The big question - what should I bring?
As a future ski instructor, it's good to know all the practicalities in advance, and preferably well in advance. What should you bring, how much should you bring, and can you get some good tips? The packing list can depend a lot on the destination, duration and course.
Snowminds has created a detailed packing and to-do list for what to bring for the season. Find it here.
There are cultural, temperature and documentation differences between, for example, a season in Canada and a season in Austria.
In countries such as Canada, Japan and Switzerland, you need to obtain a visa
This can be a lengthy process depending on your destination. Canada, for example, only issues 350 visas to Danes per year, so you should hurry up and apply if you dream of Canada, for example. If you travel with Snowminds, the entire Snowminds team is ready to help and guide you through all the practicalities of visa and application, so you can secure a work visa in good time before departure.
Insurance is also very important to keep track of, even if it's not necessarily a tangible thing that can be in your suitcase. You are often insured through the ski school during working hours, but if something should happen during the course, in your free time or at home, it's important that you are covered. Print out the relevant paperwork as proof of insurance - better safe than sorry.
In Snowmind's experience, instructors in Japan and Canada in particular often get together and buy a car, as many choose to travel around during and after the season - and to drive a car you need to bring your license. An international format can be obtained at the Citizens Advice Bureau before departure.
Depending on your destination and local regulations, you may need to get some vaccines beforehand.
These documents are therefore important:
- Visa papers
- Insurance papers
- Step
- Danish driving license
- The blue EU health insurance card
- Vaccination papers
The more tangible luggage depends on temperature, culture and destination.
As a rule of thumb, you can carry one ski and boot bag, one large luggage bag and one carry-on bag, depending on whether you use a bus or plane as transportation to your destination.
As Snowminds themselves say; Pack light for a season!
The same equipment is often used several times and the majority of the stay and travel takes place in ski underwear or ski clothes. Through Snowminds, laundry services will be available in either the accommodation or in the local area. Therefore, pack very lightly of everyday clothes.
A skiwear packing list might look like this:
- 3 sets of ski underwear for different temperatures
- 2 warm mid layers and warm sweaters
- 3-4 pairs of ski socks
- One pair of ski gloves including inner gloves, depending on temperature
- 1-2 buffs
- Ski jacket and ski pants
- Uniform
A packing list of everyday clothes can look like this:
- 1-2 pairs of long pants
- One pair of T-shirts/blouses
- Swimwear
- A hoodie or knit
- A set of cozy clothes
- Underwear + socks
- Outerwear like regular gloves and scarf
- A set of nice clothes for special occasions (e.g. local holidays)
- Winter shoes, sneakers and possibly slippers
If you're traveling to Japan, for example, Snowminds' experience is that you can't live without a pair of slippers, as it's Japanese custom not to wear outdoor shoes inside. The cultural conditions should therefore also be taken into account when packing for the upcoming season.
Do you need to bring your own skis and boots? Can you use rental equipment during the season?
For a full season, Snowminds recommends carrying your own equipment. Ski and snowboard boots are worn every day, both at work and at play, so to avoid pain and make sure the boot fits you perfectly, it's a great investment. The same goes for skis, poles and boards, as bringing your own gear for the whole season is definitely worth it - and you know your own equipment best.
If you want to challenge yourself, add some action or if you just enjoy spending a lot of your free time off-piste, we recommend getting a pair of off-piste skis to enhance your experience on the mountain.
Snowminds are experts in skis and equipment!
You can read their guide and they will love to give you advice and answer all your questions.
A packing list of equipment can look like this:
- Ski / snowboard (+ possible off-piste skiing)
- Ski boots / snowboard boots + poles
- Ski helmet
- Carapace
- Goggles + sunglasses
- Backpack
With this packing list, are you ready to go?
All you need to do is book an instructor course with Snowminds and winter can begin!
Snowminds not only helps you pack right for the trip, but also with everything from visa application, a secured job at a ski school, instructor training and preparation course, as well as support before, during and after the trip by their experienced team.
Learn more about being a ski instructor with Snowminds in Canada, Japan, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Spain or New Zealand
