So, you've decided to become a seasonaire. You've got your job, and you're ready to hit up the slopes for five months. Congratulations! But what to pack for the time of your life? Well here are some helpful tips to help you jam it all into your 15kg ryan air restricted luggage allowance...(Or maybe not.)
1. Don't underestimate the amount of luggage you'll need.
This may seem a bit ridiculous, but countless people try to head out for their 'rad' season with nothing but a single suitcase. If you've got a job with a tour operator, or the likes, you'll probably be travelling by coach so you may not have the same restrictions you do on flights. However, there probably will be some restrictions of some sorts so you should check with your employer before you head out on your journey of a lifetime.
As for people flying, don't be scared to upgrade your luggage to 40kg. It may seem excessive but you'll need that extra space. Don't jump on the old easy-jet train and go for what you think will be the cheapest flights, because they'll charge you for every single extra you add on. Try smaller companies such as flybe or bmi baby. You may have to travel further to the airport, but you may find yourself flying from a smaller airport like Southampton, meaning less hassle checking in, less waiting around and an overall more pleasurable experience flying.
2. Take your ski stuff.
If you don't have any equipment don't stress too much. Most tour operator jobs will come with the perk of getting free ski ski rental equipment, but if not you can make friends with the ski hire fella's and get discounts left right and centre. However, if you do have some money to spare getting some custom fit boots (like ones from surefoot) maybe the best decision you make. Although they may seem expensive they're worth every penny for the season. You'll kick yourself if you get out there and have serious issues with your boots just because you didn't splash out. Just think of your poor little feet!
2. Pack two of almost everything.
If you plan to get the most out of your season you really will need two of everything. You'd be surprised how much ski equipment deteriorates over five months. If you think about it, if you went skiing once a week every year that's the equivalent of 20 years skiing. Now would you expect your ski jacket to last 20 years? I thought not.
It's also a good idea to let stuff air out every now and again. Socks should be changed every other day, and you should let your salopettes air out every week or so. If you don't it'll actually make you colder on the slopes as the build up of sweat and condensation on the inside of your equipment will give you the chills, so make sure to pack two of everything and change your equipment regularly.
3. Invest in some snow boots.
I very nearly didn't invest in snow boots for the season, and boy i'm glad I did. You may be fine slipping around in your converse for one week of the season, but trust me, when it's snowing like mad, and the roads are all iced up then you'll seriously regret not buying correct equipment for your feet. Imagine falling over on day two of your holiday, breaking your leg and not being able to tear up those mountains for the season, just because you didn't get some snow boots. Also, your insurance company may not pay out if you're not wearing suitable equipment for the snow, so buy some boots! Now, if that doesn't make you think twice I don't know what will.
4. Toiletries.
Toiletries can often be very expensive in ski resorts. Make sure you take essentials, like shampoo, deodorants and razors. There's nothing worse then heading out at night smelling like you've just come off the slopes. Remember that sun stroke and sun burns are also a big issue in the mountains. Make sure to take a high factor cream with you. Once a day sun cream is really good for skiing. Riemann do a good one of these. Also, for all you luscious ladies, your skin is likely to get much darker in the mountains, so you may want to pack some darker foundation too.
5. Accessories.
You may find that after a month or so you'll be bored to death of wearing the same ski jacket day in and day out. The best (and cheapest) way to chop and change your style is to invest in some accessories. At the very least invest in a few hats, glove liners, and some neck warmers. Maybe even different tinted goggles could help your look. That way you can have a pink tint one day, and green the next.
6. A 1:25,000 map (or buy an off pieste map when you're out there.)
If you're going for a season then the truth is that at some point you'll probably want to explore that blissful backcountry powder. If you're planning to do this make sure you have a map of the area, or at least an off pieste map so that you know where you are going to end up, or at least have a vague idea. Of course if you're planning to explore such areas of the mountain you should also invest in an avalanche bag.
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