Ski Vacations

What to Pack for a Family Ski Vacation

  • Lots of layers. Vests, t-shirts and long-sleeved tops.
  • Ski Socks. These will make ski boots comfier. Take about four or five pairs per person.
  • Ski gloves. It’s worth taking two pairs each. Mittens generally keep hands warmer and if it’s really cold, take glove liners.
  • Goggles. To protect eyes from snow and sun.
  • A Warm Hat. For early season skiing we’d also recommend a balaclava (or helmetclava, which is worn under the helmet).
  • Helmets. These can be rented in resorts alongside skis. If you want to invest in your own don’t buy online, you should go into a shop and make sure it fits properly.
  • Ski Jacket. If you’re going at the end of the season you may like to take a thinner waterproof jacket.
  • Ski Pants
  • Snow Boots 
  • Sun Cream and Lip Balm
  • Backpacks. Great for carrying your essentials while out on the slopes for the day.
  • Walkie Talkies. Great for communicating across mountains.

Top tip: You will be able to buy everything you need in the ski resort, but it will be a lot more expensive

Last updated: 16 March, 2024

Author

Harriet Mallinson

Harriet Mallinson is Editor of Family Traveller and an award-winning cruise and travel journalist with more than 10 years of experience. She was named Specialist Travel Writer of the Year at the 2024 Travel Media Awards, was chosen as a judge the following year and has been shortlisted for a slew other gongs. The trip she can't stop raving about is her recent cruise to jaw-dropping Antarctica, bookended with time in gorgeous Buenos Aires, and this year hopes to head East as well as ticking off some European hotspots she can't believe she hasn't visited yet.

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