Don’t know what to pack for a ski trip? Well for seasoned skiers and snowboarders, annual trips to the slopes are not uncommon. A week of sweating it out on the snowy slopes and chilling out in front of a warm lodge fire is paradise for many.
For some, it can be a little alien – how do you go about preparing for such an extreme environment when you’ve never experienced it before? To make the most of your skiing vacation, make sure you’ve crammed all the essentials into your suitcase before you set off, which we’ve oh-so-helpfully listed for you right here.
Wrap up
The most obvious, but arguably most important, thing to remember when you’re getting your things together for a skiing trip is that ski resorts are cold. They’re covered in snow and they’re usually at pretty high altitudes; even when the sun is out, it’s going to be chilly.
Don’t forget thick jumpers, scarves or neck-warmers and gloves to fight off the icy temperatures.
Make sure you’ve got woolen undergarments (don’t forget socks!) that will keep you warm even if you get wet. Merino wool is the most effective choice for this and your toes will thank you for it. Staying comfortable is the first rule of skiing or snowboarding.
Pros recommend clothing that you can layer to fight the chill of the mountains . If you’re wearing layers, you can easy shed a few when you start to get too sweaty after a couple of hours battling the snow.
Try to get yourself some long underwear with “wicking” potential; it’s designed to keep you dry by transferring moisture outwards, where it will evaporate.
Don’t Forget About the Sun
In the same way that sunshine doesn’t mean warmth when you’re on the mountaintop, cold air doesn’t mean you’re safe from sun damage. For every 1,000 feet of altitude, UV penetration goes up by 4%: UV radiation is much stronger when you’re out on the slopes, due to the high elevation and the reflection from the snow. This can lead to nasty burns and damage to the eyes.
To make sure you’re protected, always ensure you’ve packed plenty of sunblock – at least SPF 30 – and invest in a 100% UV reflecting ski goggles or ski mask.
When I say plenty, that’s what I mean – when you’re snowboarding or skiing, sunblock wears away a lot quicker than it would If you were just lying on the beach . The increased sweat you produce from exertion, the high wind often found at high altitudes and the risk of snowfall all mean you’ll need to reapply sunblock at least every two hours to stay safe from dangerous UV rays.
Pack It Up or Rent It Out?
If you’re new to skiing, you may want to rent your snowboard or skis from the lodge rather than buying your own, which is totally fine – plenty of people do it. Most ski lodges will offer beginner’s packages for new starters, or bundles to save on rentals with lessons.
However, if you’re serious about skiing, you’ll find the best equipment for you if you go out on your own and invest in great equipment. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need to ski/snowboard:
- Skis and ski poles/snowboard
- Ski lock
- Ski bag
- Helmet
- Snow boots
- Waterproof ski jacket
- Waterproof ski pants
A lot of seasoned skiers agree that finding your own helmet, clothing and snow boots is better than renting, as you’ll have equipment that you know will fit and are comfortable for you. Of course, it’s a lot of money to invest if you’re going on a one-off vacation. Think about how much you’re willing to spend and how much use you’ll get out of your equipment, and choose to rent or buy accordingly.
Money Savers
Ski lodges are pretty secluded; so they know they can up the prices when it comes to necessities, like food.
Snacks in ski lodges are notoriously expensive and skiing uses a lot of energy, so it’s important to keep your calorie intake consistent. Pack filling snacks like high-energy healthy snack bars, dried fruits, biscuits and popcorn to make sure you don’t wind up hangry after exhausting yourself on skiing.
If you think you’ll need it (and hey, you are on vacation!) don’t forget a lovely bottle of red wine to stash in your room to help you chill out after a long day on the slopes.
