What to pack for a family skiing holiday in the Alps.
If you’re counting down the days to a family skiing holiday, you’ll presumably be up to your knees in pre-holiday excitement. With flights, transfers, and ski passes to think about – it pays to retain practical oversight on your trip, but so much excitement can very quickly become overwhelming – and a palpable obstacle for staying organised. Whether you’re joining us in one of our Luxury properties, or simply looking for some help organising your winter holiday this year – here’s a comprehensive list of items to pack for a family skiing holiday in the French Alps:
Ski Gear
Ski gear will be the most practically important element on your packing list; after all, there’d be little point arriving at the slopes without the proper gear to ski in/on.
So, if you have your own, pack:
- Skis/snowboard
- Ski boots/snowboard boots
- Ski poles
- Helmet
Make sure your ski bags have been kept intact after a stint in storage – and that you’ve added the necessary oversized luggage to your flight reservations. Ski boots and helmets can be added to suitcases with clothing, if you’re tenacious enough, but if they have their own designated bags – make sure you’ve got the appropriate baggage allowance to ensure they travel with you.
Then, make sure you’ve packed:
- Ski/snowboard goggles
- Gloves or mittens
- Ski-socks (several pairs)
- Salopettes and jacket
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Fleeces or insulated jackets
- Neck gaiter, scarf, or face mask
Getting the right thermal layering for your family skiing holiday is absolutely essential. Dressing too lightly in the depths of the alpine winter means an inevitable retreat to a warm bath within an hour of hitting the slopes. