21 Things

Starting to think about going away for your first season? No idea what to pack? Here’s a few bits of advice that could help you get ready:

1) Toiletries, Toiletries, can I say it again? toiletries. Shampoo and moisturiser can be €10 each which on a seasonnaire budget can be a huge chunk out of your après money. The chances of finding your favourite foundation brand is also extremely slim. My advice would be to buy big, all your essentials in 6 month proportions.

2) Vitamins. However great your jobs food is it is very likely that you won’t be getting your daily 5 a day fruit and veg. If you are anything like me you will be living on a diet of chips, French bread and cheese. To avoid getting run down on from those 18 hour transfer days and marathon après sessions I would advise you all to bring some vitamins or a couple of tubes of Berrocca just to top you up.


3) Medical items. Paracetamol, Lemsip, knee supports etc etc. Like toiletries resort pharmacies are notoriously expensive. At some point in the season you WILL get a cold, actually many colds, it is inevitable, so be prepared.

4) Good Shoes. Shockingly ski resorts are covered in snow and ice which is wet and slippy. Shoes that are waterproof and grippy are obviously an advantage. I love the classic Technica Moon Boot they are so comfy like pillows attached to your feet. My stance on guys wearing these is similar to the issue of guys wearing UGG boots; that some guys really suit them however these are rare exceptions to the rule. In regards to heels: the majority of resorts this would be definite no, although if you have to maybe a shoe boot. Also a pair of flip-flops can come in handy indoors and when it gets warmer towards the end of the season.

5) Socks. Yes this is an exciting one however an important one nonetheless. You know how at home you loose random socks. In a small room shared by 4 other people in close proximity you will loose socks left right and centre. Bring plenty of both ski and daily ‘cos shoes and no socks aint nice.


6) All your equipment. Resort shops are expensive. Some jobs will come with skis and boots provided however they are more often second rate. Shop around, you can find things a lot cheaper on ebay and online than you can in ski shops. I would definitely advice making friends with the guys in your local ski rental shop- they have the power and the resources to be very helpful, especially when you have friends to stay.


7) A ski lock. It is unfortunately not unheard of for ski and boards to go missing especially at apres bars. Many insurance companies won't cover for unattended unsecured personal belongings so buying a ski lock is essential. Make sure its one that stays locked after a strong tug, you'd be surprised how weak some of them are.

8) Insurance. There is no doubt about it skiing is a dangerous sport. At some point in the season you will know someone in a cast. Getting airlifted out of resort to a hospital can end up in thousands of euros hence getting a comprehensive insurance package is essential. Some jobs will provide the insurance however it may not cover everything, look at the small print. Make sure it covers winter sports for the full extent of your trip. Look at the personal belongings does it cover the full price of your skis and boards? Do they need to be locked at all times? Does it cover you if you are skiing under the influence (most likely no!)? Does it cover off-piste skiing? If you are not sure ring them up. A Carte Neige gets you off the mountain for free straight away, fits in your pocket and only costs around €50 from the tourist office. A EHIC card (the old E111) is also worth getting and can be got very easily online.

9) Swimwear. Most resorts have a pretty good pools and it’s a good way to get different exercise. It’s also not unheard of to do a spot of sunbathing towards the end of the season.

10) Mobile. Having a phone on the mountain is good so you can meet up with people and essential if you are lost or injured. Smartphone lovers make sure your roaming is turned off the whole season. My advice would be to buy a £10 pay as you go phone. If you use it to a quick text and call when you are meeting up with people in resort it doesn’t be really add up that fast. It is possible to buy a French phone from supermarkets however you have to find a post office each time you top up which is a bit of hassle. Although if are planning to use your phone a lot in resort this will be a cheaper option.


11) A good camera. Just so when you go back the real world you can remember and to make everyone jealous back home.

12) Laptop. The majority ski resorts have bars and pubs that will provide some free or cheap internet. The lucky amongst you may even have internet provided for you by your employer. Laptops are good to keep in touch with the world outside the resort bubble.


13) Lots of films and the odd TV series. There is nothing nicer on a white-out day than cosying up in bed with a good film. 5 months is a long time to be in a small village with little else to do but ski. Acquire lots of films you haven’t seen and save them for a not so sunny day.

14) Skype. As discussed above a lot of pubs and bars ski resorts in the Alps have free or cheap Wifi and this can be the cheapest way to contact loved ones and it has the added nicety over a telephone call that you can see each other face-to-face.

15) Christmas presents. It is most likely that you will be away over Christmas. So get that all sorted before you go away. 

16) Keep it safe. It’s a ski resort with a lot of attractive and drunkey people. I’m just saying be prepared and that’s 6 Months of being safe, whether it’s the pill or condoms. Even if you are not planning on going crazy or are madly in love with your boyfriend/ girlfriend back at home, I’m just saying it happens!

17) A sense of humour. Even though at the time it seems as if what Amy said to Steve was the worst thing that’s ever happened EVER. Just remember to put it all in perspective, ski resorts are small especially amongst the season crowd, people talk and there is always draaama. Just keep it light, go skiing and rise above it.

18) Something fun. Most resorts have some kind of fancy dress night at some point. Facepaint, wigs etc. things that could work for a number of different themes.

19) Photos; to brighten up the masses of white walls in your accommodation.

20) Ipod. Skiing / boarding with a new playlist: great, using your ipod to drown out the sounds of everyone else whilst you are trying to have a mid afternoon nap: priceless.

21) New clothes. I don’t mean a whole new wardrobe but you will be wearing this one suitcase of clothes for the next 6 months. Your clothes will get ruined. Layers and things you can wear both day and night. If you are looking to buy new clothes whilst you are away ASOS often does free international delivery offers so keep an eye out.

I hope this helps. If you think of anything should be added to the list let me know….


22) Adapter plugs and multi-point extension leads.For when you have a shared room of 4 with 2 plugs and you need to use a hairdryer, phone charger, laptop charger, camera charger and straighteners all at the same time.