General clothing recommendations- Snowboard socks. 1 pair for every day or 2 days of riding
- Thermal bottoms. 1 for every 2 days of riding
- Thermal long sleeve tops. 1 for every 2 days of riding
- Beanie
- Neck warmer or facemask
- Thermal mid layer. Puffer or technical fleece
- Lightweight wind and waterproof gloves for hiking, touring or riding in warmer conditions
- Cold weather thicker outer layer gloves
- Snowboard jacket. Recommended minimum 10k/10k waterproof and breathability rating
- Snowboard pants. Recommended minimum 10k/10k waterproof and breathability rating
- Swimming shorts. For spa or pool days
- Optional cap for hiking or relaxing on piste
Layering
General layering is a long-sleeve top or thermal, followed by a technical mid-layer and then your jacket. We may swap the mid-layer for something less insulating as the winter moves into spring, or remove the jacket when hiking or building features.
If a lot of snow is sticking to your technical outer layers, consider re-waterproofing or replacing them.
General equipment recommendations
- Helmet. Compulsory for all
- Phone charger
- Travel adaptor
- Snowboard. Consider an additional freeride board for off-piste riding
- Bindings with minor spares for repairs
- Snowboard boots
- Rucksack. Minimum 25L for in-resort riding, with the ability to carry a snowboard and helmet
- Board tool or multi-tool. Compact and safe to carry in a rucksack
- Refillable sturdy water bottle. 750ml–1000ml minimum. Nalgene Lock Top or Yeti Yonder recommended
- Goggles with low-light and bright-light lenses
- Portable suncream. Minimum SPF 30. Recommended SPF 50 for hiking/splitboarding
- Heavy-duty cable ties x4. Useful for equipment failures on the mountain
- Sunglasses for relaxing, hiking and splitboarding
- Personal first aid kit. Recommended in your backpack at all times
- Wax and other servicing tools for your board
- Small rubbish bag for on-hill snacks
- Ear plugs, just in case you're staying with a noisy friend
Additional equipment for off-piste riding
- Freeride-focused board. Be prepared to adjust your stance to suit changing conditions
- Handwarmers x2
- Helmet holder, or a suitable way to attach your helmet to your backpack while hiking
- Rucksack. Minimum 32L, with the ability to carry a snowboard and helmet
- Headtorch with spare batteries. Minimum 300 lumens
- Single-person bivi, small group shelter or mylar blanket for personal emergencies
- Gaffer tape for equipment repairs. Wrap some around a pole or shovel handle
- Compression straps x4 — 50mm. For equipment compression and equipment issues
Avalanche safety equipment
For off-piste riding where avalanche safety equipment is required:
- Avalanche transceiver with the ability to flag multiple burials, plus spare batteries
- Avalanche probe. Minimum 2.4m
- Avalanche shovel with steel or aluminium blade, not plastic
This equipment can be hired or purchased. If hiring in resort, it should be collected and ready for use on the first day of riding.
Optional Splitboard / Touring Equipment
For riders planning to use a splitboard or snowshoes:
Splitboard
- Splitboard with compatible skins and splitboard bindings
- Spares for repairing splitboard bindings
- Splitboard crampons where appropriate for icy or steep ascents
- Collapsible touring poles
- Splitboard binding template to allow changes to stance
Snowshoes
- Snowshoes suitable for use with snowboard boots
- Collapsible poles