof jacket with a breathable membrane, paired with a removable inner layer, like fleece, to be prepared for anything without sacrificing practicality.
- SKI PANTS: the pants should be comfortable, breathable, and most importantly, waterproof. For ski safaris, any dedicated ski pants will work. For snowshoeing or ski touring excursions, we recommend pants with stretch areas on the knees and an integrated snow gaiter.
- TECHNICAL SOCKS: it’s best to choose technical fabric socks. These are designed to minimize rubbing and blister formation, fit snugly on the foot, and most importantly, dry quickly. Two or three pairs of socks will be sufficient, preferably long ones.
- COMFORTABLE CLOTHES: a comfortable change of clothes, such as a t-shirt and a pair of leggings or a tracksuit, is ideal for relaxing in the refuge and changing after a long day spent outdoors. They allow you to feel at ease and enjoy your well-deserved rest without compromising on comfort.
- EXTRAS: hat, gloves, neck warmer, ear warmer headband.

FOOTWEAR

To ensure comfort and safety during your outdoor adventures, it’s essential to choose the right footwear based on the activity you're doing:
- SKI BOOTS (ON-PISTE AND OFF-PISTE): Choose standard alpine ski boots that offer versatility for different snow conditions. Make sure they fit your foot well to ensure maximum comfort and support.
- SKI MOUNTAINEERING: for ski mountaineering excursions, opt for specific boots that combine walking comfort with good downhill performance. These boots are also perfect for occasional holidays on the slopes.
- SNOWSHOES: choose hiking boots with ankle support, waterproof and sturdy enough to tackle snow and rough terrain. Gaiters are an essential accessory to prevent snow from entering the boots.

If you're buying new boots and don’t already have a pair, wear them several times before your trip to break them in and allow the inner fabric and sole to adapt to the shape of your foot. This small precaution will help reduce the risk of blisters.

- LIGHT SHOES: you can bring lighter, clean shoes to wear at the hut, such as sandals or slippers

THERMOS

For a multi-day tour, a 2-liter thermos is generally the best choice, as it provides enough beverages for the entire day without being bulky. It is designed to keep beverages or food hot or cold for extended periods. Stainless steel thermos are very sturdy and safe, don’t alter the taste of the beverage, but may be heavier compared to other options. Plastic thermos, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to carry, but do not retain the temperature as long as stainless steel.

SLEEPING LINER

If you’re doing a hut-to-hut tour, it’s necessary to bring a sleeping liner, which is explicitly required by the hut staff for hygiene reasons. The huts provide pillows and blankets.

PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS

All huts provide the basic hygiene essentials as required by regulations. However, you’ll need to bring your own personal items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wet wipes, and some toilet paper. Wet wipes are particularly useful when a shower isn’t available, such as during times of water scarcity or in locations with limited water supplies. It’s also recommended to bring a towel, regardless of the type of accommodation in the huts. Microfiber towels are the best choice: lightweight, compact, and quick-drying

OTHER ACCESSORIES

- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with an appropriate UV protection level
- Lip balm with UV protection
- First aid kit and medications
- Mobile phone and charger
- Power bank
- Headlamp
- Multi-tool knife
- Camera
- Snacks
- Earplugs
- Cash in local currency – many huts do not accept credit cards

MANDATORY TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT SKI MOUNTAINEERING

- Skiies: it’s essential that the bindings are equipped with ski-stoppers.
- Sealskins: essential for efficient uphill movement.
- Poles: we recommend adjustable poles.
- Avalanche Gear (ARVA, Shovel, Probe): learn how to use this equipment before the tour.
- Helmet: certified for downhill skiing.
- Goggles
- Harness with 1 locking carabiner
- Crampons and/or rampants
- Ice axe
- Windproof pants: they are designed to provide protection from adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds and snow. These pants must be lightweight, breathable, and durable

MANDATORY TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT SNOWSHOES

- Snowshoes: to choose the right snowshoes, consider the type of terrain and snow conditions. For packed terrain, narrower and lighter models are suitable, while for deep snow, wider snowshoes with a larger surface area are ideal. Also, check the attachment system, the presence of spikes or crampons for traction, and the comfort of the foot support.
- Telescopic poles: they are a valuable aid on uneven terrain, especially uphill, as they help maintain balance and reduce the strain on the body. We recommend opting for adjustable trekking poles.
- Avalanche Gear (ARVA, Shovel, Probe)

MANDATORY TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT SKI SAFARI

- Skiies: make sure the skis are adjusted according to your weight and have appropriate edges.
- Poles: choose poles that are the right length for your height and skiing style.
- Helmet and ski goggles: the helmet should fit your head perfectly without being too tight or too loose. Ensure that the helmet meets safety standards.