Motorized Avalanche Equipment List

MOTO LEVEL 1, 2 & MOTO RESCUE

Below is a list of the equipment necessary to safely and efficiently enjoy a day of backcountry education and riding. If you are in need of a machine or sled parts, Karl Malone Powersports (208) 788-4005 in Hailey services Polaris & Skidoo snowmobiles. If you are in need of any additional equipment listed below, please call our local rental & retailer stores listed at the bottom of the page. Mention you are taking a course with Sun Valley Guides to receive a discount on rentals

 

MOTORIZED RIDING EQUIPMENT:

  • Reliable, well maintained Snoowmobile/Snowbike, capable of riding off-trail

  • DOT approved helmet

  • Goggles

  • Riding Boots

  • Spare belt

  • Basic tool kit

  • Tunnel bag with spare shovel (optional)

     

Avalanche Rescue Equipment:

  • Avalanche Transceiver (3 antennas)

  • Avalanche Shovel (metal)

  • Avalanche Probe at least 270 cm in length (clip lock mechanism)

 Example kit: Black Diamond Recon Avy Set

Clothing (NO COTTON):

• Long underwear tops and bottoms (a polypropylene/wool baselayer blend is recommended - Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Wool Base Layer)

• Sun hoodie (recommended for warmer days - Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody)

• Mid layer (Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody)

• Insulated jacket (down/puffy coat - Black Diamond Access Down Hoody)

• Hard or Soft Shell Jacket (wind and water resistant - Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell or Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell) 

• Shell pants or bibs (wind and water resistant - Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bibs)

• Ski socks

• Buff or neck gaiter

• Beanie or wool hat

• Lightweight gloves (for uphill touring) (Black Diamond Trekker Gloves)

• Warm gloves or mittens (*wind and water resistant - for skiing!) (Black Diamond Impulse Gloves)

 

Personal Items:

  • 30-40 L Backpack - big enough to hold extra clothes, all avalanche equipment (inside the pack), water, food and extra belongings (Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32)

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30)

  • Sunglasses (sun protection)

  • 1-2 liters water bottle (filled)

  • Favorite high-energy snack food and lunch (not provided)

  • Pencil and Notebook (optional)

ACCESSORIES:

  • BCA radio or other FRS radio with speaker mic (mandatory)

  • Headlamp (with extra batteries)

  • Map or GPS (guides will carry one)

  • Hand saw (cutting trees or snow pit tests)

  • Snow crystal card, magnifying glass and folding ruler (optional)

  • Inclinometer (highly recommended) or phone app (Steve’s BA or Theodolite)

  • Tek vest (optional)

 

***GUIDES WILL CARRY A SNOW STUDY KIT, A MEDICAL KIT, A REPAIR KIT, RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE (SATELLITE PHONE OR INREACH)

SUN VALLEY RENTAL & RETAIL SHOPS:

Sturtevants Rental & Cycle Haus (mention you are going out with Sun Valley Guides to receive a discount)
340 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340 
(208) 726-4501
Rental Link

Backwoods Mountain Sports
711 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-8818

Elephant’s Perch
280 N East Ave, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-3497

The Board Bin (Only place you can rent splitboards in town)
180 4th Street E, Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-8818