WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON A DAY SKI TRIP?

These are suggestions for any ski trip. Sierra Club leaders will usually give you specifics for your trip.

The "Ten Essentials" - These items have been found useful to cope with emergencies:

1. Headlamp Flashlight (with extra bulb and batteries) - headlamps are easier to ski with.
2. Dark Sunglasses (to prevent temporary snow blindness) and Sunscreen (lotion 15+)
3. Lunch - with an extra energy bar or two in case you are out overnight
4. Extra clothing (wool or polypropylene jacket and shirts for wind, rain, and cold)
5. Quad topographic map 
6. Compass
7. Fire starter ribbon, small candle i.e. something to light damp wood
8. Waterproofed matches or BIC-type lighter .
9. Pocket Knife and other ski repair equipment. Multipurpose pliers, a foot of duct tape, and a foot of electrical tape can be handy. Wrap the duct tape and electrical tape around your canteen.
10. First Aid Kit - including band aids for blisters -Use the band aids as soon as you feel a hot spot on your heel or foot. Don't wait for the pain!

Equipment for day ski-packs:

• Daypack or Internal frame pack for clothes, lunches - packs should ride on your hips. The high riding summer backpacks are unstable for skiing.
• Canteen(s) - If the temperature is going to stay below freezing, consider an insulated canteen holder.
• Toilet articles - burn used toilet paper on a safe place in the snow
• Skis, poles and ski Boots that fit your ski bindings - see SKI EQUIPMENT for types of equipment.
• Light socks - a combination of a light inner sock and heavy outer sock reduces the chance of blisters
• Heavy wool or polypropylene socks
• Ski Pants or knickers
• Light shirt
• Wool shirt or polypropylene undershirt - Don't use cotton! Cotton loses insulating properties when it's wet.
• Hat and gloves - leather palmed gloves hold up best
• Jacket or heavy sweater
• Outer wind/rain shell garment