Cat-skiing packing list: What to bring

Essential gear for cat-skiing

For a cat-skiing trip, you’ll need the same personal ski equipment as for a regular ski holiday:

• Skis or snowboard suitable for off-piste
• Ski boots or snowboard boots
• Ski poles – ideally with large snow baskets
• Helmet
• Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Ski gloves – ideally bring a spare pair
• Ski or snowboard jacket and trousers
• Base layer
• Ski socks
• Mid layer
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Beanie
• Optionally a light down jacket or insulating mid-layer

All-mountain or freeride skis with a good width are ideal for cat-skiing — they make it easier and more fun to ski in deep, variable snow. The most important thing, though, is choosing gear that suits your level and that you feel confident on.

On some of our destinations it’s possible to rent equipment, while on others you’ll need to bring your own. Always check the information on the individual trip page or ask us before you travel.

Clothing for cat-skiing: Layer up

Weather and temperatures can change quickly during a day in the mountains. We always recommend dressing in layers.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer — merino wool works best — then add a light mid layer and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. A hardshell jacket and trousers is often a great option, as it makes it easy to regulate your temperature by adding or removing a layer.

One of the advantages of cat-skiing is that the same snowcat stays with the group all day. That means you can leave an extra layer in the cat if you get too warm, or have a light down jacket on standby for the colder stretches.

We recommend packing:

• Base layer – ideally two sets
• Ski socks
• One or more light mid layers
• Ski or snowboard jacket
• Ski trousers
• Optionally a light down jacket or insulating mid-layer
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Beanie
• Gloves – ideally two pairs

Wet gloves can quickly make a long day on the mountain uncomfortable, so a spare pair is always a good idea. Also make sure your ski socks fit snugly without any folds that could cause pressure or blisters.

What to bring in the cat

Cat-skiing means long, active days on the mountain. There’s usually no option to buy food or drinks along the way, so it’s important to have water and a little extra energy with you.

Since the same cat is with you all day, you can store your water bottle, snacks and spare layers inside while you ski.

Water bottle

Always bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. The cold can mask your thirst, but your body still needs fluids — especially on long, active days in altitude.

Snacks

Many of our cat-skiing destinations are off the beaten track, and shopping options can be very limited.

In Popova Šapka, for example, there are very few places to buy snacks, and nothing available out on the mountain. We recommend bringing a small supply from home.

Good snacks for the cat:

• Muesli bars or protein bars
• Chocolate or other sweets
• Nuts
• Other easy-to-eat snacks for on the go

Electrolytes

Electrolytes can make a real difference on long, active days. We’ve brought GoodDay electrolytes from Good Habit Co. on our trips and can highly recommend them.

See GoodDay from Good Habit Co. here.

Don’t forget sun protection

Even on cold or overcast days, the sun can be intense in the mountains — snow reflects UV rays strongly. Don’t leave sun protection behind.

Remember:

• High-SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses
• Goggles with lenses suited to the expected conditions

If possible, it’s worth bringing spare lenses or a second pair of goggles to cover changing light conditions.

Safety equipment for off-piste

When skiing off-piste, you need access to the right safety equipment:

• Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
• Probe
• Shovel
• Optionally an avalanche airbag backpack

On several of our cat-skiing trips, transceivers, probes and shovels are provided at the destination. What’s included varies from trip to trip, so always check the information on the individual trip page and in the info letter you receive before departure. If you’re in any doubt about safety equipment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our recommendation for ski bags

When your skis or snowboard need to go through airports and transfers, a good ski bag is almost as important as what you pack inside it. It protects your gear and makes the whole journey easier to manage.

At DBP, we’ve been travelling with Snow Roller from our friends at Db Journey since around 2010. These days, Team DBP travels with the Snow Roller Pro — the ultimate ski bag for freeriders, with plenty of room for skis or a snowboard, boots and everything else you need for the trip.

See the Snow Roller Pro from Db Journey here.

Always check your airline’s rules for ski and snowboard baggage before you travel.

Clothes and gear for après-ski

When the ski day is done, you don’t need a lot of smart clothing. The atmosphere on our cat-skiing trips is relaxed, so pack comfortable, casual clothes for the evenings.

Several of our destinations also have access to a pool or sauna. Remember to bring:

• Swimwear
• Comfortable evening clothes
• Casual shoes
• Toiletries
• Any personal medication
• Chargers and optionally a power bank

THE COMPLETE CAT-SKIING PACKING LIST

Here’s the full list to use when you’re packing your bag.

Ski and snowboard gear

• Skis or snowboard suitable for off-piste
• Ski boots or snowboard boots
• Ski poles
• Helmet
• Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Gloves – ideally two pairs

Clothing

• Ski or snowboard jacket
• Ski trousers
• Two sets of base layer
• At least two pairs of ski socks
• One or more mid layers
• Optionally a light down jacket
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Beanie

For the day on the mountain

• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Electrolytes
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Optionally a small daypack

Safety equipment

• Avalanche transceiver
• Probe
• Shovel
• Optionally an avalanche airbag backpack

Always check what safety equipment is included on your specific trip.

For the hotel

• Comfortable casual clothes
• Swimwear
• Casual shoes
• Toiletries
• Any personal medication
• Chargers and optionally a power bank

Don’t forget your passport, travel insurance and any other travel documents.

Once you’ve got the essentials sorted, packing for cat-skiing is very similar to packing for a regular ski holiday. The main difference is being prepared for long days away from lifts, cafés and shops — which means bringing enough water, snacks, sun protection and the right layers.

If you have any questions about what to bring on your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help you arrive fully prepared for your next off-piste adventure.

See all our cat-skiing trips here.