Ski Holiday Packing List

If you’ve never been skiing and have just booked your holiday ( or in the process of it) then this is certainly for you. Deciding what to pack for your ski holiday to the Alps must seem extremely tiresome and borderline impossible. So, for the first time skiers, snowboarders and visitors to the Alps, please get comfortable as we have prepared a ski holiday packing list as we try and shed some light on what you need to know and make sure you have not left any essential items behind. Believe it or not, there are horror stories out there about travellers who have arrived in the Alps to realise some of the most important ski gear has been left sitting on the kitchen table 1000’s of miles back home. The last thing you want to do is incur further spending on your holiday by buying (sometimes) overpriced gear and replacements. So sit back and let’s see how we can help you not only to pack for your ski holiday to the alps but to also make sure you are well prepared for the journey as well. What’s the main difference between a ski holiday and a beach holiday? No need to answer that as both holidays couldn’t be any more different; however, the one thing that unites both holidays is that whichever holiday you are going on, you must consider the appropriate gear to wear. Swimsuits or Snowsuits, ski goggles or swimming goggles, your holiday faces being slightly ruined if some of your essential gear is left behind. This brings us the reason we are gathered here. The most important thing to consider when you are packing for your ski holiday is to consider what you are going to be wearing at different times during your stay.

Ski Essentials

Visiting the Alps for the first time, I quickly realised that the 2 things I had heard most about the Alps were indeed very true. First, it is absolutely beautiful and almost breathtaking at times. Second? It is freezing cold! Thus, bringing us to the central theme around packing for the Alps; staying warm at all times! Whether skiing down the slopes or on a wander around the resort, we have put together a ski holiday checklist to cross out before your trip. **Base Layers** The key to staying warm at all times is to make sure that you are insulated with clothing close to your body. Make sure you have some long-sleeved thermal tops and leggings for inside wear that maintains your body heat. Also, make sure you have a generous supply of socks with you that serves as a base layer for your feet. An added advantage of base layers is that they are very easy to pack. Just roll them tightly and they can fit anywhere, shoes, side pockets etc **Mid Layers** Mid-layer clothing should be preferably any wool or fleece material clothing that is worn on top of the base layers and provides further insulation to the body. A wool jumper, fleece or nano puff jackets are a very popular choice. If you’re heading out to ski, you’ll need ski socks ( different from regular warm, base layer socks). **Outer Layers** The protective gear on the outside. First defenders from the sharp and sometimes blistering cold. Get these right and you’re good to go.

Ski Jacket:

Be mindful as there’s a difference between a ski jacket and a winter jacket. Your ski jacket must be waterproof and should provide a good level of insulation. For a better skiing experience make sure it’s light and breathable as well. Your winter jacket will come in handy off the slopes when you are walking through the resort ( perhaps on an apres-ski crawl).

Ski Pants or Ski Trousers:

Often referred to as salopettes, these are waterproof and designed to keep you dry and warm. They are also easy to fold as well.

Ski Gloves and Mittens:

Make sure you have thick waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry and warm at all times but especially on the slopes. You can also get mittens and a pair of glove liners as extra cover. Very essential.

Goggles:

Essential wear for skiing and snowboarding. Protects the eyes from the very cold winds especially when skiing in higher altitudes. Keep microfibre cloth to clean the goggles at intervals.

Snowboots:

Different from ski boots which you can rent but essential to keeping your feet very warm. Leave the trainers and leather boots at home. Snowboots are exactly what you need and if you are picky about fashion, they come in very fashionable designs.

Head Warmer or Ear Warmer Band:

Keeps ears nice and warm under the ski helmet and also covers the forehead. Small but essential and easy to pack.

Snood, Scarf or Neck Warmer:

Protects the neck area against the cold wind and wet snow. A snood, scarf or neck gaiter will do the job just fine. Can double as a face covering in bad weather and can be pulled over your mouth.

In conjunction with our partner Deals Daddy here is a link to an infographic to support this article.