Everything you need on your ski packing checklist
So, you’ve taken the plunge and booked yourself a snazzy little ski trip? N-ice. Whether you’re an alpine aficionado or a nervous novice, remembering what is on a ski packing checklist is snow joke. With everything from salopettes and ski accessories to snowsuits and ski sunglasses, your packing checklist for skiing can feel never-ending – especially when you’ve got to squash everything into one suitcase (or one and a half if you’re travelling with a partner).
*Enter yours truly*
We’ve put together the ski packing checklist of all checklists to ensure you’re only packing skiing essentials. We break down what to wear for skiing, what to rent, what not to rent, what to buy and where to buy it from (us, obviously).
Now, although we can’t offer up any beginner skiing tips or guarantee a Bridget Jones-style tumble isn’t on the cards, we can promise that if you follow our ski packing checklist to a T, then you can at least ‘all the gear, no idea’ your way down the slopes in style. After all, what is a piste if not a snow-covered catwalk, eh?
Ski Essentials
It can be easy to overcomplicate things when it comes to writing your packing list for skiing – even if it’s not your first snowdeo. This is no summer holibobs to Sicily and ski clothes are notoriously heavy and bulky, so overpacking isn’t an option (unless you fancy blowing your spending money on excess baggage, that is). Stick with us and say ski ya later to packing anything other than the ultimate skiing essentials. Consider this the holy grail of ski packing checklists…
What to wear for skiing
Read the checklist thoroughly but still wondering *exactly* what to wear for skiing? Should your ski clothes be close-fitting? What fabric properties should you be searching for? Where’s the line between practicality and pizzazz? Do not fear, you’ve snowploughed into the right place. We break down what to wear for skiing – from the best basics to ski sunglasses and accessories – just below. And the best bit? We've got said ski gear from the biggest outdoor brands, and it's all up to 60% less*. Piste, catwalk. Potayto, potahto. Slope style, here you come!
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Ski jacket
Any ol’ puffer coat simply won’t cut it when it comes to what to wear for skiing. No sir! Your jacket must be specifically designed for skiing and should be insulated but breathable – and, most importantly, waterproof.
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Salopettes
Salopettes or ski trousers? There’s no correct answer. It’s personal preference. Fit however, is key, so ensure they’re loose enough for layers underneath and try them on with ski boots for length.
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Base layers
Base layers should be tight-fitting (like a second skin) for maximum warmth. You’ll need a combination of long sleeve tops, fleeces, thermal leggings and sweat-wicking underwear.
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Boots
You can rent ski boots at your resort, but you will need to pack some snow boots for off the slopes. Functionality > fashion, as you’ll need waterproof protection, grip soles and fleece/faux fur lining for warmth.
How to pick the perfect ski jacket
There’s a few options to pick from, so we’re giving you the ski jacket lowdown so you can get it right first time
Ski accessories
Now you know the best clothes to wear for skiing, you’re ready to ace your accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, choosing the right ski accessories is super important. ‘Why?’ we hear you ask... because they enhance your performance, safety, comfort and overall enjoyment on the slopes. At up to 60% less than the RRP, our big-brand ski accessories enhance your overall shopping enjoyment too!
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A backpack
Where else do you think your SPF and room key is gonna go, eh? Bag a light (but secure) backpack from yours truly for up to 60% less* to ensure those valuables don’t go flying down the slopes too.
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A scarf or neck warmer
Sure, scarves and neck warmers are great for keeping you cosy, but they also do so much more. Sore skin and a nippy nose? No chance. These ski essentials are perfect for protecting your face and neck from wind and sunburn.
Sunglasses for skiing
On warmer ski days or spring skiing, ski sunglasses are often comfier than goggles. They allow better ventilation and are lighter, helping to prevent fogging when you're working up a sweat. Ski sunglasses also tend to have snazzy lenses that are optimised for different light conditions, which can significantly improve your slope vision and reaction time.
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Functional
Polarised sunnies reduce glare, improving your vision and making it easier to spot obstacles, changes in terrain or even other skiers. They're fancy-looking too.
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Fashion
Less practical, more pretty: these cool styles are better suited to non-skiing times. For spontaneous spa afternoons or shopping trips, they're your go-tos.
Ski outfits for women
If you think ski outfits have to be big and bulky, think again... nowadays, many ski outfits for women are more fitted and therefore more flattering (woohoo!). Whether you’re a two-piece kinda girl or snowsuits piste your interest, look to pieces that are tailored yet still allow freedom of movement. Our fave women’s ski outfit? Flared ski trousers paired with a Fair Isle knit and a fluffy-hooded ski jacket.
Ski outfits for men
For a more streamlined appearance, opt for a tailored men’s ski outfit. Slim-fit ski trousers and jackets will create a sleek, stylish look that’s still comfy to wear. We love to see cohesive men’s ski outfits (a matching ski jacket and trousers or ski clothes in complementary colours). And the men’s ski outfit we après-ciate the most? It’s gonna be an all-black ensemble with bold and bright ski accessories.
Ski outfits for kids
There’s nothing cuter than kids’ ski outfits – they’re just sooo cute! From brrrilliant ski clothing in all kinds of colours to best-in-snow accessories, we’ve got everything you need to kit out your kiddos for the slopes. We’re pretty sure you’ll be s-mitten with our price tags too! Better hurry though... these winter-ful steals are frost come, frost served.
Skiing toiletries
Yes, we know! Your 23kg allowance is already screaming for help after squeezing in your salopettes and 329 base layers, but make sure to save a little room for some key toiletries. So, you’ve already picked everything up on our toiletries list above? Before you close your case, double check you’ve packed these three ski essentials and that they’re placed close to hand.
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Sun cream
If you only pack one thing, please make it sun cream. Higher altitude and the reflection of snow and ice = more UV radiation. Opt for SPF 50 for your face and reapply throughout the day.
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Moisturiser
Go on, keep your skin happy by packing a rich and nourishing body moisturiser. Believe us when we say your skin will need it after a day of being exposed to the cool, dry elements.
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Deodorant
You sure do work up a sweat on those slopes, so make sure you pack a strong deodorant. Your pits will thank you (and us) for it when you’re going straight from skiing to après-ing.
