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What to Pack

There’s nothing worse then getting to the airport and realising you have forgotten your passport, or spending your holiday shivering because you didn’t pack enough warm clothes. To help you out, here’s a list of all the bits and bobs you will need for a warm and worry-free week in the Alps…

On-piste:

1. Skis, poles and ski boots/Snowboard and boots – If you’re flying, a ski or board bag is a very good idea!
2. Good quality ski socks
3. Thermals if you’re skiing between December and February, alternatively tights (even if you’re a bloke)
4. Ski Jacket and Pants/Salopettes
5. Cheap t-shirts that you don’t mind getting sweaty
6. Layers such as sweaters/fleeces
7. Woolly hat
8. Helmet (if you have one)
9. Goggles
10. Sunnies
11. Gloves (both ski and woollen for around the resort)
12. Scarf/ neck warmer
13. Suncream (minimum SPF 15), lipsalve, total block cream
14. Money
15. Mobile phone
16. Photos for lift pass (for some resorts)
17. Charger for mobile phone etc

Other useful things (But not essential)

1. Camel pack water bag
2. Rucksack to carry extra layers, water, snacks etc
3. Après Ski:
4. Warm trousers such as Jeans or Combats
5. Nicer t-shirts
6. Jumpers/ Cardigans/ Extra layers
7. Warm boots/ shoes that have soles with good grip for walking around the resort

On the journey:

1. Passport
2. Travel documents
3. Paperwork (Necessary documents for accommodation, ski rental, lessons etc)
4. Insurance documents
5. Something to read
6. Music
7. An extra layer
8. Mobile phone
9. Credit cards
10. Local currency

In the apartment:

1. Warm pyjamas
2. Towel
3. Toiletries
4. Linen, if it’s not included (Check your booking)

Top Tips:

• Make sure your bags are clearly labelled with your name, home phone number and mobile phone number.
• Make a list (or print this one off) and tick things off as you pack.
• Don’t forget to pack your normal, everyday items too!
• Make sure you have checked with you airline about checking in ski equipment if you are bringing your own (usually there is an extra cost to check ski/snowboard bags in).
• Make sure you have got appropriate travel insurance for a snowsports holiday.
• Never underestimate the benefit of a nice warm hat!

Money matters

Some resorts are more expensive than others and it really depends on how much you want to splash out – but as a general guide, this is what you might expect.

Between a room of 4 – £10 each for room food supplies

A night of drinks – £20

A meal out – £20

In resort activities – £30

A rough guide would be about £150 for a week, but there are loads of ways to save money, such as making packed lunches, and not eating out too often.

There are cash points in all of the resorts, where you can take money out in Euros; just check the exchange rate before you head out, and whether your card provider will charge you.