Ultimate Packing List for a Successful Ski Trip with Your Family

by Megan Coles | Published: December 13th, 2022 |  Skiing Articles

Winter is just around the corner, so your family ski trip awaits. The one thing between you and the snow-covered mountains and freshly groomed pistes is the task of packing your suitcases. This can be a stressful task for first-timers and the regular skiing family alike. 

When packing for your family ski trip, organization is critical, and our ultimate family packing list allows for stress-free preparation. You may already own many of the items on our list, but there are also some ski-specific items that you won’t want to be without. 

Ski clothing, toiletries, even right down to your kids' favorite snacks, we’ve thought of it all. Follow our ultimate family packing list to ensure that no items are left behind!

Clothes

Packing the correct clothing tends to be the most challenging part of packing for a ski trip and is made even harder when you’ve got kids to think about. My advice is to dress your kids in the same amount of layers that you’d dress yourself; consider this when using this packing checklist. 

Thermals/base layers x2

A ski essential and one of the most important on this list. Ensure you’ve all got breathable thermals, especially for your little ones, as they tend to move around more than adults. Buy the best you can afford when it comes to base layers. Generally, the best on the market will be made from merino wool.

Thermals come in tops and leggings so buying the full set and bringing two per person for a week-long trip is recommended. 

Jacket and Salopettes

Ensure your jackets and salopettes are waterproof; otherwise, they become redundant pieces of kit. The style of jacket or salopettes truly doesn’t make a difference, and it’s worth considering buying a snowsuit for your kids.

My top tip is to try out both the salopettes jacket combo and a snowsuit on your little ones before your trip and go with whatever they feel most comfortable in. This will make all the difference in the mornings and hopefully avoid any tantrums. 

Top Tip: Label all of your kids' clothing if they’re going to be attending ski school to avoid any mixups and include your contact information in case an item goes missing or for in the event of an emergency. 

Ski Gloves

One pair each for each member of the family will be just right. I’d suggest using gloves with tethers (for adults) or that are attached to the ski jacket/snowsuit (for kids) to avoid any gloves falling off or going missing during your trip. 

Ski Socks x2

Another skiing essential, a couple of pairs per person should be enough and it’s a personal preference if you prefer a thicker or thinner sock. Experienced skiers tend to prefer a thinner sock as it allows more blood flow resulting in warmer feet. 

Balaclava

Not only are balaclavas great for keeping your head and face warm, but they can also help keep long hair contained and protect your face and neck from sun exposure. 

Tip: Ski clothing can be bulky so check if you have access to a vacuum at your accommodation then consider vacuum packing your clothes to save some space. 

Helmet and Goggles

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If you’ve got the space and own helmets and goggles then definitely make sure to pack them. If not, you’ll be able to easily rent some from resort rental shops. 

Mid-layer or fleece

Depending on the time of year and weather conditions of your trip, you may want to bring a mid-layer or fleece. This acts as an extra layer of warmth between your thermal and ski jacket. 

Sports Bra

Tip: Skiing is a sport so so don’t forget your sports bra if you’re someone who's wanting support. 

Après-ski Clothes

This includes anything that you’ll be wearing off the slopes whether it's for après-ski, in your accommodation, or out for dinner. Think layers, comfy trousers, jumpers, non-ski gloves, and a hat. Don’t forget to bring t-shirts and some nicer clothes for your evening meals as restaurants in ski resorts will be well-heated. 

Swimming Clothes

Check beforehand if your accommodation or resort has a swimming pool or sauna facilities and pack accordingly.  

Underwear and nightwear

Packing nightwear and underwear goes without saying but pack a few more pairs of underwear than you might normally as some could get wet in the snow. 

Shoes

You won’t always be in your ski boots so pack a pair of snow-appropriate shoes for each member of the family. 

Ski Gear

This section is for those who have their own ski gear, it’s not essential as all of the below items can be rented in the resort. 

