Below is a list of recommended gear for each of the winter programs we offer. Before heading out the door on any of our winter courses we will discuss in detail which of these items are essential and which you can leave at home based on the current and foretasted weather. ACS has a huge collection of outdoor gear and we are happy to supply any gear that you might need.

Ice Climbing

-Base layer- next to skin layer wicks moisture and keep one warm and dry wool or synthetic
-Mid weight layer- fleece or wool sweater or half-zip pullover goes on above baselayer
-Soft shell jacket- Fleece or soft shell jacket that can go over the mid layer
-Hard Shell jacket- Waterproof/Breathable hooded shell to keep elements out
-Puffy Coat- Down or Primaloft hooded jacket should fit well over everything!
-Hat- wool or synthetic
-Balaclava- fleece
-Mountaineering boots- ACS will provide footwear if you do not have your own. Double plastic boots or equivalent
-Socks- Mid-Heavyweight wool/synthetic
-Gloves-Waterproof/breathable mountaineering or ski glove.
-Liner gloves-Silk weight liner glove for under the mitt
-Expedition Mitt-Down or Primaloft mitt optional but highly recommended for cold days
-Backpack- preferably with crampon/ice tool attachments
-Lunch! For all of our full day courses you will want to bring a big lunch and a few snacks! Calories = warmth!

-Personal Gear- Sunglasses, sunscreen, food, 2 liters of water, small thermos, headlamp, hand and toe warmers, camera

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

-Base layer- next to skin layer wicks moisture and keep one warm and dry wool or synthetic
-Mid weight layer- fleece or wool sweater or half-zip pullover goes on above baselayer
-Hard Shell jacket- Waterproof/Breathable hooded shell to keep elements out
-Puffy Coat- Down or Primaloft hooded jacket should fit well over everything!

-Ski Pants- uninsulated or lightly insulated, breathable hardshell  (e.g. GORE TEX or other similar) pants, to be worn over long underwear.  (If your only option is an insulated ski/snow pant, just be sure to wear a really light weight long john bottom- you’ll likely be quite warm once we get moving!  Wind pants (over heavier long underwear) are also an option if there is no precipitation forecasted.

-Hat- wool or synthetic
-Balaclava- fleece

-Insulated Winter boot - (Snowshoeing only)  These should be comfortable and not too snug- you want plenty of wiggle room for your toes with the 2 pairs of socks (described below)

-Gaiters- we can provide these if needed.  Note, your ski pants might have internal gaiters inside the cuff which will work okay too
-Socks- Mid-Heavyweight wool/synthetic
-Gloves-Waterproof/breathable mountaineering or ski glove.
-Liner gloves-Silk weight liner glove for under the mitt
-Daypack- We can provide if needed.
-Lunch! For all of our full day courses you will want to bring a big lunch and a few snacks, or you can opt for us to provide you with a gourmet winter picnic, available for both the half and full day excursions! Calories = warmth!
-Personal Gear- Sunglasses, sunscreen, food, 2 liters of water, small thermos, headlamp, hand and toe warmers, camera.

Mount Washington Mountaineering gear list

Base layer- next to skin layer wicks moisture and keep one warm and dry wool or synthetic
-Mid weight layer- fleece or wool sweater or half-zip pullover goes on above baselayer
-Soft shell jacket- Fleece or soft shell jacket that can go over the mid layer
-Hard Shell jacket- Waterproof/Breathable hooded shell to keep elements out
-Puffy Coat- Down or Primaloft hooded jacket should fit well over everything!
The next 4 items are immensely important for travel above tree line in the winter. This head gear system should be seamless. Practice in front of the mirror. No skin can be exposed.
-Hat- wool or synthetic
-Balaclava- fleece
-Facemask- Neopreme
-Goggles- 2 sets
-Mountaineering boots- ACS will provide footwear if you do not have your own. Double plastic boots or equivalent
-Socks- Mid-Heavyweight wool/synthetic
-Gloves-Waterproof/breathable mountaineering or ski glove.
-Liner gloves-Silk weight liner glove for under the mitt
-Expedition Mitt-Down or Primaloft mitt mandatory above tree line
-Backpack- 3500cubic inch or 30L+ preferably with crampon/ice tool attachment
-Lunch! For all of our full day courses you will want to bring a big lunch and a few snacks! Calories = warmth!
-Personal Gear- Sunglasses, sunscreen, food, 2 liters of water, small thermos, headlamp, hand and toe warmers, camera

Presidential Traverse

-Base layer 2 sets- next to skin layer wicks moisture and keep one warm and dry wool or synthetic
-Mid weight layer- fleece or wool sweater or half-zip pullover goes on above baselayer
-Soft shell jacket- Fleece or soft shell jacket that can go over the mid layer
-Hard Shell jacket- Waterproof/Breathable hooded shell to keep elements out
-Puffy Coat- Down or Primaloft hooded jacket should fit well over everything!
The next 4 items are immensely important for travel above tree line in the winter. This head gear system should be seamless. Practice in front of the mirror. No skin can be exposed.
-Hat- wool or synthetic
-Balaclava- fleece
-Facemask- Neopreme
-Goggles- 2 sets
-Mountaineering boots- ACS will provide footwear if you do not have your own. Double plastic boots or equivalent
-Socks- 2 sets- Mid-Heavyweight wool/synthetic
-Liner socks-optional silkweight prevents blisters
-Gloves-Waterproof/breathable mountaineering or ski glove.
-Liner gloves-Silk weight liner glove for under the mitt
-Expedition Mitt-Down or Primaloft mitt mandatory above tree line
-Backpack- 4000 cubic inch/65 Liter preferably with crampon/ice tool attachment
-Personal Gear- Sunglasses, sunscreen, 2 liters of water, small thermos, headlamp, hand and toe warmers, camera, toothbrush, bowl and utensil, toilet paper, etc.

ACS will prepare all of the food for this trip. We will cover dietary needs and mountain nutrition in our pre-trip consultation