Packing for a ski holiday can be a daunting prospect. Many of you will be last minute packers (life is busy after all!) - 10 minutes before you're out the door just cram a few things into your bag and make sure you have your passport, wallet and sunglasses - what more do you need?
When packing for a ski holiday it pays to be organised - you may be able to get what you need in resort, but it's a real kick in the teeth if you have to shell out £80 as you forgot your ski gloves. So here's a little ski holiday packing / check list for you. Whether you're a complete beginner or can ski in your sleep, we all need the same gear.
The ski holiday essentials
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Tickets (printed out copies of your accommodation, in case you need it for immigration)
- Money/credit card
- Ski/snowboard jacket
- Ski/snowboard trousers ('salopettes')
- Gloves (waterproof and warm)
- Ski socks (ideally a pair for each day you're skiing)
- Base layers (x2 for a short break, x 4/5 for a week skiing - we recommend merino wool ones!)
- Mid-layers (or jumpers, but not too bulky)
- Hat (beanies are best or if you can pull off the earmuffs?)
- Water bottle (reusable one you can refill when needed)
- Goggles (sunglasses are great if the weather's good but goggles are essential if it snows)
- Helmet (you can also rent these from where you rent your skis)
- Sun cream (technical - high albedo on the mountains, the sun reflects off the snow so basically it hits you twice)
- Lip balm
The ski holiday tech
- Phone (with earbuds / headphones)
- Camera (whether it's your phone or a fancy camera it's always nice to grab a couple of snaps)
- Chargers
- Travel adapters
Nice to haves
- Buff (or scarf or anything to keep your neck and face a little warmer when it's cold and windy high up)
- Hand/feet warmers
- Inner gloves / spare gloves
- Waterproof footwear (decent pair of shoes or boots so you can walk on the snow in the resort, it gets icy and can be wet)
- Snacks to refuel on the mountain (get these at a supermarket on the way, or in resort)
- Paracetamol/Ibuprofen (for sore heads and sore muscles) and other medication you might need
- Swimming costume (especially if your accommodation has a hot tub, sauna or pool!)
- Tissues
- Deck of cards
- Small backpack (to take some extra layers or room to take them off, as well as snacks and anything else you may need on the mountain)
Plus what you normally wear in the winter. In many resorts the fashion sense is back to jeans and hoodies so really you can get away with anything. Practicality over designer wear - but it's always nice to look good. Just maybe not the six inch heals - we all need our ankles. You've travelled before I'm sure I don't need to remind you to bring the toothbrush.
Beginners - Don't Stress Over Packing For Your Ski Holiday!
There is absolutely no need to buy boots or skis, you can rent these in resort easily, everyone does it. Some people have there own equipment - especially boots for a little extra comfort. But unless you go a couple of times a year it's unnecessary.
If it's your first ski holiday ever, see if you can borrow a ski jacket and trousers from a friend. They can be expensive and you don't even know if you like skiing yet! If you can't borrow have a look on Vinted for some bargain ski gear.
It's all about layering so rather than getting the top of the range micro-fleeces just get a decent base layer and then wear your t-shirts and jumpers on top.
Base layers - These are often referred to as thermals. They wick away the moisture from the surface of your skin so there's no surface evaporation to cool you down and sap the warmth from your body. Essentially base layers keep you dry and warm and are essential if you want to be comfortable on the mountain.
Skiing or snowboarding involves periods of intense physical activity (you may sweat) followed by rest periods that can be intensely cold (sitting on a chairlift) so it's important to be able to move that moisture away from your skin.
Summary
That's it! A succinct packing list for your next holiday! Your luggage is likely to be lighter for a short ski break, and heavier for a week away, with more underwear and ski socks, but otherwise you should be covered regardless of the duration of your ski trip.
