Check out this great snow science related article from the Times.

Rescue Equipment:

• Avalanche probe
• Collapsible shovel (metal blade recommended)
• Avalanche transceiver (457 kHz frequency only. Digital or analogue)
• Cell phone or two-way radio (OPTIONAL)

Personal Equipment:

• Clothing for activities and standing in cold/snowy weather (no cotton)
• long underwear
• insulating layers
• outer layer (wind/waterproof)
• warm gloves, mitts, headband, and hat
• Goggles and sunglasses
• Small personal first aid kit (sunscreen/lip-balm, moleskin, band-aids, medication, etc.)
• Water Bottle and/or thermos
• Backpack 25-40L appropriate for activity. A snow specific pack with compartments for avy tools is nice.

Skiing Equipment:

• Boots (touring boots highly recommended)
• Skis with touring bindings and skins (please adjust bindings to boots and skins to skis before the course). Randonee or free-heel gear is okay.
• Poles

Snowboarding Equipment:

• Split Board with touring bindings and skins (please adjust bindings to boots and skins to board before the course) For students arriving at the course with snowboarding equipment, split boards are recommended, as compared to travelling with snowshoes.
• Boots
• Collapsible poles