Do you not have any idea how ski? Are you interested in spending one of your winter weekends on a spectactular snowy hill instead of hungover or at the library? SSMUSKI is completely welcoming of people of all ability levels! On this page, you will find some resources and information to make your experience memorable for the right reasons.
Dressing for the cold
When you are spending all day outside in the mountains, you need to dress properly to stay comfortable in the snow, wind and cold. The best way you can dress is with layers.
Base layer: A synthetic or merino wool long sleeve shirt and leggings. If you wear cotton on your skin, your sweat will cool you down.
Mid layers: Insulating layers like a long sleeve shirt, sweater, vest or down jacket. You can wear more or less depending on how cold it is. You should always bring at least one extra layer, and one to take off if the temperature changes throughout the day. You can leave your extra belongings in the lodge or on the bus.
External layers: A waterproof jacket and snowpants. A high quality set can do so much to keep you warm and dry for the whole day.
Extra items: Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens. Bring two pairs if you have them since they can easily get wet. Thick socks that fit snugly and are taller than your (ski/snowboard) boots. Avoid wearing two pairs of socks even if it is really cold, since they can easily bunch up and cut off circulation, making you colder. A neck warmer is useful to protect your face and neck from the wind. If you wear a long scarf, make sure that it is securly tucked into your jacket because loose ends could become caught in the chairlift. Sun can reflect off the snow, so consider wearing sunscreen, especially later in the season.
Base layer: A synthetic or merino wool long sleeve shirt and leggings. If you wear cotton on your skin, your sweat will cool you down.
Mid layers: Insulating layers like a long sleeve shirt, sweater, vest or down jacket. You can wear more or less depending on how cold it is. You should always bring at least one extra layer, and one to take off if the temperature changes throughout the day. You can leave your extra belongings in the lodge or on the bus.
External layers: A waterproof jacket and snowpants. A high quality set can do so much to keep you warm and dry for the whole day.
Extra items: Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens. Bring two pairs if you have them since they can easily get wet. Thick socks that fit snugly and are taller than your (ski/snowboard) boots. Avoid wearing two pairs of socks even if it is really cold, since they can easily bunch up and cut off circulation, making you colder. A neck warmer is useful to protect your face and neck from the wind. If you wear a long scarf, make sure that it is securly tucked into your jacket because loose ends could become caught in the chairlift. Sun can reflect off the snow, so consider wearing sunscreen, especially later in the season.
equipment you need
Skiing |
Snowboarding |
|
Skis: Should be around 10 cm shorter than your height, meaning they sit between your chin and nose when you stand them in front of you. The bindings need to be adjusted to fit your boot size and weight. This should be done by a knowledagble binding technician.
Boots: Need to fit your foot as tightly as possible without being uncomfortable. You should feel a firm, even pressure surrounding your foot, not be able to move your heel, but have space to wiggle your toes without them hitting the end. Ski poles: Can be distracting for most beginners, but they can help you move around on the flats. It is personal preference if you want to use them or not. |
Snowboard: Length is determined by your height and weight, but around 15 cm shorter than you, or up to your chin is a good starting point. The spacing and angle of your bindings may need to be adjusted by a technician.
Boots: Can fit a bit looser than ski boots, but should still be pretty snug. The binding on the snowboard will help to lock your foot in place. Both!Helmet + Goggles: A well-fitting helmet with ear covers and goggles is essential to protect your head, and allow you to see clearly through the wind and sun. They shoud not move around when you shake your head.
Large Backpack or Duffel Bag: Not essential but so helpful to carry all your stuff to and from the bus and generally stay organized! |
Rental equipment And lessons
Rental equipment and a good lesson are two great things to help you get started on the slopes. SSMUSKI is not responsible for facilitating your use/access to these resources, and you must arrange for them independently. To help you out, here are some of the most relevant resources for equipment rental. All of these rental shops carry the gear discussed in the 'Equipment You Need' section. They have knowledgable people to help you get the right size stuff, and adjust it properly. All lessons should be booked in advance of the trip, there are very limited if any drop in spaces available.
Poubelle du Ski
This is a local Montreal shop up in the plateau that offers daily or full season rentals. It is one of the cheapest options if you plan to ski with us all season! For rentals you have to email them to get a quote and then you will get fitted and pick up your gear at their location.
Poubelle Du Ski | [email protected]
Tremblant
Book your rentals in advance to ensure they don't sell out, or you can get them upon arrival!
VERY IMPORTANT - We arrive on the NORTH side at Tremblant so you have to use the rental facilities on that side which can be booked in advance.
Rentals | Lessons
Sutton
Rentals are available to be booked in advance and we recommend you do so as their rental facility is much smaller than other hills. Rentals can only be booked by phone.
Rentals | Lessons
Orford
Equipment rental is only available on site. It is not possible to reserve equipment online but for rates and pricing see the link below.
Rentals | Lessons
Bromont
All rentals must be made online prior to the trip! The rental shop is below the main chalet when we arrive.
Rentals | Lessons
Jay Peak
For our overnighter you can do a 2 day rental - book in advance on their website. We will send out a discount code after registration is complete.
Rentals
Quebec City
Since we are going to two different hills, we reccomend getting rentals for the weekend from Poubelle du Ski rather than booking seperatley at each hill.
Poubelle du Ski
This is a local Montreal shop up in the plateau that offers daily or full season rentals. It is one of the cheapest options if you plan to ski with us all season! For rentals you have to email them to get a quote and then you will get fitted and pick up your gear at their location.
Poubelle Du Ski | [email protected]
Tremblant
Book your rentals in advance to ensure they don't sell out, or you can get them upon arrival!
VERY IMPORTANT - We arrive on the NORTH side at Tremblant so you have to use the rental facilities on that side which can be booked in advance.
Rentals | Lessons
Sutton
Rentals are available to be booked in advance and we recommend you do so as their rental facility is much smaller than other hills. Rentals can only be booked by phone.
Rentals | Lessons
Orford
Equipment rental is only available on site. It is not possible to reserve equipment online but for rates and pricing see the link below.
Rentals | Lessons
Bromont
All rentals must be made online prior to the trip! The rental shop is below the main chalet when we arrive.
Rentals | Lessons
Jay Peak
For our overnighter you can do a 2 day rental - book in advance on their website. We will send out a discount code after registration is complete.
Rentals
Quebec City
Since we are going to two different hills, we reccomend getting rentals for the weekend from Poubelle du Ski rather than booking seperatley at each hill.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this page are for informational purposes only. SSMUSKI may not be held accountable for any inaccuracies in the information or resources provided. Your safety and comfort are your own responsibility!