What about a couple of road flares? For fire lighting, it beats fiddling with matches with freezing fingers. You can used them gloved, and while it won't substitute for proper fire prep it can give you a bigger margin for error if you get stuck overnight in between lodges.

I use a Lifeventure Silk Sleeping bag liner as a scarf in very cold conditions

http://www.lifeventure.co.uk/htm/sleepgear/silk-travel-sleepers.html

It makes for a very warm improvised scarf, which actually packs down more than a conventional scarf. It can also double up as a insulating chest protector is cold windy conditions.

A Mosquito head net can also be a useful item in Arctic Survival kits as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM2KcirdNk8

I would also include a chapstick (not kept in the FAK, but in a easy to reach pocket)

"1. Scarf. Maybe this is obvious to you but it wasn't to me. I considered it a luxury item not worth of space in my kit. I quickly discovered my error as I tried to move around in gusty, 11*F winds with my parka partially open to avoid overheating."

Yes, I'm always amazed at how much warmer I feel when my neck/chin are protected from the cold.

I've taken to wearing a neck gaiter (merino wool) instead of a scarf - more effective IME and less bulky. Being a Buff fan I tried theirs first, but found it thin and itchy. I much prefer the Icebreaker version.

[No affiliation with either outfit ... ]

Clarification; I was talking about mixing the powder with water to make a liquid to pour on the snow versus putting the powder itself directly on the snow. I did not mean to mix colors. Seems like you answered my question anyway so no harm done. Anxiously awaiting the new thread. Improvised snow dye? or ... ???? i'd beat you to the punch but that would be mean and rotten of me.

My preference is to mix the powder with water, drink, and then color the snow.......

Updated List:

PLB and Sat phone w/ 3 batteries (split between riders)
Current paper trail map and compass.
GPS with trail map
MSR Dragon fly stove and small largest msr fuel bottle.
Minimal utensils (cooking pan/pot).
About three meals of mountain house-type pack food.
Windproof matches
Regular matches
flint, steel, dryer lint, magnesium chips, permalog type emergency tinder balls..
Pocket knife
Aircraft duct tape and foil tape
small foldable shovel
15' tow strap
signal laser (red)
-------------------------
Water bottle
Multi-tool
60ft nylon rope
energy bars, peanut butter, jerky and cheese
LED flashlight and headlamp.
toilet paper
tarp for wind break, roof shelter.
whistle
10 ft tubing for siphoning gas.
-------------------------
Hotronics M4 foot warmers (these are wicked awesome - forgot to mention these previously).
Chemical heat packs
pfak
folding saw
folding shovel
vaccuum flask for water.
Tang/Jello mix (warming drink or snow marking)
Safety pins
Sewing kit
Ziploc bags
Zip ties
TP pack
Water purification tablets
Fixed blade and sheath
FAK
Aluminum foil
Garbage bag
Sam splint.

Snow shoes?

A method for getting out if both machines fail from
bad gas etc?

Methinks that was hikermor's attempt at being a comedian. Get it, yellow snow and such. Ha ha ha.

Nice updated list CC. Does it all fit?

Just two things from me:

Firmly intending to stay nights in a lodge is almost a guarantee that you won't, because you're tempting the Fickle Finger of Fate (getting the middle one is the worst).

Dehydration contributes very much to hypothermia, so stay well hydrated.

Sue