Before you get to the exciting part of pre-travel packing you may want to consider these few minor things that will benefit you in the long run and eliminate the risk of total embarrassment when you arrive at the airport to find that you can not even leave your own country - believe me, it happens and it sucks!

First things first

- PASSPORT

Make sure your passport is up to date or has “at least" 6 months remaining on it, don't wait till the final week of departure from your 9/5 lifestyle to realise that you may be up s**t creek without a paddle. Allow enough time before you depart for a renewal of your passport identification. I would recommend 2 weeks.


- VISA REQUIRMENTS

Where ever you may be heading make sure to do your research and find out what the minimum requirements that you will need to take before they allow you to enter into their country.
This can be a very long process with lots of emails getting sent back and forth depending on which country you are entering into, allow a few months prior to departure date to get this major key factor in place.


- TRAVEL INSURANCE 

For god sake this is vital, don't be the kook who thinks they won't be needing this because they think they are some god who descended from the skies to…….. NO! just no alright.
it pays to shop around and I can guarantee you will be surprised at the various price difference between different insurance companies.
It pays to get the maximum cover for snow sports, so reach into them pockets just a little deeper and pay that bit extra.
The last thing your parents need is a phone call from the insurance company to find out you were ducking ropes off piste, broke your leg and had to get airlifted out of that s**t.
I don't think they would appreciate having to sell the family home and possible your younger brother just to cover your medical bills…….. NO THANKYOU!


- THINGS TO PACK

Correct packing for a snow trip does not come over night, many of times I have over packed/ under packed, not packed the correct gear for the location. but with many years of experience safe to say, i have got packing for a snow trip down to an art form.

Hopefully, this guide and checklist will help you for your next snow trip, without exceeding your airline weight limits .

  • Board bag 
  • Snowboards (park board & pow board)
  • Bindings
  • Insulated jacket & pants goretech
  • 2 x Insulated snowboard gloves (This is so each day you have a dry set of gloves to wear) 
  • Neck warmer
  • Beanie / balaclava
  • 3x pairs of socks
  • First layer marino thermals 
  • Mid layer puffer jacket
  • Goggles
  • Boots
  • Boot dryer
  • Skateboard (Skateboarding through foreign land exploring new cities is an amazing experience)

     - FINAL TIPS

make sure when you finally start to pack your bag to place as many things as you possibly can within your snowboard boots, this will free up more room within your bag.
Place boots in the bottom of the board bag were the wheels are leaving all of your heavy belongs down the bottom - this will make lugging your bag around in transit a lot lighter and easier for you.
place your more delicate belongings i.e. goggles, sunglasses or go pros within your bindings folding the high back down, this will act as a form of protection.