Davechant.com contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
An Introduction
Ski Holiday Packing – nothing is quite so alien, especially for the first time skier. It is an art to pack for a skiing holiday, more so than a beach holiday where you throw in a few tops, shorts and flip flops. Unfortunately, the more you ski, the more kit you attain, and the packing list grows.
For the first time skier however, it’s better to borrow and rent, but there’s still essentials that need to be taken and can result in having a drier, more pleasant holiday on the mountain.
This is the most comprehensive guide to packing for any ski holiday. Below, I have included all the essentials and then some creature comforts. There are also optional items listed below – you either know there are of use to you, or you will learn their value or lack of value through trial and error. Every backpacker knows the constant journey to take more items that serve multiple purposes, cut down on weight, and hone down to the essentials plus a few select home comforts.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
Document Essentials
Your document essentials will vary depending on where you are staying and what you have booked, but the following will give you a good overview.
Passport
Your most essential item, and one that can so easily be forgotten. Make sure you check it before use and for many destinations, it’s great to have six months validity left before you travel.
Reservations/Boarding Passes
(or Just a Smartphone & Charger)
For Flights, Transfers, Car Rentals, Accommodation, Ski Hire, Ski Lessons, Lift Passes etc.
It’s important to make sure you have all reservation paperwork sorted before you fly. These days most of this can be displayed digitally and smartphones have made printing everything out almost obsolete. If you can, save the paper and printing, and keep everything in one place on the phone.
There are a few tips to make everything easier when you’re on the go. Firstly, most of the airlines have apps that make pulling up your reservations, checking in and displaying your boarding passes simple. Download them – you can always delete them after travelling to stop having loads of apps on your phone. After getting my boarding pass, I like to screenshot it so I have a copy of it in my phone’s photo gallery for offline use.
Most other information these days is sent over email. I have email to access on my phone. If you don’t already, it is a vital asset for any traveller. I like to keep separate folders and I have one for upcoming Travels – you can even set up a folder per trip. That way you know everything essential is in one place.
Travel Money & Cards
Many people get travel money at the airport, but the rates are astronomical. Most airport providers, like Travelex and Eurocorp, allow you to prebook your currency and pick it up at the airport, which gives better rates. However, watch out for hidden collection fees.
The best way I find to get money is either with internet rates delivered to you in advance, or to take a good rate debit or credit card, and get money abroad in ATMs. Quite often I won’t get money till I land the other side, but watch out for ATM fees – especially in airports. Ski resorts generally have banks with ATMs that do not charge you any fees. Make sure you’ve read the literature for your credit and debit cards to see what fees will be levied against you for using a card abroad, or better yet, get a card with no oversea charges.
Nationwide, Halifax, Starling and Metro Bank all have decent cards for travellers, and many people love currency cards from Caxton, Revolut and Monzo too.
Insurance Details
I know, I know – insurance costs money. And hopefully, you
never have to use it. But a policy that covers Winter Sports is essential. Many things can happen on the slopes, including accidents requiring expensive rescue from the mountain and medical bills, theft of skis, closure of the mountain, baggage lost with all your ski equipment, and so forth.
If you have insurance already, check what it covers you for. Best is to get a policy that has a separate section devoted to Winter Sports, as these tend to be better. If you want to ski off piste, many insurers won’t cover you so best to look for specialist insurance for this.
As a starting place, Insure and Go (https://www.insureandgo.com/) do a decent Winter Sports cover from £20-60 depending on the level of cover needed. Always best to go for at least £10 million medical expenses on any policy, and always read the fine print and inclusions/exclusions.
EHIC Card
Lastly, make sure you take an EHIC Card. At the time of writing, it allows British Citizens reduced costs or free healthcare in Europe. This may change in light of Britain (apparently) leaving the European Union, but it’s free and worth getting hold of if you haven’t got one. Private sites may ask for payment but the official site is free – find the application at https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/startApplication.do
Ski Holiday Packing List:
Clothes For Skiing
Everybody skis in slightly different clothing, but almost everyone will use a ski jacket and salopettes. Having layers – base layer, mid layer and then ski jacket on top is generally the best way to keep warm on the mountain. Try to avoid cotton for base and midlayers as they hold moisture. The forthcoming is a great starting place for any Ski Holiday Packing List.