Skis, Boots, Poles

If you’re packing your own ski gear then make sure it’s done correctly. If you’ve got multiple skis in the same ski bag, you can use clothes or packing materials to pad your skis so the edges don’t cut into the other skis. Note that ski poles aren’t necessary for small children. 

Transceiver and Avalanche Gear

If you’re looking to ski without the kids and head off-piste then only do so if you’ve got the correct avalanche safety gear. Without a  transceiver, shovel, and probe, don’t go off-piste.

Snow chains

Pack your snow chains if you're driving to your destination. Snowchains go around your car tires to make it possible to drive in deeper snow or get unstuck from a snow drift. It's important that you also have winter tires or excellent all-season tires like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 with a 3PMSF marking. These tires let you drive with more control in the snow and ice.

Wash bag

Your accommodation may provide some toiletries and you can purchase toiletries from a shop in the resort, but here’s what I would suggest packing into your washbag. 

• Shampoo and shower gel. In case your accommodation doesn't provide you with some or you have your specific favorites.
  
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes. Twice a day!
  
• Deodorant. Skiing is exercise and despite the snowy surroundings you’ll be getting hot and sweaty so if you use deodorant, it’s a must. 
  
• Body lotion. The air at altitude is particularly dry so bring lotion to keep your skin hydrated especially if you have dry skin or suffer from any skin conditions.
  
• Tissues. These will come in handy for your little ones’ runny noses.
  
• Hairbrush. To sort out that tangled helmet hair. 
  
• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and sunglasses. These are some of the most important things you can pack for your ski trip. You may be surrounded by snow but at altitude, the atmosphere is thinner and the UV is stronger making for a high chance of sun damage. Make sure you’re using sunscreen and lip balm with a high UV protection rating and have sunglasses that are at least a Category 3. 

In Your Suitcase

• Important documents. Remember to pack your passports, health insurance card, and proof of travel insurance where relevant.
  
• Snacks. Any parent knows the importance of bringing a selection of snacks along when out with their kids and it should be no different when heading on a ski trip. The food in the ski resort may be unfamiliar and unwanted by your little ones, especially if traveling abroad so make sure to bring some of their favorites. 
  
• Pocket money. Some ski schools will have hot chocolate breaks so pack your little ones away with some spare change for their well-earned mountain treat. 
  
• Toys, games, and books. You won't be spending 24/7 on the slopes so taking some easily packable toys such as Legos, toy cars, or a pack of cards will help keep your kids entertained. There are also a number of snow-specific toys that could be great to bring along. Bring a book or two to keep you entertained while traveling or provide some familiarity to your kids bedtimes. 
  
• Water bottles. Keeping hydrated is essential whilst skiing, your body requires water to keep moving and it can help prevent altitude sickness. Make sure to label your kid's bottles if you’re sending them off to ski school.
  
• Rucksack. You only really need one per family and it only needs to be big enough to bring a water bottle, some mountain snacks, and sunscreen.
  
• Chargers and adapters. If you’re going abroad check out what adapter you’ll need for that country. 
  
• Camera. Capture your ski trip to create long-lasting family memories.
  
• Portable highchair, crib, etc. If you require any baby-specific kit then ask for your accommodation beforehand as many will provide them free of charge. If it’s not available then make sure to pack your own. 
  
• First aid kit and medication. Pack all of the vacation usuals, plasters, paracetamol, and antiseptic cream, as well as any of your family’s standard medication. 

Ultimate Packing List for a Successful Ski Trip with Your Family

• Ski clothes (jacket, pants, gloves, hats, socks, etc.)
• Ski Equipment (skis, boots, poles, etc.)
• Ski passes
• Ski insurance
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Water bottles and snacks
• Toiletries
• Camera, charger, and extra batteries
• Important documents
• Pocket money
• Snow-specific Toys (Toys, games, and books)

Ready To Hit The Slopes?

Our family packing list takes all of the stress out of packing for your next ski trip. Now all that’s left is for you to head to the mountains to enjoy the crisp mountain air, sip on hot chocolates, and spend time together as a family.

About Us

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.