Whether you're heading to the mountains to ski, snowboard, toboggan or simply to enjoy fondue evenings, your stay needs to be well prepared. In the Alps or elsewhere, winter weather in the mountains is cold. Your vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare if you forget your gloves or warm socks. From your technical equipment to the accessories you'll need, not forgetting your winter clothing, discover the essentials you'll need in your suitcase for this winter's skiing.
Pack your ski or snowboard equipment
You've booked your vacation and chosen your destination from among France's most popular ski resorts. Now it's time to go, and all that's left to do is pack your suitcase. The first thing to do is pack your winter sports equipment. Whether you're skiing or snowshoeing, you'll need :
- ski suit or ski pants
- a ski jacket
- ski gloves or mittens
- a ski mask to protect your eyes from the sun
- ski socks
- snow boots
If you have your own equipment, remember to bring your own skis or snowboard, as well as ski poles, helmets and boots. If you don't have your own equipment, resorts offer equipment for hire.
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Bring warm clothing
Despite the warmth of the fireplace at the chalet, don't forget to pack warm clothes for your winter sports holiday. Whether indoors or outdoors, you'll need :
- thermal underwear to wear under your ski clothes
- a hat or earmuffs and under-gloves
- fleece sweaters or jackets
- fleece scarf or choker
- waterproof windbreaker for bad-weather days
- breathable pants and T-shirts
- warm nightwear and indoor socks
If your resort is a spa town, or if your hotel has a swimming pool, don't forget your bathing suit! Swimming is the ideal way to relax after a day on the slopes.
Don't forget to pack your ski accessories
For your days on the slopes or your walks in the mountains, don't forget to pack the accessories you'll need for your activities:
- if you don't ski and don't have a mask, don't forget your sunglasses
- a water bottle for your hiking days
- a folding backpack
- your ski passes, or passport photos to have them made
- a GPS if you're going hiking
If you're a smoker, take a pocket ashtray for your mountain outings. It's important not to leave any trace of your passage, especially as cigarette butts are highly polluting and take up to 10 years to completely degrade.
Don't forget your first-aid kit
In the mountains, the sun and sport can quickly take their toll. To take the best possible care of your daily ailments, don't forget to include the following in your first-aid kit:
- sun cream SPF 50, as the sun beats down hard at altitude
- moisturizing lip balm
- after-sun cream for burns
- bandages for blisters
- arnica cream for post-sport aches and pains
What to pack for skiing with children?
If you're going skiing as a family, your children's suitcases will look a lot like yours. Technical clothing and warm gear will sit alongside gloves and ski masks. But don't forget to pay attention to a few details:
- Ski helmets. While it's important to wear a helmet when snowboarding, whether you're an adult or a child, helmets are compulsory for children attending ski lessons.
- Sunscreen and ski mask. Depending on the age of your children, you'll need a different sunscreen than your own, adapted to their skin type. Protect their sensitive skin by choosing a minimum SPF 50 sunscreen. As for their eyes, choose a ski mask that fits snugly.
- Books and games. For after-ski activities or rainy days, don't forget to bring along something to keep the little ones occupied. Books, coloring books and small toys are easy to carry. You can also opt for board games, ideal for family evenings out.
