If you’re planning to have a wonderful winter sport adventure, you need to have the right items with you. Here’s my ultimate skiing packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!

I was packing this morning, trying to decide what to take on my ski trip, when I remembered that a problem shared is a problem halved. So, I put fingers to keyboard and pulled together the ultimate skiing packing list according to my 14 years as a skier, 9 ski trips, and a little bit of internet research.

So here’s everything you need for a week-long ski trip packing list.

Packing for a ski trip list? Let’s start from the feet upwards.

1. Snow boots / hiking boots

In an ideal world we’d all have some fur lined snow boots (hmmm, £40, tempting), but I don’t, so you can definitely make do with some hiking boots for your ski packing list.

My little beauties were from Sports Direct, at around £40, just before I went to Costa Rica. I feel like a right adventurer when I put these on, they’re weather proof, and they’re super comfy too. I’ve found them on Amazon for £43. 

2. Ski socks

Painful feet are the number one killer of any fun when you’re skiing, and cold feet are the second.

Invest in good skiing socks.

And you can wear them two days each, who cares? Depending on the socks (some are specially insulated) you can always wear normal socks underneath for extra warmth. These are an absolute must have when you’re packing for a ski trip.

2-3 pairs minimum, obviously one a day is ideal but who’s got the money and suitcase space for that?

3. Heat packs

Heat packs aren’t an absolute necessity but depending on your circulation you might find it comforting to know you have the option of heat packs in extreme cold.

Each heat packet has ten hours of heat, when exposed to air. I’ve got some of these on my skiing packing list for Finland, my toes get cold. 

4. Thermal layers

Being cold when you’re up on the mountain is horrible, trust me, I’ve been there, several times.

Invest in some good thermals for your skiing packing list, they don’t have to cost loads.

I’ve previously bought them from Primark and been fine, although they’ve either shrank over the years (or I’ve grown), either way I’ve just bought some new ones from Trespass that were reduced from £50 to £20. Gotta be good right?

I would absolutely, definitely, not go skiing unless I had some good thermals on.

Usually the thermal layers will only work if they’re against your skin so don’t go thinking that a top underneath will help you to stay warm – follow the instructions for use. An absolute must for your ski vacation packing checklist.

Two sets minimum, unless you have a washing machine.

5. Underwear

I just wear my normal knickers, and then either a sports bra or a normal one. It’s not like you’re bouncing around much, well, hopefully not. A good comfy supportive one will do. You’re gonna sweat though, so depends which bra you want to do that in. 

Two per day for your ski packing list, stay fresh with some new ones for the evening.

6. Tshirt

I’ve only ever skied in my tshirt once, and it felt good. When I learnt to ski, in Slovenia, it was warm enough to ski in the ski pants and a tshirt. Never managed it again though!

Pack a few cool tshirts in your packing list for skiing though, just in case. You can always wear them as a fourth layer. 

Take a few

READ MORE: Packing List for Babies

7. Fleecey top

Choose a fleece top or two that undoes at the top, as in, has a zip. This way you can let a blast of cold air in if you start to overheat from the ski work out. The best ones are made from Merino wool, but you’ll also find they’re the most expensive.

I don’t have one.

I have two Trespass fleeces, one’s a hoody and ones a pullover. And they’re both toasty AF.

Two will do.

8. Ski jacket

I want to say don’t scrimp on the ski jacket because this is your main shield against the elements but at the same time, I’ve just picked this beaut up from Trespass at £40 (nearest shop to my house, don’t have time to faff about).

A tip to make your skiing packing list slightly cheaper, Try TKMaxx and the sales at the likes of Mountain Warehouse and Trespass, or, if you’ve got the cash to burn, Google.

There are some beautiful ski jackets around but you’re definitely going to be paying a good amount for them. Be warned about the ones with the super trendy fluffy linings on the hood – my favourites – that fur doesn’t seem as much fun when it’s cold and wet and in your face.

Obviously you don’t have to worry about actually packing this for your ski trip, you can just wear it. 

Just the one will do it. 

If you’re going to a ski festival in Europe, you definitely need the coolest ski jacket you can find.

9. Neck gaitor

You need one of these so make sure its top of your skiing packing list. They keep your neck warm under your coat and help to seal up your body against the cold. You can also pull them up to cover your mouth and keep your chin warm. You can get some pretty funky ones, to stay bright, but here’s a sleek example from Amazon.

It’s a good idea to have two, as putting on a cold one is not nice.

10. Gloves

Make sure your gloves fit well and keep your hands warm. Don’t get big baggy ones that you’ve borrowed off someone, they’ll just be annoying and keep falling off.

Your fingers will feel the cold first so make sure they’re well protected.

If you can get ones that attach to your coat, that’s always useful. These are essential for your packing for ski trip list.

It can be a good idea to have a thin cotton pair within a heavier duty pair. My cotton ones have some weird magic in the finger tips so that I can still press my phone buttons without taking them off. Very useful up on the mountain. And then get some mittens to go over the top – they’re proven to keep your hands warmer than finger gloves.

Two pairs, different thicknesses.

11. Hat for your ski packing list

If you’re skiing you’ll most likely be wearing a helmet – good for keeping you safe, and warm – but you’ll want a hat to put on for the apres, or when you’re eating your lunch. Just any old beanie will keep you warm.

