TOP GEAR WITH...
Klaus Tscherrig
The hugely popular Ski Club guide, ski instructor and member of the Air Zematt mountain rescue team shares his favourite kit
Klaus has been guiding for the Ski Club since 1991. “I am very grateful to be able to have met several hundreds of clients from the Club over the last 30 years, leading countless weeks, mainly in the Swiss and Italian Alps,” he tells us. “I have even climbed the Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each continent, with clients, and many have since become friends.”
As well as being one of the Ski Club's favourite Zermatt guides, Klaus – who lives in the pretty village of Täsch, just down the valley from Zermatt – is a ski instructor, hiking and biking guide, and a member of the Air Zermatt mountain rescue team. As such, there is no better man to ask about ski kit for our Top Gear column. Here, he reveals his favourite items, and those on his wish list.
MY MOUNTAIN MUST-HAVES
MAMMUT EIGERJOCH ADVANCED DOWN JACKET
A lightweight down jacket that is ideal for all weather conditions. It is super-warm on the body if the temperature is very cold, but it folds down small to carry in the backpack if it is not needed (and even stows away into its own pocket).£338
Make it stand out
SCARPA SKI TOURING F1 BOOTS
Uphill and down – this ski boot does both. I like it due to the fact that it combines downhill ski strength (95 flex) with the comfort and versatility of a touring boot. It is lightweight and strong for advanced skiers looking to ride on and
off-piste. Note that Scarpa boots are made for slim feet. £510
Make it stand out
MAMMUT BARRYVOX PACKAGE
Don’t save money on your safety equipment! As a mountain rescuer for Air Zermatt, I have done many avalanche rescues during my lifetime and only the best equipment is good enough. Mammut’s Barryvox package
is excellent, including its top-level Barryvox transceiver, complete with 70m search strip, Probe 240, and robust Alugator Ride shovel. Just make sure your friends know how to use this equipment too! £305
MY LUST LIST
JULBO HIGH ALTITUDE SUNGLASSES
If you can’t see well you can’t ski well! Sunglasses are important in the mountains, offering protection in sunny weather with strong snow reflection.
With my eyes I have seen so many things all over the world, thanks to the best sunglasses, and I seldom leave my house without a pair. These High Altitude sunglasses from Julbo, with photochromic category 4 lenses, are on my winter lust-list. From £55
MAMMUT ACONCAGUA LIGHT JACKET
Don’t sweat on a tour unless necessary. A lightweight breathable mid-layer, worn on its own, does the job. It keeps the wind off and your body warm enough on long uphill ski tours. You stay dry and keep your energy for your downhill skiing. Mammut’s stretchy, breathable Aconcagua Light is my next purchase.
£144
SNOWLIFE HEAT DT MITTENS
Why have cold hands if it’s not necessary? Comfort on the mountains makes things much more enjoyable, meaning you can ski for longer! The Heat DT Mittens are made with a softshell/leather outer, wool insulation and integrated heating system that lasts more than eight hours! I need to get a pair… £280