Click on the Images to be taken to suitable products.
Thermal Base Layers
Thermals are a great item to have in your arsenal, and a great thermal will both protect you from the cold and be comfortable by wicking away your sweat. It’s good to have two pairs of both top and bottoms. You may find you don’t need them in warmer weather but they are essential when it’s -10 degrees and the wind is blowing in.
If you want to go cheap and cheerful, you can pick up packs of tops and bottoms for as little as £10-20 (Go Outdoors or Decathlon are good starting points).
However, if you’re prepared to pay a bit more, merino wool base layers will keep you warm, comfortable and wick away moisture. Expect to pay from £50 for merino wool thermals (top and bottom together), although the sky is the limit dependent on the brand.
For a week holiday, two pairs of tops and bottoms is good.
Ski Socks
You can go overboard on ski socks, but it’s good to spend a decent amount on socks. Make sure that they are full length – you’ll want them to go higher than the tops of your ski or snowboard boots so the skin doesn’t rub on the boot.
Wedze, Decathlon’s own brand, do a decent range around £10. Always good to have at bare minimum two pairs but preferable three for a week, as socks will roast in ski boots and have a habit of getting quite smelly. It’s nice to be able to change them after a couple of days on the slopes.
Waterproof and Breathable Salopettes
If you’re beginning, it’s good to start with something cheaper to see how it goes and then invest if you decide to come back to skiing. You can sometimes rent salopettes in resort, but the cost can be prohibitive.
You can get cheap salopettes from stores like Decathlon, and quite often the budget shops Aldi and Lidl tend to do “when it’s gone, it’s gone” deals on ski gear late November to December each year. You can pick up a budget pair of trousers for £25 – 30.
There are a few things that are nice to have in salopettes. The first is simply two side pockets. Even though you may find putting anything bulky in them can alter your skiing style, there are still useful. Another nice to have is vents to allow a nice breeze through in the warmer months, or if you find yourself too hot in the salopettes. Lastly, breathability and waterproofing is needed.
Generally, waterproofing is measured in millimetres. Normally, with clothes anything 0-5000mm gives little resistance. 5000-1000mm gives some resistance, and over 10000mm is normal resistance. Personally, I like to have something that is at least 10,000mm.
Many of the budget options are great, but they quite often only have 2000-5000mm waterproofing. This is less of a problem in sunny conditions, and if you fall seldom. For a beginner who falls all the time, you’ll quite quickly feel wet in a 2000mm salopettes.
I’ve always had great use out of Trespass Alden range of salopettes that retail around £80. They have 2 side pockets, back pocket, vents down the legs, inbuilt gaiters to help stop snow getting in, fairly good breathability, very warm and comfortable, and with a waterproof membrane rated at 10,000mm.
Waterproof and Breathable Ski Jacket
Any Ski Holding Packing List would be incomplete without a ski jacket, but this is another item that you can pay a fortune for. Go into Snow+Rock, and you can pay £1600 for a Bogner jacket, or around £600 for a North Face and Rossignol Jacket. There is definitely a lot of money to be made in the ski jacket world. But unless you’re an expert and massively fashion conscious, you don’t need to spend this money.
My first ski jacket was a Dare2B reduced in the sale from £70 to £35, my second a Quiksilver reduced from £160 to £70. IF you shop in Decathlon or Go Outdoors, the sweet spot is normally around £60-80 for a decent jacket that will get you through a few ski holidays.
Again, look for waterproofing. A Ski Jacket won’t get as wet as your salopettes from snow, but it is good to have one that will again hit at least 10,000mm to keep away the elements. One of the most essential features is a pocket in the lower arm for your lift pass. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep it in the salopettes pocket and may need to take it out at every lift to scan through. Generally, this is on the left arm as most systems use the sensors on the left in lift systems.
