Proper equipment in good working order makes for a comfortable and worry-free outdoor adventure. Whitecap Alpine recommends that all guests have current powder skiing and mountaineering equipment to ensure the best possible experience. We also advise that all specific safety equipment be tested prior to arrival. Visit your specific trip page for a detailed list of what you need.
Mountaineering Checklist
- Harness
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Helmet
- 3- non-locking carabiners
- 2- Locking carabiners
- Belay/Rappel device
- 1- double length sewn sling
- 1- 5 meter/7mm cordelette
- 1-3 meter/ 6 or 7mm cordelette
- Headlamp and spare batteries
International Checklist
- Passport and photocopy duplicate
- Visa if required and photocopy duplicate
- Local currency min amount equivalent of 300$ CAD
- International drivers license if necessary for country
- Ensure credit card providers are aware of travel itinerary
- Trip itinerary
- Local contact numbers for Trip Coordinator
- Transport and contact for initial arrival
- Airline policy on sports equipment and extra baggage
- Bring ski boots as carry on (essential if skis and other items are delayed)
- Local electrical adaptor for charging smartphones and other electronic devices
- Food items if not available in country (coffee, trail snacks and bars)
- Inform Trip Coordinator of any known food/beverage allergies
Ski Equipment
- Ski boots (well-fitting, ski-touring boots recommended)
- Skis or splitboard snowboard
- Ski poles (adjustable type recommended)
- Adhesive climbing skins (Fitted to width and length of your skis/board)
- Backpack capacity: 30-40 litre (2000-2400 cubic Inches)
- Avalanche probe
- Snow Shovel
- Avalanche Transceiver (457 KHz single frequency)
- Spare transceiver batteries (purchase new ones & check for correct size)
- Ski goggles
- Glacier glasses/sunglasses
- Insulated water bottle (Camelback or other hydration system)
- Small thermos (optional)
Ski Clothing
- All-weather ski pants (Schoeller type fabric)
- Long underwear, shirt and bottoms (poly-pro/wool blends)
- Fleece tops and bottoms (wind-stopper)
- Warm socks (3 Pair)
- Ski gloves / Mitts / Waterproof Outers (2 pair)
- Gore-tex outer jacket / parka (with hood)
- Gore-tex over pants
- Down/Synthetic jacket (warm, “puffy” type jacket)
Other Important Stuff
- Personal first-Aid & blister Kit (second skin, compeed, athletic tape, personal medications, Ibuprofen, etc…)
- Earplugs
- Sun block (high SPF rated or zinc-type ointment)
- Camera & film (spare camera batteries and/or charger for digital cameras, plus USB connector)
- Repairs & spares kit (for own model of A/T, telemark, or snowboard binding Systems)
- Personal liquor supply, wine preferably in boxes (due to weight restrictions, beer is available at Lodge)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Reading materials, notebook, pencil, map of Area (small one provided for use)
- Sleeping bag
- Neck gaiter/tube
- Toque (ski hat)
- Sun hat (baseball cap or sombrero) & bandana
When traveling to any accommodation it’s important to prioritize health and hygiene to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for yourself, other guests and staff.
Hand Hygiene: Wash and sanitize hands regularity. You should also bring hand sanitizer to use at your own convenience. Wash/sanitize hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Give space: Just like in Covid let’s try to give other guests and staff some space.
Cough and sneezing: ALWAYS cough and sneeze away from people. No one likes to get sprayed. Use your elbow to cover your mouth and turn away from groups.
Finally if you are feeling sick before or during your trip do inform the staff right away so we can decided what the best course of action will be.
If you’re not feeling well, it’s crucial to inform us right away so we can work together to decide what the best course of action should be.
Things to consider if you are sick prior to your trip:
Health Risks: Traveling while sick can lead to worsening symptoms in remote locations with limited access to medical care.
Contagion Concerns: If your illness is contagious (such as a cold, flu, or stomach bug), you risk spreading it to others, potentially impacting fellow travellers or staff.
Impact on Your Experience: Illness can significantly impact your ability to enjoy the trip. The physical demands of being in the backcountry, combined with being unwell, can make it harder to participate in activities or fully enjoy the experience.
Safety of Others: When traveling in remote areas, it’s important to prioritize the health and safety of everyone in your group, as well as the staff. Your condition may require additional care or resources, which could take attention away from others.
If you are feeling unwell, it’s better to delay your trip or seek medical advice before heading to a backcountry lodge. By doing so, you ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
To keep other guests and staff healthy please let the staff know as soon as you start to feel any symptoms.
Pending on the severity of your illness different measures will be taken.
