Off to spend five months in the mountains?
Trying to cram all your kit into a 20kg bag is bad enough, but trying to remember what to pack is another matter in itself. Added to this, if you do forget an essential piece of kit, the shops in the resort tend to charge a small fortune.
Let us help you out, with our comprehensive checklist of what to pack for a ski season.
– Snowboard
– Skis/poles
– Ski/snowboard boots
– Helmet
– Backpack
– Avalanche kit – transceiver, shovel, probe (make sure you know how to use them)
– Splitboard/ski touring kit (eg. skins)
– Eco-friendly, reusable water bottle
– Multitool. For repairs on the go
– Waterproof (and warm) snow jacket
– Salopettes/ski trousers
– Helmet
– Goggles
– Gloves/mitts
– Ski socks
– Thermal layers
– Buff/Neck warmer
– Beanie
– Sunglasses
Whether you’re the sort to swig shots at the bars, or more inclined to nestle into a duvet at home after a yoga session – you won’t want to be bundled up in full mountain wear. This range of kit should be enough to suit every mood.
– Drinking jacket to wear to the bars. Must be warm so you don’t freeze, but not too well loved. There is a high chance it will get accidentally left behind after a drunken night slugging back Jägerbombs.
– Jumpers
– Jeans/comfy pants
– Sturdy shoes or boots. For tramping up to the bars or around the resort. Grip will become your new best friend.
– Yoga pants/tops. Stretching is just essential for any mountain goat to remain supple throughout the season.
– An endless supply of socks and underwear. Stretches of time between laundry runs can be lengthy.
– Indoor shoes or slippers
– Pyjamas
You certainly won’t need:
– Heels. Trying to trot through sloppy snow, before you even get to the slippery skidfest of a dance floor is a sure fire way to break a leg/knee/ankle. Stick with the clodhopper boots (preferably with crampons).
– Saucy outfits. It’s tricky to wear anything slightly skimpy without shivering to death on the way to and from the bars. However, season life gives you the perfect opportunity to rock a woolly jumper on a club night.
– Stockpile of drugs. Think: paracetamol, lemsip etc. as they can cost around €5 in resort.
– Sun-cream
– SPF lip balm
– Shampoo and conditioner
– Hair brush
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Make up
– Hair bobbles. Easily forgotten, but so essential for when hair is flapping into your face and mouth on a descent.
– Razors
– Contact lens or glasses
– Deodorant
– Hand cream. Expect chapped paws in the mountains.
– Talcum powder/dry shampoo. Can be handy to remove greasy helmet hair quickly.
– Laptop and charger
– Camera and charger
– Phone and charger
– Adaptors
– Hairdryer
– Extension lead (there’s always a shortage of plugs, especially when you’re bundled into seasonaire accommodation).
– Headphones
– Yoga mat. To stretch out after long days on the mountain.
– Crampons. Slippery descents will be a thing of the past with clip on crampons. They may look naff but trust us on this.
– Swimsuit. Switch up the snow time with a dip in the pool. There’s normally one in every resort – and most have spas too.
– Climbing shoes/harness. Climbers, take some climbing gear if you’re heading to Chamonix/Tignes/Meribel, they’ll be a chance to clamber on the indoor walls on lay days, and you’ll be ready for some early outdoor climbing when spring arrives.
– Coin purse. Ideal to carry loose change to the bars or to buy coffees on the mountain.
– Earplugs. Everyday is a weekend in the mountains, and with nearly everyone in shared accommodation, earplugs are most advisable.
– Dressing gown. When it’s icy outside, just pottering around enveloped in a soft gown all day could possibly be the best hangover cure.
– Wrist guards/padded pants for snowboarders. Definitely helps when learning to cushion up certain body parts to (try) and prevent those gopping bruises.
You’ll need a friend or family member who can sit on your suitcase to help zip up a fully loaded bag.
And, of course – don’t forget your passport.
“Winterfox”, a short movie with a unique perspective on Hokkaidos snowy living produced, filmed and edited by Lena Stoffel.
After missing the 2018 games due to injury, Kelly is back at the 2019 XGames, Aspen and makes history by winning three medals in the one event!
There was a time when we, as snowboarders, had to fight for our place on the mountain. Now we’re bringing that same spirit of activism to women’s rights.
Listen to the Eyes, the brand’s first women snowboarding team film featuring Vans global snow team riders Hana Beaman, Mary Rand and Leanne Pelosi.
Time to treat yourself to a late Christmas present and get out to the mountains.