Other things to look for are a hood, always great to have, and underarm vents to cool down if too hot. Lots of pockets both internal and two external are nice to store items for a whole day’s skiing if you don’t want to take a backpack which can be cumbersome on lifts. Lastly, many people like a powder skirt which can help stop snow getting into the bottom of the jacket.
Midlayers/Fleeces
You can get away without a fleece or certified mid layer by using Tshirts inbetween a base layer and ski jacket but you will get sweaty. I’ve skied many times in just a Tshirt and ski jacket and it’s doable.
However, most like to layer and have a dedicated breathable fleece of mid layer that will take moisture away from the body. Avoid cotton, and look for wool or polyester blends.
Waterproof and Insulated Ski Gloves
Gloves are an essential part of your set-up on the mountain. It’s good to bring two pairs to any resort – a thinner liner glove and insulated gloves for the skiing. Quite often the liner glove (or a thinner glove) can be used around town and also if you’re very cold skiing, you can use them as an inner layer underneath your main pair of gloves.
For a decent value pair of gloves, try the Wedze Ski 100 from Decathlon that will set you back around £15.
If you’re willing to pay around £25-45 in other shops, you can get some good gloves that will keep you warm on the mountain.
Buff
Many ski jackets and midlayers/fleeces have collars that will keep out a lot of the wind from your neck when skiing, but it helps to have a scarf or buff to be sure.
Something like a buff is ideal, can be used many different ways and provides a little extra warmth to the neck area. They are also very lightweight and foldable so can be easily slipped into a pocket when not needed.
Goggles
You can pick up goggles for a good price. The important thing is that they are comfortable and block out all the harmful UV rays which can be damaging to the eyes.
Some skiers tend to have different goggles to cope with different conditions. Lenses are general measured by VLT, or Visible Light Transmission in full. Those with lower VLT let less light through to your eyes and are great for bluebird and sunny, bright days. Those with higher VLT let more light in (and are lighter lens tints) and therefore great for dark and cloudy days.
A good compromise is a system that lets you change the lens on your goggles. That way you can keep two to three lens but only one goggle system. A good value range can be found on Amazon by OutdoorMaster Ski and will cost around £35-50 for the goggles and first lens.
Helmet
Helmets are becoming more and more seen on the mountain, and many countries have laws against children skiing without helmets. Regardless of age, it’s a safety must and could save your life – though you hope it never has to.
Most helmets are fairly similar feature wise. For a beginner you’ll want one that protects your ears as well and has a chinstrap and decent fit. If it’s too loose, it won’t protect you.
Sunglasses [optional]
Some skiers just use sunglasses, rather than goggles, so this is an option. However, it’s not one that many would recommend and it helps if these are dedicated alpine glasses with side clips to stop light hitting the eye from an angle.
Most people do like a pair of sunglasses, however, for pit stops on the mountain. That way they can watch the world go by whilst sipping a hot chocolate or having lunch.
Balaclava [optional]
Many skiers will never use a balaclava. But there are a select few that rate one as a must have on the mountain. They will provide you with more warmth to your face, but can be countered that only on the coldest, windiest days do you get enough heat out of it to warrant its use.
Best to look for ones that have vent systems over the mouth to help breathing rather than a cheaper cutaway to breathe through, or nothing at all. It also helps if you have a decent amount of space around the eyes as this will be covered up anyway by the ski goggles.
Boot and Hand Warmers [optional]
Not for everyone, but some people run cold and still get uncomfortable hands and feet on the mountains. If that’s you, you may benefit from hand warmers. They can be picked up for around £1 each and can keep the extremities warm for up to 8 hours.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
Equipment For Skiing
All of the following equipment is not needed to be bought for a beginner skier, though you will rent skis, poles and boots at least.
Click on the Images to be taken to suitable products.
