• High mountaineering boots with rigid soles and crampon compatibility are mandatory: trekking type shoes are not sufficient.
• A comfortable 40/50 litre mountaineering backpack: it must have attachments for crampons, ice axe and helmet.
• An ice axe, crampons, a harness equipped with a screwgate carabiner (note that carabiners cannot be rented, you will need to buy some if you do not have one), a helmet.
• One or two telescopic ski poles (depending on your habits): we highly recommend them, especially for downhill runs.
• A water bottle/thermos of at least 1.5 liters.
• A headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs.
• A pocket knife.
• A bag cover in case of rain (not mandatory).
• 1 waterproof pouch with your money, identity papers (+ if possible blood type / contact lens wearer, etc...), insurance/assistance contract and emergency telephone numbers.
• A pair of gaiters (not available for rent).
• A sleeping bag liner (mandatory, and there are blankets in the refuge): SLEEPING BAG IS UNNECESSARY.
• A Zyploc bag with medications and toiletries (bare minimum: toothpaste + lens solution + hydroalcoholic lotion to clean hands): no running water in shelters in general, bring some alcohol-free wipes if you wish (be careful of the weight).
• A small tube of SPF 50 sunscreen (face and lips) + after-sun lotion
• Bonnet.
• Hat (or cap) for sun protection and/or scarf.
• Glacier glasses (category 4 index) + ski mask.
• A balaclava (like a balaclava that covers the whole head) (very useful in very cold weather)
• 1 pair of very warm mittens.
• 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves.
• 1 pair of inner gloves.
• 2 or 3 breathable, long-sleeved technical underwear.
• Breathable technical base layer (carline, lightweight fleece...)
• Thick fleece jacket.
• Down jacket or vest (not mandatory but appreciated if it is very cold on the day of the summit).
• 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket.
• 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants for approach trails.
• 1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers when you are on a glacier.
• 1 pair of breathable technical tights.
• Socks: 3 thin pairs and 2 thicker pairs.
• 1 night outfit for the evening of Day 3 at the Tour chalet + toiletries
• A few hand and/or foot warmers can be useful for those who get cold easily on summit day
This list is generic and is intended to cover all the weather conditions you might encounter in the high mountains. It should be adapted to the conditions forecast for the day of your stay.
But keep in mind that temperatures drop considerably with altitude and wind chill. Therefore, always pack warm clothing, even when temperatures are high in the valley.