Kit List

When planning what to bring with you remember that mountain towns are generally very casual and the most imporant thing is that you stay warm!

The best way to have a comfortable and enjoyable day on the slopes is to dress properly. Make sure you dress in layers as the temperature can change throughout the day. We suggest:

SLOPE APPAREL

Base layer:

• polypropylene or Merino wool are the best materials
• Ski socks (several pairs)
• Thermal long underwear, tops & bottoms (a couple of sets)

Insulating layer:

• Fleece (micro and thick)
• Optional down puffy (great on cold days)

Outer layer:

• Ski pants (trousers) -Waterproof/breathable shell (ie. GORE-TEX or similar product)
• Ski jacket - Waterproof/breathable shell (ie. GORE-TEX or similar product)
• Good quality mitts or gloves (ideally bring 2 pairs in case 1 pair gets wet)

Miscellaneous:

• Toque, hat or beanie
•  A material mask to wear in accordance with local Covid rules.
• Neck tube (these tend to get wet when it’s snowing so it’s a great idea to have a spare one in your bag to swap at lunchtime)
• Inner Gloves (silk or Merino)
• Ski boot gloves (neoprene covers for those extra cold days)

SKI/SNOWBOARD KIT

• Helmet
• Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Boots
• Snowboard or Skis & Poles
• Bindings
• Rucksack for off-piste gear.

For more in-depth advice about purchasing specialist equipment check out these handy guides and videos (please note these videos were originally designed for our Canadian courses but may still be really useful for our European ones. For specific help with kit for our European courses, please get it touch):

A guide to buying skis, boots and ski clothing

A guide to buying a snowboard, boots and clothing

 OTHER

• Everyday clothes and shoes
• Gloves, Toque, Scarf to wear around town (it’s a good idea to have a separate set to wear when your ski gear is drying out)
• Similarly, not essential but it is a good idea to bring another coat with you to wear when you are out and about at weekends and evenings. You’ll be glad to get out of your ski gear after a day on the hill and it will also allow some time to dry out your gear too.
• Warm/waterproof boots to walk around town in (Tip: Ugg boots are warm but do not always offer the most grip and are rarely waterproof)
• Credit card and one other credit/debit card (it is advisable to have 2 cards in case you break or lose one and as noted elsewhere it is compulsory that all participants have a credit card in case of a hospital visit) Hospital/Dr visits can be expensive and you will be required to pay these upfront, so it is a requirement that you have the funds to pay for this before entering Canada
• A Revolut (or similar) card. These are becoming the most popular and best value way to spend money abroad as there is usually a monthly allowence for spending and withdrawing money abroad with no fee. Using your regular bank card can mean a charge everytime you spend over the duration of your course this can add up. We use Revolut to take payments in resort and paying from your own Revolut card is the easiest and cheapest way to do this. 
• Power adapters for any electronic equipment you bring
• An extension lead. This is our top tip for travellers! It's so useful as you can then plug multiple chargers in and only need one power adapter.
• Device with an alarm (so you don't miss your lessons, or breakfast!)

 OPTIONAL

• Swimming towel
• Swimming gear
• Gym clothing (if you would like to use local gym facilities)
• Running shoes / trainers
• Laptop/tablet
• Rucksack/day pack (approx 15-20 litres)
• Water bottle
• Camera

FOOTWEAR

Snow boots are good for when there is fresh snow on the ground and even during warmer periods when the snow is melting as there will often be a lot of slush around. You can purchase snow boots relatively cheaply in most ski towns. Although they may not be the most stylish in warmer climates, they are haute couture in mountain towns! If you already have a decent pair of high ankle walking boots they are also very good for walking in snow and on ice. During the spring periods or dryer spells, a good pair of trainers will do just fine.

NIGHTS OUT

Ski towns are pretty casual. Jeans, a hoodie (jumper) and toque (wool hat) are what most people wear, but anything goes! Dressing warmly for the walk to and from the restaurant or bar is very important. If you’re drinking you may not be able to feel the dangerous effects of the cold temperatures. Wear your warm outerwear (including boots) and then stash it for the evening. You will be happy you have it for the way home!

LAUNDRY

All our accommodation options in Canada have laundry facilities and there are several local laundrettes in our European resorts.

BEDDING AND TOWELS

Bedding and towels are provide in all accommodation options and are changed regularly. You will need to bring a swimming/gym towel with you though if you are likely to be making use of those facilites. If luggage space is tight then micro fibre towels are a great option.