Skis or Snowboard
A set of ski or a snowboard is obviously an essential necessity for skiing on any ski holiday packing list! However, the question is whether you buy or rent these.
For a beginner, there is little point in buying skis. Like kids shoes, you’d preferably want a pair of beginner skis and you’d fast outgrow these. This is one of the biggest expenses of the skiing enthusiast, and best left till you have developed confidence on the mountain and a little knowledge about what you would like.
Skis come from many brands, and in many guises – piste skis, all mountains, freeride, freestyle, slalom race skis and so forth.
Even for the enthusiast, ski carriage on many airlines is getting more expensive and quite often it’s more effective to rent a pair of skis in the resort so that you always get a newer ski than the one you have at home may be.
Ski or Snowboard Boots
Another essential piece of kit for a ski holiday packing list, and one again that it best left to when you’ve been skiing a few times.
Ski boots are arguably a better investment that skis. Rental boots can be very uncomfortable, and many people find they have various problems with rentals.
It’s great if you can go to an expert – think Ellis Brigham or similar – where you can try on many pairs and also where they have a service to mould boots and fix any feet issues you are suffering with them.
Ski Poles
A less essential item but very useful for the skier. Snowboarders do not use poles, but almost all skiers do.
A decent pair of ski poles can be picked up in Decathlon for £20, if you are looking for value – and I believe come from the same factory that make Salomon poles.
However, if you are renting skis, they almost always come with a set of poles as standard.
Day Backpack [optional]
Some swear by a small day pack back on the mountain to put essentials like sunglasses, a change of clothes, water and snacks.
For this, a 10 to 20 litre pack is ideal. Look for something that has a few pockets so you can have a main compartment and a smaller section to put wallets and small items. Also, many people like the pack to have a bladder pouch so they can fit a Camelback or similar system in the pack.
The downside of having a backpack is that they get in the way on chairlifts and can be cumbersome – quite often you have to swap them to the front and then back again after a lift.
Personally, I’d rather take as little as possible on the mountain and stop for food and drink, but that’s a personal choice for you to make.
Camelbak or Water Bottle [optional]
If you take a day backpack, you may want to consider a bladder system like Camelbak for water on the mountain, or take a water bottle or two.
Transceiver, Shovel and Probe [optional]
These are essential pieces of equipment should you want to journey off-piste and into the backcountry. Skiers who remain on piste do not use them.
A Transceiver emits a pulse that can be read by search and rescue teams and can be used if somebody is snowed in under an avalanche. A probe is used to discover where a buried skier or snowboarder is, and a shovel self-evidently is used to dig into the snow for rescue.
There are some that still venture off-piste without them but this is a considerable risk to take.
Hip Flask [optional]
For the competent and confident skier, sometimes a nice swig of whisky is just what you need at 2500metres surveying the gorgeous views.
Ski and Snowboard Bag with Wheels
If you own your own skis or snowboard and wish to take them abroad, a bag to hold them is essential. Ski bags come in many shapes or sizes. Some just hold the skis with room for nothing else (generally in a hard case). Others can hold two sets of skis.
For most people a ski or snowboard bag with wheels and padding will be the best. Carrying skis through airports can be cumbersome. A couple of wheels allows you to wheel them across airports, train stations and so forth. Some air operators won’t insure you if you put anything else in a ski bag, but many people do. Make sure you read the airlines conditions. A Bag that is a little bigger can help you put in more ski clothes and therefore make best use of the ski carriage.
This comes with one postscript – it’s always best to wear your ski jacket on the plane, and take your salopettes in cabin luggage. If your bag gets lost in transit, renting or buying ski jacket and salopettes can get expensive.
Boot Bag [optional]
If you have your own boots, a boot bag is a useful addition. Some people carry boots in their main luggage on planes, or in ski bags, but a dedicated boot bag frees up space in your ski bag or luggage and quite often can be taken on a plane as hand luggage thus freeing up weight for checked in luggage.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
Clothes Off The Mountain
Most people overpack with clothes off the mountain and tend to take clothes that are too formal. There are ski resorts known for the glitz and glam, but in most resorts you’ll find people eating in casual wear – or still in their ski gear after apres! Less is more, especially with outer layers.
