Winter packing list

There are no beds at the hall on Friday night. You will be sleeping on the floor.

You must eat a nutritious meal to fuel yourself for the trip in. There is not time to buy breakfast in the morning on Saturday. Don’t forget water to be well hydrated before we start – the more you drink before you start, the less you need to carry – but don’t skimp on what you carry

You must eat a nutritious meal to fuel yourself during the trip in. You will not be at the chalet by lunch time. There is not time to buy lunch in the morning on Saturday

To store any unused items during the week

Not mandatory, but people do snore

Not mandatory, but people do turn lights on when they arrive

A change of clothes for the final Saturday trip home

A second one is preferable (but not mandatory) as it means your main one can be in your pack ready to go

For comfort 😀

50-60L is a good target size, if it’s larger ensure you don’t fill it - Ensure it has a waterproof cover that won’t blow away in wind, also waterproof the inside (e.g. using garbage bags) - Needs to have a functional harness (waist belt and chest strap) - Try it on and ensure it fits well

Backcountry or telemark style not cross-country not downhill
More details are available here

More details are available here

More details are available here

These are really important as they stop your skis from disappearing

At least one litre. If using an insulated one, then filling it with warmed water is nice.
Be cautious with bladders as they may freeze (e.g. the hose)

For emergency situations/whiteouts

There are maps at the chalet you can use for tours

For emergency situations/whiteouts

There are radios at the chalet. Bring some as a party if you want for the ski in/out
Optional but recommended, don’t forget a lightweight charger and/or batteries

If you have access to one, it’s a good emergency item to have. It would be your personal responsibility

For emergencies/hypothermia
A space blanket is a thin metallic blanket or bag that goes in your first aid kit. It is not a full sized blanket

Blister supplies should be included

No more than 500g, what you carry in you must carry out. No food is to be left at the chalet.

For the ski out at the end of the week. This is essential.
Don’t forget spare batteries or a charger

Optional, make sure they are waterproof

20-30L, light weight, with rain cover. At least 20L
Consider saving weight by using your main pack as a day pack – if doing this you’ll need another bag to keep your items neat in the chalet, e.g. a sleeping bag storage bag

Good idea, but generally not necessary with high cuffed plastic boots. Very necessary with low cuffed boots

A reel of flouro brick layers cord is good and lightweight

Optional, but recommended. We strongly recommend wearing a helmet if using the tow. They’re also cosy and warm

This is for when you are touring and need to stop. Prevents hypothermia and can help keep an injured person off the ground.
Use an offcut from a foam mat, or an inflatable one

Very optional, but nice to have in sticky snow

May be coordinated with the whole winter week, confirm as a party.
Confirm that it work with the skis you use

Voile straps (or similar), very optional, but useful – e.g. if you need to put your skis on your pack (or carry them by hand), these can be useful for strapping them together

Very optional

Hothands or similar

Emergency toilet paper for tours

Modesty shorts for over thermals on tours – optional

E.g. fleece or merino jumper An extra mid layer – ensure you have good layering options

Warm jacket/layer – e.g. a down jacket or second fleece

Avoid insulated downhill ski jackets, they’re not good for layering and become impractical for touring as they are too warm
Look for Gore-tex, eVent, or other equivalents
A hood is necessary

Avoid insulated downhill ski pants, they’re not good for layering and become impractical for touring

To keep your noggin warm

Consider a cap in addition to a bucket style hat, as a cap fits under a hood

Buff/neck warmer – suggested but optional
Merch available at the chalet. Good for sun and wind

Pair touring ski gloves – similar to running or cycling gloves, your hands can get warm while touring

Pair warm ski gloves/mittens – e.g. downhill style. Even in warmer conditions these should be accessible for rest breaks

If you want to wash them each day and keep your hands a bit cleaner

Ski/outdoor socks again, not cotton

The more coverage the better. Cycling style sunglasses are a good option

They’re nice for rest breaks. Most people don’t tour in goggles, but some choose to

Ideally not cotton

One to wear and a spare!
Sports bras are suggested
Underwire free is better for the washing machine, but do what works best for you

Low contrast/clear sunglasses – optional, but nice to have as eye cover when it’s dull

Doesn’t need to be too warm, 0 degrees is usually plenty (unless you know you run particularly cold)

For inside your sleeping bag

This is mandatory, to cover the communal mattresses

This is mandatory, to cover the communal pillows

It’s a communal environment, and the trip to the bathroom is cold

To wear inside the chalet only

To wear inside the chalet only
Can wear your pyjamas or shorts if you want to save some weight (although shorts may be a tad chilly)

Pair of closed toe shoes/slippers for the chalet - cooking, cleaning and going outside for parade - also used if you need to walk any of the trip to/from Falls Creek in preference to ski boots (which can be blister magnets)

Shirt and scarf

A ziplock bag works well

Consider solid alternatives for weight and to avoid leakage

Optional, if you use one normally

e.g. Tampons, pads, menstrual cup, etc
Bring them just in case!

Tiny portion of moisturiser for sunburn and similar

Personal medical/care/first aid needs

Sunscreen for the week

For sun and wind protection and repair, more SPF is better

Lightweight, a gym towel works too

There is power at the chalet

Not mandatory, but people do snore

Not mandatory, but people do turn lights on and off – and the sun can be glary in some rooms

5 x Rapid antigen tests – in case of COVID, the combo tests (flu, etc) are preferable if possible

In case of COVID or other sickness

Keep it light weight
If your pack is getting too heavy, leave it behind
Some little props can be used to jazz up some normal clothes

Up to 1.5kg of alcohol, move anything glass into a plastic bottle
Any glass brought in must be brought out