We want to make sure you are dialed for your days out on the snow, so we have set up private appointments with our friends at Cripple Creek Backcountry for all Aspen Expedition friends and clients. This is an opportunity for one of our expedition gear specialists to check over your gear and make sure it is all operational for when you need it most. Set up a virtual appointment to spend more time skiing and less time fiddling in the field.
Skiing Equipment
- AT Boots
- Skis with touring alpine bindings or telemark bindings – Ski width of about 100-120 mm underfoot recommended (please adjust bindings to boots and skins to skis before the course)
- Skins that fit your skis (pre-cut)
- Telescoping Poles
- Ski Crampons (G3 makes the best option and has a universal attachment)
Snowboarding Equipment
- Powder splitboard with touring bindings and skins (please adjust bindings to boots and skins to board before the course)
- Snowboard boots
- Collapsible poles (with means of attachment to pack)
- Splitboard crampons (compatible with your splitboard bindings)
Avalanche Rescue Equipment (provided if you don’t have your own!)
- Avalanche probe
- Collapsible shovel
- Avalanche transceiver (digital 457 kHz frequency only) three antenna transceivers are preferred
Shop the avalanche gear we use here
Clothing
- Ski socks
- Warm hat and/or Helmet
- Wool or Synthetic Base Layer (top + bottom)
- Mid-weight / breathable insulating layer
- Hardshell or softshell ski/snowboard pants
- Hardshell (waterproof + breathable) jacket
- Larger weight (i.e. 800 fill) ‘security’ puffy (down or synthetic)
- Gloves (two pairs are best – a lighter pair for going up, & a warmer pair)
- Neck gaiter
Check out what we will be wearing and fill in your gear list here.
Misc Items
- Sunglasses and/or Goggles
- Ski helmet (optional but strongly recommended)
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Personal first-aid / repair kit
- Camera or Smartphone
- Headlamp
- Water bottle (at least 1 liter); *we do not advise Camelbacks
- Lunch/Snack food
- Cell phone or two-way radio / BCA link (optional)
- Ski Backpack 30-35L (large enough to fit all gear INSIDE) Fan powered air bag packs are optional. It is difficult to refill air canisters.
- We highly recommend the Scott Electric Packs here. They are lightweight, travel great, and give you the piece of mind that you took every precaution for a fun and safe trip.
Personal
- Personal medication
- Personal toiletries
- Travel Adaptor for phone and computer
- Comfortable street clothes (it is cold in Hokkaido so a second big coat and gloves for town is nice to have)
- Warm snow boots for town
- Small bag/ pack for onsen (hot spring) visits
- Passport and photocopy of passport
Money / Cash
You may want to obtain some Japanese yen in advance. You can do so at major banks. Japan is mostly a cash society. Many small shops in Hokkaido do not take credit cards. Sometimes it is difficult to find an ATM machine that works with your US ATM card. Major hotels and restaurants take credit cards. But please call your credit card company in advance to let them know that you will be using your credit card in Japan. The best way to get cash while in Japan is to use your ATM card in ATM machines. In Tokyo, you will find a machine that will work for you. In Hokkaido, we sometimes drive around to find one that works for you. Also call your bank to make sure that your ATM card will work in Japan. Dinners are on the guest and often best split up via cash. Please count on $100 per person per day for lunches and shared dinners.