It depends on your course, the resort, and your personal style and goals — but a versatile all-mountain ski or board is usually a safe starting point.

As a general guideline:

– For instructor or more piste-focused courses, lean towards a performance ski or board. It should be precise and responsive on-piste, but still versatile enough to handle a mix of terrain.
– For all-mountain or backcountry camps, an all-mountain setup works well. If you’re chasing powder, a wider powder-specific ski or board will give you the float you need.

Unsure what’s best for your course? Get in touch and we’ll help you dial in the right setup.

Focus on waterproofing and breathability. In colder regions like Canada, you’ll want some insulation; in milder areas like the Alps, you might prefer a shell you can layer under. Local shops can point you in the right direction.

As a general rule:

– Skis: between your nose and head height.
– Snowboards: between chin and nose height.

Length can vary based on your ability, weight, and riding style, so get personalised advice in-resort if you’re unsure.

You can find a full packing and equipment list in our Equipment Guide.

For most of our courses, especially those two weeks or longer, buying your own skis or board usually makes sense — it’s better for progression, consistency, and is usually more cost-effective in the long run.

That said, renting can be a great option — especially if you’re coming for a shorter trip, want to try out different gear, or need something specific for a certain day (like powder skis for a big storm). Some people choose to rent for the first few days, then buy once they’ve had time to test what works for them.

Ultimately, it comes down to your goals, budget, and how much gear you already own. We’re happy to advise based on your plans.

The choice is yours. Picking up equipment in most of our resorts is easy. Buying on-site means you’ll get expert advice tailored to local conditions, the chance to demo gear, local warranty coverage, and you won’t have to lug it on your outbound trip.

If there’s a specific brand or model you want, we recommend purchasing it before you travel — or contacting the shops in advance to reserve it.

And if you’re heading to Fernie or Banff, a few of local stores also offer Nonstop riders a discount of around 10–15%.

If you already have a ski or board setup, you are welcome to bring this along. Each course varies in regards to optimal requirements for your skis or snowboard — for most riders and most courses, a versatile all-mountain setup is usually a good option.

Unsure if your gear will cut it? Chat with us before you travel — we’ll advise if anything needs consideration or an upgrade.

Extremely. Ill-fitting boots can ruin your experience. We strongly recommend getting your ski or snowboard boots professionally fitted — and modified if needed — based on your foot shape and riding style.

It depends on your course, goals, and the quiver you’re bringing. If you’ve got a two-piece quiver, a powder setup can be a great option for deep snow days. If you only have one setup, it’s usually better to stick with a versatile all-mountain ski or board that can handle a mix of terrain and conditions.

Freeride skis or a powder board provide extra float in deep snow but can be trickier to maneuver on hardpack. If your course involves heavy backcountry travel or powder riding, they’re a solid choice. You can often rent a powder setup locally just for the days you need it.

Yes. You must provide all your own ski or snowboard equipment, boots, protection, and outerwear.