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Everything Else You Might Need For Your GAP Ski Course
Guide Summary
Think you’ve got it all covered? You’ve no doubt got all the essentials: Skis, Boots, Gloves, Helmet etc. What about all the rest? This handy blog recommends some key items you may have yet to consider taking on your GAP course.
Think you’ve thought of everything? Here are a few things you may have yet to consider taking on your GAP course: a handy guide written by a seasoned instructor.
Heated Socks And Gloves
Are you taking a GAP course in Canada? It’s cold there if you didn’t know. I’ve spent multiple seasons in Canada, and it’s not uncommon to experience days in the negative 20’s. Heated socks and feet are an excellent investment if you suffer from cold extremities. Battery-powered and operated through an app on your phone, you can easily adjust the temperature setting to keep you warm on the coldest days. They are a worthwhile investment, and they’ll last for seasons.
Boot Gloves
A cheaper alternative to heated socks, these neoprene liners sit around your ski boots and prevent the shell of your boot from freezing. I was scepticaln of these initially, but they do a fantastic job and are a go-to when it gets cold. You can pick these up for about £40.
Servicing Equipment
Save yourself some £ during the season and invest in some tuning gear. There are plenty of videos to watch on how to do it yourself, and more senior instructors can show you. A standard tune will set you back £50 in a ski shop nowadays, so a small investment in a tuning ski kit will save you money in the long run. Plus, it’s helpful to know how to do if you’re an instructor. Check out our useful blog on A Guide To Ski Servicing.
Travel Bag
Travelling up and down from the ski resort each day with extra gear, etc, having a ski bag is a good idea. Often, a 50l backpack does the job, enough to bring extra clothes, lunch, and your ski boots if you need to take them home to dry, for example.
Things To Take On Your GAP course
- Portable Boot Dryer – Are you travelling to another resort, or are the boot dryers in the resort not the best? Portable boot dryers are excellent and don’t cost very much. Small in size, so it only takes up a little room in your bag. As an instructor, I find it nice having your own boot dryer and not having to battle for space in the locker room boot dryer. Oh, and wet boots in the morning, no, thank you. Check out Sidas for some of the best heated element accessories.
- Ski Straps – Keep your skis together when travelling and help prevent any damage to your edges caused by skis sliding against each other. They don’t cost much and make carrying your skis around the resort much easier. Make sure you learn how to carry your skis properly, too; you want to look like you know what you’re doing.
- Extra Base Layers – You can never have too many. You’ll be in these daily, so having a few extra will save you lots of laundry. It’s also great to change into warm base layers at lunchtime on really cold days. Change your socks at lunch when it’s cold; your feet will stay much warmer. Smartwool make fantastic merino base layers.
- Shades and Sun Protection – Oh yes, springtime in a ski resort is the one! Long sunny days with music and apres. The sun can be powerful in the mountains, and the snow reflects the sun, meaning you get it double. We love a goggle tan, not goggle burn. Some good shades and high UV protection are a must in the spring.
- Coffee Mug – A personal necessity. The best on cold mornings, and you’ll save £ not buying coffee on the hill daily. HydroFlask and Stanley are the go-to brands.
- Swim Stuff – Take advantage of the post-ski hot tub, one of the many luxuries of living at a ski resort.
- Extra Gloves – I always used to forget this. Leave the ski hill thinking it’s somehow going to be warmer, only to find it’s still -20 outside—a proper pair of warm gloves to use when you’re not on the slopes.
A Quick Tip: Pack as much as possible in your ski bag to save room in your standard case. Plus, it helps protect your skis. Stuff socks, jumpers and mid layers in your ski bag.
If you’re heading out on one of our courses and would like some extra help figuring out what to take and what to leave behind, our helpful team are always happy to answer your questions.
