What to pack | Ski Holidays

Getting ready for your ski holiday

Planning your ski adventure is an exciting journey, and we're here to ensure you have everything you need for a seamless and unforgettable experience on the slopes. Whether you're a seasoned skier or hitting the snow for the first time, our checklist covers all the essentials to help you pack, prepare, and make the most of your time in the mountains. From clothing and gear to important documents and safety tips, let us guide you through the preparations so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your ski holiday.

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Ski Checklist: Clothing Essentials

Thermal Layers

These thin tight-fitting shirts and leggings will hug your body and heat up a thin layer of air between your skin and the fabric. Thermals will do more to keep your core warm than the thickest of ski jackets. On top of these initial layers it is a great idea to have many other layers that you can remove or add to as the temperature fluctuates.

Waterproof and Windproof Jacket and Trousers

We suggest purchasing a ski or snowboard-specific waterproof and breathable jacket and trousers as they usually come equipped with other useful features, all ideal for tackling the mountain. Powder skirts can prevent snow from sneaking inside your jacket on those deep powder days. While underarm and leg vents are perfect for keeping you from overheating on those perfect blue sky days.

Neck Warmer

If it gets windy on the slopes, a good neck warmer is important to provide extra protection against the cold. “Buffs” are probably the most recognisable as you can pull them up over your head to keep your face warm too.

Gloves & Ski Socks

Waterproof gloves or mittens are a necessity when it comes to keeping warm on the slopes. It is important to have comfortable and warm ski socks to wear in your boots. Your socks should be long so that they don’t finish inside the boot, and they must fit well so that they don’t bunch up inside the boot. It is also important not to wear multiple layers of socks, this will decrease your control while skiing.

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Ski Checklist: Protection

Sun Screen

Despite the cold, the sun is more powerful when you’re up high. The thin atmosphere and your proximity to its rays mean that getting burnt is far more common than you would expect. Factor 50, with regular reapplication, is recommended on particularly sunny days. It’s also worth noting that the sun’s rays will reflect off the snow and sunburn the underside of your nose. Leave no skin unprotected.

Lip Balm with SPF Protection

The use of lip balm on the mountain is twofold. First, it’s the most effective way of protecting your lips from the sun. Second, a layer of lip balm will help keep your lips safe from the dryness and cracking that comes with cold winds.

Helmet

When skiing or snowboarding it is a really good idea to wear a helmet. Even if you are confident on the slopes there is a lot going on that can be outside you’re control. You can think about it like wearing a seat belt whilst driving. Good helmets are easy to find online or in most outdoor sports shops, but if you don’t fancy buying one, you will be able to rent a good helmet at any Club Med resort.

Goggles or Sunglasses

It is imperative to protect your eyes when out on the slopes. The reflective snow covered surfaces mean your eyes are getting bombarded by a lot more light than they are used to. A pair of goggles or sunglasses with a tinted, polarised lens will help to protect your eyes. Modern ski goggles have many different types of lens to choose from, low light lenses will enhance your vision in bad visibility, while high light lenses are great for shielding your eyes from the high intensity light. Most goggle companies will have a lens that is suitable for a range of conditions, saving you from purchasing many different lenses.