The Ultimate Ski Holiday Packing List for UK Families and First Time Skiers
Packing for a ski trip is unlike packing for any other holiday. Forget one pair of gloves, the right socks, or your child’s goggles, and the first morning on the slopes can become stressful very quickly.
The good news is that you do not need to buy everything. Many bigger ski items can be hired, especially for children who may outgrow kit after one trip. The key is knowing what to take, what to hire, and what to check before you travel.
This ski holiday packing list is designed for UK families, adults, children and first-time skiers. Use it as a practical checklist before you zip up the cases.
What to wear on the slopes
Ski clothing works best in layers. That way, skiers can stay warm on cold lifts, then cool down during lessons or sunny afternoons.
Waterproof ski jacket
A proper waterproof ski jacket is one of the most important items on your packing list. It should keep snow and wind out while allowing space for layers underneath.
Look for:
A waterproof outer fabric
A snow skirt or adjustable hem
Secure zipped pockets
A lift pass pocket, if possible
A hood that fits comfortably over or around a helmet
For children, bright colours can make them easier to spot during lessons. For adults, comfort and movement matter more than fashion.
If you are new to skiing, hiring can make sense. Team Up Skiwear’s ski clothing hire service is useful if you do not want to buy jackets and salopettes for a first trip.
Salopettes or ski trousers
Salopettes keep snow away from the waist, which is helpful for beginners and younger children who may spend more time sitting, falling, kneeling or playing in snow.
Ski trousers are also fine for adults and experienced skiers. Whichever option you choose, make sure they are:
Waterproof
Warm enough for mountain conditions
Comfortable when bending the knees
Long enough to sit over ski boots
Jeans, leggings and jogging bottoms are not suitable outerwear for skiing.
Base layers
Base layers sit next to the skin and help manage warmth. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and can leave skiers cold once they stop moving.
Pack:
Long-sleeved thermal tops
Thermal leggings
A spare set for children, if possible
Synthetic or merino base layers both work well. For a week-long ski holiday, two or three sets are usually enough if you can rotate them.
Mid-layers
Mid-layers add warmth between the base layer and ski jacket. Fleece tops are a common choice because they are light, warm and quick to dry.
Good mid-layer options include:
Fleece jumpers
Light insulated jackets
Thin zip-neck tops
Avoid bulky hoodies under ski jackets. They can feel restrictive and may bunch up around the neck.
Ski socks
Ski socks are different from normal socks. They are shaped for ski boots and usually have padding in useful places.
Pack one pair per ski day if you can, or at least enough to rotate. Do not double up socks inside ski boots. It can reduce circulation and cause discomfort.
Gloves or mittens
Cold hands can ruin a ski day, especially for children. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are essential.
Mittens are often warmer for younger children because fingers share warmth. Gloves may offer better grip for older children and adults.
Pack a spare pair for children if possible. Wet gloves rarely dry quickly overnight in a small hotel room.
Goggles
Goggles protect eyes from snow, wind and glare. Sunglasses can work for lunch stops or gentle après-ski wandering, but goggles are better on the slopes.
Children in ski school should usually have goggles, not just sunglasses. Check that they fit snugly with their helmet.
Helmet
Helmets are standard for many skiers and are often required for children in ski schools. They can usually be hired with skis, boots and poles, but some families prefer to buy their own for fit and comfort.
Before travelling, check:
Whether your resort or ski school requires helmets
Whether helmet hire is included in your ski equipment package
Whether your child’s helmet fits with their goggles
Neck warmer
A neck warmer, buff or snood is small but very useful. It protects exposed skin from wind and cold. It is also safer and easier than a long scarf, which can get caught or flap around.
Sun protection
Mountain sun can be strong, even when the air feels cold. Snow reflects sunlight, so face protection matters.
Pack:
High-factor sun cream
SPF lip balm
Sunglasses for off-slope use
After-sun or moisturiser if skin dries out easily
Apply sun cream before ski school drop-off, not once everyone is already late for the first lift.
What to pack in your suitcase
Your suitcase should hold everything needed for slope days, evenings and unexpected weather changes. If flying, weigh your bags before leaving home, as ski clothing can be bulky.
Ski clothing spares
Even if you hire your main ski outfit, pack enough layers and small items to stay comfortable.
For each skier, add:
Base layers
Mid-layers
Ski socks
Gloves or mittens
Neck warmer
Hat for off the slopes
Comfortable boots or snow boots
For children, add extra socks, spare gloves and a second neck warmer if space allows.
