Preparing for a ski touring outing is not something to improvise. Between the weather, equipment, safety and group management, every detail matters. This practical checklist and comprehensive guide will help you be ready and well informed before heading away from the ski lifts.
Ski touring checklist: summary of the essentials
1. Essential equipment
- Check your gear: skis, bindings, climbing skins, boots, poles
- Three-layer clothing system to cope with changing weather conditions
- Warm gloves and hat
- Certified ski helmet
- Ski goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen
2. Safety equipment
- Transceiver (avalanche beacon) charged and tested
- Shovel
- Probe
- Backpack (with avalanche safety compartment)
- First aid kit + survival blanket
3. Checks before departure
- Avalanche and weather bulletin
- GPS track downloaded
- Paper map and compass as backup
4. Logistical preparations
- Hydration + snacks
- Early start depending on conditions
- Route shared with a friend or family member
Equipment and gear check
Before setting off, take the time to inspect your ski touring equipment: binding settings, condition of your climbing skins, ski boots and poles. A quick check can prevent many issues once you’re in the mountains.
Protect yourself from the sun, which is often stronger than it appears at altitude. Take a pair of quality goggles or sunglasses and apply a high-protection sunscreen to your face and lips. These simple precautions ensure comfort and safety throughout the day.
Choosing your clothing
Opt for a three-layer system to easily adapt to temperature changes: a breathable base layer to wick away perspiration, an insulating mid-layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer shell to protect against wind and snow. Don’t forget warm gloves, a hat and a certified ski touring helmet for safety.
For more details, check out our complete guide to dressing properly for ski touring.
Assessing avalanche risk along your route
Before plotting your route, take the time to consult the Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin (BERA), published daily. This is an essential tool for evaluating mountain safety conditions. It provides:
- The avalanche risk level (scale from 1 to 5)
- Risky aspects and altitudes, shown using a wind rose diagram
- Weather conditions: precipitation, wind, temperature and rain-snow limit
- Snowpack stability, describing hazards linked to slabs, accumulations or weak layers
- Snow quality and depth, to anticipate the conditions
Always check this bulletin before any outing to adapt your route and minimise risks. For a detailed analysis and advice on how to interpret it, visit our dedicated Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin page.
Example of an Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin
Understanding and anticipating hazardous slopes
Avalanches most often occur on slopes steeper than 30° or just below them. These areas are easy to identify on Géoportail, thanks to the map of slopes over 30°. By consulting this map, you can anticipate hazardous zones and adjust your route accordingly.
On the ground, keep these reference points in mind and avoid crossing a slope all together. In the event of an avalanche, it’s best if only one person is caught, increasing the chances of a swift rescue.
Staying alert and managing the human factor
A successful outing also depends on group awareness. Excitement, overconfidence or the urge to follow others can impair decision-making. Learn to trust your instincts and turn back if you have any doubts. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.
Taking an avalanche safety and awareness course
These tips are a foundation, but nothing replaces training supervised by professionals:
- Mountain guides
- Alpine clubs (FFCAM, FFME)
- ANENA, which organises annual public avalanche awareness courses: ANENA Training
Finally, also consult our guide on avalanche victim search techniques and practise regularly with your transceiver, shovel and probe.
Essential safety equipment
Outside ski areas, whether ski touring or freeriding, safety relies on the essential trio of avalanche safety gear: transceiver, shovel, probe. This avalanche safety pack allows you to locate and be located quickly in the event of an avalanche.
- Transceiver: always worn under your jacket, set to transmit throughout the outing
- Shovel made of metal, with a telescopic handle and hoe mode for greater efficiency
- Snow probe to pinpoint the victim’s location precisely after the transceiver signal is detected
Store this equipment in a backpack with a dedicated safety compartment. You can also choose an airbag pack to increase your chances of staying on the surface in the event of a slide.
Important: keep your transceiver at least 30 cm away from any phone or electronic device to avoid interference, and check battery levels before every trip.
Group check: understanding the transceiver check
Before setting off ski touring on snow-covered slopes, it is essential to check that all group transceivers are working correctly. This “transceiver check” ensures that each device functions properly in both transmit and search modes. This simple safety step is vital. Two methods exist: the double check and the simple check.
Tip: if a transceiver shows an inconsistent or unstable signal, replace the batteries or repeat the test before continuing the outing.
Double check
- All group members switch their transceivers to “search” mode, except one designated controller, who keeps theirs in “transmit” mode.
- Participants space themselves 3 to 5 m apart and approach the controller one by one.
- Each person should observe a decrease in the displayed distance, then an increase when moving away, confirming that their device is receiving the signal properly.
- Once the test is complete, all transceivers are switched back to transmit mode.
- The controller then switches to search mode and approaches the group to verify correct transmission from all devices.
- Finally, a last double check is essential to ensure all transceivers, including the controller’s, are transmitting.
Advantage: complete test of both transmission and reception.
Key point: never skip the final transmission check before departure.
Simple check
- All participants activate their transceivers in transmit mode.
- The controller switches their device to “Group Check” (or “search”) mode.
- They approach each member, spaced 3 to 4 m apart, verifying that the signal is detected and the displayed distance is consistent.
- Once the check is complete, the group is ready to set off.
In summary
- Prepare your outing thoroughly: check all your gear, adjust your bindings, inspect your skins and adapt your clothing to the weather.
- Anticipate risks: consult the BERA, analyse your route profile (gentle and steep slopes), and plan a trip suited to your skill level and snowpack stability.
- Ensure group safety: perform a collective transceiver check, verify battery charge and keep devices away from mobile phones.
- Maintain the right mindset: start early, stay humble in the mountains, listen to your instincts and never hesitate to turn back if in doubt.
- Train regularly: courses offered by ANENA, the FFCAM or high mountain guides are the best guarantee of safety and progress.
Thorough preparation, reliable equipment and a cautious attitude make every outing safer and more enjoyable.