Mountain crossing requires special preparation. You are responsible for the border cross outcome. Of course, there are situations when you can’t do anything, but in any case, you must provide the group with everything they need.
First things first, the equipment. Ice-axe, crampons, rope - without them, the mountain crossing is unlikely to be successful.
The ice-axe looks like a pick-axe; it consists of three parts: a head, a pick, and a handle. Besides belaying, the classic ice-axe is also used for chopping steps in ice when ascending steep slopes. Crampons, being attached to footwear, let mountain-climbers move on ice and firn.
The tent is quite important too. You have to make sure there is enough place for all people, (there can be several tents), as well as to provide them with sleeping bags, roll mates and warm clothes. You don't want them to freeze to death the very first night, right? Also, it should be noted that thermal underwear has been invented for a reason. It retains heat, absorbs sweat and keep a person wearing it warm.
Do not forget about such important things as binoculars, map, compass, matches, dry fuel, as well as vacuum flask and halazone tablets. The latter are widely known as disinfectants and used for disinfection of water in field conditions.
Keep an eye on the amount of the Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) for each group member. One MRE is designed to be eaten as a meal at the rate of one per person per day, or as a daily ration for of one or several people during a short period of time, which is usually three days. MREs must meet the following characteristics:
- Long shelf life;
- Meals should be ready to eat or easy to prepare;
- Meals should be digestible, allergen free, and shouldn’t cause eating disorders;
- Package (usually made of leakproof, moisture-proof material) should prevent meals from getting wet and dirty;
- Sufficient nutrition and energy value.