How to Prepare for Your Backcountry Ski Basecamp Adventure
How to Prepare for Your Backcountry Ski Basecamp Adventure
Our Backcountry Ski Basecamps offer a unique winter adventure: remote, tent-based ski mountaineering camps accessed by helicopter or snowmobile, designed to maximize your downhill time in pristine terrain. Learn more about basecamps
To make the most of your trip — and stay safe, comfortable, and confident — preparation is key. Here’s your complete guide.
Know What to Expect
Before you arrive, it helps to understand the structure of a basecamp trip:
Remote Access: Helicopter or snowmobile transport brings you into untouched alpine zones.
Tent-Based Living: Heated group tents are provided, with optional private sleeping tents. Cooking setups and meals are included, so you can travel light with just a daypack.
Expert Guides:Ski and splitboard with professional guides who know the terrain and prioritize safety.
Focus on Skiing: The camp is designed to maximize skiing and exploration while minimizing heavy lifting or setup time. More on basecamps
Essential Gear Checklist
Having the right gear is crucial for safety, comfort, and fun. Here’s what you should bring:
Basecamp Equipment list
- Shovel
- Probe
- Transceiver (3-antenna)
- Ski touring skis or splitboard
- Skins
- Personal repair kit specific to your equipment
- Ski touring boots/snowboarding boots
- Ski poles
- Headlamp
- Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Personal first aid supplies
- Toque
- Minimum 1L water bottle or Thermos
- Gore-tex (or equivalent) jacket
- Gore-tex (or equivalent) pants
- Puffy jacket
- Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind
- Thick gloves
- Spare gloves
- Lightweight harness (if possible otherwise climbing harness will work)
- 3 locking carabiners
- 1 triple action captive eye locking carabiner
- 3 non-locking carabiners
- 240cm sewn sling (or 5m of webbing)
- 5m x 6mm accessory cord
- Personal prussik
- Micro-traxion (optional)
- Tibloc (optional)
- Ice screw (between 12-22cm)
- 40L backpack
- Ice Axe
- Ski crampons
- Lightweight crampons
- Puffy pants (recommended for around camp)
- Warm layers for upper and lower body
- Socks x 2-3
- Spare underwear
- Sleeping Bag (at least -18 degrees)
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Foam sleeping pad
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Down/synthetic booties for wearing around camp
- Fork/spoon
- Large bowl
- Drinking mug with lid
- Toiletries
- 4-season tent (rentals available)
- Cloth grocery bags (or stuff sacks) to anchor tent in snow
- Guy lines for tent
Food & Hydration
* Water bottle or thermos (1 L minimum)
* High-calorie snacks (bars, nuts, jerky)
* Lunch for touring days
* Optional: electrolyte mix or hydration tablets
Physical & Mental Preparation
Backcountry ski mountaineering is physically demanding. A little preparation makes your trip safer and more enjoyable:
Endurance: Practice uphill skinning and skiing with your gear.
Gear Familiarity: Make sure you know how to use your avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.
Weather Preparedness: Alpine conditions can change quickly — pack layers and sun protection.
Team Mindset: Basecamp involves communal tents and shared meals, so be prepared to operate as a team.
Packing Efficiency: Travel via helicopter or snowmobile has weight/space limits — pack smart.
Practice Before You Go
Even short practice sessions help:
* Test skis, skins, bindings, boots, and avalanche gear.
* Practice transitions (skin-on/skin-off) for efficiency.
* If glacier travel is possible, review basic rope handling, anchor setup, and belaying skills.
What to Expect Each Day
Guided Skiing: Explore glaciated or alpine terrain safely with your guide.
Flexible Itineraries:Plans may change due to weather or snow conditions.
Camp Life: Enjoy communal meals, heated tents, and a relaxed environment after a day on the slopes.
Safety First: Guides manage avalanche risk, navigation, and group safety so you can focus on skiing.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
* Test and organize your gear before departure.
* Pack only what you need for daily touring; store heavier items at camp.
* Stay fueled and hydrated throughout the day.
* Bring a positive, adaptable mindset — weather and terrain can change quickly.
* Review Arctos Guides’ trip planning resources and communicate any questions with your guide.
Final Thoughts
A Backcountry Ski Basecamp with Arctos Guides is an incredible opportunity to explore remote, untouched mountains while skiing and splitboarding in world-class conditions. With the right preparation — gear, fitness, skills, and mindset — your experience will be safe, fun, and unforgettable.
Ready to join a basecamp adventure? Start planning your trip today: Backcountry Ski Basecamps
