Equipment Advice

We appreciate it can be a daunting task trying to work out what you will need to pack for life in the mountains without needing a forklift truck to take it all to the airport! When you arrive in Canada you will soon work out what you need to stay warm, dry and comfortable, not just on the slopes but in the town too; but here is some advice to get you started.

WHERE TO BUY

If you need to buy new equipment for your course we recommend that you purchase it in resort. You'll get the best advice - specific to local conditions, you'll be covered by the local warranty if anything breaks, you'll make friends with the locals, and lastly, you won't have to travel with it on your outbound trip. Additionally, in many of the shops, Nonstoppers will receive a discount of usually around 10-15%.

Boots - We strongly recommend you purchase ski boots in Canada from a specialist in the resort you are training at. Unlike skis and snowboards, boots can be modified to be very specific to the individual. The fit of the boot is imperative and can mean the difference between success and failure on the course. You can never completely tell if the fit is right when trying a boot on in a shop. It is not until you have used a boot a few times that you can feel the imperfections in the fit. There are many things that can be done to a boot to make it fit better and these adjustments are usually free from the shop you purchased the boots from. A large percentage of people will require some form of boot work before they are completely fitted and comfortable. If they don't work out first time, the shop you've bought them from will happily reshape them for free...a lot easier if you purchased them in Canada than your home time!

Skis and Snowboards - If you already know exactly what you are looking for, it can pay to shop around on-line and then compare it to Canadian prices, as there are sometimes some good deals to be had. If you don’t have much experience of buying equipment we 100% recommend waiting until you arrive in Canada to get expert advice from the local guys in resort and your instructors. They are familiar with Nonstop courses and the local mountains so they are great guys to speak to about suitable equipment for your course. It would be a huge shame if you arrive and quickly find you're out performing you spanking new snowboard/pair of skis.

Soft goods - As with skis, boards, and boots - the locals know what works best in the conditions you'll be skiing/riding in. They'll know what waterproofing vs. insulation you'll be most comfortable in. So if you can wait, we recommend you do. However, there are often good deals on-line so if you know what you want/need you may be able to pick up a bargain. Make sure you learn the ‘lingo’ when buying outerwear as things like insulation and waterproofing are very important points to consider.

KIT LIST

The best way to have a comfortable and enjoyable day on the slopes is to dress properly. Make sure you dress in layers as the temperature can change throughout the day. We suggest:

SLOPE APPAREL

Base Layer: polypropylene (several if very cold)
Insulating Layer: fleece (micro and thick if very cold)
Outer Layer: Waterproof/breathable shell (ie. Goretex or similar product)
Ski socks
Thermal long underwear, top & bottoms
Ski pants (trousers)
Micro fleece jumper
Fleece jumper
Ski jacket (if you're going to Banff it gets pretty cold so you might appreciate a down jacket)
Good quality mitts or gloves
Hat
Neck tube
Boot gloves (neoprene covers for those extra cold days)

SKI/SNOWBOARD KIT

Helmet
Goggles
Boots
Snowboard or Skis & Poles
Bindings

OTHER

Swimming towel
Swimming gear
Gym clothing (if you would like to use local gym facilities)
Trainers or equivalent
Normal clothes
Warm/waterproof boots to walk around town in (Tip: Ugg boots are warm but do not always offer the most grip and are rarely waterproof)
Credit card and one other credit/debit card (it is advisable to have 2 cards in case you break or loose one and as noted elsewhere it is compulsory that all participants have a credit card in case of a hostpital visit).
Power adapters
Laptop/tablet
Device with an alarm (so you don't miss your lessons, or breakfast!)
Rucksack/day pack (approx 15-20 litres)
Camera

BACKCOUNTRY EQUIPMENT (OPTIONAL)

Shovel*
Avalanche transceiver*
Avalanche probe*
Ski poles for snowboarders*
Split snowboard or snowshoes for snowboarders*
Touring skis*
Touring skins*
Pocket knife
Torch

*if you are doing the MTM course these can be provided so while it is not essential that you have your own some clients enjoy having their own gear.

PATROL PROGRAM

If you're joining us for ski patrol training you should review the required items for the Canadian Avalanche Association's week long level 1 course. Available here.

All of the above are really the recommended bare essentials. Obviously there will be personal items that you will want to bring as well, so have a good think about the items you cannot live without!

CLOTHES FOR NIGHTS OUT

Unlike home, you will need to wear warmer clothes when heading out on the town for the evening. During the colder periods in the season, guys may want to wear thermal underwear under a pair of jeans and girls may like to wear tights under jeans or similar. The bars are casual in Canada. Skirts are rarely seen in Canadian ski towns! It is the done thing in warmer places, like the UK or Australia, to head to a bar wearing nothing but a t-shirt or small top for girls, but in Canada it is simply not safe to do so. If you’re drinking you may not be able to feel the very dangerous effects of the cold temperatures but take it from us they are there so please plan to wrap up on nights out!

FOOTWEAR

Snow boots are good for when there is fresh snow on the ground and even during warmer periods when the snow is melting as there will often be a lot of slush around. You can purchase snow boots relatively cheaply in most Canadian ski towns. Although they may not be the most stylish they will do the job! If you already have a decent pair of high ankle walking boots they are also very good for walking in snow and on ice. During the spring periods or dryer spells, a good pair of trainers will do just fine. Oh and girls… you may want to leave the heels at home!

RENTING EQUIPMENT

We advise against it for two reasons:

Renting equipment is only really economical in the short term. On courses over two or three weeks, it is more economical to purchase equipment. If you only ski/board a few weeks a year, a decent set of equipment will last you for years to come!
Rental equipment has often had a hard life before you get to use it and will not do your skiing or snowboarding justice like your own equipment would. Find a set of skis or a snowboard that works for you and stick to it- it will help your skiing and snowboarding improve dramatically.

We can give you heaps of advice when you arrive in Canada, so no stress.

SKI ADVICE

It’s worthwhile to buy your equipment out in the resorts, the pros and the job workers are knowledgeable and will be approachable throughout the season. Before you buy and hand over the cash it is sensible to demo the skis, trying out a few pairs will allow you to decide which ski is perfectly suited. Often the price you pay to demo a ski is put towards the cost of the ski purchased. By all means you may buy a cheaper pair at home, but with the (at least) 10% discount we have organised for you, and advice from the pros it is worth waiting. Many past nonstoppers have said they received a far better service out in the mountains!

So in short, we would recommend the following:

Ski Type: All Mountain Ski- so you don’t compromise your enjoyment or ability.

Length: between your nose and the top of your head – shorter is always easier though!

Width underfoot: Banff: 65 – 85mm/Fernie: 80 – 90m – so you can turn when you want! (if you're on the MTM course you can go a little wider)

Radius: 16 – 20m – so your turns are smooth and look blooming amazing!

You will often see 3 numbers set out like this: 131-45-112. These numbers are the width (in millimetres) of the sidecut of the ski, near the tip – waist – near the tail.

Ski Advice

Ski Boot Advice

Clothing Advice

SNOWBOARD ADVICE

We really do recommend waiting until you are out in Canada to buy you Snowboard. Not only can you try a few out from the huge selections, but you get a nice discount and unbeatable advice from people who know our course and the terrain you will be riding on. But in short, you are looking for a board that matches the following...

Type: an All Mountain board- so you don’t compromise your enjoyment or ability.
Length: between your nose and the top of your head – shorter is always easier though.
Width: slightly wider than your foot.
Camber/Rocker: test a few out and see what you prefer!
Base: extruded or sintered depending on what you want out your board and what you’re willing to do maintenance wise!

If you need further advice, watch the video below or contact the office.