The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing Guide

The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing Guide

The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing Guide: We have you covered.

Are you going Skiing this Winter and not sure what to bring? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first timer it’s always hard to remember what to pack. Look no further we have a list for you! Follow this comprehensive guide and you can be sure you will get the most out of your trip.

  1. Ski Clothes

This may sound obvious but the key is layering. The climate on the slopes can be unpredictable so its always good to be prepared.

  • Outerwear: You need at least one jacket and one pair of ski trousers. Ensure you have something waterproof and breathable. I always make sure my jacket has air vents and a high neck to prevent air chill in the cold and keep airflow in the hot. For the perfect all rounder jacket shop here https://www.ruanua.com/collections/ski-jackets .
  • Base Layers: Make sure you have moisture-wicking thermal base layers. Skiing and snowboarding are intense sports so you want an active wear top that will keep you warm and dry, preventing bad smells and discomfort.
  • Mid Layers: Depending on how cold you get, either double up on the base layers or wear a light fleece or gilet. 
  • Ski Socks: It is essential to have good ski socks. Boots can give pressure point pains and your feet will inevitably get sweaty so make sure to invest in a few pairs of moisture wicking socks. I like to bring 1 pair for every day that I ski. Top top: If it is very cold a lot of people wear two pairs, don’t do this! This will prevent blood flow and make your feet colder!
  • Gloves/Mittens: If the weather is due to be very cold make sure to get mittens, if not gloves are just as good. Either or make sure they are waterproof and insulated.
  • Neck Warmer: This is essential in my opinion. When you ski there can be a very cold chill and this helps protect from sun and wind burn. It also protects your jacket from make up if you are wearing any. Make sure to get one that is stretchy and breathable.
  • Helmet: You can buy or rent these at any resort if you do not want to pack one. They are worth buying if you plan on skiing more than once as you cannot ski or snowboard without them. My favourites are from Oakley and Smith https://www.oakley.com/en-gb/product/FOS900586?variant=193517278823 .
  • Hat: Whether walking around the village or going Apres a hat is necessary to keep warm and glam up your helmet hair. Any Beanie will work.
  • Goggles: Amazon has lots of options of googles as well as more expensive brands. I always like to get photo-chromatic lenses so that they work well in low light and have UV protection.

2. Ski Gear

The below can be rented or if you are consistently going these are a good investment to buy. Sometimes pre-booking the below online with the ski rental shop can get you discounts so always worth googling. Top Tip: Ask your hotel who they partner with for rentals and you might bag another discount.

  • Skis and Poles: If you are buying them make sure the binding on your skis is checked and adjusted for your weight, height and ability.
  • Ski Boots: These should fit snug. When you stand up straight your toe should touch the top lightly. Top Tip: If you find boots are always hurting you and you have a more muscular calf ask for a HV (Hight Volume) boot. This will help.

 

3. Non-Skiwear Clothing

  • Chill Clothes: Comfortable clothing like jumpers and fleece lined leggings or tracksuit bottoms for relaxing
  • Dinner Clothes: Most hotels don’t let you wear ski clothes to dinner so have maybe a nice sweater or knitted jumper and jeans packed for dinner. You could also pack a skirt and fleece lined tights
  • Winter Boots: Any boot that stops you from slipping and keeps you feet warm in the snow is essential. A cult favourite is a pair of Moon Boots.
  • Swimwear: Check ahead if your hotel or resort has a pool, always handy to have a swimsuit packed just in case.
  • Sliders or slip on shoes: I love to wear a pair of sliders down to the boot room. When I take off my ski boots at the end of a long day of skiing I really don’t want to be putting my dirty ski socks into my trainers or snow boots. These come in so handy for breakfast in the morning and after the boot room.

 

4. The Important Bits

  • Passport: If you are going into another country this is essential.
  • Lift Pass: Often the most expensive part of the trip. Check online for discounts.
  • Chargers and Adaptors: Needed for all your devices. 
  • Snacks: Can be bought in the resort but its always handy to ski with an energy bar or piece of fruit.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, skiing is a sport!
  • Insurance: Make sure your travel insurance covers snow sports and mountain rescue, better safe than sorry.
  • Piste Map: Pick these up in the resort, no need to print off before you go.
  • Ski Lock: Lots of people mix up skis so having a ski lock can protect you from this. Skiing in the wrong skis can be incredibly dangerous as they may fit but the settings won’t be safe for you.

 

5. Health and Beauty Bits

  • Suncream and SPF lip Balm: Wind and sunburn is magnified by the snow and in the high altitude.
  • First Aid Kit: A small travel pack with band-aids and wipes is always handy to have. This can include any painkillers or prescription medicine you may need.
  • Hand Warmers: If you suffer from cold hands or feet these are great. Can be bought in the resort ski stores as well.
  • Make Up: Not essential but if you want it for evenings or skiing.
  • Toiletries: Make up remover, moisturisers, skin care and hygiene products.
  • Hair Care: Brushes, hair ties and haircare tools.

 

Things to Remember:

  • Don’t Overpack: You really don’t need that much clothes for nighttime. Prioritise the skiwear and see how much space you have left.
  • Check the Weather: Best to have an idea in advance of what climate you will be facing. Note that the top will be colder than the village.
  • Have Fun: This is a holiday so even if you are starting out, enjoy it!

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