SWISSBLISS
SWISS LUXURY TRAVEL BLOG
The Ultimate Skiing Packing list
Thermal underwear
For ladies
I always find packing for skiing particularly challenging: on the one hand you need to ensure you have clothes to deal with extreme weather conditions, and on the other, you still want to be stylish for après-ski. If you are flying to your ski resort, you have to contend with luggage limits, making the whole exercise even more complicated. Oh, and do follow the advice given in last year's Vogue: don't pack stilettos! You'll never have an occasion to wear them...
To help you find your way, I’ve put together the ultimate packing list for your next ski holiday and have included all the no-nonsense items of clothing you absolutely need to pack, such as thermal underwear and wool socks. With this list you will be ready to hit the slopes as soon as you get there. If you scroll down to the bottom of this post, you'll find a handy printable PDF checklist.
Please remember that layering is absolutely key when skiing, the weather can change very quickly in the mountains and depending on how active you are you can work up a sweat quite quickly. During the colder winter months of December to mid-February, you will definitely want to wear some good thermal underwear to stay warm as temperatures can easily drop down to below 0 celsius in the Swiss alps, add in the wind-chill factor, and it will feel much, much colder. From March onwards, the temperatures can be more pleasant, and so you’ll be glad to have a layer you can easily remove.
Thermal underwear and base layers may not be the sexiest item of clothing in your wardrobe, but trust me you’ll be so grateful for them. There’s nothing like a warm layer worn below your ski pants and fleece to keep the cold out as you go tearing down the slopes.
Always ensure your base layers are made from a moisture wicking fabric that takes away the humidity from your skin so it can evaporate easily. You do not want to end up getting wet from the inside; it is terribly uncomfortable. Buy top-quality breathable base layers to ensure maximum comfort.
Mid-layers
Well, as suggested by the title, this is the layer between your thermals and your ski jacket. It can be anything: a fleece, a wool sweater, a technical t-shirt, or a vest. This layer is key as it offers you light-weight warmth. On a spring day, you may find that you will be quite happy shedding your ski jacket and skiing just in your mid-layer. Choose a fairly snug fit when it comes to the mid-layer, you want it to fit comfortably under your ski jacket, but still have room to wear a base layer without it feeling too tight. Ultimately, the type of layer you opt for will be a matter of personal preference, but again, avoid cotton at all costs.
Ski jackets and ski pants
Ultimately, the type of ski jacket you choose will depend on the type of skiing you intend to do. Some of the factors to consider are the type of insulation a jacket offers (down or synthetic), how breathable the jacket is, its waterproof rating and how warm it is. Again, you may find yourself needing a lighter jacket for skiing in the spring, with just an outer shell being sufficient. Whatever you choose, you will want to ensure that your outer layers are water repellent so that water droplets just slide off the fabric so that you stay dry. Other things to look out for when selecting a ski jacket are: whether the hood is removable; underarm vents, you will be grateful for these in warmer conditions; whether the jacket has a snow skirt (so when you wipe out you don’t end up with snow up your back); wrist gaiters which are built in hand-liners
For ski pants, the same principles of insulation, breathability, waterproof rating and warmth apply. Some ski pants are designed as salopettes, others are just straightforward trousers, and if you feel like being a little stylish, then you can also opt for stirrup pants. Some ski pants are clip-controlled with same-brand jackets to form a waterproof system at the waist. Always make sure your ski pants have an internal gaiter so that you don’t end up with snow in your boots!
Socks and gloves
Warm socks and gloves will save your life! When skiing your hands and feet, your extremities, get cold the fastest so invest in decent socks and gloves. My feet always end up very cold skiing, so I also make sure I invest in good quality socks and these can be expensive. A lot of ski socks are made from a combination of materials ensuring that you are provided with the best characteristics of each material. A bit of lycra will ensure that your socks fit well; polyester provides excellent wicking properties; and wool is always good for extra warmth.
You do not want to have your ski day ruined by freezing hands and numb fingers, so choose your gloves carefully. Personally, I always prefer mittens to gloves as they keep my fingers warmer, even if they do restrict your movement a little. Always make sure your gloves are waterproof and well-insulated. Also, don’t forget to dry your gloves after you’ve been out all day in mixed weather conditions; make sure you dry them overnight near a radiator (but never on the radiator).
Sun cream and lip balm
The air in the mountains can be very dry so make sure you always keep a lip balm in your pocket. And, always have sun screen on you. The combination of high altitude and UV rays reflected off the snow put you at extra risk of sun damage and ultimately skin cancer. So, always make sure you use sun cream to protect your face when in the mountains. Always use a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or above. Apply liberally and top up regularly. As for your lip balm it should have an SPF of at least 15 to protect you adequately. Remember that the wind-chill factor will also dry out your skin further, so always moisturize!
Snow boots
Let's face it, ski boots are probably the least comfortable pair of boots you will ever own! So make sure you pack a comfy pair of warm and snug snow boots on your ski trip. Make sure they are waterproof and check the manufacturer's guide for temperature ratings. A rating of - 20 will mean your feet will stay warm if the outside temperature hits - 20. I appreciate that snow boots are cumbersome to pack and you may be inclined to leave them at home, but trust me you will be grateful for these when you go out in the evenings, or if you just want to go for a winter walk in the snow, or even sledging.
I would like to thank Alison and Tim Smith for the wonderful photos they kindly provided me with for this post. Alison and Tim are absolutely passionate about skiing and their son Luke is a junior world-ranked free rider. Their photos were taken in Verbier, Switzerland.
Photo credits: Alison and Tim Smith
A word about the photos in this post
All photos belong to Alison and Tim Smith
NB: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that I earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but this comes at no extra cost to you.
Your free complete packing check list to print at home:
November 9th, 2017
