I’ve been packing for my family for many years, but nothing feels quite as much like a military operation as packing for a ski holiday! We take way more things, and everything is far bulkier than it is for a beach holiday. There are base layers, ski socks, goggles, gloves and helmets, and then there are all the usual things you need when travelling with children – it can feel like you need twice as much stuff as you would for any other holiday.
As usual for me, a key tip is to use packing cubes and break down different types of clothing into different cubes for each person. It makes finding everything so much easier once you arrive too.
After several family ski trips with my children, I’ve learnt that the key is knowing what you genuinely need to bring (and it’s not 500 jumpers!), what you can hire when you get there and what you can safely leave at home.
This family ski packing list covers everything I pack for a ski holiday with kids, from what they need to wear on the slopes to travel-day essentials, après-ski clothes and those little extras that are very easy to forget. For reference, I’ve based this packing list on a one-week ski holiday.
Whether it’s your first ski holiday with children or you’re just looking for a checklist to make packing a little easier, here’s everything you need to pack for a family ski trip.
And if you’re still deciding where to go, have a look at my guide to the best luxury family ski hotels for some of our favourite places to stay with children.
Ski Clothes for Kids
Base layers: I think it’s important to be conservative when packing for a ski trip, but base layers are where I go a bit wild. My kids run around in them during the day between ski lessons as well as wearing them for skiing, so I usually bring five long-sleeve tops and five pairs of leggings. Merino wool is a great choice because it helps regulate temperature and stays fresher for longer. My favourite merino wool base layers are from Polarn O. Pyret which makes really soft and warm options. Another favourite brand of mine is Roarsome, which does beautifully soft bamboo base layers in lots of different colours. For a more affordable option, UNIQLO has brilliant HEATTECH thermals.
Mid-layers: Mid-layers are where I’m most conservative. I don’t think you realise quite how hot you can get on a day out on the slopes. The sun can be strong, skiing itself is sweaty work and then you go back to a very well-heated hotel. Plus, a mid-layer isn’t actually touching your skin, so honestly I would just pack two fleeces and two jumpers — if that. I’ve massively overpacked mid-layers in the past, so now I’m really careful. Polarn O. Pyret is also a really good option for kids’ fleeces.
Ski jacket and salopettes: You only need one really good ski jacket and maybe two pairs of salopettes for a week. Again, one of my favourite brands for this is Roarsome. Its ski outerwear is such good quality: parent-tested to temperatures of -30°C, insulated, waterproof and designed with practical details like lift-pass pockets. For younger children, I actually think a snowsuit works brilliantly, although make sure they have enough time to get it off when they need the toilet! Roarsome does lots of fun character, animal and colourful designs that children really love. They can come up quite big, though, so I’d size down. For luxury kids’ skiwear Moncler is beautiful as well as practical.
Ski socks: Feet and legs get very sweaty, so we usually bring fresh ski socks for every day. Seven pairs is a good idea unless you’re planning to wash them. Make sure they’re proper ski socks rather than just thick everyday socks. Some proper ski socks, including Falke, are designed for specific left and right feet, so check before putting them on. Falke is my favourite brand for kids’ ski socks.
Gloves or mittens: Once again, I love Roarsome for ski gloves. They’re easy to get on and off thanks to the full-length zips, waterproof, lined with warm microfleece and come with connector clips. I usually bring around three pairs of gloves, which sounds excessive, but they are probably the item that gets lost most often! We also bring thin inner gloves to wear underneath for extra warmth.
Neck warmer: Again, you can’t go wrong with Roarsome or Polarn O. Pyret for this item. I prefer a neck warmer to a scarf because scarves can be cumbersome, keep unravelling and I worry about them getting caught in something. I usually only bring one.
Snow boots: These are essential for walking around outside when you’re not on the ski slopes. I love Sorel as they are comfortable, practical and easy for kids to put on themselves. Moon Boots look cool, but I found them way too bulky and impractical.
Kids’ Ski Equipment
Personally we bring very little actual ski equipment with us hire most of it when we get there. Here’s a list of the main ski equipment required and whether we buy or hire. If your child is going to ski school, check in advance exactly what the school provides and whether anything specific needs to be brought from home.
Ski helmet – We always hire this. Helmets are very bulky and I don’t think it’s necessary to have our own.
Ski goggles – We have our own ski goggles and usually I bring two sets, as they are another thing that can easily get lost. Roarsome is also my choice for goggles, as they offer UV protection with shock absorption.
Skis – We never bring skis, I generally find the ones you can hire are really good!
Ski poles – Again we hire these.
Ski boots – I’m no expert when it comes to skiing, so I’ll defer to Mr S, who thinks ski boots are the one bulky piece of equipment worth owning. He says having really good ski boots is more important than having really good skis. He has his own ski boots; we don’t currently have them for the kids, but it’s something worth thinking about.
Hand warmers / toe warmers —These are a nice optional extra. We don’t actually have them because I just find you get really hot skiing!
And what about the adults?
The basic formula is much the same for adults: base layers, a couple of mid-layers, ski jacket and salopettes, ski socks, gloves, goggles and a helmet. I tend to follow the same rule for myself as I do for the children, you need far fewer mid-layers and jumpers than you think! lululemon are great for stylish skiwear, while UNIQLO for affordable baselayers.
What to Pack for Babies & Toddlers on a Ski Holiday
I have taken both Oscar and Noah on ski trips as a babies and toddlers, and this is what I took with me.
