Packing For a Ski Trip With Just Hand Luggage

Ski Jacket – 0Kg

Anything you can wear on a flight frees up pack space and weight allowance. Wearing a ski jacket instead of packing it makes perfect sense. Be sure you can wear it comfortably navigating an airport or carry it.

Ski Boots – 0Kg

Even if you had enough weight allowance, you’d never be able to fit ski boots in your bag. Boots add little to the cost of ski hire so leave them at home.

Beanie – 0Kg

Another freebie that doesn’t need to contribute to your hand luggage weight.

Helmet – 0Kg

You probably won’t have space to pack a helmet within your pack. Instead, clip your helmet to the outside, most airlines won’t blink an eye, but be careful not to bash it as you navigate your journey.

What To Pack…

Backpack – 1Kg to 1.5Kg

We recommend skiing with a pack for storing spare clothing, food and water. Freeride daypacks are designed to be rugged and body hugging. They offer ski specific functionality such as a ski-carry system, compression straps, compartments for organizing avalanche safety equipment and hydration system compatibility. Wear it skiing and use it as your primary hand luggage. A pack volume between 25 and 35 litres should just about fit your kit. If you don’t intend to ski with a pack, use regular hand luggage.

Ski Pants – 600g to 1Kg

Your salopettes will take up the most space in the pack. A shell style pant without insulation will occupy the least space and weigh less. If you struggle in the cold and prefer insulated salopettes then you’ll need to roll them tight like a newspaper. Bib pants will require more space still. Forget the onesie. Make sure they’re waterproof, breathable and comfortable.

2x Base Layers Sets – ~800g total

Base layers are a must. One set for skiing, the other in place of pajamas. Make sure they’re merino wool, which is really cosy, natural and resistant to odors.

3x Underwear – <300g total

Merino is a treat if you can afford it, but hollow fibre synthetic fabrics such as Coolmax, which wick sweat away from the skin, will do the job too.

Sherpa Fleece – ~500g

A toasty warm high pile fleece is perfect for dinners out, après shenanigans or ramping up the warmth on cold ski days.

Technical Mid-layer – ~350g

If you don’t have one, invest in an insulating layer that’s designed to retain body heat and wick away sweat. These layers are designed to be closer fitting with a stretchy fabric for freedom of movement. The Patagonia R1 is a classic.

3x Ski Socks – 300g total

A synthetic sock with strategically placed padding made from a sweat wicking material will improve comfort no end. You will want to avoid multi-day use, particularly if you’re hiring ski boots. Crusty ski socks are a new low.

Gloves – 300g

A pair of rugged, well-insulated mountain gloves will keep your hands warm and dry all day long. Look for Gore-Tex products, which have a “guaranteed to keep you dry” promise, for peace of mind. If space is tight under-cuff versions are smaller, or alternatively stick them in your jacket pockets. Mitts should be a consideration for anybody that suffers from icy fingers.

Glove liners – 50g

Lightweight gloves that can be worn around town or layered beneath your ski gloves to boost warmth. If you suffer from cold fingers, these are essential!

Goggles – 200g

You never know what the weather has in store. A good pair of ski goggles will protect your eyes from harmful UV and help you to see better in different conditions. To ensure you have the right lens for the conditions, either pack goggles with a photochromic lens (adjusts to the light intensity) or a selection of lenses with different tints.

Neckwarmer – 50g

Keep the sun off your face and your neck warm and supple with a snood. A versatile piece of kit with endless uses.

Swimwear – 200g

Make the most of hotel pools, impromptu sauna sessions or an alpine inspired cold plunge. If you can find it, swimwear is always extortionate in resort.

Holiday book – 300g

Wishful thinking!

Wash kit – 500g

Keep it to the basics. Don’t forget your toothbrush!

Travel adaptor & phone charger

PASSPORT! – with at least 6 months beyond your return date.