24th January 2023
5 minute read
Here’s a quick top to bottom list of what you need to pack for your ski holiday to truly be mountain ready:
Brightly clad kids are easier to spot!
This is never going to be a cheap purchase. Decathlon do a couple of these for £99.99
Snow and Rock have a good range including this Giro one at a relatively palatable £155.00.
We're loving the look (and price) of these ‘winter your life’ magnetic lens swap system goggles from the glisshop sale
Further tips for good base layer brands from our team follow later so read on read on ...
- ski helmet (ideally with MIPS safety system)
- snood / balaclava
- ski goggles / shades
- base layers (all important for proper body warmth! leggings and longsleeve top)
- ski socks
- midlayer
- outer layer / ski jacket (waterproofing is everything!)
- gloves / mittens
- ski / snow board boots (can hire)
- skis / snowboard (can hire)
- walking shoes / boots
- backpack (again waterproofing vital)
- woolly hat
- chalet lounge wear (cosy comfort key here)
- possibly a more glam option for nights out (though you'll need sensible shoes for any outing really – funky trainers could work?)
Brightly clad kids are easier to spot!
Missing items?
What to borrow, what to hire, what to buy? When it comes to ‘the gear’ to pack for your ski holiday we suggest checking what you already have, could borrow, could get second hand or could rent. For reasons of sustainability – both environmental and economic! Ebay and Vinted are worth exploring for a quality bargain. At the time of writing there was a great bundle bargain for children on ebay – snow boots, base layers, salopettes, socks, 2 pairs ski gloves and helmet going for £44 the whole lot … all looked like good quality and appealingly stylish too. Other good finds currently up for grabs:Ski helmet
with MIPs 4system
This is never going to be a cheap purchase. Decathlon do a couple of these for £99.99
Snow and Rock have a good range including this Giro one at a relatively palatable £155.00.
Ski goggles
We're loving the look (and price) of these ‘winter your life’ magnetic lens swap system goggles from the glisshop sale
Base Layers
Mountain Warehouse do a good range of basic merino wool base layers – the sale is on so check it out. Fancy more funky base layers? Sweaty Betty fun for women if you want to splash out a bit. And for men? Try oosc thermals.
Further tips for good base layer brands from our team follow later so read on read on ...
Ski jackets and trousers / salopettes / bibpants
Here are some research leads to suit all ages and stages: For the ladies - Red Magazine article ‘The most stylish skiwear for hitting the slopes in 2023’ with links to brands covering the whole price range. A helpful guide to what to pack for your ski holiday thinking about practicality, budget and style. Sportpursuit has a great sale on and sells lots of brands for adults and kids.Environmentally friendly shopping
If you want to be sure you are being eco-friendly check out these sites:- Oosc. For retro-styled, sustainably made clothing
- EcoSki which rents clothes out as well as recommending eco friendly brands
Finally a bit of insider low-down from our saisonnaires in Méribel this season
A quick survey revealed the following to help with what to pack for your ski holiday:- Layering is everything! Two base layers no mid-layer - or mid-layer in back pack is a good shout
- If you invest a lot in anything make it a helmet, goggles and good gloves!
- Unanimous response to best après-ski wear is jeans and hoodies and boots and comfortable loungewear for 'at home’ in the chalet (don’t bother packing the skimpy black party dress and heels …)