What to pack for a ski holiday

You want to be warm, dry and comfortable when skiing, so high-quality outdoor clothing is a must. You’ll need:

Ski jacket – A warm, waterproof jacket - wear this on the plane to save baggage space

Ski trousers – Waterproof ski trousers or salopettes

Gloves or mittens – Make sure they're cosy and waterproof. Plus some extra glove liners or hand warmers if you’re prone to chilly fingers

Hats – Take a warm thick hat for off the mountain and a thin hat that can fit underneath your helmet

Neck warmer – A fleece or merino wool buff or balaclava to keep your neck and face shielded from the elements 

Socks – At least three pairs of good ski socks

Goggles – essential for protecting your eyes from sun, winds and snowy white-out conditions. If you’ve ever tried to ski without them, you’ll know it’s best not to even try!

Sunglasses – you can sometimes get away with skiing or boarding in your sunnies rather than goggles on a mild day. They’re good to have on hand for al fresco lunch stops as well

Base layers – Around three thermal base layers (top and oh-so-attractive leggings)– choose fabrics that speed moisture away from your skin, such as merino, bamboo or synthetic fabrics

Mid-layers – A couple of fleeces or lightweight mid-layers

As well as suitable clothing, you also need the right ski or snowboard equipment for the job. If you’ve already been bitten by the winter holiday bug, you might have bought your own gear. This is a great option if you want to be able to tailor your equipment to suit you perfectly.

However, there’s no need to shell out on your own ski equipment if you don’t want to. Most resorts will have a choice of ski and snowboard hire shops where you can rent all of the ski extras you need, including:

A helmet – these are a must these days. They can seem bulky if you’re packing them but are actually a handy place to store fragile items like your goggles

Ski or board boots – one of the heaviest ski holiday items to contend with. Consider packing one boot in your carry-on hand luggage and one in your cabin bag to spread the weight

Skis & poles or snowboard – if you’re bringing your own, you’ll need to pack them in a special ski or board bag for your flight and arrange to transport them as additional baggage. We can help you book the carriage 

Now you’re all kitted out, you need a few extra items to take with you when you set off up the mountain each day:

Rucksack – A small bag with a water bottle and some high-energy snacks

Sun cream – Even on cloudy days, the sun is brutally strong at high altitudes. Add in reflected rays bouncing off the snow and you’ll see why it’s crucial. We recommend a high SPF, so you’re protected for longer

SPF Lip balm – The skin on your lips is extra delicate, so top up your protection regularly

A flask – For warming tea or a cheeky nip, the choice is yours. Obviously, we’re advising staying hydrated 

Your camera – There are so many envy-inducing shots to be taken. GoPros for the video-keen among you

Multi-tool – In case you need to adjust your skis or board

Off-piste safety gear – Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe – if you plan on venturing off the beaten track (only advisable with an expert guide and plenty of experience)

Even the most dedicated skiers need to take a break in the evenings, so make sure you’ve brought along a few home comforts to relax with:

Casual clothes – Think comfy jeans, tops and jumpers. Ski resorts are not generally known for being fashion-forward. Even the hottest après-ski venues tend to have a pretty laid-back dress code 

Snow boots – Good grippy boots for walking around your snowy resort. Don’t even think about bringing heels! 

Hat, scarf & gloves – Just your everyday winter essentials

Slippers – Some chalets and hotels have tiled floors so keep those toes cosy 

Swimming stuff – Nothing beats a soak in the resort pool or your hotel or chalet hot tub after a good day on the slopes

Aftersun – Just in case you forget to cream up as much as you should have  

Travel wash – Ideal for your ski socks, trust us on this one...

Cards, books & mags – For those quiet, relaxing evenings 

Chargers & travel adaptors – We all have plenty of these for our phones and cameras, just don't leave them at home

First aid kit – A basic one with painkillers, cold medication and blister plasters etc is fine 

Ear plugs – Especially if you’re sharing accommodation with someone you haven’t roomed with before. Sometimes it’s the people you least suspect who snore the loudest!

Important travel stuff And last but not least, those unexciting (but important) travel documents:

Passport – The most obvious one but sometimes forgotten

Travel docs & flight info – Most things are done electronically, but it does no harm to have paper copies

Two passport photos – If you’re not pre-booking buy your lift pass, you may need them

Bank cards & pre-bought travel money - Again an obvious one but if you have an early flight, you may not be fully awake!

Insurance policy & contacts – Be sure to get a winter sports policy that covers skiing and snowboarding

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) – Not a replacement for health insurance, but very good to have

ID (driving licence) –  Good to have if you don't want to carry your passport everywhere our driving licence

And there you have it. Everything you need to have an unforgettable time in the mountains. And hopefully a stress-free exchange with those baggage handlers…

Looking to book a ski or snowboard holiday? Get browsing now!