Travel Essentials

• Passports – the EU and many other countries require a minimum of six months validity on your passport after the end of your stay. Don’t forget to renew your passport in good time!
• Pre-Clearance – ESTA and eTA pre-clearance for the USA and Canada respectively, and new ETIAS for the Schengen Area launching in 2025.
• Transport and Accommodation details – ensure these are to hand to avoid last minute confusion!
• Insurance details – proof of insurance for accidents on the slope if required. Remember to apply for a GHIC if your EHIC has expired!
• Your Ski Club membership card – load up lift passes, use “Pay as You Go” skiing function, join the Club on snow, or make use of in-resort discounts.

Your Ski Gear

Double check baggage allowances and ski bag entitlements using the Ski Club’s list here.

• Ski/Board Jacket – Ina  squeeze? You can save space by wearing your jacket when travelling.
• Ski/Board Trousers – You may not want to wear these on the plane though!
• Ski/Board Gloves – warm, but not necessarily waterproof, ski-specific gloves, to keep your hands warm and dry, especially if you are a beginner and may fall over in the snow a lot! Don’t forget glove liners if you have them.
• Thermal base layers (Top and Bottom) – You will only need 2 or 3 good quality merino wool base layers for a week. If you are using synthetic or sports base layers, it is recommended to have one for every day you are planning on skiing.
• Fleeces – if you are layering properly, a single good, technical fleece will suffice. However, there is nothing wrong with throwing on your favourite hoodie or jumper when the days are bitterly cold, or you are someone who feels the cold!
• Ski Socks – thinner, technical socks tend to be better then thick “tube” socks. Around three pairs merino wool socks will be plenty for a week. If you are using synthetic socks, it is recommended to have one pair for every day you are skiing.
• Goggles/sunglasses – a good quality pair of goggles or sunglasses is vital to reduce the impact of sunshine reflecting off the snow.
• Facemask/Balaclava – whether a multi-purpose Buff, a balaclava or a snowsports specific facemask, something to keep the wind and snow out of your face is essential.
• Hand/Feet warmers – especially if you feel the cold, or suffer from conditions such as Raynaud’s
• Sports essentials – don’t forget everything you need to ski to the best of your ability – deep heat, deep freeze, knee supports and braces, SkiMojos

In Your Ski Bag

If you carry your own snowsports equipment to resort, this section will ensure you do not leave anything behind:

• Skis/Snowboard – All airlines require these to be packed in an appropriate bag or case, and not carried by themselves.
• Poles
• Helmet – you can normally carry this with you when flying to save space.
• Skins – if you are planning on touring
• Day pack – you might be able to use this as your carry-on bag when flying
• Transceiver – ensure you have fresh batteries and spares.
• Boots – check whether your airline allows you to take them as carry-on or whether these need to be packed as part of your hold baggage – see our guide on flying to resort for more information. Make sure you haven’t left any linings or insoles out to dry in the attic!
• Wrist guards and Backsupports
• SkiKey – or other lock system to secure skis or boards to ski racks
• Ski ties

Holiday Essentials

Everything else you need for off the slope.

Don’t forget that you are going on holiday too, so remember to pack everything you’ll need to get around town or for a great night out too:

• Plenty of “street clothes” e.g. Jeans, T-shirts, tops, jumpers, non-ski socks, underwear – for lounging around on a day off or heading out for dinner in the evening
• Stuff to relax in after a day on the slopes – comfy trousers/joggers, slippers, etc.
• Warm clothes to walk around resort in – hat, gloves, scarf
• Shoes/boots with a good grip
• Toiletries including toothbrush
• Sunscreen, Lipsalve or Balm with SPF, and aftersun/moisturiser
• Swimming costume/trunks
• Camera and charger
• Travel plug adaptor 
• Speakers and headphones
• Books and Magazines
• High energy snacks – chocolate bars/energy bars/nuts
• Alarm clock
• Ear plugs
• Make-up
• Travel pillow
• Hair straighteners
• Hip flask
• Handbag