• Appropriate clothing (multiple layers)
• Gloves
• Scarf or neck warmer
• Helmet (EN 1077-compliant)
• Goggles or sunglasses (with prescription lenses if required)
• Additional protective equipment (back/wrist protector)
• Lift pass
• Sun cream
• Ski or snowboard boots
• Skis (with poles) or snowboard

• Boots in good condition – especially soles and fasteners
• Length of poles appropriate for your height
• Edges ground smooth – rusty or rough edges reduce grip
• Bindings set correctly by a professional and checked using a proper binding tester (ask for a BFU sticker)
• Type, sidecut and length of skis suited to your skill level and style

• Boots in good condition – especially laces
• Edges ground smooth – rusty or rough edges reduce grip
• Bindings – especially screws – tested and defective parts replaced
• Type, sidecut and length of board suited to your skill level and style

How to set bindings:

• The distance between the bindings (stance) should be roughly the same as between your elbow and your hand.
• The bindings must be positioned centrally so that neither toes nor heels extend beyond the edge of the board.
• The angle of the bindings is usually 20-30°.
• The straps must be set to the correct length.
• A “duck” stance allows you to move in both directions and makes it easier for beginners to find the position that’s right for them.

• Mobile phone
• Emergency info sheet
• First aid kit (including emergency blanket and bandages)
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Multitool or Swiss army knife
• Snack (and possibly something to drink)
• Teaching aids

• Course or camp organiser’s name and phone number
• Instructors’ names and phone numbers
• Piste and rescue service phone number
• Other emergency phone numbers (European emergency number 112, Swiss emergency rescue 144)
• Local doctor’s phone number and address
• Phone number and address of accommodation
• Brief instructions for responding to accidents

• Complete set of winter sports equipment
• Helmet
• Further protective equipment such as a back protector is recommended.
• Sun cream
• Participants are responsible for bringing their own medicines, first aid items and lotions as needed.
• Clothing and footwear for indoor sports in case of bad weather
• Swimming kit in case of bad weather
• Slippers, towel, toiletries
• Notepaper
• Spending money

Emergency equipment

• Avalanche beacon
• Probe
• Shovel

Extra kit for touring skiers

• Skins
• Crampons
• Drinks and snacks
• Mobile phone (possibly with a powerbank)
• Map
• Navigation aids (compass, altimeter, GPS device)
• First aid kit (including emergency blanket and bandages)
• Avalanche airbag (backpack)
• Change of clothes
• Spare gloves
• Sun protection (cream, sunglasses, headgear)
• Multitool or Swiss army knife
• Adhesive tape and cable ties
• Headlamp and bivouac bag

As early as possible

• Inform school administration, obtain consent, clarify safety requirements and make appropriate arrangements
• Inform parents or guardians, obtain consent depending on the activity
• Reconnoitre: Check mobile phone reception, determine meeting and rest points (note: mobile phones do not always work in very cold weather – arrange a suitable meeting place)
• Request and instruct suitable accompanying persons
• Make reservations
• Agree on rules of conduct
• Discuss group allocation
• Discuss procedure in an emergency (if someone gets lost/injured, difficult sections etc.)
• Draw up a list of students (including phone numbers)
• Check and prepare first-aid material

Information for parents 

• Ski region
• Assembly point / time
• Discharge point / time
• Phone number of the camp leader / teacher

Information for teachers (reply slip)

• Parents’ phone numbers
• Allergies / medication
• Other important information

1 to 2 days beforehand

• Check current conditions/weather, cancel activity if necessary
• Reiterate rules of conduct
• Inform school administration that class will be absent, providing firm details of the place and time