Here is a handy little guide on packing essentials and the gear you need to pack before you go on your first ski trip.
Packing Essentials
Warm socks – don’t just take woolly ones, get down to a ski store or search online for a pair of ski socks. 2-3 pairs will usually be enough for a week.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking 3 layers of normal socks will work – they won’t keep your feet as warm as one pair of proper ski socks!
We ❤️ the Teko All Mountain Sock
Snow boots – it’s rare that resorts have really deep snow in town, but it’s worth checking forecasts in advance because walking around resort in only trainers with snow up to your knees is no fun. Equally it can get icy in resort so it’s best to have a sturdy pair of shoes or boots to stop you slipping!
Skis and boots – it’s unlikely you will buy skis or boots for your first ski trip, so hiring is the way to go. But our advice is to book in advance, and add ski hire as part of your package before you go. It could save you a lot of time when you arrive in the resort, and will ensure there is suitable equipment waiting for you.
Watch our video on How To Get Comfy Boots
Thermals – having a set of thermal baselayers is vital. Depending on your perspiration levels, 1 bottom and 2 tops should be fine for the week.
Mid layers – a sports mid layer, micro fleece or small hoody is very handy for the very cold days. Having that in a small backpack means you can layer up in the cold and pack it away when you warm up.
Gloves – Don’t count on being able to hire ski gloves when you get to the resort, so get yourself some ski gloves. You don’t need to break the bank but they do need to be waterproof.
Ski jacket and trousers – it’s vital that you are warm on the slopes, because we all know shivering to the bone is miserable. Equally, if you get too hot or need some extra ventilation, most pants and jackets have ventilation zips which will help you control your body temperature. Having your own ski jacket and trousers that will help keep you at a comfortable temperature – or borrowing from pals – is an absolute must.
Goggles – it’s best to have your own ski goggles. There will be plenty you can buy in the resort, but if you want to watch the pennies then buying an inexpensive pair of goggles before you go in the UK is well advised.
Helmet – we highly recommend wearing a ski helmet. You can hire them, but if you are fussy about putting your head where many other people’s heads have been then do buy your own.
Woolly hat – when you stop skiing and take your helmet off you can get cold pretty fast so a woolly hat is very handy. A beanie style easily slips into a pocket without being too bulky.
Backpack – a small backpack can be handy for sun cream, a snack and water, which are all recommended while you are out on the slopes.
Passport and money – this goes without saying but check out the various currency cards available now that mean you can pay for most things on card with no need to carry around cash. However, don’t get caught out, some mountain restaurants may not accept cards.
Other clothes – depending on who you go with you will be amazed how much time you can spend in your ski clothes. With a group of pals it wouldn’t be uncommon to come off the slopes to a bar for a few drinks then into a restaurant for an evening meal and back to the hotel. Come midnight you could still be in your ski boots. But remember that if there is a pool or spa you will need appropriate clothing there. If you prefer to get changed sooner after skiing then having regular clothes for the evenings will be beneficial.
Sun cream – you will be amazed if you get a sunny day or 2, how sunburnt you can get, so taking a decent quality sun cream is really important. A small tube is fine as it’s likely only your face that will catch the sun, but the altitude and the reflection of the rays from the snow can easily mean you can burn much quicker than you might expect.
What is the best suncream for the snowy conditions?
