Heading off to your instructor course? This essential packing guide will make sure you’ve got everything you need, from snow gear to must-have extras you might not have thought of.

Ski resorts can get very cold, and we have known temperatures lower than –35 Celsius in Canada. A quality jacket & trousers are essential, as well as several base layers. We have written a Guide to buying the right jacket to help you choose the right outwear for your course. This kit list can be used as a guide to packing. 

Remember if you are flying with us you’ll have 1 x 23kg hold bag, 1 x ski/board bag, 1 x boot bag, and 1 x carry-on bag.

What Slope Gear Should I Pack?

Your slope kit is what you’ll be living in most days, so make sure it’s warm, waterproof, and built to last. You don’t need to break the bank, but cutting corners on core items like gloves or layers can make a cold day feel 10x worse.

Slope Gear Checklist:

  • Ski or Snowboard Jacket: Waterproof, breathable, and ideally with a snow skirt.

  • Ski or Snowboard Trousers: Bibs or pants, insulated or shell… just make sure they’re durable.

  • Thermal Base Layers: A few moisture-wicking long-sleeve tops and bottoms.

  • Ski/Snowboard Socks: Bring at least 3 or 4 pairs. Avoid cotton, it holds moisture.

  • Microfleece Layer: Lightweight and great for layering under your jacket.

  • Fleece or Midlayer Jumper: For colder days and extra insulation.

  • High-Quality Gloves or Mitts: Mitts are warmer in deep cold, gloves offer better dexterity.

  • Warm Hat: Ideal for when you’re not in a helmet or just walking to and from the hill.

  • Snood or Neck Tube: Protects your face and neck from windburn and snow.

  • Boot Gloves or Boot Heaters: Optional, but helpful for freezing days.

  • Down Jacket or Insulated Puff: Great for walking to the hill, evenings, or layering under a shell on extra cold days.

Pro Tip! Don’t show up with a stylish but flimsy jacket. Wind and wet snow don’t care how it looks on Instagram.

What Ski or Snowboard Equipment Should I Bring?

Whether you’re riding or skiing, having the right gear will make a huge difference in your performance and your safety. Some items are mandatory when you’re shadowing instructors, others are about making sure you’re equipped to progress during training.

Essential Equipment Checklist

  • Helmet: Mandatory when shadowing in a snow school. Safety first… no exceptions.

  • Goggles: Choose ones with interchangeable lenses or good visibility in flat light.

  • Ski or Snowboard Boots: Make sure they’re properly fitted. Your boots will make or break your season.

  • Skis & Poles: All-mountain or carving skis are best. Avoid twin tips or powder-specific skis for now. (Contact us if you need help with your Ski choice!)

  • Snowboard: Stick to an all-mountain board for versatility. Leave the park boards at home.

  • Bindings: Reliable and responsive bindings suited to your setup.

  • Ski/Board Bag & Boot Bag: You’ll need these for travel. Air Canada, for example, lets you check them in for free, so pack smart and fill them up (within reason).

Pro Tip! If you’re buying new equipment, make sure it’s tuned and set up before you arrive, the last thing you want is to be fixing your kit on day one.

Other Essentials to Pack

You might spend most days in ski gear, but it’s worth packing smart for everything else that happens on the mountain, from resort life to downtime, socialising, and emergencies.

Clothing & Footwear

  • Everyday Clothes & Going-Out Gear: Be sensible! You’ll live in slope gear, this isn’t a fashion show.

  • Warm, Waterproof Boots: Essential for walking around the resort (ice = guaranteed).

  • Swimwear/Gym Kit: For hot tubs, saunas, or if you’re hitting the gym.

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Toiletries: Don’t overpack; you can buy basics locally.

  • Electric Toothbrush Chargers: Check your adaptors are for the fight location!

  • Lip Balm/Suncream/Face Moisturiser: Cold air and high UV = cracked skin.

  • Sanitiser & Face Masks: Still worth having, just in case.

  • Blister Pads, Painkillers & Medication: Bring what you’ll need for the full season.

Tech & Travel Gear

  • Laptop or Tablet: Not essential for training, but handy for Netflix or emails.

  • Travel AdaptorsL Plus all chargers for phone, watch, camera etc.

  • Rucksack: For carrying snacks, layers, or gear to the slopes.

  • Scissors & Mini Sewing Kit: Useful for last-minute fixes.

Extras & Comforts

  • Sunglasses: For sunny days off the mountain.

  • Books, Cards or Games: Great for chill evenings.

  • Favourite Snacks: Slope snacks = life. Pack those Mini Mars Bars!

  • Duct Tape: Seriously. It fixes everything from broken boots to ripped bags.

  • Tea, Coffee or Chocolate: A little taste of home always helps.

Extra Important Docs

Make sure these are packed and accessible:

  • Passport

  • Valid Visa(s)

  • Travel Insurance

  • Proof of Vaccinations (if applicable)

  • Photo ID (NOT your passport!) You’ll need ID to buy alcohol (minimum age is 19). A driving licence or local ID is ideal.

  • Two Credit/Debit/Travel Cards Always bring a backup in case one goes walkabout.

Final Tip! You’ll have access to laundry and local shops. So don’t pack like you’re going off-grid for a year. Pack for a 2-week holiday and you’ll be spot on.

Abbie Morris

Author: Abbie Morris

Board sport and fitness junkie Abbie is a sports therapist and qualified nutrition coach. As a sports therapist her mission is to promote wellness and fitness for life’s demands. Years of experience in gyms and clinics working with all populations, she has developed a whole body approach, combing clinical and fitness knowledge to help everyone reach their movement goals. So whether you’re recovering from an iron man, trying to reach to tie your shoe laces or prepping to complete a ski season she’s got you!

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