Unlike the all-inclusive trip to Malaga, when holidaying in remote winter conditions, it’s important to know what to pack for a skiing holiday as the location may not be as commercially abundant as you’d prefer.
There is a lot more to remember when skiing and the luggage generally takes up more room than a few bikinis.
Obviously, locations differ throughout the world but not everything can be catered for and some essential items may not be available to buy or even hire once at the resort.
Depending on your level of experience, what to pack for a skiing holiday will differ between beginner and advanced skiers. If it is your first time, you may want to consider hiring some of those available items at the resort.
Essential Toiletries List
Many of the toiletries will overlap with those of a summer holiday with some surprising similarities.
- Dental hygiene – toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair – hairbrush, hair ties, shampoo, conditioner and hair products.
- Skin – soap, face wash, body wash, deodorant, hand sanitiser, shaving kit, moisturiser, wipes and sunblock/lip block – the sun is very strong in the mountains when the sun bounces off the snow at high altitude so we highly recommend a cream and lip block with a high factor.
- Small first aid kit – aching muscles, bruises, scrapes and blisters are commonplace
- Prescription medication
The Journey Out
Before the journey to your destination, you will have planned and researched the requirements for the area and have the necessary documents at hand and ready for hand luggage.
Those seasoned travellers amongst you will know by now that certain familiar brands can’t be purchased throughout the world and alternative, foreign products just don’t taste the same.
Therefore, if you are overly concerned about certain home comforts you may want to consider taking your own teabags, ketchup, chocolate bars and certain spreads or sauces. Some people even take their breakfast cereals with them.
- Passport/VISA
- Flight/Train tickets/e-confirmation
- EHIC Card
- Mobile Phones, chargers and travel adaptors
- Insurance Documents
- Local currency and payment cards
- Snacks/Drinks
- Games/magazines/cards for quiet nights in
- iPad/tablet/GoPro or Camera for action clips
- Batteries
What to pack for a skiing holiday when skiing
- Ski Jacket – regarded as many as a skier’s best friend on the slopes – https://www.snowandrock.com/expert-advice-and-inspiration/buying-guides/ski-jacket-buying-guide.html#:~:text=Your%20ski%20jacket%20is%20your,is%20fundamental%20to%20your%20look. – an adequate jacket is essential for warmth, protection and, for many, the right look. Also, consider 3-in-1 options to determine the practicality for yourself – https://www.switchbacktravel.com/ski-jackets-shell-vs-insulated-vs-3-1
- Ski Trousers – although legs aren’t as sensitive to the cold, it’s equally important to have quality well-insulated protection – https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/alpine/alpine-advice/how-choose-ski-pants.
- Ski Socks – get ready for cold days on the slopes with several pairs that keep you warm and cushioned.
- Ski Gloves – keep hands warm and dry.
- Hat and scarf set – keep even warmer and keep the chills out with a hat, scarf or lightweight neck warmer when skiing.
- Balaclava – for those days when it’s snowy and you need extra protection from the wind, you may want to invest in something that provides more cover – https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ski/ski-accessories/balaclavas/.
- Goggles – when skiing and snowboarding, you can’t underestimate the importance of good skiing googles – https://www.skiandsport.net/blog/2016/04/why-you-need-ski-goggles-on-the-slope/. In some resorts you can hire them but, when remembering what to pack for a skiing holiday, don’t forget that your eyes need protection from harsh winds, glare from bright sunshine, and shielded from airborne snow, ice and debris. Goggles need to be secure and many have added UV protection within the lenses.
- Ski Boots – another item that can be hired but some will argue that, once you have been hooked by the thrill of a skiing holiday, you need to buy for the right comfort, warmth, and enhanced performance on the slopes – https://www.visitbigsky.com/articles/post/3-reasons-why-you-need-to-buy-ski-boots/.
- Extra layers – go into extra time with long-sleeved t-shirts, jumpers and thermal layers for added comfort when out in sub-zero temperatures.
- Helmet – there has been an increase in the number of skiers and snowboarders wearing head protection over the past ten years with over 80% of people choosing to wear a ski helmet in most ski resorts – https://www.wintersportscompany.com/ski-and-snowboard-helmets/. Again, these can be hired when beginning to find one’s feet out on the slope.
- Skis/snowboard bag – if you have your own skis or snowboard, a bag isn’t just for the convenience of travel, a bag protects the equipment and the bags with wheels make life a lot easier when moving about and at the airport.
- Ski Boots Bag – many people overlook the benefits of a bag for your ski boots. It makes them easy to carry and helps keep them dry
- Hip Flask and chocolate – those chair lift rides can be long, drawn-out affairs.
What to pack for a skiing holiday when out and about
There is life beyond the slopes and lots more to explore, so when considering what to pack for a skiing holiday don’t forget the evening attire.
- Jumpers – or multiple layers of something with long sleeves
- Jeans/Trousers – thermals if really cold
- Footwear – a comfortable pair of walking boots/shoes
- Slippers/thermal socks with grip – not all chalets have heated floors
- Swimwear – yes, cold places have hot tubs and, depending on where you are in the world, sunbathing also happens at high altitude
- Sunglasses – you are gonna need these for when you don’t have ski goggles on
- Sleepwear/onesie – for those cold winter nights
- Hat, scarf and gloves – when wandering out and about in the evening
If you are new to skiing, it may seem like a daunting task to decide what to ack for a skiing holiday but the key is – as with everything holiday-based – all in the planning.
Here at Monte Rosa Holidays, we can help you decide what is necessary for your first or 31st time on the slopes. Don’t hesitate to ask – Booking | Contact Monterosa | Italian Ski Holidays (monterosaholidays.com)