For ladies, dresses can be used for hotel dinners but will be difficult in the cold outside, and trousers will always be more adaptable than skirts.
Click on the Images to be taken to suitable products.
Winter/Walking Boots
A pair of boots with good grips is ideal for resort walking. Ski resorts are used to clearing and gritting pavements and roads, but walking round town can be a deathtrap! Black working boots, walking and mountaineering boots, and snow boots are good options to help with warmth and safety.
T-Shirts/Shirts/Tops
If you’re in a ski resort for a week, it’s nice to have a top for each day, but this would be a maximum. For a man, four Tshirts and two shirts work well. You can use the shirts if you tend to go for a nicer evening meal.
Underwear
If you’re in a ski resort for a week, it’s nice to have a top for each day, but this would be a maximum. For a man, four Tshirts and two shirts work well. You can use the shirts if you tend to go for a nicer evening meal.
Socks
Six or seven pairs of cotton socks work well. You may want to have warmer socks for the resort as temperatures can dip in the evening. This is in addition to the two or three pairs of ski socks that you will use on the mountain for skiing.
Pyjamas [optional]
If you like your home comforts, nice to bring a pair of pyjamas to sleep in.
Trousers
A couple pair of trousers work well. Jeans are extremely versatile but it’s nice to have another pair of trousers that could be used for nicer evenings out. Some people like to take a pair or trousers that are comfortable like joggers so they can relax around the hotel room or chalet in them (or even hit the gym if the hotel has one).
Hoodies/Fleeces/Jumpers
A hoody in the mountains is blissful, keeping you warm and cosy. Best to only take a couple of items – I prefer hoodies but you can supplement one of these for a warm fleece or a jumper that you can wear out for a nice evening.
Beanie Hat
A beanie or other hat is essential for evenings out. Beanies tend to give the best warmth and fold down small.
Belt [optional]
Depending on the trousers, always good to take a belt you can use on any set of trousers.
Extra Jacket [optional]
For a one week holiday most people go out around resort in the same jacket they use for skiing. However, if the thought of a sweaty ski jacket doesn’t appeal and you have the space, plus intend to eat or drink out for most of the week, consider a second warm coat for the resort.
On the other hand, if you intend to be in a hotel for most evenings, this may be too much as coats are quite bulky.
Slippers/Flip Flops [optional]
Some people swear by a pair of slippers or flip flops, especially if you are in a chalet or apartment.
Towel [optional]
Only if you are in accommodation that doesn’t supply towels – some appartments do not.
Swimming Costume [optional]
One to consider if your chalet has a hot tub, your hotel has a spa or swimming pool, or if there’s any spas or swimming pools you may wish to visit in the local area.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
Toiletries and Beauty Products
This will vary from person to person, and most accommodations will provide you with some toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and sometimes toothpaste. However, I’m not a fan of the amount of plastic in toiletries so the following list is what I would pack on each trip with a few specifics for ski resorts that you may find useful.
Click on the Images to be taken to suitable products.
Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days skiing, you can burn. High Altitude means you are closer to the ozone and rays have a habit of getting through a lot easier. A medium size bottle of suncream with SPF of 15 minimum will help keep you from burning.
Lip Balm
Often forgotten but always welcome, lips tend to crack and dry in the cold and windy weather on the mountain. This is a handy item to take with you both day and night. Those with SPF Protection are great for skiing.
Shampoo Bar and Soap [optional]
Give up that shampoo bottle, and avoid wasting all those tiny plastic bottles you get at hotels. A shampoo Bar generally smells better, contains good ingredients, and will last you a few months.
The downside of soap is it runs out a lot faster than bottled shower gels, but it’s more environmental, smaller and travels better.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
If you’re feeling environmental, you can buy toothpaste tabs and bamboo toothbrushes, though both take some getting used to.
