Important Gear Considerations

Weight—Durability—Necessity—Applicability

Match your gear selection to the requirements of your objective. Extra weight can not only hinder the completion of your objective, it can also compromise your safety. Pack smart and pack light. But be conservative.

FOOTNOTES

[1] Know how to use avalanche safety equipment properly BEFORE venturing into the backcountry. For information on avalanche education and training contact the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education: AIARE

[2] Ski mountaineering doesn’t typically generate the same fall forces that traditional climbing does, so ski mountaineers can get away with carrying a lighter rope. Most ski ropes are 30-60m, 8mm half or twin ropes. However, ropes smaller in diameter than 9.4mm do not have sufficient fall/impact force ratings for leader falls, and are NOT suitable for top rope, crag, sport, or big wall climbing. Also, smaller diameter ropes can be difficult to handle, tangle easily, and tend to be less durable. Choose wisely.

[3] A Munter Hitch is adjustable knot used primarily for belaying a partner when an ATC style belay device is not available. It requires the use of a ‘pear shaped’ HMS locking carabiner for optimal function. 

[4] Dyneema (also known as Spectra or Dynex) is incredibly strong for its weight and is more abrasion and cut-resistant than nylon. Slings made of Dyneema fold up very small so racking is easy, especially 60cm slings racked as extendable quickdraws. Due to their thin diameter, they can be threaded through small gaps where nylon slings are too fat to fit, and are great for tying-off pitons. Dyneema doesn't absorb much water, making them a smarter choice for winter climbing, as nylon slings tend to freeze.

[5] The diameter of your prusik cord should be 60% to 80% of the rope’s diameter, whether you are using the prussik on one rope or two. If you use a cord that is too thin, it will tighten easily around the rope and will be difficult to move freely. If you use a cord that is too thick, it won’t have enough friction to lock on the rope when you need it to.

[6] Taglines (Also called “pull cords” or “rap lines”) are used primarily for doubling with a single rope to make long, full-length rappels when only one conventional mountaineering or climbing rope is available. Note: this is an advanced mountaineering technique; use with caution and proper training/practice.

*basic ski-mountaineering setup in complex and/or glaciated terrain

CAUTION 

THE BIGGEST LINES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY OR LOSS OF ANY KIND. ANYONE ATTEMPTING THE ROUTES LISTED HERE OR USING ANY OF THE SUGGESTED OR RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY.

BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARED. BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED. SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE AND/OR INSTRUCTION ON TECHNIQUE, METHODOLOGY, SAFETY PROTOCOL, AND PROPER EQUIPMENT USE.

MONITOR THE WEATHER. TRAVEL WITH A CAPABLE AND TRUSTED PARTNER. USE GOOD JUDGEMENT. BE READY TO TURN BACK IF THE OBJECTIVE BECOMES TOO CHALLENGING, OR IF CONDITIONS BECOME DANGEROUS. LIVE TO SKI ANOTHER DAY.

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