A curated list of gear for guests of Gondola Village and other backcountry huts. Keep in mind, huts have different amenities so be sure to review what is included in your booking and ask your hutkeeper about specifics.
Cirque Ultra 35 by Black Diamond — The BD Cirque have been a staple pack in our quivers for years, and just got lighter and stronger thanks to a sailcloth fabric. The 35 liter size is great for a few night hut trip, with room for extra layers, food, avalanche gear, and emergency supplies.
Helio Carbon 108 Skis by Black Diamond — The Helio 108 are a great ski for when the snow is soft after a good dump. They handle mixed conditions well too, and are light enough to take on long approaches. If you can only have one ski, like on a hut trip, and skiing powder is a priority, these are a great bet.
Raider 11 EVO Binding by ATK Bindings — The Raider 11 (and its siblings, if you need a higher DIN) is a great, all-around touring binding, ready for bombing (safely) down the jeep road as much as meadow laps out the front door of the hut.
Glidelite Tour Skins by Black Diamond — Mohair / Nylon mix is great for efficient approaches on longer hut trips (like the 11 miles to get to Gondola Village). Durable tip / tail hardware, plus fun colors to make them harder to lose in the hut.
Expedition Ski Poles by Black Diamond — The BD expedition is a great 2-piece touring pole offering just enough adjustment and plenty of stability for long skins (like the 11 miles in to Gondola Village). If you're bringing skis, you might as well bring a two-piece pole rather than futzing with a 3-piece pole (unless you're a splitboarder).
Zero G Peak Boot - 2026 by Tecnica — The Zero G Peak is a great balance between touring flexibility (great for more rolling terrain) and ski-ability on the downs.
Bobcat by Smith Optics — The Smith Bobcat is a great, full coverage pair of sunglasses that fits many face types well. The photochromatic lenses help when transitioning from a sudden snow storm to high alpine sun, and everything in between.
BD Powder Avy Safety Set by Black Diamond — A great starter set for avy gear. For most hut trips, you'll want to be able to explore near / in avalanche terrain, meaning beacon, shovel, and probe at the minimum. Depending the tour plan and avalanche forecast, we may also bring airbag packs instead of touring packs.
Ski Ski Day Print Over The Calf Socks by Smartwool — We like these mainly because they have gondolas on them. But they’re pretty good ski socks too for long touring days.
Persia | High Pile Polartec® Fleece Hat by Skida — Gondola Village's hutkeepers swear by the Skida High Pile hat for backcountry fashion and warmth. Perfect for longer lunch breaks, hanging around the hut, and more relaxed pace adventures.
Army Leather Extreme - mitt by Hestra — For winter trips, especially December - April, you'll want to make sure you're ready for extreme temps at elevations over 11,000 feet. These leather mitts are durable and warm, perfect for descents, mid-storm warm ups, and more.
Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit - .7 by Adventure Medical Kits — We like these Adventure Medical Kits because of the waterproof, durable storage and small form factor. We have one in most packs. You can get away with a bit smaller if going for a solo trip, but never hurts to have a few extra first aid essentials on your hut trip.
We do have a larger first aid kit at the hut as well (well-stocked and thought through, Laura is a physician), but for days on the trail you’ll want your own.
Venture 35 Power Bank by Backcountry — We've used the venture 35 with good luck for years. With usb-c out (as well as usb-A), it can charge most devices including larger modern smart phones a couple times. A must have for multi-day backcountry adventures without sure access to power for phones, cameras, satellite messengers, and the like.
Sport Hydration Tablets - 10 servings by REI — Some of our favorite flavors are Lemon Lime, Tri Berry, and Strawberry Lemonade, but everyone has their own personal favorites. If you're looking for electrolytes without too much sugar (for recovery, an easier hike, etc), Nuun is a good bit. And it's low bulk so easy to throw a tube in your pack for a few nights at the huts.
Skin Protector Balm SPF 23 (Moisturizer & Frostbite Fighter) by Dermatone — Say no to chapped lips and sunburn on your nose and ears. We have tins of this in every vehicle and pack for when the conditions get a little windy or sunny.
Petzl Spatha Knife by REI — The Spatha is a great little knife that been all over the world with us. It’s easy to find thanks to the bright colors, has a nice hole for a carabiner, and a just big enough blade. While we have kitchen knives at the hut for fine culinary work, bringing your own knife ensures you’ve got the tools you need at all times - from gutting a freshly caught fish at Cleveland Lake to making a s’mores stick.
Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 3/4 Bottom by Smartwool — The Smartwool 3/4 tight (also available in women's) is a great baselayer for skiing and splitboard to avoid weird boot - sock - baselayer interfaces. Light enough for most conditions, but also warm enough to take the chill off on even the coldest days.
R1 Air Vest - Men's by Patagonia — For a quick extra layer at the hut or on the ski down. Breathable, lightweight and versatile.
M10 Anorak - Men's by Patagonia — The m-10 from Patagonia is a great lightweight layer for rain and snow days (or high wind / blowing snow, or even extra warmth). Reasonably waterproof for monsoon conditions.
Ergo Grip Wool Touring - 5 finger by Hestra — Hestra's Ergo Grip construction means your hands stay warm longer since your gloves can stay on for dexterity-requiring activities like de-icing bindings or getting snacks out.
Made in factories directly under Hestra control, Hestra gloves are some of the finest out there, and come with a good warranty and repair policy.
Capilene Cool Daily Long-Sleeve Shirt - Men's by Patagonia — Ben loves the long-sleeve Patagonia capilene daily shirts. They have a nice, soft hand feel, provide good sun and wind protection, and are a nice base layer for under a puffy or fleece if its colder.
Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF50 (Reef Safe) by Dermatone — Dermatone's sunscreen sticks are great for on-the-go, low-mess sun protection. For high altitude like long tours above the huts, we like to go up to 50 spf.
Capilene Cool Sun Hoodie - Men's by Patagonia — The new Patagonia Cap Cool sun hoody is a game changer, with zip pocket and a new fabric that is comfortable and 40 UPF. Whether you're skinning uphill in the sun or enjoying a lunch break waiting for corn, a sun hoody is a critical piece of gear for any long tour in the alpine.
Capilene Cool Merino Blend Graphic Shirt - Women's by Patagonia — Laura loves these lightweight Patagonia merino shirts as an extra warm layer for inside the hut, quick trips to the lake, and the like. Some fun graphic options too.
