So, you are jetting off this winter for a winter sports holiday! You are likely to be feeling excited, and perhaps a little nervous. But, most importantly, you might feel a little clueless when it comes to packing. It’s easy to pack for a summer holiday – sunscreen, swim suit and sunglasses; check! But, a winter sports holiday is a whole different ball game. Naturally, your priority will be to keep warm but there are some other essentials that you had better not forget. We decided to compile a helpful guide on what to pack for a winter sports holiday, for newbie and seasoned travellers alike.
Clothing
Whether you are heading to the USA, Italy, France or even Bulgaria, one thing is certain; it will be cold. As such, layers are essential to keep you warm and you will need to take enough clothes to last the duration of your trip. With that in mind, we recommend the following:
| Item | Purpose | Quantity short trip | Quantity long trip |
| Long underwear | Long johns and thermal vests make for an ideal base layer. | One set for each day. | One set for each day. |
| Thin sweatshirts, fleece jackets and fleece trousers | These items are essential to wear as your secondary layer. This layer will trap your body heat and help to keep you warm. | 2 of each. | 4 of each. |
| A good quality jacket and bib pants | Your outermost layer is intended to keep you dry and protect you from the wind. Therefore ensure you bring one of each in a material which will help to regulate your body temperature. | 1 of each. | 1 of each. |
| Sock liners | These will be worn directly next to your skin and will help to keep your feet warm and dry. | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Glove liners | These will help to protect your hands from the cold when you need to remove your gloves. | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Outfits for après ski | Après ski is as highly anticipated as the skiing itself, so remember to bring some outfits to cater for nights out. | 2-3 | 5-6 |
Accessories
With the aid of the clothes listed above, your basic needs to keep warm and dry will be met whilst enjoying your winter sports holiday. There are a number of additional items which will make your time away all the more pleasant however. As such, you should consider including the following items in your suit case.
| Item | Purpose | Quantity short trip | Quantity long trip |
| Socks | It is definitely better to over pack socks on a winter sports holiday than under pack. Stock up on thick, woolly, wick moisture socks to keep your feet warm and increase comfort. | 4 pairs | 5-7 pairs |
| Lip balm and moisturiser | You will be in the face of the elements with little shelter for 6-7 hours each day. Take products with SPF protection. | 1 | 1 |
| Gloves | An essential item, as your hands are extremely difficult to keep warm. Purchase well-fitting gloves which are made from a waterproof material. Take another pair for when you are off the slopes. | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Hat | Roughly 85% of your body heat is lost through your head. Hats are worth the investment to keep you warm. | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Sunscreen | It is possible to get sunburnt on a mountain, especially with the higher altitudes! | 1 | 1 |
| Sunglasses | These are essential to protect your eyes from the glare. | 1 | 1 |
| Ski Lock | To keep your equipment safe when you stop for food and drinks. | 1 | 1 |
| Swim Suit | Whether there is a heated pool or a hot tub, it’s a great way to ease your aching muscles at the end of a long day. | 1 | 1 |
| Spare Change | This will come in really for lockers so you can store your things whilst on the slopes. | N/A | N/A |
Equipment
Your last consideration will be your equipment. If you are a beginner or intermediate skier, it is unlikely that you will be taking all of your own equipment. Knowing what equipment you will need in advance will help you plan for the associated rental costs. As such, consider the following items; skis, ski boots, ski bindings and ski poles or snowboard, snowboard bindings and snowboard boots. You will also need a helmet and goggles, whether you are skiing or snowboarding.
So, armed with this information about what to pack for a winter sports holiday you should be set for a great holiday! Just don’t forget to include the standard items we haven’t included here such as your passport and travel documents and toiletries etc!
Do you have any other recommendations of what items to pack for a winter sports holiday?