Snowsuit – There’s nothing cuter than a baby or toddler in a snow suit and of course this should be somewhat practical too so they can move around and play easily. Baby MORI is my favourite brand for baby things and their snow suits are beautiful, practical and warm.
Thermal/base layers – I bought Noah’s thermals from Polarn O. Pyret when I took him on his first ski trip. The sizes start from 0! A baby doesn’t need as many thermals as an older kids. Five would be ok for a week.
Fleece or warm mid-layer – Again I would be conservative about fleeces and jumpers but obviously babies and toddlers can be messy. I’d bring a few of your little ones normal jumpers and a fleecy mid layer from Polarn O’Pyret.
Warm everyday clothes for around the resort – We took Noah on a ski trip at six months old and I have to say he didn’t come out of the hotel much! And then inside the hotel it was really warm!
So with that in mind I’d bring ten each of you babies normal vests, t-shirts, jumpers or cardigans and leggings. Again I am a huge fan of Baby Mori and most of Noah’s winter wardrobe is from there.
Thermal/wool socks – Polarn O. Pyret make thermal socks for babies and toddlers. Bring enough for every day of the holiday.
Waterproof snow boots – Sorel also make boots for babies and toddlers, Noah had some of these when he was little. Personally I also find the fur-lined wellies work just fine!
Waterproof mittens — Roarsome have fleecy mittens, and Polarn O. Pyret have both merino wool and waterproof (great for snowman building!).
Warm hat that covers the ears – I can’t resist a baby in a cute hat. I went ahead and splurged on Moncler hats for the boys.
Neck warmer/snood – Again you can’t go wrong with Roarsome or Polarn O. Pyret for this item.
Sunglasses or baby/toddler goggles – Izipizi are a good brand for quality, safe baby sunglasses.
Baby carrier – potentially much easier than a buggy in snow. The Artipoppe carrier is beautiful and practical and can be used newborn.
Buggy and footmuff – I always take my Stoke YOYO travel pram but these aren’t great on rough terrain and are more useful at the airport. Most luxury hotels will be able to lend you a mountain buggy of some sort to take your baby outside.
Swimming things – To enjoy the hotel pool
Bring your baby’s usual necessities such as nappies, wipes, changing mat, feeding equipment, medicine. For a full list see my Ultimate Baby packing guide.
Après-Ski & Hotel Clothes
Comfortable trousers/leggings – my kids like to run around in base layers but this isn’t necessarily appropriate for an older child so bring jogging bottoms or comfy trousers.
T-shirts or long-sleeve tops – Hotels can get hot with blazing fireplaces and hot chocolate often on the go. Make sure to have a thin base to wear.
A couple of jumpers/cardigans – Again, be conservative about this layer. Around three are enough.
Underwear and socks – your usual ones.
Pyjamas – Again, the usual.
Trainers/casual shoes for inside the hotel
Warm coat – although their ski jacket can double up. No real need for two.
Hat and gloves for walking around the resort
Swimsuit/swimming trunks – most luxury ski hotels have amazing pools, your kids won’t want to miss out.
Smarter clothes – Most ski hotels are very casual but I like to dress up in the evening a bit so bring smart-casual clothes if it’s your thing too
Toiletries, Sun Protection & First Aid
High-factor SPF 50+ sunscreen – The mountain sun can be very strong. This is my favourite as the application is very quick.
SPF lip balm – Lips can very easily get chapped.
After-sun face moisturiser
Body moisturiser – mountain air can be very drying
Toiletries: The usual shampoo and conditioner, shower gel (I actually always use the hotel one), toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairbrush/comb, hair ties, deodorant, usual skincare/toiletrie
First Aid: Children’s pain relief, e.g. Calpol, antihistamine, plasters, blister plasters, antiseptic cream/wipes, thermometer, regular prescription medication, saline nasal spray – useful in dry mountain air. I usually bring a full family first aid kit.
Travel-Day Essentials
Keep passports, travel insurance details, tickets and booking confirmations, hotel and transfer details, wallets, phones, chargers, and a portable power bank easily accessible. I also pack any essential medication, snacks, refillable water bottles, entertainment for the kids, headphones, a favourite toy or comforter, a spare outfit (plus an outfit for me IYKYK!) and underwear for each child, wipes, tissues and hand sanitiser. If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, add nappies and changing supplies, plus a plastic bag for any accidents or dirty clothes.
Entertainment & Little Extras
I always pack a few things to keep the kids entertained while travelling and during downtime at the hotel, including books, small toys, LEGO, colouring or activity books, headphones and our Yoto Mini with cards. I have a full guide to my favourite travel toys for kids, including what I pack for different ages.
Final Thoughts on Packing for a Family Ski Holiday
Packing for a ski holiday with kids can feel overwhelming, but after doing it many times, I’ve learnt that you really don’t need as much as you think. Good-quality ski clothes, plenty of base layers and socks and a few carefully chosen extras will go a long way and remember that lots of ski equipment can be hired when you get there.
My biggest piece of advice is to think carefully about what your family will actually wear and use rather than packing for every possible eventuality. I’ve definitely been guilty of ‘panic packing’ and taking far too many jumpers and outfits in the past, only to bring most of them home unworn!
I hope this family ski packing list makes getting ready for your next trip a little easier. Download my free two-page Skiing With Kids Packing Checklist below so you can tick everything off as you pack, and have a look at my Ultimate Baby Travel Packing List and favourite travel toys for kids if you need a little more help getting organised.
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