For your safety and comfort we ask that you have the following equipment and clothing. Crossing Latitudes, Inc. does not rent or sell personal gear. Some equipment can be rented at the Storulvån Mountain Lodge. See the list below. Please read the equipment list carefully.
We encourage our participants to use what they already own or can borrow. We will gladly check all gear prior to leaving for the mountains to make sure it is suitable. If you are purchasing new items before traveling to Scandinavia, we suggest you look through mail order brochures (Patagonia, REI, L.L.Bean, etc.) for pricing and varieties available.
Crossing Latitudes, Inc. will provide all group gear such as maps, first aid kits, emergency gear, cups, bowls and eating utensils, repair kit, wax, showels, probes etc.
There are drying rooms at the Mountain Lodges but no wash machines.
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY SKI TRIP
The following is a list of items you need to bring to ensure that you stay warm, dry and comfortable during our ski trip. If you have questions in regards to your equipment please give us a ring: 1-800-572-8747
FOOTWEAR AND SKI EQUIPMENT
Wool socks: 2-3 pairs of heavy wool. Socks should be at least 75% wool.
Liner socks: 1-2 pairs. These are light weight polypropylene or silk socks to slip under the wool socks.
Camp/indoor shoes: 1 pair. This pair of shoes can be a pair of sneakers, running shoes or sandals. These shoes will be for indoor use only.
Ski boots: 1 pair. Choose a medium weight, above ankle high ski boot. Backcountry tours involve more turning and downhill travel than those on flat terrain, so it's best to choose a boot that provides solid ankle support and torsional rigidity. Although plastic boots are becoming the norm with dedicated telemark skiers, durable, all-leather boots are still widely chosen by backcountry touring fans for their flexibility, durability and warmth. Combination boots offer the extra weather protection and rigidity of plastic, while retaining the forward flex and warmth of leather. Your backcountry boots must be compatible with the bindings you choose. If you are buying new boots - please wear them before our trip. Blisters can seriously hinder your experience. Recommended brand names are: Karhu, Alpina and Salomon.
Skis: 1 pair. Your skis must have metal edges for optimal control and the waist (the ski’s narrowest part) should be at least 50 mm wide for adequate flotation in soft snow. We recommend nonwax skis because they're easier to care for. Recommended brand names are: Fischer, Karhu and Madshus.
Bindings: There are several different bindings on the market. Please make sure that your binding fits the kind of boot you have. There are mainly three different binding systems and all have different kind of boots to fit them. “Three Pin” or “Nordic Norm 75 mm “is the traditional system which can be easily repaired in the field. Other systems are NNN BC and SNS BC.
Climbing skins: We recommend that you bring climbing skins for your skis. These will make it a lot easier for you to climb the hills that we will encounter on the trip. The skins should not cover the metal edges.
Gaiters: Gaiters are nice as they protect your boots and socks from snow. They should start just below the knee and fit snug over your boot.
Ski poles: Poles designed for serious backcountry touring must perform 2 tasks. They provide forward momentum during uphill climbs and classic striding, and act as balance and timing aids during downhill skiing. For this reason, most backcountry skiers prefer tough, lightweight, telescoping poles. Recommended brand names are: Komperdell and Leki.
Renting of ski equipment: See below.
CLOTHING Lower Body
Long Underwear bottoms: 2 pairs. These should be mid or expedition weight polypropylene or wool. Cotton and cotton blends are not acceptable because they do not provide warmth if wet. Some folks like to have one polypro pair and one silk pair.
Ski Pants: 1 pair. This pair of pants needs to protect you from snow and will also act as a windbreaker. There are many good pants on the market nowadays. We recommend that you consider a pair with a waterproof and breathable barrier, such as Gore-Tex , H2No or similar type of fabric. If you easily get cold, you may want to consider insulated pants.
Underwear: A few pair of ordinary cotton or nylon briefs, boxer shorts or a pair of wind briefs of Thermax or polyester are suitable.
Upper Body
You will need 2-3 insulating layers that fit comfortably over each other. These can be of a variety of weights and insulation values to mix and match as the conditions vary. Synthetics are lighter in damp climates although wool performs well also.
Long Underwear Tops: 2 pairs. A polypropylene top and/or a silk top work well. These are good inner layers and comfortable while skiing. One turtleneck style is nice.
Sweater: 1. A capilene or synchilla pullover and/or a wool sweater (at least 75% wool) provide great warmth when combined with a Long Underwear top.
Fleece Jacket/Sweater or Jacket with down or synthetic filling: 1. This will probably be your warmest layer. We recommend a heavy fleece jacket, a windproof lined jacket or a jacket with down or synthetic filling that can fit comfortably over the other tops.
