Essential Equipment for Safe Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

Image shows a group of skiers touring in the backcountry. Each skier is equipped with appropriate gear for a safe trip.

Why Gear Matters in the Backcountry

Venturing into the backcountry means stepping away from ski patrol and into avalanche terrain. Whether skinning up your first peak or ticking off remote lines, the gear you bring could mean the difference between an epic day and a dangerous situation. In this third installment of our Backcountry Series, we break down the must-have backcountry equipment, from avalanche rescue tools and touring skis to modern innovations like airbag packs and ultralight splitboards.

Avalanche Safety Essentials for Skiers and Riders

Before you think about fresh lines, you need to think about avalanche risk. These three tools, known as the avalanche trinity, are the foundation of every safe backcountry setup.

Avalanche Beacon (Transceiver)

An avalanche beacon is a small device you wear on your body that transmits your location and allows others to find you if you’re buried. Modern transceivers are digital, multi-antenna units with extended range and intuitive search modes. Look for features like multiple burial signal flagging, 40–70 meter range, and user-friendly displays. Popular models include the Mammut Barryvox and the BCA Tracker Series.

It’s not just about owning a beacon. Regular practice in beacon parks and avalanche training courses are critical. Remember: the best-case scenario is never needing to use it.

Avalanche Probe

This collapsible metal pole helps you pinpoint the exact location and depth of a buried person after your beacon gets you close. A well-designed probe with fast deployment and depth markings can shave life-saving minutes off your rescue. Choose 240cm or longer with durable aluminum or carbon construction. And remember that practice makes perfect. Speed and efficiency are crucial.

Avalanche Shovel

You can’t dig through avalanche debris with a flimsy shovel. Use a metal-bladed avalanche shovel with a strong handle and, ideally, extra features for efficient snow movement. Whether you’re performing a rescue or digging snow pits, a quality shovel is essential. Avoid plastic and opt for a design that fits securely in your pack’s avy tool pocket.

Avalanche Airbag Backpacks

Avalanche airbags are becoming more common in the backcountry, especially in high-risk or remote zones. When deployed, the airbag inflates to increase your surface area and help prevent full burial. While not a substitute for terrain management and good decision-making, these packs have been shown to reduce fatality risk. Choose between compressed gas and electric fan models based on your travel plans and weight tolerance. JetForce and Alpride systems are excellent examples of recent innovation in this space. Also feel free to check out my blog post dedicated to avalanche airbags.

Additional Group and Emergency Safety Gear

A complete backcountry kit includes more than just your beacon, shovel, and probe. Consider carrying:

A snow saw for stability tests and cornice cutting
Inclinometer to measure slope angles (most avalanches occur between 30°–45°)
Two-way radios for reliable group communication in trees or bad visibility
Satellite messengers like Garmin inReach for emergency SOS
A first aid kit with trauma supplies and a repair kit with Voilé straps, duct tape, and multi-tools
Headlamp, extra gloves, and a warm puffy jacket for unexpected delays

Touring Gear: Tools for the Uphill and the Ride Down

Once your safety kit is dialed, the next step is selecting efficient, reliable touring gear for both the climb and descent.

Skier well equipped for her climb up and ride down the mountain.

Backcountry Skis and Splitboards

Touring skis are lighter than resort skis, with widths ranging from 85mm to 120mm. Narrow skis are great for long approaches and spring missions; wider skis provide more float in deep powder. Construction materials like paulownia wood cores and carbon laminates reduce weight without sacrificing downhill performance.

Splitboards allow snowboarders to ascend like skiers by splitting in half, then reassembling at the summit. Choose a splitboard with solid hardware, reliable skins, and quality bindings. Brands like Jones, Weston, and Voilé lead the pack in this space.

Touring Bindings for Skiers and Splitboarders

For skiers, tech bindings are the go-to. They use lightweight pins that interface with special boot inserts, offering free-heel climbing and secure downhill performance. Freeride models like the Dynafit Radicals or G3 ION offer beefed-up construction for aggressive descents. Hybrid bindings like the Atomic Shift let you ski like you're in a resort, then switch to touring mode for climbs. You’ll also find frame bindings like Daymaker Touring's TEKDAPTERS on the market, which use a traditional alpine binding mounted to a frame that pivots at the toe for uphill travel. They’re heavier and less efficient than tech bindings, but can be a budget-friendly option and work with standard alpine boots, making them a good choice for newer backcountry users or occasional tours.

Splitboard bindings from Spark R&D, Karakoram, and Union offer smooth transitions between touring and riding. Some riders opt for hardboot splitboarding, using modified ski boots for lighter climbs and technical terrain.

Alpine Touring and Snowboard Boots

Ski touring boots blend comfort for climbing with stiffness for the descent. Look for models with generous range-of-motion walk modes, heat-moldable liners, and tech-binding compatibility. Weight varies widely—match your boot to your skiing style and terrain.

Snowboarders typically use regular soft boots, but mountaineering-specific models with Vibram soles add grip on steep bootpacks. Some experienced splitboarders use hardboot setups to save weight and gain precision on long approaches.

Climbing Skins

Climbing skins allow you to ascend slopes without sliding backward. Cut them to your ski or board base, and attach them with tip loops and tail clips. Skin material matters—mohair glides better, nylon grips better, and blends offer balance. Brands like Black Diamond, Pomoca, and G3 are reliable choices. Keep skins warm in your jacket during transitions and dry them out after each tour.

Choosing the Right Ski Touring Pack

Backcountry packs range from 25 to 40 liters for day missions. Look for avalanche tool compartments, ski or board carry systems, hydration sleeves, and helmet holders. If you’re using an airbag system, ensure it’s modular and comfortable to carry. A good pack should feel stable while skiing and offer fast access to critical safety gear.

Optional Gear That Makes a Big Difference

Skier touring with a dual-certified ski and climbing helmet.

Many experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders carry these extras:

Ski crampons for icy skintracks
Boot crampons and ice axes for mountaineering objectives
Dual-certified helmets (ski + climbing) for protection on both ascent and descent
Sunglasses for the climb, goggles for the ride down
Smartphone GPS app, map, compass, and backup navigation tools
Repair kit with ski straps, skin glue, and tools
Emergency bivy sack and foam sit pad for insulation
Thermos of tea, snacks, whistle, and headlamp for comfort and safety

Final Thoughts: Know Your Kit and Your Limits

Great gear is only effective if you know how to use it. Before every tour, run through a checklist and make sure your avalanche tools, touring equipment, and backup supplies are ready. Train often, pack intentionally, and choose reliability over weight savings if you’re unsure.

Coming up in Part 4 of this series, we’ll help you choose the right gear based on your goals, terrain, and budget with recommendations based on thorough discovery and trusted reviews.