ESSENTIAL SKI KIT: WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAY
So you’ve booked a ski holiday this season and you’re wondering what to pack. If you’re a first-time skier you’ll need the basics to build up your kit. And if you’re a seasoned veteran of the slopes, it’s always good to have a little refresher to ensure you’ve got everything you need.
Ski holiday essentials for on the slopes
This is the main event. If you’re going for a weekend or stretching your ski holiday out for around five to seven days, you’ll likely be spending all day every day on the mountain. It’s what you came for after all. But so much time on the slopes demands good quality, durable and hard-wearing kit.
Your basics should include:
- Ski gloves
- Ski jacket
- Ski trousers
- Fleece
- Thermal tops
- Thermal underwear
- T-shirts
- Ski socks
- Neck warmer
- Sunglasses / ski goggles
- Ski helmet
Let’s look a little closer at some of the things on the list. A ski helmet isn’t always an essential and it’s something you can hire in your resort. But it never does any harm to add some extra protection to your kit, and we’ve got some great ski helmets available at TOG24 too.
When it comes to your ski jacket, you have a few different choices. You can opt for a classic ski jacket or you can go for a puffer jacket too. The main thing you need to consider is whether you are warm and protected from the wind, rain and snow. You also don’t want to be weighed down too much by your jacket and you’ll need the freedom to move comfortably – skiing is a sport after all.
When looking for your ski clothing, you should always keep the classic “three layer system” in mind. This refers to:
- Thermal layer – this base layer will remove moisture from your body
- Mid-layer – this will keep you warm – a fleece or polo neck are ideal
- Outer layer – to protect against the elements in the form of a ski jacket
Your ski base layers will likely get pretty sweaty after a day or two, so if you’re away for longer than a weekend, try and pack around two pairs. You’ll only need to pack one fleece, but just make sure you go for a good quality one that will keep you properly warm.
Ski socks are absolutely essential, and please remember that normal socks just won’t do. Good ski socks are imperative to protect your feet inside your ski boots. Plan to pack a pair for each day you’ll be skiing – especially if you’re hiring your ski boots. You can always wash your ski socks, but who wants to be doing washing while you’re on your holiday?!
And once you’ve got your basic ski kit sorted, you can use it again and again for holidays in the mountains.
Ski holiday essentials for off the slopes
But what about the time you spend off the slopes? That’s pretty fun on a skiing holiday too!
Yes you might hit après ski in your ski gear straight from the mountain, but you will be heading out for dinner in the evening on most days or hitting a few bars in the later hours. You’ll also be around your ski chalet relaxing and maybe popping into town for a little shopping too. As soon as you get back from a hard day’s skiing you’ll want your kit off and some warm clothes on. Try and pack:
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Shirts
- Jumpers and hoodies
- Underwear
- Socks
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Bobble or beanie hat
- Swimming gear
- Pyjamas
- Hiking boots or walking shoes
- Trainers
Yes you’ll need a swimming costume or your swimming trunks if your chalet has a hot tub or even a pool – you don’t want to miss out on that. Normal socks are obviously essential when you’re out and about, and you may also want to wear a pair under your ski socks too – but remember two pairs of socks isn’t actually warmer than one!
Jumpers and hoodies are good for hanging around the chalet, whilst hiking boots or walking shoes could be a godsend if you’re dealing with icy pavements on the way back to your accommodation after dinner or a couple of drinks.
Of course it’s going to be cold so scarves, hats and gloves are always important too. And whenever you head outside you’ll likely want to throw your ski jacket on to keep warm – and remember the three layer system isn’t just for when you’re on the slopes. It also works off them too.
Happy skiing!
