What to Buy for a Ski Competition

A ski competition needs more than skis and a marked course. You will need equipment for gates, timing, registration, judging, safety, communication and the finish area. Plan supplies by participant numbers and keep backup items ready: spare poles, skis, ski poles and power banks can prevent small failures from stopping the race. This shopping list covers the practical items to bring or buy, including equipment for volunteers, judges and spectators.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Judges' table
Crowd control barriersqty 20

Sports equipment

Slalom gatesqty 24
Gate polesqty 12
Marker conesqty 40
Course tapeqty 4
Starting gate
Spare polesqty 10
Spare skisqty 4
Spare ski polesqty 6
Scoopsqty 4
Snow brushesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 80
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 3

Equipment

Time registration system
Stopwatchesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
PA system
Microphoneqty 2
Power banksqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Thermometersqty 2

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
Light Stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Direction signsqty 10
Registration signsqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Hand broomsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 cans
- Beer - 72 cans
- Mulled wine - 8 liters
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Energy gels - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spread - 12 tubs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Soup - 12 liters
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Cupcakes - 80 pieces
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Prepare at least one spare gate pole for every 10 course gates, plus a few marker cones and enough course tape to repair the route after a fall or change in weather.
Plan one bib number for every registered competitor, with a small reserve of 5–10% for late changes, damaged numbers or replacements on race day.
Use two timing methods: the time registration system as the main record and at least two stopwatches as backup. Test the laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips before leaving for the venue.
Pack one first aid kit at the start and another near the finish or judges’ area. Add snow brushes and scoops so volunteers can clear snow from gates, skis and access points during the competition.
Count medals, ribbons and cups against the final participant list at least 48 hours before the event. Keep them together at the judges’ table so the awards presentation does not depend on a last-minute shopping trip.

Frequently asked questions

How many bib numbers do I need for a ski competition?: Prepare one bib number per registered competitor and add 5–10% spares. For 80 competitors, that means 84–88 bib numbers, depending on how many late changes you expect.
How many stopwatches are needed for a ski race?: Use at least two stopwatches as a backup for the main time registration system. For a larger competition, three stopwatches give you a spare if one battery fails or a result needs checking.
How much spare ski equipment should I bring?: Bring at least one spare pair of skis and one spare pair of ski poles for every 20–30 competitors, adjusted for the age and experience of the field. Keep spare poles available for course repairs as well.
When should I buy medals and competition supplies?: Order medals, ribbons, cups and bib numbers as soon as registration closes, and check the full quantity at least 48 hours before race day. Test timing, PA and power equipment the day before.

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