7. Option B — Nordic Skiing

One-Day Tour Gear

7b6.
List the items you would take on a one-day ski tour.

A one-day ski tour takes you away from groomed trails and lodge facilities into terrain where you are self-sufficient. Planning what you carry matters — the right gear can mean the difference between a great day and a dangerous situation.

Your Gear List for a One-Day Ski Tour

  • Topographic map of your route (waterproof or in a protective sleeve)
  • Compass — GPS units can fail in cold; always carry a map-and-compass backup
  • Trail map of the area if applicable

Safety and Emergency

  • First aid kit — blister care, bandages, moleskin, pain reliever, emergency mylar blanket
  • Whistle — for signaling
  • Fire starter — waterproof matches or lighter, plus a fire-starting material in a sealed bag
  • Emergency bivouac sack or extra insulating layer — in case you must spend unexpected time outside

Clothing (Ten Essentials principle: dress in layers)

  • Moisture-wicking base layer
  • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
  • Waterproof shell jacket and pants
  • Extra dry gloves or mittens
  • Warm hat and neck gaiter
  • Gaiters — keep snow out of boot tops in deep or loose snow
  • Spare socks

Food and Water

  • Water — minimum 1–2 liters; water bottles (not bladders, which freeze in cold) or insulated container
  • High-calorie food — energy bars, trail mix, chocolate, nuts, or a thermos of warm soup for cold days
  • Extra food for unexpected delays

Equipment

  • Skis, poles, boots (your primary gear)
  • Ski wax kit or no-wax skis with backup grip wax for changing conditions
  • Ski repair kit — pole basket repair parts, binding screws, cable or buckle repair, duct tape
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries — tours can run long

Sun Protection

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF
  • Goggles or sunglasses — snow reflects UV strongly even on overcast days

One-Day Ski Tour Checklist

Review before every outing
  • Navigation: map, compass (and trail map if applicable).
  • Safety: first aid kit, whistle, fire starter, emergency layer.
  • Clothing: layered system, extra gloves, hat, gaiters, spare socks.
  • Food and water: minimum 1.5 L water, high-calorie snacks, extra emergency food.
  • Equipment: skis/boots/poles, wax kit, repair kit, headlamp with batteries.
  • Sun: sunscreen, lip balm, goggles or sunglasses.
  • Communication: fully charged phone (cold drains batteries — keep in an inside pocket), tell someone your route and expected return time.

Official Resources

🎬 Video: Gear Checklist for a Day Tour (video) — https://youtu.be/3rHuEqZgUMc

Gear Checklist for a Day Tour (video)