I have one from Primark and one from Oliver Bonas, just in case. 

Two, in case you lose one.

12. Rucksack

I like to ski with a rucksack on, generally so I have somewhere to put my layers if I need, keep my camera stuff, a drink and maybe a snack too. It doesn’t make a difference to me whether I have the rucksack on or not but I know some people find them annoying. Up to you!

Or, you might prefer to use a bum bag / fanny pack instead.

13. Sunglasses / glasses / contact lenses / goggles

I’m short sighted so I prefer to ski in contact lenses. This means that if for any reason I lose my glasses, I can still see. I mean, it hasn’t happened yet but life is all about damage limitation, right?

I take some cheapo sunglasses to wear for the apres, or when we’re chilling, and then goggles for when I’m skiing.

These help to keep your face warm, protect against wind chill, and reduce the brightness from the slopes. Make sure to take your own as they’re pretty cheap to buy, but as I discovered in Japan, very expensive to rent.

Enough contact lenses for the week, some sunglasses and your goggles

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You can buy everything you need for skiing from Amazon. Check out the prices here.

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At the hotel / chalet

Besides the items you need for skiing, you need to know what to pack for the whole skiing trip. That means when you’re relaxing too.

14. Slippers

I’ve packed my slipper socks – don’t take up much space and an absolute dream to put on after a hot shower. Easy to slip on and off and providing all that important insulation for youre toes nd feet on your ski trip!

15. Tracksuit bottoms

Who doesn’t want the pure comfort of tracksuit bottoms?!

Practical and easy to lounge around in with warmth and ease. You just want to be comfy and free to move around after a day on the slopes. Tracksuit bottoms are the answer!

16. Pyjamas

After some apres ski and a good hearty dinner, you can slip into your comfy pyjamas and go right to sleep. You’ll be tired after the day of skiing and want to be able to have best nights sleep to be able to do it all again the next day.

Help your body rest as best it can in your favourite PJs – and there’s nothing like a home comfort to help you relax. Some cosy pyjamas are essential in your ski packing checklist.

17. Swimming costume / bikini

You may raise an eyebrow when reading my suggestion of adding a bikini to you skiing packing list but it’s not for the slopes!

Lots of resorts have facilities such as jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas and you’ll want to make the more of the spa opportunities. Don’t miss out by forgetting to pack a swimming costume in your skiing packing list.

Think of the added mental and physical benefits of a relaxing spa session too!

18. Sweaters

Add a chunky knit traditional woollen jumper to your packing list for skiing. Keep a jumper or cardigan or three clean for your evening meal so you can feel clean and strong after a day on the slopes!

19. Jeans

Standard!

Jeans are great for any occasion, easy to pack, easy to wear both for day or night time adventures. Don’t forget to pack these staples for your winter wardrobe getaway.

20. Flip flops

No one likes walking around a pool, spa or bathroom in bare feet, especially if it’s not exclusively yours like in your room – so, pack some flip flops. You can bring some stylish ones if you like or, if you’re trying to keep your skiing packing list cheap, a pair from Primark will only set you back a few pounds yet help you navigate your way around the spa in comfort and hygiene.

They are also slender enough to take up very little room in your suitcase unlike another pair of chunky shoes!

The Apres ski

Almost all attire fits here, just leave your heels and loafers at home.

Skiing packing list: for the bathroom

Helpful list for toiletries for your ski vacation packing checklist…

1. Shampoo
2. Conditioner
3. Toothpaste
4. Toothbrush
5. Sun lotion with SPF
6. Moisturiser
7. Lip balm
8. Handy tissues
9. Vitamins
10. Cough & cold treatment
11. Rehydration tabs
12. First Aid Kit

Ski packing list: miscellaneous

1. Camera / GoPro, and attachments
2. Headphones
3. Phone
4. Weather proof case for your phone
5. Travel adaptor

Things to rent when you go skiing

1. Ski boots
2. Ski poles
3. Skis

If you forget stuff in your ski packing list

Don’t worry. If you’re going to a main ski area there’ll be at least one shop waiting with open arms to sell you some overpriced ski wear. You’ll just be limited in price and money, but trust me, there’ll be options for most things. But, that’s what they want you to do.

With this packing list for skiing you should have everything you need, covered.

What to pack for a ski vacation: what not to pack

1. Big chunky scarves – could be good for the evening, but really, they just get in the way, take up too much space, and you can wear your gaitor to keep warm for the apres.
2. Anything fancy – trust me, even if you’re going somewhere where the nightlife is legendary you can still get away with hiking boots, jeans and a t-shirt. You’ll look like an idiot if you bring your ‘out out’ clothes, and you’ll freeze.
3. Skirts and dresses – nahhhh, comfort and warmth rule all.
4. Straighteners and curlers – why bother?

My skiing experience

I’ve been fortunate to go skiing quite a lot, so here are the links to my different experiences around the world.

• Austria: Kitzbuhel 
• Canada: Sun Peaks
• France: Tignes
• Germany: All over
• Italy: Champoluc
• Japan: Mount Zao, Niseko
• Slovenia: Bohinj
• Bulgaria: Bansko
• France: Avoriaz

Quick ski trip packing guide

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