Not sure what to pack for a skiing trip? You’re not alone. Skiing holidays often require lots of planning. Luckily, we’ve put together this ultimate packing guide for ski trips, complete with a free PDF packing list download – find it at the end of this article!
You can shop all the essentials at our skiing supplies shop in Sheffield or online.
Skiing Packing List
Packing for skiing seems like a daunting task, but good planning is the key to stress-free ski trip packing.
We break down our packing into 5 key areas: clothes for the slope, for the chalet, for après ski, skiing gear, and backpack essentials. Almost everything on our list can be bought in store or online at Ski Racing Supplies with the exception of a few basic items.
We recommend doing your ski shopping in the summer when prices are usually lower and there’s less demand.
What to Wear on the Slopes?
When you’re out on the slope, it’s all about keeping dry and warm (we have another blog all about the science of how to keep warm when skiing). Layers are the aim of the game – you’ll need a thermal base layer to keep heat in and a waterproof layer to keep the wet snow out. You may also want a mid layer that you can take off or put on as needed. When you’re shopping for your layers, it’s a good idea to purchase your base layers first and wear those when buying your outer layers so you can check the fit and range of movement.
The last and most important thing you’ll need are a few pairs of good technical ski socks. Normal socks or hiking socks won’t cut it – in fact, thicker socks will reduce circulation and make your feet feel colder. Specially made ski socks are designed for maximum warmth and comfort, thermally insulated with additional padding on contact points where your foot will touch your boot. Proper ski socks are a game changer when it comes to fighting off cold feet. We love the Falke brand ski socks – check out our recommendations for the best socks for skiing.
What to pack:
- 3-5 pairs of ski socks
- 2-3 thermal base layer tops & tights/leggings
- Mid layer jacket and pants (optional)
- Ski jacket
- Ski pants/salopettes
What Ski Gear to Pack?
Some ski gear like poles and skis can be rented at resorts, but the chances are you’ll own all these items for yourself if you ski often, as renting can quickly become expensive. If you’re new to skiing and you’re not sure what items to rent or buy, read our guide to Renting vs Buying Ski Gear.
The most important item of ski gear to own for yourself is a pair of good quality, fitted ski boots that have been properly adjusted to your feet. A good pair of properly fitted ski boots will help you have better control over your skis and keep you more comfortable throughout your trip. We can find your perfect ski boot in person at our specialist ski store in Sheffield, where we also provide ski boot fitting services to customise your boot fit.
What to pack:
- Ski goggles
- Ski Helmet
- Ski gloves
- Ski boots (custom fitted by us, of course!)
- Poles (unless renting)
- Skis (unless renting)
What on Slope Essentials to Pack?
There’s a few on slope essentials you’ll likely need when skiing in addition to the obvious items such as your skis. It’s surprisingly easy to get skin damage when skiing from a combination of the cold temperatures and the white snow bouncing the sun’s UV rays back at your skin, making the sunlight brighter in the mountains. One of the most important things you can pack is sunblock to protect your skin (we know sunblock in the snow sounds crazy – just trust us) and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes! A good moisturiser and lip balm are also essentials for everyone, regardless of gender. You might also want to pack a ski pass reel for easy access to your lift pass.
- High SPF sunscreen
- Moisturiser and lip balm
- Ski pass reel
- Neck warmer
- Sunglasses
- Backpack
What to Wear for Après Ski?
Ski resorts are casual so there’s no need to pack loads of clothes. In fact, most people just wear their ski gear! Whilst some people choose to go straight from the slope to the bar, others prefer to freshen up at the chalet before heading out.
Once again, layers are your best friend for après ski, as walking around outside is cold, but inside restaurants and bars are always heated, so you’ll want clothes that are easy to adapt to the different temperatures.
Don’t bother bringing high heels or dress shoes as the ground will be slippery. You might be able to get away with a good pair of grippy trainers, but we would always recommend a sturdy hiking shoe, winter boot, or purpose-built ski trainer from a respectable brand like these Rossignol trainers.
What to pack:
- 1-2 warm jumpers
- A few tee-shirts or long sleeve tops
- Casual jeans, trousers or leggings
- Snow boots, hiking boots, or sturdy trainers
- Warm socks (unless you like re-wearing sweaty ski socks!)
- Casual hat, scarf and gloves (or wear your ski gear to keep packing light)
What to Wear in the Ski Chalet?
Your ski chalet is the place where you’ll cozy up in the evenings and grab breakfast in the mornings before hitting the slopes, but you’d be surprised how little time you actually spend there. Since you’ll only really be in the chalet to rest between skiing sessions, you really don’t need to pack a lot. A couple of pairs of pyjamas will be more than enough. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of slippers or flip-flops/sliders to keep near the entryway so you don’t track snow and mud throughout the chalet by wearing your boots inside. If your ski resort also has a hot tub or spa, you can also bring swimwear for using those facilities. Lastly, don’t forget your underwear!
What to pack:
- Loungewear or pjs
- Swimwear (if there’s a hot tub/ spa)
- Slippers
- Underwear
The Final Verdict?
The most important thing to remember is to pack for the weather. It’s very easy to overpack for skiing, but the chances are, you won’t use most of the things you think you need to pack. Remember, the weather will be cold and you’ll be out on the slopes most of the time – you won’t need fancy shoes, dressy outfits, makeup etc – you’re there to ski!
Our top advice is this:
- Don’t overpack – some casual clothes and your ski coat is enough for après ski
- Leave behind impractical items – makeup, dress shoes, heels etc don’t work well in the snow and will just take up space. Trade all of this for a good pair of practical snow boots.
- Shop in summer to beat the rush
- Consider renting some pieces of gear if you don’t ski frequently
- Buy your base layers in advance and wear them when you shop for your outer layers to check they fit comfortably.
