Come prepared for our climate and dress for a successful season. While your body will acclimatise to the temperatures over the season, you’re likely to feel the cold especially during the first few weeks. While one bulky item of clothing can be convenient, it’s not always practical. We suggest you bring a number of layers, so you can take off and put on what you need.

Uniforms will be supplied once you commence employment. However, uniforms must not be worn whilst not on duty so waterproof pants and jacket (both also available for hire) are a must. Ski goggles and sunglasses Waterproof ski gloves or mittens Woolen or fleece hat Warm jumper and underclothing Sunscreen and lip balm Boots or shoes with good traction for walking in the snow and icy conditions.

If you require any ski or snowboard equipment while on the mountain, we encourage you to take advantage of our staff discounts and purchase your gear through any of our Buller Sports or Altitude outlets. Buller Sports and Altitude outlets are located in Mansfield and on Mt Buller. Take advantage of one of the great perks of being a BSL team member and save on your ski gear this winter. However, if you’ve never been to the snow before, we suggest you hire your skiing or snowboarding equipment, take a few lessons and then decide what is right for you. Once you’ve made up your mind, then you can purchase your preferred equipment.

The safety of all BSL team members is paramount and we encourage 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. If you already own a helmet we urge you to bring this with you, however you can also either rent or purchase a helmet through Buller Sports on the mountain.

Waterproof gear – Invest in waterproof gear, ‘cause these Aussie slopes are 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’re skiing or boarding, wear a helmet to protect yourself from injury. You may be a great skier/boarder, but you never know when an out-of-control learner will run into you.

Eye Protection – Snow blindness (or ‘photokeratitis’), is a painful eye condition caused by too much exposure to the sun’s 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 don’t have adequate eye protection. Fake Raybans from Thailand are not recommended.

Gloves – 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’s 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 going back country.

Snacks – Carry snacks in your pockets. When you’re waiting patiently for friends, chairlifts, or for help to arrive, snacking will produce body heat. It will also save you from turning into a hangry monster and help you remain composed.

Medicare card and ATM card – It really helps if you have these on you in case you end up at a medical centre. The med centres are privately run which means payment will be required at time you are seen (you can claim some back later if you have a Medicare card. For Medicare eligibility, visit www.humanservices.gov.au). This is another reminder to get ambulance cover.