What to bring?

Life on a ski field is truly a unique experience!

Mother Nature and the Victorian High Country like to keep us on our toes so there are a few things that you will need to make the most of your time living up here.

Staff discounts are available within our Altitude Buller Sports stores both in Mansfield and on Mountain for your clothing or ski & snowboard needs!

Clothing

The true key to success for the mountain life is layering! While one bulky item of clothing can be convenient, it isn’t always practical. We suggest bringing a number of layers so you can put on and take off what you need, when you need.

Uniforms are provided on your arrival, these are not to be worn whilst off duty.

The fundamental items needed to enjoy your season are:

  • Waterproof pants and jacket
  • Ski goggles and sunglasses
  • Waterproof ski gloves or mittens
  • Woolen or fleece hat
  • Warm jumper and underclothing (thermals)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Boots or shoes with good traction for walking in the snow and icy conditions (some times the road looks clear but can be super slippery!)

Staff Accommodation

  • Towels, toiletries etc.
  • Food for self catering kitchens

Equipment

You are able to use your staff discount at any of our Altitude Buller Sports stores on mountain and in Mansfield, these discounts apply to both retail and rental items!

If you have never been to the snow before it is a good idea to rent equipment and take a lesson to decide which board and/or ski is right for you. Our amazing rental teams can help you with any of your questions and even give some hot tips for the right set up!

We encourge all team members to wear a helmet when they are on the slopes. Helmets are compulsory for all BSL team members if they are skiing or boarding in uniform or whilst on duty. You may bring your own or they are able to buy or rent at our retail outlets.

We strongly advise everyone to have the appropriate ambulance cover. Best to best check before your arrival as not all health providers cover Ambulance. Better to be safe then sorry! A trip to Mansfield or Wangaratta can quickly add up if an accident happens.

Checklist for the Slopes

  • Waterproof gear – Invest in waterproof gear, ’cause these Aussie slops can get wet
  • Warm layers – Layer up for better insulation. Thermals made from wool or polypropylene wick moisture away from your body when you sweat so you don’t get cold when you stop moving. Fleece is also great, and will keep you warm when it is wet. Say ‘no’ to cotton.
  • Helmet – Whenever you are skiing or boarding, wear a helmet to protect yourself from injury. You may be a great skier or boarder, but you never know when and if an out-of-control learner will run into you
  • Eye Protection – Snow blindness (or ‘photo keratitis’), is a painful eye condition caused by too much exposure to the suns UV rays and can happen over a short period of time (i.e. a couple of hours). The reflective glare from the snow can do serious damage if you do not have the adequate eye protection, whether they can be goggles or sunnies! Fake ‘Ray Bans’ from Thailand or Bali are not recommended
  • Gloves or mitts – When you fall, your hands are always involved. Keep your hands warm
  • Sunscreen – Higher elevations = more intense UV exposure = higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Protect yourself with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or above sunscreen.
  • Fluids – Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages. It is easy to become dehydrated at higher altitudes, and in the cold people often forget to drink fluids because they don’t feel thirsty. In the words of one wise local Snowy Mountains ski guide ‘most hypothermic patients are dehydrated’. This is particularly important for anyone heading our back country.
  • Snacks – Carry snacks in your pockets. When you’re waiting patiently for friends, on a chairlift or waiting for help to arrive, snacking will help produce body heat. It will also save you from turning into a hangry monster and help you remain composed.
  • Medicare Card & ATM card – It really helps if you have these on you in case you end up at the Medical Centre. The Medical Centre is run by the Mansfield Hospital which may require payment at the time of treatment. Medicare Cards & Bank Cards can also be available on your phones as an app, so if you have a Smart Phone check out to see if you can load these onto your phone. For Medicare eligibility visit www.humanservices.gov.au
    This is another friendly reminder to check out ambulance cover