Razor and Trimmer [optional]
For facial hair for men, legs for the ladies, and anything else you need trimming!
Medicines [optional]
Though optional, I find that ibuprofen, paracetamol and loperamide are good tablets to have around to deal with any aches and issues.
Aftersun/Moisturiser [optional]
For those that burn easier or get cracked, dry skin.
Earplugs [optional]
Some accommodation can be noisier than others, especially apartments. If you like your silent nights, a pair of earplugs may be a life saver.
Deep Heat or Tiger Balm [optional]
When skiing, your muscles are on the go for 6-7 hours solid and may cramp up or ache. This is more true if you only ski once or twice a year. Soothe those muscles with a little tiger balm.
First Aid and Blister Plasters [optional]
An optional item but you may like to have dressings and plasters on hand, just in case.
Make Up
Some people go out on the mountain with full make up. However, you don’t need a huge amount of make up on the mountain and the atmosphere in the evening is likely to be casual. Take what you need but don’t overdo it.
Hair Dryer and Hair Straighteners [optional]
If you really want to dry and straighten your hair, and you’re worried that your accommodation won’t supply a dryer, these are items to consider.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
Electronics
Everybody’s electronic needs vary. Some will want to film their every move on the mountain; others will want to get away from technology for a week. The following is a list of things to consider.
Click on the Images to be taken to suitable products.
Adaptor
Pretty essential. I always take two adaptors when travelling and find the best ones tend to be the World Adaptors that have space for 4 USBs and a normal UK plug. This tends to do everything as most equipment is based off a USB. Click on the photo for a great adaptor.
If you’re taking bigger items like hair dryers, you may want to think about taking a 4 way extension lead (but only if you have a lot of stuff).
Some countries have very specific electricity requirements. The site https://www.worldstandards.eu/ is great for showing you what you need for each country.
Phone and Charger
Pretty much the number 1 “go-to” electronic to deal with everything. Many people will use this as their main camera as well.
Items such as the Samsung S10 pictured have great phone cameras.
Camera [optional]
Whilst your phone may take great photos, some people like taking a dedicated camera to capture photos on holidays. GoPros and other action cameras are popular when skiing as they can be fixed to wrists, poles, chest and helmet using accessories.
Click on the image to see the GoPro Hero 8, one of the best action cameras on the market.
Make sure you bring the charger, spare batteries and spare memory cards if you intend to do a lot of filming or photography.
MP3 Player, Earphones and Travel Speaker [optional]
Some people love music on the mountain. Just be aware that this can distract from your skiing and stop you from hearing others around you.
If you want music, many people now use their phone alone – just don’t forget to take earphones or headphones!
If you’re looking for a good set of value wired earphones, click on the image to look at the JVC Xtreme Xplosive Earphones.
A travel speaker can be an ultimate item if you are meeting people and want to listen to music socially, for instance in the evenings in a chalet.
Powerbank [optional]
If you’re using your phone a lot on the mountain, you will drain its power. Devices also deplete faster in the cold. A powerbank of 10,000mah or higher is great to take with you on ski days if you’re using your phone a lot. You can charge up at lunchtime, and if you have more than one USB input, even help a friend out as well.
Click here for a great 26,800mah Powerbank that does Quick Charge with multiple outputs and slim too!
Alarm Clock [optional]
For most people, a smartphone has replaced an alarm clock. However, there’s nothing worse than missing last lifts or breakfast, so an alarm clock makes a nice back up to ensure you’re up and about each morning.
Click here for a nice simple and small digital alarm clock.
Ski Holiday Packing List:
That's A Wrap!
Thanks for reading through my comprehensive ski holiday packing list. Remember, you don’t have to pack all the items above. However, the purpose of this guide has been to give you a packing list of everything you will and might need for a ski holiday. Feel free to adapt it as you see fit.
If you have any comments, or even think I’ve missed anything out, please use the comments below.
Happy skiing!
