Ski trip packing

The list adapts to you

When you add it, the checklist asks a couple of questions and keeps only the items that fit your situation.

• Traveling with kids? NoYes

What's inside

1. Insurance that covers skiing

   Standard travel insurance does NOT cover the slopes. You need the ski/snowboard option — otherwise the rescue snowmobile ride is on you.

2. Buy lift passes online in advance

   Online passes are cheaper than the ticket window, and in high season you skip the queue too.

3. Book rentals and an instructor ahead

   In season, decent boots in your size and good instructors are gone weeks ahead.

4. Thermal base layers — two sets

   One dries after washing, one's on you. Synthetic or merino wool, never cotton.

5. Layers: fleece plus a shell jacket and pants

   Three layers beat one thick jacket: lifts are freezing, runs are sweaty.

6. Ski socks — several pairs

   Proper tall ski socks, not cotton: cotton soaks and freezes your feet. One pair per day.

7. Gloves plus a spare pair

   Soaked gloves end your ski day. A spare pair in the backpack fixes that.

8. Ski goggles

   In snowfall and fog you can't read the terrain without goggles. If you have a spare lens, bring both.

9. Helmet

   Yours or rented — but non-negotiable. Many resorts won't let you into parks without one.

10. SPF 50 and lip balm

    Mountain sun plus snow glare burns your face even in freezing, cloudy weather.

11. Neck gaiter or balaclava

    Covers your face on windy lifts — the one place you genuinely freeze.

12. Swimsuit for the spa or sauna

    Nearly every ski resort has thermal baths, pools or saunas — a shame to miss.

13. Power bank and a warm pocket for your phone

    Cold kills the battery in a couple of hours. Keep the phone in an inner pocket and a power bank in the pack.

14. First aid kit with an elastic bandage

    Plus painkillers and blister plasters — new boots rub on day one.

15. Casual clothes and shoes for evenings

    Warm non-slip shoes for the village: the streets turn into an ice rink at night.

16. A kids' helmet — mandatory Yes

    Most resorts require helmets for kids. Check the fit ahead — rental ones can be worn out.

17. Book ski school for the kid in advance Yes

    Kids' groups in your language fill up weeks ahead in season. Half a day of ski school is half a day of free skiing for you.

18. Layers and spare mittens for the kid Yes

    Kids get soaked faster than adults. Spare mittens and a dry base layer after lunch are standard.

19. Kids' SPF 50 and cheek protection Yes

    Kids' cheeks burn and windchap first — cream in the morning and again after lunch.