What to pack for your ski instructor course

Winter is rolling in fast, and it is time to think about preparing for your instructor course with PEAK Snowsports. Below we have listed almost everything you may need to get through your course.

Essential items:

Warm, waterproof clothing – The course is being held in Avoriaz 1800. Come December the resort is covered in snow and can get to as low as -20 degrees, with a wind chill of -30 degrees.
Ski equipment – You’ll need your ski hard wear, including skis, bindings, boots, and ski poles. If you do not own skis and poles yet, you can rent these from our ski hire partners or buy them through Fluid Lines (ask us for the password).
Protective gear – It is mandatory to wear a ski helmet on our courses and is recommended to get some good goggles to protect you from snow and UV rays from the sun. All our team use Oakley goggles and can’t recommend them highly enough!
Personal items – Pack any personal items that you may need to get you through the 5-week course.

If you pack the right gear then you’ll keep yourself, warm, dry, and safe. Start your professional ski career with us today.

Checklist:

Ski’s & Boots – Buy them here at Fluid Lines (password required - ask us)
Ski Helmet
Ski goggles x2 if possible
Ski jacket & pants (Ideally Gore-Tex)
Down jacket – You’ll get a team down jacket included with the price of the course
Midlayers - fleece’s and gilets are perfect
Thermal / base layers x2 – Merino wool base layers.
Beanies x2
Gloves/Mittens x2
Neck warmer
Ski socks – x5 pairs. Smart Wool is a great brand of socks.
A backpack – Around 15 litres to carry some snacks, drinks, and extra layers when you are out on the mountain.
A cable padlock for your bag or skis.
Adaptors – your country to French 2-pin plug
Sports/gym wear – Avoriaz has a swimming pool and a short cable car ride to Morzine, which has a gym and Olympic-sized pool.
Slippers for your accommodation
Towel
Pens and notepad
Laptop or tablet – to watch any video analysis
Sun cream and lip protection – We have a discount code for our sun cream partner at Palm & Pine
Bring casual clothes - pack for a 2-week holiday, and you’ll have a washing machine available to rotate clothing. DON’T BRING HIGH HEELS. Invest in some good boots, Dr Martens, Timberlands, Sorels…
Toiletries - there are supermarkets in walking distance for top-ups.
If you have personal medications or items, you'll need to have enough for 5 weeks.

Important documents:

EHIC – In some places, these are still working but it’s not guaranteed. Best to have it with you just in case.
Ski insurance – Make sure you have valid insurance that covers you for winter sports in France and Switzerland and equipment cover. Carte Neige insurance should be taken when collecting your lift pass.
Passport – Keep an eye on how long it is valid. Make sure you have at least 1 year on it. It can be hard to get a new one sent out to you.
Bank/credit cards – Pretty much all cards are accepted in the resort. Internet banks such as Monzo, and Revolut have free international use and you can exchange money easily.

That should just about cover you for your ski instructor course. Don’t worry if you have forgotten some of the items, there are plenty of shops in Avoriaz, where you can buy clothes and toiletries etc…