If you own any of the following, you are welcome to bring it and use it during the camp.

Avalanche transceiver: We provide the 2001 model of Tracker avalanche transceiver to every person.

Shovel: We supply at least one Life-Link shovel to each group.

Probe poles or probes: We supply one set of Life-Link probes to each group.

Climbing harness: We supply each person with a Black Diamond harness.

Day pack (for carrying extra gloves, goggles, hat, clothing, food and water, and skis on your back when hiking): We supply a Life-Link “flat pack" to each person.

Helmet: Bring your own if you have one. We supply Boeri helmets, but they are heavy and hot compared to the newer helmets (ours are six years old)

Recommended Equipment:

Weatherproof clothing!
Think dry, warm, and breathable.

The climate in Verbier in April is mild, although storms are still likely. You will spend much more time moving on the mountain than on a ski lift.

You would be surprised to see how many skiers spend much of their day trying to figure out the optimal layering system -- one in which they do not overheat when skiing, but stay warm enough when first exiting the lift at the summit. Usually they are dealing with overheating/sweating and then chilling on the ski lift due to being overdressed. The Marmot layering system with their highly technical fabrics is the key to this problem. See Marmot's website www.marmot.com for more information. You can email us for advice on any Marmot products. We recommend Marmot’s products to keep you warm and dry!

Use the layer system to prevent overheating. The temperature can vary dramatically from summit to valley floor. Marmot offers a superior line of ski mountaineering clothing designed to be worn as layers.

Carry a neck gaiter and a vest. Wear a lightweight Gore-Tex or membrane coat (shell only) with Gore-Tex or membrane pants. Anything insulated will be too warm. With a shell, you can always add layers.

Gore-Tex is more waterproof than membrane, but does not breathe as well as membrane. For mild climates we prefer membrane for its breathable qualities, except in wet weather (warm snowstorms or rain). Carry the extra layers in your backpack (with vest, neck gaiter, hat, spare lightweight gloves, extra pair of goggles, water, energy bars).

Ski Coat: Gore-Tex or membrane, high quality (again, we recommend Marmot) “ with a technical material shirt, such as Marmot’s Tech -T or a lighter shirt for warmer days. Marmot has a large collection of these sorts of under layers. Think breathable when purchasing your under layer. Get a fabric that dries quickly when you sweat (you will sweat skiing during the camp!)

A Marmot vest, for the ultimate layering system, is recommended for extra warmth at higher elevations, which can then be taken off at the warmer, lower elevations after several thousand feet of aerobic skiing!

A bright-colored coat is advised for visibility. Stay away from heavy clothes, material that doesn’t breathe, and over-insulated clothes.

Gore-Tex or membrane ski pant shell: We recommend Marmot’s “Randonee” pant, and Women’s Randonee for women. Preferred features are internal gaiter, side zips for ventilation, and lightweight breathable material.

Ski mountaineering type gloves: Marmot has a great collection of gloves. Get medium to lightweight gloves or they will be too hot.

Hat: Ski hat and headband. We sell lightweight Steep Skiing Camps hats.

Skis

We recommend off-piste skis for powder and crud. Do not ski on traditional narrow skis, as it is too much work -- you will tire yourself out and slow your group down. Some of the runs we ski descend 8,000 vertical feet. You may choose to bring a stone and file to maintain your skis. Be prepared to hit rocks during the camp. Rocks do prevail in the environments we ski, no matter how much snow there is.

K2 Axis AK (formerly AK Launchers) are great all-terrain, crud and powder skis, without sacrificing performance. The K2 XP is a more demanding and exciting ski than the Axis AK and is better on hard snow. The Axis AK is a ski that helps you relax and ski challenging terrain and snow conditions with ease, taming even the steep and deep slopes of Valdez, Alaska. You can either rent or buy these skis and other similar skis in Verbier.

Ski boots: Top quality, good fitting and comfortable. This is your most critical piece of gear! Make sure you have skied in them many days before coming to Verbier. We recommend custom foot beds. Carry your ski boots on the plane with you. If your ski bag and luggage are lost, you can rent skis, but your own boots are hard to replace.

If you have high performance ski mountaineering boots such as Garmont’s G-rides, you are welcome to use them, assuming you are used to them and they do not hinder your performance. You will need the support and stiffness of a high performance ski boot in steep terrain and in variable snow conditions.

Fix any equipment problems before you leave home. If you need to buy new boots, do so as soon as possible and ski on them as much as possible before you leave for Verbier.

Ski poles: We recommend Life-Link lightweight poles.

Goggles: Two pairs top quality, with lenses for sunny weather and flat light. You may need a fog cloth for cleaning steamed up goggles. Rose colored or orange lenses recommended. Smith Goggles recommended.

Sunscreen: at least #20.

Chapstick: Dermatone can also help prevent frostbite.

Sunglasses: good quality with ultraviolet protection. We recommend Smith.

Water bottle: lightweight, leak proof, non-breakable.
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High Energy Bars: Power Bars, Cliff Bars, etc.

Camera and plenty of film. Verbier has spectacular terrain!

Ski touring equipment: This includes touring skins and touring bindings. We recommend Fritschi Freeride bindings. You can buy these and have them mounted before you leave or you can rent or purchase them in Verbier. If you will be skiing on a wide ski, such as the K2 Axis AK, you will need a wide skin.

Insurance

Travel insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance in case you are not able to attend the camp. We are sorry that we are unable to offer refunds of any amount should you be unable to attend or to ski during the camp, or if you should lose luggage during your travels to Verbier. In the unfortunate event that something should prevent you from attending or skiing during the camp, you will need to rely on your travel insurance for any financial compensation.

Personal Health Insurance: Be sure your insurance covers you when overseas!

Included in the camp price is Air Glaciers Rescue Insurance. Rescue in the ski area and in the backcountry is done with a professional rescue service using helicopters and a highly trained professional medical team. This insurance pays for this service in the event that it is used.