The winter in the northeast can be extremely cold and windy. It is most important that you are properly clothed and equipped to undertake backcountry skiing or ski mountaineering in this environment. Here is a list of clothing items you will need to stay warm and dry for most day and overnight ski tours during the winter months in New England.

Long underwear: Silk weight or lightweight capilene are used as base layers as they provide fast and efficient moisture transport. These synthetic products work to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you warm. All of our winter clothing must be synthetic.

Heavy Weight Fleece: This is the layer over your long underwear. Most mid-heavy fleece or capilene layers will be fine here. Only in extremely cold conditions do we wear a heavy layer on our legs.

Fleece Jacket: This is the third layer and usually is worn over your under layers. The weight will depend on other items in your system.

Storm Parka & Pants: Gortex or other similiar waterproof breathable material and needs to fit over underwear and fleece jacket layers. The jacket should certainly feature a hood and pants or bibs should have a powder cuff.

Expedition Parka: This jacket will be used around camp. Whether its down or synthetic it should fit loosely to be worn over your shell clothes.

Hats: Ski hat or other synthetic cap. Neck gaiters or a balaclava will keep your neck and face area warm.

Gloves & Mittens: You will need a pair of gloves for backcountry skiing, this could be a two part system consisting of a fleece liner with a shell. There are many new gloves on the market, make sure they are not to tight and try to handle ski poles and an ice axe with them on in the shops. Often we carry a pair of mittens for extra warmth.

Socks: Start with a synthetic liner then add a wool/synthetic blend to go over. Thorlo or Smartwool are good choices.

Backpack: A pack with 3000 cu. is large enough for day ski tours.

Personal Items: Goggles with double lens, sunglasses, small first aid kit, sunscreen, hand warmers, headlamp, camera, and a small thermos.

For our ski overnights please bring an extra set of top and bottom lightweight capilene and an extra set of socks.

In addition to the clothing please bring the following:

Expedition Pack: 4500 cu is adequate for all the overnight ski tours.

Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic bag rated to minus 20 will keep you warm in the Whites in winter.

Sleeping Pad: Therma rest or closed cell foam will insulated you from the snow.

Personal Items: Large insulated cup, plastic bowl and spoon,

Ski Equipment: Telemark or Alpine touring equipment is necessary for all ski tours.

Climbing Skins: Climbing skins should fit the ski exactly in length and width This precise fit is necessary for you to ascend steep slopes and trails efficiently.

Mooney Mountain Guides provides tents, stoves, shovels and snowshoes for all day and overnight ski tours. If you are missing any of the items listed please ask as we may be able to provide them for you.