Ski Holiday Packing List

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Rent vs Bring - The Big Decisions

Before packing, decide what you are renting at the resort. This dramatically affects your luggage. Unless you ski frequently (10+ days per year), renting equipment usually makes more sense than buying and lugging it around.

RENT: Skis and poles (different conditions suit different skis)
RENT: Ski boots (unless you have perfectly fitted boots you love)
RENT: Snowboard and boots
RENT: Helmets (though owning one ensures perfect fit)
BRING: Ski jacket and trousers (better quality than rental, properly fitted)
BRING: Goggles (fit is personal, rental goggles are often scratched)
BRING: Gloves (hygiene reasons - rental gloves are grim)
BRING: Base layers (you will wear these every day)

Money-Saving Tip

Book equipment rental online before you arrive. You get better prices, skip queues, and guarantee availability during peak weeks.

Ski Clothing - The Layer System

Skiing means constant temperature changes. You are cold on the chairlift, sweating during a run, then freezing again. The layer system lets you adjust throughout the day.

2-3 thermal base layer tops (merino wool or synthetic, not cotton)
2-3 thermal base layer bottoms
2 mid-layer fleeces or soft shells
1 ski jacket (waterproof, breathable, with hood)
1 pair ski trousers or salopettes
3-4 pairs ski socks (specialist ski socks, not regular socks)
2 pairs ski gloves (one backup pair for when they get wet)
1 pair thin liner gloves (for warmer days)
Neck gaiter or balaclava
Beanie or helmet liner

Warning

Never wear cotton as a base layer. Cotton absorbs sweat, stays wet, and makes you cold. Merino wool or synthetic wicking materials only.

Essential Ski Accessories

Ski goggles (with spare lens for different light conditions)
Sunglasses (for sunny days and lunch breaks)
Sunscreen SPF 50 (UV is intense at altitude)
Lip balm with SPF (lips crack badly in cold dry air)
Helmet (rent or bring your own)
Small backpack for slopes (water, snacks, spare layers)
Hand and toe warmers (disposable heat packs)
Ski pass holder (lanyard or arm pocket)

Apres-Ski & Evening Wear

You will spend evenings in restaurants, bars, and wandering around the resort. Ski gear is too bulky for this.

Comfortable jeans or trousers
2-3 casual tops or jumpers
1 smart-casual outfit for nicer restaurants
Warm non-ski jacket or down gilet
Warm boots or comfortable shoes with grip
Slippers or flip-flops for hotel/chalet
Swimwear (many chalets and hotels have pools or hot tubs)
Pyjamas

Family Tip

Pack your swimwear even if you do not think you will need it. Many ski resorts have excellent spas and hot tubs - perfect after a day on the slopes.

Electronics

Phone and charger
Power bank (batteries drain faster in cold)
Camera or GoPro for action shots
Earphones for long transfers
European plug adaptor
Portable speaker (for chalet evenings)

Toiletries & Health

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Moisturiser (essential - mountain air is brutal on skin)
Lip balm (multiple - keep one in ski jacket)
Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
Deodorant
Paracetamol/ibuprofen (for altitude headaches and aches)
Any prescription medications
Plasters and blister pads
Rehydration sachets (altitude and alcohol combine badly)

Documents

Passport
EHIC/GHIC card (for Europe)
Travel insurance documents (check for winter sports cover)
Accommodation confirmation
Transfer details
Ski school booking confirmation
Equipment rental confirmation
Lift pass receipt or booking reference

Warning

Standard travel insurance usually excludes winter sports. Check your policy covers skiing and snowboarding, including off-piste if you plan to venture beyond marked runs.

Skiing with Kids - Extra Packing

Children need the same layering system as adults, but they grow fast. Renting children equipment and outer layers makes financial sense unless they ski regularly.

RENT: Skis, boots, poles (sizes change yearly)
RENT OR BUY: Ski jacket and trousers (rental is fine for occasional trips)
BRING: 3-4 thermal base layers (they get wet and need changing)
BRING: 2 mid-layer fleeces
BRING: 4-5 pairs ski socks (more than adults - wet feet happen)
BRING: 2 pairs waterproof gloves (they will get soaked daily)
BRING: Helmet (rent or buy - must fit properly)
BRING: Goggles (child-sized)
BRING: Neck gaiter or balaclava
BRING: Bib or ski trousers with braces (easier toilet trips)

Family Tip

Label EVERYTHING with your child's name. Ski schools mix up identical-looking gloves, goggles, and helmets constantly.

Kids Entertainment

Evenings in ski resorts are cosy but can feel long for children. Pack entertainment:

Tablet with downloaded films and games
Headphones (child-safe volume)
Card games or travel board games
Colouring books and pencils
Small toys
Books

What NOT to Pack

Too many non-ski outfits (you will be tired and wearing thermals most evenings)
Bulky towels (accommodation provides them)
Hair dryers (always provided)
Multiple pairs of ski boots (one is plenty, rent if unsure)
Full bottles of toiletries (mountain shops stock everything)
Jeans for skiing (they get wet and freeze - trousers only)

Ski Trip Packing Tips

Wear ski boots on the plane if they are yours (saves huge luggage space)
Pack ski clothes in a large hold bag - cabin bags cannot fit everything
Put one full ski outfit in hand luggage in case bags are delayed
Compression bags shrink down bulky items significantly
Ship skis ahead if you own them - costs less than airline ski fees
Roll thermals inside ski boots to use all space

Tip

Delayed bags are miserable but survivable if you wear your ski jacket and boots on the plane and pack one base layer set in hand luggage. You can rent everything else for day one if needed.