Packing for a ski holiday Archives

You might think that having a ski packing list for your next ski holiday is complicated and there is always the worry that you’ll forget something which will oblige you to buy in the ski resort which can be more expensive. Should you bring 7 pairs of socks, loads of t-shirts, no t-shirts, normal shoes, boots, perhaps even a swimming costume! To make it as easy as possible, follow our guide below, ticking off the skiing checklist as you pack everything, so then you can rest assured that you’ll have everything you need for your exciting ski holiday.

Things you’ll need to get to your chosen destination

These things are what you need to take with you to make sure you can actually start your ski holiday. Forgetting these will mean that you’ll either be unable to board your plane, train or ferry, or could cause you major headaches if you experience any problems during your trip:

Plane/train/ferry tickets – depending on how you are travelling to your ski resort
Passport – you won’t be able to leave the country without it!
Ski specific insurance – don’t have just any old travel insurance. Make sure it covers for ski holidays specifically. You can book it here.
Driving license – if you are planning to drive, make sure it is valid in Europe (which you can know if the blue European flag is on your license).
GPS / Google Maps / Navigation App – again, if you are driving then it is fairly essential so you don’t get lost or can attempt to bypass heavy traffic if you have chosen a peak date.
Snow chains – essential if you are driving to the resort. Be sure to practise at home so you know how to put them on before leaving.

Packing for a ski holiday

Things you’ll need to pack to actually ski and/or snowboard

The next suggestions for your ski packing list are a little dependent on the individual and whether you go very often or not as this skiing packing list can vary:

Skis and/or snowboard – this depends on whether you own your equipment or not. If you do and you are travelling by plane, be sure to pre-book the ski carriage, if you prefer to rent in resort, you can book your ski equipment via this link.
Skis and/or snowboard boots – similar to the point made above. However, we believe that owning your own boots is more important than the skis or snowboard. Especially as you can stuff them in your suitcase, so you don’t need to pay extra for the ski carriage.
A backpack – this is essential to carry snacks, drinks, tools, tissues and money whilst on the mountain. We would suggest one that is very small such as 6 litres to limit the amount you take on the slopes. For example this one
A helmet – wearing a helmet is becoming more and more common and mandatory for children in ski school. Naturally you can rent them in resort but it is more comfortable to have one that you know fits your head perfectly and will keep your head warm if you suffer from the cold.
A multi tool – sometimes bindings need adjustments and whilst most cabins where you take the lift have them available, it is very handy to have your own one in case you get into trouble away from civilization.
Airbag, transceiver, shovel and probe – these are essential for those going off piste! Please don’t assume that the ski patrol will help or even find you in case you are lost or worse yet, caught in an avalanche. People die every year whilst off piste so please be prepared.

Packing list for ski trip

The following items can vary on how you personally suffer from the cold and what period of the season you are going skiing:

Thermal bottoms and tops – essential if you ski in January and February and less necessary the other months, especially during April and if your trousers have a fleece built in already.
Warm jumpers or fleeces – for when it is really cold and you need to protect your body and neck
Skiing jacket and trousers – don’t just wear any old jacket thinking that it is warm! Several hours out on the slopes, sitting down, standing around, snowing and minus 10 temperatures require specific ski clothing. You can find very reasonably priced clothing here.
Good skiing gloves – don’t underestimate how cold your hands can get. Nothing is worse than your hands freezing up and you are obliged to warm up in a restaurant or worse yet, go back to your accommodation.
Proper ski socks – be sure to take at least 3 pairs of snow socks if you are staying for a week. We recommend to have a very thin sock to wear underneath a think ski sock if it is very cold and just the thick socks if it is reasonably cold or mild.
A warm hat – if you don’t want to wear a helmet (which we recommend), then you’ll need a very warm fleeced winter hat. This is one of those skiing essentials that can make or break a ski holiday as you could suffer from headaches and even pass out from several hours of cold.
Strong sunglasses – we suggest level 4 protected sunglasses as the sun on mountains is much stronger than anywhere else.

Skiing packing list – you don’t want to forget these items

Regular but still essential clothing and items when checking off your ski packing list

The following items are the more regular items that you would probably take on most holidays but still good to make sure you have them with you:

A scarf – you can wear this when wandering around the resort or when you pop out for a bite to eat or drink.
Good shoes – make sure they have a good grip on the bottom so you don’t slip if it is snowing or icy around the ski resort.
Sports bra – essential for the ladies so you feel comfortable when bombing down the slopes.
Regular socks – to wear when you are not skiing and for the après ski.
T-shirts and jeans – again, to wear for the activities outside of skiing or just for relaxing in your accommodation.
Sunscreen and lip balm – to protect you from the sun and wind.
Swimming costume – it is more and more common for accommodations to have their own spa, swimming pool, hot tub and steam room. These really help after a hard day on the slopes! Check out these ski accommodations that have spas and/or swimming pools.
Phone and camera chargers – the cold really zaps the batteries so be sure to be able to charge them each day.
Plug adapters – a must have when travelling outside of the UK.