Ski holidays are just around the corner and nothing is more annoying than discovering in the ski area that important equipment is missing. These detailed Packing list for your ski holiday Helps you not forget anything important. From ski equipment to clothing to special needs for families, pets or holiday apartments – this article covers everything. With our Clear checklist You can pack relaxed and concentrate fully on the pleasures of winter sports.
Table of contents
Packing list Ski holidays: PDF to print
So that you keep an overview when packing for your ski holiday, we have a practical PDF checklist created. You can just do this. Print and tick offWhat is already in the suitcase.
Ours PDF to print contains all the important points of our Extensive Packing List and is clearly arranged by categories. So packing becomes a breeze and you can be sure that nothing important for your winter holiday will be forgotten.
Call ours now. Packing list of ski holidays as PDF Down and start perfectly prepared for your winter vacation.
Here is the packing list for ski and winter holidays
Skiing equipment
When skiing, the right equipment is crucial for safety and driving pleasure on the slopes. Here you will find all the important equipment you should pack for your skiing holiday.
- Ski (own or for rent on site)
- Ski poles
- Ski boots (suitable for binding)
- Ski helmet (necessarily wear!)
- Ski goggles (with UV protection for various weather conditions)
- Backpack for the slope (with room for food and additional clothing)
- Ski socks (several pairs)
- Skipass (pre-booking possible)
- Small tool bag for emergency repairs
- Bindings (you should also have the binding adjusted if you have your own skis)
If you arrive by car, you can bring your own equipment. If you are travelling by public transport or by plane, it may be worth renting the equipment on site.
Ski clothing
The right clothing is essential for a pleasant day of skiing – especially when the weather conditions are fickle or icy. With functional clothing you stay warm and dry on the ski slope.
- Ski jacket (wind and waterproof, breathable)
- Ski trousers (wind and waterproof)
- Ski underwear (close fitting, moisture transporting)
- Functional underwear (several sets)
- Fleece jackets or sweaters in intermediate layer
- Ski socks (several pairs, especially for skiing)
- Ski gloves (waterproof and warm)
- Thin underwear
- Neck warmers or hose shells
- Hat for after skiing
- Warm underwear
With the onion principle, you are equipped for all temperatures: wear several thin layers on top of each other, which you can apply or take off as needed. So you can optimally adapt to the conditions and will neither sweat nor freeze.
Ski touring/freeriding: Additional equipment
For ski tourers and freeriders away from the groomed slopes, additional safety equipment is indispensable. When doing activities in the backcountry, you have greater personal responsibility.
- Avalanche backpack (with airbag system)
- LVS (avalanche buried detection device)
- Avalanche probe
- Avalanche shovel
- Touring ski with suitable binding
- Climbs
- Ski touring boots
- Harsh irons for icy sections
- Telescopic poles (height-adjustable)
- Helmet with headlamp
- Special avalanche app
- First aid set for outdoor use
When freeriding and skiing, you should never be alone and always pay attention to the current avalanche warnings. Good preparation and the right equipment can save lives in an emergency.
Snowboard equipment
As a snowboarder, you sometimes need different equipment than skiers. Here you will find the specific items you should pack for your snowboarding holiday.
- Snowboard (with suitable binding)
- Snowboard shoes (have to fit well with your binding)
- Snowboard helmet (necessarily wear!)
- Snowboard glasses (with UV protection)
- Special snowboard shorts (somewhat further cut)
- Snowboard jacket (waterproof and breathable)
- Protectors (wrist, back and tail)
- Functional underwear for snowboarders
- Warm, waterproof gloves with wrist protection
- Snowboard bag for transport
- Multitool for binding settings
The same applies to snowboarding: Proper equipment is critical to your safety. Have your binding expertly adjusted and always wear a helmet to avoid injury.
For overnight skiing
After an active day on the slopes, a cozy accommodation is important. Depending on the type of accommodation you should bring different things.
- Cottage sleeping bag (if you stay in a mountain hut)
- Slippers or warm socks for accommodation
- Comfortable sleeping clothes
- Earplugs (especially in shared rooms)
- Sleep mask
- Small pillow for individual convenience
- Reading lamp
- Book or e-reader for cozy evenings
- Powerbank for electronic devices
- Adapters for sockets (especially abroad)
- Small laundry bag for dirty linen
In some accommodations, especially in simpler mountain huts, it can get cool at night. Therefore, pack an extra warm layer to sleep in order not to freeze.
Leisure clothing
Also off the slope you need suitable clothing for various activities and to relax after skiing or snowboarding.
- Warm, weather-resistant winter shoes
- Comfortable clothing for staying in the accommodation
- Normal underwear and socks
- Clothing for restaurant visits
- Warm jacket for walks in the village
- Swimwear (if sauna or swimming pool is available)
- Bath towel (not always available in the accommodation)
- Bathroom (for wellness area)
- Hat, scarf and gloves for everyday life
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sports clothing (if fitness area is available)
Remember that it is often cold in ski resorts, even off the slopes. Therefore, pack enough warm clothes and do not forget that in some restaurants or wellness areas special clothes may be desired.
