- Dress in three layers: base, mid and waterproof shell
- Hire skis, boards and boots in resort, but buy your own gloves, goggles and socks
- Pack your GHIC plus travel insurance that covers winter sports and mountain rescue
- Helmets are compulsory for everyone in Italy and recommended everywhere
Packing for a ski holiday is a balancing act. Take too little and you'll pay resort prices for gloves and sun cream; take too much and you'll be dragging a bulging bag through the airport and paying excess baggage. After years of ski trips, this is the list we actually use.
It's written for a typical week in the Alps or Andorra with flights from the UK. If you're booking a package, check your luggage allowance first: many ski packages include a hold bag, and some include ski carriage.
The layering system
The key to staying warm and dry is layers you can add or remove as the weather changes.
| Layer | What to pack | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | 2-3 thermal tops and leggings | Merino or synthetic, never cotton |
| Mid layer | 1-2 fleeces or a light insulated jacket | Swap a fleece for a thin down jacket on very cold days |
| Outer layer | Waterproof ski jacket and salopettes | Look for a waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm |
| Feet | 2-3 pairs of proper ski socks | One thin pair is warmer than two thick ones in a ski boot |
| Hands | Waterproof ski gloves or mittens, plus thin liners | Mittens are warmer if you feel the cold |
| Head and neck | Helmet, buff or neck warmer, beanie for the evening | A buff doubles as a face mask in wind |
Ski kit: hire, borrow or buy?
Hire in resort (or book online in advance):
- Skis or snowboard and poles
- Ski or snowboard boots, unless you ski regularly
- Helmet, if you don't own one
Worth owning, even as a beginner:
- Goggles (one lens for flat light, or interchangeable lenses)
- Sunglasses for sunny days and lunch on the terrace
- Gloves and liners
- Ski socks
- A helmet if you'll ski more than once; it fits better than a hire one and lasts years
Borrowing jackets and salopettes from friends is a smart way to save on a first trip. Supermarket ski ranges and outlet stores are good for base layers in the autumn.
helmets have been compulsory for all skiers and snowboarders in Italy since 1 November 2025, regardless of age. In Austria, rules vary by region for children, but a helmet is sensible for everyone.
Documents and money
- Passport, valid for your whole trip and issued in the last 10 years, with at least three months' validity after the date you leave the Schengen area
- Booking confirmations, lift pass and ski hire vouchers
- A UK GHIC for state healthcare in the EU (and in Switzerland for British nationals)
- Travel insurance with winter sports cover, including mountain rescue, piste closure and equipment
- Proof of third-party liability cover if skiing in Italy, where it's a legal requirement on the slopes
- A card with no foreign transaction fees and some euros (or Swiss francs) in cash for hut lunches and tips
- Driving licence if you're hiring a car
Health, sun and comfort
The sun is far stronger at altitude, and snow reflects it back at you.
- High-factor sun cream (SPF 30-50) and lip balm with SPF
- Blister plasters and a few basic painkillers
- Any prescription medicines in your hand luggage
- Moisturiser and hand cream: alpine air is very dry
- Reusable water bottle and a few snacks for the slopes
- A small rucksack for the mountain
Après-ski and evenings
Most ski resorts are casual. Pack:
- Warm, waterproof boots with good grip for icy streets (snow boots or walking boots)
- Jeans or comfortable trousers and a couple of jumpers
- Swimwear if your hotel has a pool, spa or there is a thermal bath nearby
- Slippers or thick socks for the chalet or hotel
Things people forget
- Phone charger and a plug adaptor (Type C/F sockets in most of the Alps)
- A portable power bank: cold drains phone batteries quickly
- Hand warmers for very cold days
- Ziplock bags for your phone and ski pass
- A small padlock for ski lockers
- Earplugs if you're sharing a chalet
Packing for children
Children need the same layers as adults, plus a spare set of gloves (they get wet fast) and mittens for little ones. Name labels save a lot of time at ski school. Many resorts in Austria and Andorra have excellent kids' clubs; see our best ski resorts for beginners in Europe and our family holiday deals tips.
Ready to go?
Once you've got the kit sorted, compare current ski deals or read our guide to cheap ski holidays in Austria. If you're travelling in February, see our half-term ski deals guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pack skis in my hold luggage?
Most airlines carry skis as sports equipment for a fee, and some ski packages include it. Many beginners find it cheaper and easier to hire in resort.
Should I buy or hire ski boots?
Hire boots for your first one or two trips. If you keep skiing, well-fitted boots of your own are the single best kit upgrade.
What should I wear on my first day skiing?
A thermal base layer, a fleece, a waterproof jacket and salopettes, one pair of ski socks, gloves, goggles and a helmet. Leave the jeans for the evening.
Do I need special travel insurance for skiing?
Yes. Standard policies often exclude winter sports, so add winter sports cover that includes mountain rescue and medical repatriation.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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