Once you’ve chosen your skis, boots and bindings, your thoughts then turn to harnesses, crampons, ice axe and helmet, though perhaps not everyone, and not straight away. While it’s true that when starting out, especially for those transitioning from resort skiing who just want to start surfing some pow, the important thing is to get self-rescue equipment. It’s equally true, however, that the sport we love is a combination of two words: skiing and mountaineering.