Après-ski clothing
Après-ski does not have to mean nightlife. For families, it often means a hot chocolate, swimming pool, pizza, or a short walk around the resort.
Pack warm, casual clothes such as:
Jumpers or fleeces
Joggers, jeans or warm trousers
T-shirts and underwear
Pyjamas
Warm coat for non-ski time
Comfortable footwear with grip
Swimwear, if your accommodation has a pool or spa
Resorts can be icy, so avoid smooth-soled shoes.
Toiletries and personal care
Cold weather, heated rooms and altitude can all dry skin. Pack the basics, plus a few ski-specific extras.
Useful toiletries include:
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo and shower gel
Moisturiser
Lip balm with SPF
Sun cream
Hairbrush and hair ties
Deodorant
Any regular medication
Plasters or blister plasters
Pain relief suitable for your family
Travel sickness tablets if needed
Keep medication in its original packaging where possible.
Travel adaptors and chargers
European resorts usually use different plug sockets from the UK. Pack enough adaptors for phones, tablets, watches and cameras.
A small extension lead can be useful if accommodation has limited sockets, but check airline and accommodation rules before packing one.
Laundry bags and storage
A few simple bags make ski life easier:
Laundry bag for used base layers
Waterproof bag for wet gloves or socks
Packing cubes for children’s outfits
Named bags for ski school items
Name labels help, especially when several children have similar gloves, helmets or goggles.
What to carry in your hand luggage
Hand luggage matters more on a ski holiday than many people expect. If a suitcase is delayed, a few essentials can save the first day.
Pack these in your hand luggage:
Passports
Boarding passes or travel tickets
Travel insurance details
EHIC or GHIC cards, if applicable
Accommodation details
Transfer information
Ski school booking confirmations
Ski hire booking confirmations
Driving licence, if hiring a car
Bank card and some local currency
Mobile phone and charger
Medication
Glasses or contact lenses
A spare base layer or T-shirt
One pair of ski socks
Gloves, if space allows
Snacks for children
Entertainment for travel delays
If travelling with children, keep one complete change of clothes in hand luggage. Delayed bags, spills and travel sickness are easier to handle when spares are close by.
Items families often forget
Some of the most forgotten ski holiday items are small, cheap and hard to find at short notice in resort.
Add these to your list:
SPF lip balm
Neck warmers
Spare gloves for children
Ski socks, not normal socks
Sun cream
Swimwear
Plug adaptors
Hair ties
Snacks for transfer day
Reusable water bottles
Blister plasters
Waterproof phone pouch
Thin hats for evenings
Insurance documents
Ski school meeting point details
Also remember that children may need comfort items, bedtime toys, or familiar snacks, especially if it is their first time abroad or their first winter holiday.
What can be hired and what is worth buying
Buying every item for a first ski trip can be expensive. Renting ski clothing and equipment can reduce cost, storage problems and waste.
Items you can usually hire
Most resorts and ski shops offer equipment hire. This commonly includes:
Skis
Ski boots
Poles
Helmets
Snowboards, if needed
Ski clothing hire is also a smart option for jackets and salopettes, particularly for children and first-time skiers. Team Up Skiwear offers skiwear hire for families and beginners, which can help avoid buying expensive outerwear before knowing whether skiing will become a regular holiday.
Items worth buying
Some items are better bought new because fit, hygiene and comfort matter.
Worth buying:
Base layers
Ski socks
Gloves or mittens
Neck warmers
Sun cream
SPF lip balm
Toiletries
Underwear and pyjamas
Goggles can be hired or bought, depending on the provider. If buying, choose a pair that fits well with the helmet.
Team Up Skiwear’s ski accessories can help with smaller essentials such as gloves, socks, neck warmers and goggles.
Items to check before you travel
Do not assume every item is included with your booking. Check with the ski school, resort, hire shop or travel provider before you go.
Ask:
Does ski school require helmets?
Is helmet hire included?
Are lift passes included in the package?
Where is the ski school meeting point?
What time should children arrive on the first morning?
Are lunch and drinks included for children in ski school?
Can equipment be stored near the slopes?
Does the accommodation provide towels, hairdryers or toiletries?
Is childcare available, and does it need booking in advance?
If organising a group or school ski trip, Team Up Skiwear’s ski-trip packages can help make clothing and planning easier.
Beginner-friendly packing advice for first-time skiers
First-time skiers often overpack bulky clothes and underpack the small things that really matter. Start with comfort, warmth and waterproofing.
