Equipment List and Student Handbook

For a complete list of equipment that you will need download the Winter Mountaineering School Equipment Checklist.  For a more in-depth discussion of specific items on the list, all prospective students must read the Winter Mountaineering School Student Handbook.  Also check out the FAQS page for some frequently asked gear questions.

You will need the Adobe Acrobat PDF reader to view these documents.  Click here if you need to download it.

No equipment will be available for rent or purchase at the school.  Boots, snowshoes, ice axes & crampons can be rented from the Mountaineer in Keene Valley and EMS in Lake Placid, and other outdoor stores.  If you plan on renting or borrowing equipment, be sure to try it on and make sure that it fits comfortably.  If a participant brings equipment (either purchased or rented) that compromises the groups' safety or the successful completion of its program, the participant will be asked to replace the equipment prior to the hike into basecamp.

If you would like to contact program staff with specific gear questions, click here.