Hygiene/culture bag
Proper hygiene is also important in ski holidays. Here you will find all the important toiletries and care products that you should pack.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shower gel and shampoo
- Moisturizer (especially important in cold, dry air)
- Lip care pen with UV protection
- Sunscreen with high sun protection factor
- Deodorant
- Shaver and shaving foam/gel
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair care products
- Towels (if not available in the accommodation)
- Makeup and care products
- Towels
- Contact lenses and care products
- Laundry detergents for small hand washings
The dry heating air and the intense sunlight in the mountains can put a lot of stress on the skin. Therefore, pay particular attention to adequate sun and moisture protection for skin and lips.
Health/medicines
A well-equipped travel pharmacy is especially important during ski holidays, as small injuries or colds can happen quickly. Here you will find all important medicines and first aid articles.
- Personal medications
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
- Plasters of different sizes
- Dressing material
- Bladder patches
- Disinfectants
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Cooling compresses
- Heat patches for muscle pain
- Electrolyte powder (for heavy sweating)
- Cold medicines
- Throat tablets
- Fever thermometers
- Carbon tablets for gastrointestinal problems
- Sunburnt gel
Keep your travel pharmacy in a dry, cool place and make sure kids don’t have access to it. Before travel, find out about medical care options in the ski area.
Technology and orientation
Modern technology can make your skiing holiday easier and safer. Here you will find all important technical devices and orientation aids.
- Smartphone with a charged power bank
- Camera (if you want to take better photos than with your smartphone)
- Chargers for all electronic devices
- Multiple socket (often there are too few sockets)
- Headphones
- Ski area map (often available as an app)
- GPS device or corresponding app
- Weather apps with snow and avalanche reports
- Headlamp (especially for overnight stays)
- Small backpack for day trips
- Ski goggles
- Waterproof mobile phone cases
In many ski resorts there are now WLAN and special apps with slope plans, current snow heights and waiting times at the lifts. Before your trip, find out which apps might be useful for your ski area.
Papers and finance
In order for everything to run smoothly administratively, you should not forget important documents and means of payment. Here you will find an overview of all important papers and financial resources.
- Identity card or passport
- Health insurance card
- Medical insurance abroad (for travel abroad)
- Cash (in national currency)
- EC and credit cards
- Accommodation booking confirmations
- Reservations for ski pass and equipment
- Driving license (if you are travelling by car)
- Vehicle documents and green insurance card
- Vignette for motorways (depending on the destination)
- Emergency contact list
- Copies of important documents (keep separately)
Inform yourself before your trip about payment options in the ski area. In some remote regions, card payments may not be possible everywhere or no ATMs are available.
Other
Here you will find other important items that do not fit into any of the other categories, but can still be useful for your skiing holiday.
- Small daypack for the piste
- Thermo bottle for hot tea
- Snacks for in between
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Small sewing set for emergency repairs
- Laundry line and clothespins
- Playing cards or small board games
- Notebook and pen
- Plastic bags for wet clothes
- Ski wax and tools (for own skis)
- Garbage bags
- Drinking bottle
- Travel alarm (if the phone is not at hand)
It can also be useful to bring small snacks or a hot tea thermos if you plan a long day of skiing. So you can save money and do not have to stop at overpriced ski resort restaurants.
Packing List for Ski Holidays: Women Should Remember
Women often have specific needs during skiing holidays, which are not sufficiently considered in the general packing list. Here you will find additional items that women should think of.
- Female hygiene articles (even in the event of an unexpected period)
- Hair ties and hair clips (for under the helmet)
- Moisturizer with higher fat content (against the dry mountain air)
- Sports underwear with good hold
- Warm leggings for undercutting
- Cleaning towels on the go
- Compact makeup basic equipment
- Lipstick with sun protection factor
- Nail care kit
- Hair dryer (if not available in the accommodation)
- Pain medication for menstrual cramps
When skiing, the helmet can crush the hairstyle – so consider practical hairstyles that look good and are comfortable even under the helmet. Braids or a deep dut can be good options.
Are you planning a holiday in Sweden? Then check out here for more packing tips: Packing list Sweden: What you need for your trip (checklist).
Packing List for Ski Holidays: Men Should Remember
Men also have specific needs in ski holidays. Here you will find additional items that could be especially important for men.