Ski Jacket: 1. Your ski jacket must be waterproof, breathable and roomy enough to fit over your upper body layers. It should also have a roomy hood for those brisk days on the mountain. Patagonia, The North Face, REI and many other companies carry high-tech, good quality ski jackets. We recommend that you consider a jacket with a waterproof and breathable barrier, such as Gore-Tex , H2No or a similar type of fabric.
Underwear: We recommend the sports bras made out of Polyester/Lycra spandex. They are warm, comfortable and wick moisture away from your body.
HEAD & HANDS
Wool, Pile or Polypropylene gloves: 1 pair.
Lined mittens: These mittens should have some kind of waterproof barrier and a warm lining. These are the mittens that you will want to pull out when the weather gets bad.
Wool or Pile cap: A ski cap or balaclava is fine.
Neck Warmer or Scarf: This is nice if you get cold easily.
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIRED ITEMS
Sunscreen and Lip balm: A small tube/bottle of Sun protection, spf 20 or higher.
Toilet Articles: For your personal needs.
Plastic Water Bottle: A wide mouth liter bottle works well.
Thermos: A good quality non-breakable stainless steel thermos is needed.
Sunglasses: 1 pair. The drugstore counter varieties are not appropriate for protecting your eyes in snow and glacier country. Glasses should transmit no more than 10% visible light and be at least 95% UV protected. Chums or some other brand of eye glass retainer is recommended.
Extra glasses or contact lenses: If you wear glasses or contact lenses we highly recommend that you bring along a spare set.
Ski goggles: High quality goggles with at least 95% UV protection help protect your eyes from cold, wind and snow.
Passport: Bring a photocopy of the identification page and 2 extra passport photos.
Knife: A small pocket knife can come in handy at times.
BACKPACK
Each participant must have a daypack that can comfortably hold your extra layers, snacks, a thermos and your camera. The volume should be approximately: 2,500 cubic inches (40-45 liters). Good shoulder straps and a hip belt will make your skiing more fun. Reliable backpack brands include Dana Design, Osprey, Lowe, Jan Sport and Kelty.
OPTIONAL ITEMS FOR THE TRIP
Watch: Heaven forbid we forget the time of day.
Camera & Film: A must for sharing all your memories with friends and family.
Stuff sacks: 2-3 small stuff-sacks are nice for organizing personal clothes and toiletries.
Cotton Bandannas: 1-2. Useful for all sorts of things.
Book: Bring a good book to read.
Avalanche transceiver, probe and snow shovel: If you already have some of these items and know how to use them, feel free to bring them. If you don't have them already, don't go out and buy them as Crossing Latitudes will provide them for you. If you have any questions regarding this, please give us a ring at 1-800-572-8747 (US).
RENTING SKI EQUIPMENT
There are good possibilities to rent ski equipment for those who don’t want to travel with their gear. However, if you decide to bring your own ski boots, keep in mind that they must be compatible with the Nordic Norm 75 mm bindings, as these are the only bindings that are available for rent. At Sylarna mountain lodge, where we will stay, there are telemark and alpine touring ski packages available for rent. This is an option if you want to try some more downhill specialized gear for a day.
Equipment Rental Storulvån Mountain Lodge
Equipment & Prices in Swedish Kroner 1 day 1 week
(currently 9.3 kronor to the dollar)
Back country gear
Telemark package (boots, skis, poles) 205:- 690:-
Back country touring skis or Telemark skis 135:- 535:-
Alpine Touring skis 200:- 750:-
Back country or Telemark boots 95:- 320:-
Poles 40:- 125:-
Telescope poles 50:- 195:-
Skins 75:- 225:-
Snow shoes 75:- 225:-
Packs
Day Pack (2,500 cubic inches / 40-45 liters). 65:- 245:-
Clothing
Wind pants and jacket 75:- 280:-
Anorak 55:- 175:-
Wind pants 40:- 150:-
Gaitors 25:- 95:-
CASUAL TRAVEL WEAR
Though Laundromats are scarce in Scandinavia, we encourage you to limit your luggage to two items, your backpack and a duffel. Large duffel bags on wheels are easy to roll between airports and hotels. A daypack is nice to have instead of a purse while traveling and sightseeing.
None of the dinners we eat require formal wear, so we recommend that you bring a pair of jeans or other casual pants and tops to wear before and after the trip as well as during dinners on the trip.
Please give us a ring if you have questions: 1-800-572-8747 (US) or 070-670 11 53 (in Sweden). Be prepared for the worst weather but expect the Best! See you in Sweden!
