Having the right travel and snowsports insurance is essential for your trip — make sure you’re fully covered. You are responsible for purchasing a policy that suits your needs. Be sure to read the policy wording carefully to confirm it includes everything required for your course and travel plans.

If you’re travelling from overseas, you’ll need comprehensive travel insurance that includes winter sports. If you’re based in the European Union, look for a policy that covers trip curtailment, loss or theft of valuables, and medical expenses.

Packing for life in the mountains can feel overwhelming — especially when you want to be prepared without overloading your luggage. But don’t worry — we’re here to help. And once you arrive, you’ll quickly figure out what works best to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, both on the slopes and around town.

There is usually a 50/50 split between those who bring their own skis or snowboard and those who rent. If you would prefer to rent then we’d recommend Sports Center. They are located right by the hotels and have a good range of options. You can pre-order on their website here.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a full gear checklist with practical tips in our Equipment Guide — plus a snapshot of the essentials below.