Nothing beats an active holiday on the piste and if you’re one of the lucking one’s sloping off to enjoy a fun-fuelled ski break in the mountains of France, Switzerland, Italy and beyond, we’ve put together a list of all the essentials you might need to ensure your snowy get-away is a good one…
Ski’s/Board with travel bag – If you’re travelling with your own ski’s or snowboard, make sure you check your airlines terms and conditions and extra charges in advance.
Ski jacket and a pair of salopettes – ensure your ski wear is waterproof/snow proof and insulating. Some ski jackets now come with underarm ventilation for added comfort and breathability.
Ski socks – pack yourself a couple pairs of specifically made ski socks. No cotton, (soaks up moisture) wool or acrylic is ideal. Try a medium thickness sock as it’s best to have a snugly fitted boot, but you also want to be able to wiggle your toes!
Documentation – passport, insurance documentation, drivers licence and check as to whether you need a passport photo for your lift pass; save’s a lot of extra hassle at the other end.
SPF sun cream and lip salve – The sun’s rays are very potent up a mountainside and can leave skiers and boarders open to the elements. Winds can cause irritation too. Avoid the ‘panda’ look and cracked lips by using SPF creams.
Thermals – you might find yourselves in some seriously chilly temperatures and if you’re a first time skier or snowboarder, it’s particularly important that you protect yourselves from the elements. You can now buy them in fabrics that are lightweight, breathable and fast drying.
Goggles and sun glasses – More often than not it’s very sunny up the mountains and with the sun bouncing off the crisp white snow, you’re sure to need glasses or goggles to help you on your way; if choosing glasses, aim to buy the wrap-around kind, so snow and ice don’t spray your eyes.
Hat – great protection for your face, but also a way to get instantly recognised by your ski party. The bolder the better!
Walking boots – for getting from A to B once off the mountain; Après ski, you might need to walk a fair distance and warm, practical and comfy footwear is a must.
Small first aid kit, including blister plasters – you’re bound to suffer from the odd bruise or headache, so be sure to pack some essentials, like headache and tummy upset pills; blisters can also be a problem, particularly if you’ve hired boots.
Happy packing!
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