As exciting as it is when the time comes to start packing for your ski holiday in Andorra, it really is important to be thorough and to follow the ski packing list carefully. From the essential gear that’ll keep you safe and warm on the slopes to the outfits that’ll have you fitting in during après-ski gatherings, there are a lot of items that make a ski packing list quite different from any other holiday checklist.
To help you with the packing process, read on for a helpful guide and a detailed skiing checklist beginners and veterans alike can use. Then, once the suitcase is zipped up, you can travel with confidence and focus on enjoying your holiday!
Things you need to pack for ski
The below ski packing list is broken down into different sections, from clothing to gear to other must-haves. The good thing about a ski holiday is that the ski packing list female travellers use is almost identical to the checklist males use. Similarly, there is little difference between a school ski trip packing list and a family ski holiday packing list. That’s because the clothing for a ski holiday and the equipment for a ski holiday are the most important items you’ll take, and these are much the same for all visitors to a ski resort, no matter their age, experience or gender. So, let’s get started and let’s begin by outlining the clothing you should bring.
Essential clothing
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating: it can get cold and wet on the ski slopes! Not only will you be having fun in cold conditions, but every time you fall or roll on the snow you’ll be coming into contact with moisture. That’s why it’s so important to pack a lot of clothes and to pack efficiently, bringing waterproof items where possible.
As for the exact quantities, this will depend on the length of your stay, so a ski packing list for a week will be a lot longer than if you’re only travelling for a weekend. With that in mind, the ideal is to bring a new set of base inner clothing for each day, because if it’s ambitious to assume you’ll be able to dry items off in time to reuse them later on during the same trip. It’s better to be safe than soggy!
In any case, the ski trip packing list of essential clothing is generally agreed to be the following:
- Long underwear
- Thick socks
- Fleece
- Ski jacket
- Long trousers
- Gloves
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
Must-have ski gear and equipment
Moving on to the must-have ski gear and equipment for a trip to a ski resort, keep in mind that a lot of this might be available on site. There are some items which you might have to bring with you, or you might prefer to arrive with your own personalised version, but there are items that can easily be rented on site or that come as part of the ski holiday package.
This, though, can differ from one ski resort to another, so simply check in with the place where your group will be staying to find out which pieces of ski equipment you need to bring with you and which pieces you can pick up after arrival. It could save you a lot of effort and money if you can pack a little lighter.
Regardless of whether you’re collecting on site or taking these with you, the essential list of ski equipment is:
- Skis
- Poles
- Bindings
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Boots
Ski helmet
Let’s explain the importance of a couple of the above items in extra detail, starting with the ski helmet. This is absolutely crucial in terms of staying safe on the slopes and many resorts won’t let you take to their slopes without one.
When selecting a ski helmet, take your time to ensure it has a good fit. Although most models have slightly adjustable sizing, it should fit snugly but comfortably. At the same time, you want it to have some level of ventilation, so that you can get some air through the helmet during the warmer parts of the day.
Ski goggles
Another item on the ski packing list worth spending time to get right is ski goggles. These protect your eyes in two ways: blocking any pieces of debris which can flick up at high speed and providing protection from the sun or precipitation.
When choosing a pair of ski goggles, consider lens colour and tint, as different lens tints are designed for different light conditions. Furthermore, if possible look for ski goggles with UV protection and anti-fog coating. Finally, as with the ski helmet, ensure your goggles fit snugly without pressing too tightly on your face. It’s even a good idea to try the goggles on while wearing the helmet you’re going to be using, to make sure they fit well together.
What to pack for après-ski
During your holiday you’re also going to want to enjoy the famous après-ski in Andorra. This is the term for the post-skiing leisure time in the bars and restaurants of a ski resort.
So, what do you put on an après-ski packing list? Well, know before you go that many skiers enjoy après-ski while wearing the same kit they’ve taken to the slopes in, as they head straight to the bars and restaurants before returning to their accommodation. Others do prefer to stop off by their room to freshen up and wear something more comfortable. The vibe is usually very relaxed, so you can wear what you want and you should pack the kinds of clothes you’d feel comfortable in back home. Just remember to factor in the cold, and add warm layers to that ski packing list of yours!