Packing essentials for a Ski Holiday

You never quite realise how much you need to pack for a ski holiday until you lay it all out and try squeezing it into a regular suitcase, and then have the realisation “That’s not all going to fit”.  So this post will help you narrow down the essentials and my top tips on how to pack them.

In my eyes a ski holiday isn’t just for skiing, it’s also a fashion show on the slopes!  So choosing a ski suit is my favourite part of packing, getting it into the suitcase is not.  I usually only take one pair of salopettes and a jacket but this year I decided to also switch it up and pack an all-in-one as well, if I’m honest… was it worth the hassle of shoving them both in the suitcase?  Probably not.  Therefore, I would recommend just taking the one outfit that you can get comfortable in and feel your best skiing in.  The brands I recommend for ski gear are:  Super Dry, Dope Snow and Montec, but it’s all about what your comfortable in (just check reviews!).  Those brands are slightly more on the pricier side but they guarantee that you are in the best and warmest gear as well as the most long-lasting.  And if you are thinking of being an over-packer, definitely invest in a large Ski suitcase (our favourites are ‘Head’ bags by a mile.) which are designed to fit everything in and more!

Layering underneath your ski suit is vital for skiing, no matter how warm it may be in your room or on the bus ride to the slopes, I can guarantee you’ll be wishing you had more layers on when you get to the top of the mountain.  I always recommend a bottom layer of a thermal long sleeve top and leggings and then a mid layer such as a quarter zip fleece.  It may seem like a lot but as my dad always says “It’s better to be looking at it than for it”, basically you can always take off a layer if need be!  The final few ‘layers’ include a snood to cover your mouth and nose, ski specific socks and a good pair of gloves (With maybe a spare smaller pair in your pocket just in case).  Ski socks are very different to a pair of slipper socks, they’re much tighter and should be the only thing inside your ski boots <TOP TIP.

MERIBEL 2023

The next 2 items are personally very essential… a helmet and goggles.  A helmet is self-explanatory and are available to hire in most ski shops if you don’t want to splurge for your first ski trip.  But great helmet brands include Oakley, Salomon and Bolle.  Moving on to goggles, in my opinion they are just as essential as the helmet but some people prefer just a good pair of sunglasses, again this is personal preference.  But if you do want to get yourself a pair of goggles, it’s best to try and go into a ski/snowboard shop for them to recommend the best ones for you and your budget, as well as talking you through the specific lenses straps and sizes.

Finally, I’ll leave you with some extra top tips to look back on later… 

  • Take Sun cream! Yes you can get wind burn pretty bad.
  • Lip Balm will be your best friend.
  • A comfy pair of slippers/boots for the boot room is a must pack
  • Pack less evening outfits than you think, Apres ski doesn’t involve changing out of ski gear! But a couple of nice jumpers and jeans will probably do.
  • Don’t forget the extra scarf and hat
  • Avoid Ski Jackets with fur on the hood!
  • Look out for Ski jackets and salopettes with vents, these are life savers.
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