Winter ski season is here and many people will be headed out soon for quality time on the slopes. It can be hard to know what to pack and how to maximize your luggage space, especially when the airlines keep changing the rules, so I though I would share my tips on how and what to pack for a skiing holiday.
Tip #1: Check airline regulations for baggage. Some airlines consider ski boots and skis to be one item, while others count them as two bags. Don’t forget to check how much a checked bag is when booking flights on budget airlines. It may be a better value to pay for a flight that includes one hold bag if you are earning airline miles rather than paying for each little extra (like a reserved seat, drinks, and snacks). Be sure to read the luggage and sports equipment policy of the airline you are flying with. Snowboard bags can usually hold boots too so you just need to check your bag falls within the allowed oversized luggage dimensions.
A recent tip I saw on Instagram was to use a double ski bag even if you only have one pair of skis. For example, British Airways says the maximum ski/snowboard bag size you can have is 190 x 75 x 65cm. This expandable ski/snowboard bag (with wheels!) measures 145-175 x 17 x 32cm. Use this massive luggage allowance to your advantage and all you need to do is stay within the maximum weight. If you are feeling generous, feel free to send me the Tramline Quad 170 Hardside (in pink, of course). Measuring 180 x 35 x 22cm, it has built in compartments for your helmet, poles and clothes.
Tip #2: Use clothes to pad equipment. If you don’t have a hard cased ski bag, pack your soft goods (long underwear, ski socks, snow pants, comfy clothes, pajamas, and swim suit) in your ski bag. By wrapping the clothes around your skis and poles, you know your kit will be protected from damage in the hold. Toiletries and sneakers can go into your boot bag (which can be used as a carry on) which limits the need to check an additional bags for an added cost. It is much more fun to spend that money on the après ski.
Tip #3: Wear snow boots and helmet (read my tips on how to choose one here) on plane. You probably know this, but wearing your bulky clothes on the plane will save room in your luggage. If you have big boots for the snow, you should wear these along with your ski jacket and any other big layers. Of course you can remove the extra layers once the flight is underway but this tactic will save space in your luggage. Also, it is best practice to carry your helmet on the plane with you. Checking it in the hold puts it at risk for damage from being crushed or banged up which means it will be less effective or need to be replaced sooner.
Tip #4: Dress for the weather. You never know what the weather will be like in the mountains. Be sure to pack outerwear that is versatile, such as being breathable and waterproof. You need to be warm as you ride the chair lift but then also cool as you make your way down the hills. It is usually best to wear layers in case the weather changes. Merino wool allows for temperature regulation and comes in a variety of thicknesses to suit the climate you are in. The other great thing about merino is that it doesn’t smell after a few sweaty wears. That means you can pack less for longer trips (although it is good to have a back up in case you get wet).
If you don’t ski often enough to justify buying ski clothes, check out Ecoski. They hire out ski gear and also sell used kit in w wide variety of sizes. They only sell sustainable brands so no matter what you purchase or rent from the site, you know you are making an eco-friendly choice.
Tip #5: Think about snacks and an easy lunch. We make GORP (equal parts peanuts, raisins, M&Ms and granola) to eat on the mountain and pack protein bars too. Food and drinks on the mountain can be very expensive and take a long time to queue for before struggling to find a seat. I prefer having portable snacks I can eat on the chair lift, or a large sandwich, to maximize my time on the slopes. A hot breakfast and proper dinner balance me out. The trails and lift lines tend to be empty while everyone is getting lunch, so I prefer to be on the slopes from 11am-1pm. I suggest you plan your day around that window.
Tip #6: Don’t forget the little things. Even thought I wasn’t in Girl Scouts for very long as a child, I still like to always be prepared. Tissues, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a water bottle, hand warmers, a battery pack with cable, and sunglasses are the essentials I like to have on hand when I am out skiing. By wearing a small rucksack, I have everything with me to prevent trips back to the hotel room. A bag is also handy to hold your hat, gloves, and goggles when walking around the resort village.
These are my top tips on how to pack for a ski trip. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can do laundry and pack even less. I prefer to bring two changes of long underwear and regular clothes in case something gets wet.
Did I forget anything? What do you always pack when you are headed towards the slopes?
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