There’s a lot to think about when it comes to packing for a ski holiday. With perhaps only 15, 20 or 23kg of hold luggage allowance it requires a little planning to perfect it and make sure you have everything you need but leave behind the bits which will sit in your suitcase all week! You can employ a little tactical packing to make things that much easier, be that putting a few items inside of your ski boots (if you have them) to save space or wearing your ski jacket for travelling to save some weight.

Below we answer some of the most commonly asked skiing questions: what do I need for a ski holiday? What should I pack? What shouldn’t I bring? If you’re new to skiing and want to find out more about how to book your first ski holiday then click here.

Miscellaneous: 

• Travel insurance documents: You should always make sure you have extensive cover for any holiday, when it comes to skiing make sure that your insurance includes skiing/winter sports as this sometimes requires a bolt-on. Printing out and taking your policy documents with you will make things easier should something happen
• ATOL certificate: If you have booked an ATOL protected holiday you will receive an ATOL certificate. It’s important to print this out and take this with you
• Passport
• Booking documents: For the hotel or chalet that you are staying in
• Transfer documents: And a contact so you can find your transfer provider at the airport, or alternatively car hire documents
• A plug adapter: Likelihood is you will need to charge your phone or other electronics so make sure that you pack an adapter, always easily forgotten and an expensive unnecessary purchase if you have one at home
• Currency and or a debit or credit card
• Face mask: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic a face mask is a new addition to your holiday packing list (see on the slopes section as well)
• Suncream: High Alpine ski slopes have an increased sun exposure so high factor suncream is a necessary for your ski holiday
• Lip balm: Cold temperatures, warm chalets or hotels and sometimes windy conditions can cause lips to crack. Make sure that you stay hydrated but also pack some lip balm 
• Plasters and/or blister plasters: Just in case your feet aren’t used to ski boots. These can save your ski day! If you have your own ski boots then as bizarre as it sounds it is worth wearing them around the house for a few hours before going on holiday so that your feet get used to them again
• Knee support/strap or similar: If have a tendency to knee pain or other aches or pains, if you have a brace, support or strap then don’t forget this as you wouldn’t for any sport

Clothing (off the slopes):

• Casual clothes: Use common sense and pack for the weather! It’s worth checking the weather report and temperatures prior to travelling and packing. A number of good layers is always a good idea
• Sturdy shoes: Whether snow boots, a pair of Timberlands or similar, sturdy shoes with a good grip are a sensible choice for snowy conditions
• Sun glasses: Whether for sitting on a sunny terrace at lunch or après ski, sunglasses will not go amiss
• Swimwear: If your chalet or hotel has a hot-tub, sauna or swimming pool, swimwear is necessary. Many resorts also have excellent leisure centre facilities, great for a day off the slopes or snowy conditions 
• Beanie, bobble hat or ear muffs: When not skiing you will likely want something to keep your head warm, don’t forget to pack a hat or some form
• Pyjamas and slippers: A creature comfort for lounging around your chalet in the mornings or evenings, pyjamas and slippers are a luxury well worth including in your suitcase

Clothing (on the slopes):

• Base layers: Also known as thermals and perfect for colder conditions, a base layer can make all the difference between loving your day out on the ski slopes or feeling the cold too much to enjoy it. Pack a few layers to alternate throughout the week
• Long Johns: If it’s really cold, especially around January, then Long John’s will again ensure that you stay toasty on the slopes
• Fleeces and mid-layers: Layering is key to keeping your temperature right. By packing a choice of mid-layers you can regulate your temperature and stay comfortable in all conditions 
• Salopettes: A good set of quality salopettes (ski trousers) are key. Look for something with good insulation and breathability 
• Ski jacket: Again necessary and a quality jacket will make the difference when it comes to insulation, breathability and waterproofing. Depending on the time of year you might want a highly insulated jacket or a hardshell jacket for spring skiing conditions 
• Decent gloves: One of the main reasons for having to cut your ski day short is cold fingers. Investing in good ski gloves like those by Hestra or similar will mean you can ski from the first to the last lift. Gloves with an inner layer and outer layer are a versatile choice for varied conditions 
• Glove liners: For skiing in the colder temperatures these will keep your fingers warm, they are also helpful if you need to take your gloves off to adjust your boots on the slopes or look at the piste map
• Hand warmers: If you have a tendency to feel the cold or poor circulation, then a coffee stop and a set of hand warmers can help restore feeling in your fingers.
• A few pairs of decent ski socks: Good ski socks are worth their weight in gold, keeping you comfortable and helping you to forget that you are wearing ski boots!
• Face mask: A face mask or buff that keeps the cold off your face is a great investment for colder days out skiing
• Googles: A set of ski goggles will help keep your vision clear no matter what the conditions. Goggles come in various shapes and sizes and it is a good idea to try these on for comfort. An all-rounder lens will work for most conditions but for the best of the best, a set of goggles with interchangeable lenses for different weather conditions is a treat
• Helmet: Almost everyone now skis or snowboards with a helmet on for safety. These can be rented in resorts, but for comfort a helmet is a worthwhile investment if you intend to ski more than once or twice

Equipment:

• Skis: If you have your own skis, don’t forget to pack them, as well as boots, poles and of course making sure that you have reserved ski carriage on the plane if you are flying 
• A ski lock: Whether you own skis or not, a ski lock is a great relatively cheap investment that you can put in your pocket and it helps to prevent your skis either being stolen or mistakenly taken
• Avalanche equipment: A transceiver, probe and shovel. If you intend to head off-piste these are a necessity. They can also commonly be hired in resort
• A rucksack: It can feel slightly odd at first to ski with a rucksack, but if you want to carry water, a spare layer, snacks or avalanche equipment, it’s a good idea. Dakine produce a variety of sizes from smaller 10 litre capacity up to large multi-day touring style bags
• A water bottle: In addition to a rucksack, if you do wish to carry things on the slope, then a water bottle is handy, or a CamelBak in your rucksack. Don’t forget ski snacks too, especially if you are skiing with little ones!

It’s not the end of the world if you do forget something but it is worth being aware that you will likely pay a bit more for purchasing things in resort. Whether it is a handful of ski snacks for on the slope energy boosts (if not provided by your chalet or hotel), or new ski boots, goggles or gloves!

If you have found this a useful checklist that will prevent you from forgetting something important when you go on your next ski holiday, then make sure to bookmark it and use it as a packing prompt in the future.