Powder Surf - Japan > Equipment list

Equipment list

You need a backpack for summit tours and overnight trips. An ideal backpack for summit trips is about 32-38 liters with options for attaching skis to the backpack and a separate pocket for avalanche equipment. A good backpack for overnight trips is 65-95 liters with straps for attaching sleeping pads and the like to the outside of the backpack.

Reversing skirt

You must have a winter sleeping bag. The sleeping bag should have a comfort temperature of ten degrees below zero or colder. A liner/sheet bag to put inside the sleeping bag will improve the comfort temperature. In addition, it can be used on cabin trips.
In addition, you need a good sleeping pad that is designed for winter use.

Sleeping bag and sleeping mat

You'll need a first aid kit with sports tape, chafing plasters, plasters/bandages, scissors, etc.
You'll also need avalanche equipment: shovel, search rod and transmitter/receiver. You can rent avalanche equipment from the school if you don't have your own.
You will also need a helmet and ski goggles.
You must also have a compass and map folder. You will receive a map of the tours from the school before each tour.

First aid and safety

You need waterproof hiking boots that go over the ankle. Feel free to buy hiking boots in good time before school starts so you can take them for a few walks to break them in.

Mountain shoes

You need a good shell jacket and shell trousers/ski pants. Ski trousers must be thin (shell) - not thick/lined bubble trousers. It is an advantage if the ski trousers have braces.
You will also need a pair of breathable hiking trousers for use on trips in the fall. You will need a hat, buff and good warm mittens.
You will also need three sets of wool underwear and wool socks. For the ski season, we recommend slightly high socks (alpine socks). You will also need a thin mid-layer wool sweater and a down jacket or thick wool sweater.
We recommend foot bags with soles to use when we camp outside in winter.

Clothing

You must have alpine skis or snowboard (splitboard) with walking function. We recommend a ski with a center width of around 105mm and a good ski boot that sits well on the foot and has a walking function. If you don't already have ski equipment or need to buy new equipment, it can be purchased after school starts so that the teacher can help you choose the right equipment. We have agreements with local sports shops with good prices and organize a shopping day in October before winter comes. In addition, you'll need a ski helmet, goggles and telescopic poles.

Ski

You need a good wetsuit with a hood, as we are in the water throughout the year. We recommend Xcel 6/5mm, with 5mm gloves and 7mm shoes. To make sure it's the right size, we send a joint order right after school starts. Then we also get a good price.

Wetsuit

You need a water bottle that can withstand boiling water (e.g. Nalgene). You'll also need a headlamp, dining set, thermos, knife and sunglasses.

Other