Do not ski in everyday winter clothes
A normal winter coat may feel warm in the UK, but it is not designed for snow, lifts, falls or changing mountain weather. Ski jackets and salopettes are made to keep moisture out and allow movement.
Choose thin layers over one thick layer
Several thinner layers work better than one heavy jumper. They trap warm air and let skiers adjust during the day.
A good beginner outfit looks like this:
Thermal base layer
Fleece or thin insulated mid-layer
Waterproof ski jacket
Salopettes or ski trousers
Ski socks
Gloves, helmet, goggles and neck warmer
Keep children’s kit simple
Children need to manage toilet breaks, ski school changes and tired evenings. Avoid complicated fastenings where possible.
Choose items that are:
Easy to pull on
Clearly named
Comfortable when sitting
Warm without being too bulky
Bright enough to spot in a group
Try everything on before travel
Try ski clothing on at home with all layers together. This helps catch problems early.
Check:
Sleeves cover wrists
Salopettes fit over base layers
Gloves meet jacket cuffs
Socks feel smooth in boots
Goggles fit with helmet
Children can move, bend and sit comfortably
Do this at least a week before travelling, not the night before.
Printable ski holiday packing checklist
Copy, print or screenshot this checklist before packing. Tick off each item as it goes into the case.
Category | Checklist |
Wear on the slopes | Waterproof ski jacket |
Wear on the slopes | Salopettes or ski trousers |
Wear on the slopes | Base layer top |
Wear on the slopes | Base layer leggings |
Wear on the slopes | Mid-layer fleece |
Wear on the slopes | Ski socks |
Wear on the slopes | Waterproof gloves or mittens |
Wear on the slopes | Goggles |
Wear on the slopes | Helmet |
Wear on the slopes | Neck warmer |
Wear on the slopes | Sun cream |
Wear on the slopes | SPF lip balm |
Pack in your suitcase | Spare base layers |
Pack in your suitcase | Spare ski socks |
Pack in your suitcase | Spare gloves for children |
Pack in your suitcase | Après-ski clothing |
Pack in your suitcase | Warm evening shoes or snow boots |
Pack in your suitcase | Hat for off-slope time |
Pack in your suitcase | Swimwear |
Pack in your suitcase | Toiletries |
Pack in your suitcase | Moisturiser |
Pack in your suitcase | Hairbrush and hair ties |
Pack in your suitcase | Travel adaptors |
Pack in your suitcase | Laundry bag |
Carry in hand luggage | Passports |
Carry in hand luggage | Travel tickets or boarding passes |
Carry in hand luggage | Travel insurance details |
Carry in hand luggage | EHIC or GHIC cards |
Carry in hand luggage | Accommodation details |
Carry in hand luggage | Ski school confirmations |
Carry in hand luggage | Ski hire confirmations |
Carry in hand luggage | Medication |
Carry in hand luggage | Phone charger |
Carry in hand luggage | Snacks and water bottle |
Often forgotten | SPF lip balm |
Often forgotten | Plug adaptors |
Often forgotten | Neck warmers |
Often forgotten | Blister plasters |
Often forgotten | Ski school meeting point details |
FAQs about ski holiday packing
How many base layers do I need for a week skiing?
Two or three sets are usually enough if they dry overnight and can be rotated. Children may need an extra set, especially if they are likely to get wet or spill food during the day.
Should first-time skiers buy or hire ski clothing?
Hiring is often best for a first trip, especially for families with growing children. It reduces the upfront cost and avoids storing bulky jackets and salopettes at home.
Can children wear wellies in a ski resort?
Wellies are not ideal because they can be cold and slippery on ice. Warm waterproof boots with good grip are a better choice for walking around the resort.
Do I need goggles and sunglasses?
Goggles are best for skiing because they protect against wind, snow and glare. Sunglasses are useful off the slopes, during lunch stops, or while walking around the resort.
What should children wear under salopettes?
Children should wear thermal leggings or a proper base layer under salopettes. Avoid jeans or cotton joggers, as they hold moisture and can feel cold.
Get your ski clothing sorted before you travel
A calm ski holiday starts with the right kit. Focus on waterproof outerwear, warm layers, proper socks, gloves, goggles, helmets and sun protection. Then add travel documents, toiletries and comfortable après-ski clothes.
For first-time skiers and families, hiring can be the easiest way to get quality ski clothing without buying everything outright. Before you pack, explore Team Up Skiwear’s ski clothing hire service, browse useful ski accessories, or look at ski-trip packages if you are planning a group trip.
Get your ski clothing sorted before travelling, then all that is left to do is enjoy the snow.
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