- Facial care products (the mountain air dries out the skin)
- Beard care products
- Razor and shaving cream/gel
- After Shave Balm
- Pocket knife or multitool
- Sports underwear with good hold
- neck warmer (especially useful for beard growth)
- Sunglasses with sufficient UV protection
- Ear protectors (if no helmet integration)
- Ski mask compatible sports goggles (for spectacle wearers)
- Hand cream against cracked skin
Men with beard hair should keep in mind that a scarf or hose scarf can be unpleasant when wet when ice forms in the beard. A special ski mask can help here.
Are you planning a holiday in Norway? Then check out here for more packing tips: Packing List Norway – You should definitely take these things with you!
Packing list for ski holidays with children
A ski and winter holiday with children requires special preparation and additional equipment. Here you will find important items for the ski holiday with the offspring.
- Children's ski equipment (adjusted to size and ability)
- Ski helmet for children (duty!)
- Children's ski goggles with UV protection
- Warm, waterproof ski gloves for children
- Multiple layers of warm clothes to change
- Children's thermal underwear
- Wet protection for the outermost layer
- Hand warmers for gloves
- Replacement clothing (children often get wet while playing in the snow)
- Snowsuit for infants
- Sunscreen with high sun protection factor especially for children
- Lip care pencil for children
- Child-friendly snacks and drinks
- Favorite stuffed animal or stuffed animal
- Games for bad weather
- Medicines for children
Plan enough breaks during the winter holiday with children and make sure that they do not get tired. Children cool faster than adults – so dress them warm enough and check for freezing regularly.
A detailed packing list for holidays with children can be found here: Packing list for holidays with children + checklist for babies.
Packing list for a ski holiday with a dog
Those who want to take their four-legged friend on the ski holiday should not forget additional equipment. Here you will find everything important for the dog in the snow.
- Dog food and bowls
- Water bottle on the go
- Line and collar
- Dog bed or blanket for accommodation
- Dog paw protection or shoes for the snow
- Paw care against road salt and icing
- Dog jacket for colder temperatures
- Towels for drying
- Poultry bags
- Toys
- Dog passport and vaccination card
- Medicines of the dog
- Tick forceps (also relevant in winter)
- Transport box (if necessary)
- GPS tracker (if the dog runs away in the snow)
Before travel, find out if dogs are allowed in the accommodation and ski area. Not all ski resorts are dog friendly, and sometimes there are special regulations for dogs in the snow.
Packing list for the ski holiday in the holiday apartment
When staying in a holiday apartment, you need additional things that are usually put in hotels or pensions. Here is a supplement for staying in a self-catering apartment.
- Towels (if not presented)
- Bed linen (if not presented)
- Dish towels
- Rinsing agents and sponges
- Basic foods (salt, pepper, oil, etc.)
- Coffee/tea
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Kitchen paper
- Spices and basic ingredients
- Small basic cleaning equipment
- Detergents (if washing machine is available)
- Matches or lighters
- Candles for cozy evenings
- First food for arrival day
Ask the owner before the trip which objects are already present in the holiday apartment. This way you avoid double packing and can only take what is really needed with you.
A very detailed list for the holiday in the holiday apartment, which you can use in addition, can be found here: Packing List Apartment: Practical Checklist to Print.
Frequently asked questions about the packing list for the ski holiday
What is the best way to plan clothes for a week of skiing?
For a week skiing holiday you should apply the onion principle. Pack about 2-3 sets of functional underwear, 2 fleece jackets or sweaters as a middle layer and 1-2 outer layers (ski jacket, ski trousers). Plan about 4-5 pairs of ski socks, as they are often sweaty after an active day of skiing. Check the weather forecast before departure to prepare for particularly cold or mild days.
Is it worth buying ski equipment or should I borrow it better?
The decision between buying and borrowing depends on several factors. If you ski only 1-2 times a year, borrowing is often the cheaper option. In addition, the transport and storage of the equipment is eliminated. For regular skiers (from 3-4 weeks per season) the purchase of own equipment can be worthwhile, as you can choose them according to your needs and save money in the long term. Ski boots are often bought first, as comfort is particularly important here.
What precautions should I take in extreme weather conditions in the ski area?
In extreme weather conditions in the ski area, you should take additional precautions. Pack warmer intermediate layers, a blast bonnet for icy conditions and waterproof gloves with inner lining. Always carry a mobile phone with emergency numbers and small first aid equipment. Inform yourself daily about weather forecasts and avalanche warnings and avoid exposed or vulnerable slopes in extreme weather. Plan your route so that you can return to lifts or refuges at any time.
How do I best prepare for long ski days to prevent exhaustion?
To prevent exhaustion on long skiing days, good preparation is essential. Start with a targeted condition improvement a few weeks before the ski holiday. Pack high-energy snacks and a thermos bottle of warm tea for energy replenishment on the slopes. Wear several layers of clothing that you can adjust depending on the temperature and activity level. Schedule regular breaks and listen to your body – most accidents happen when skiers are exhausted. Don’t forget to drink enough, as dehydration speeds up exhaustion.
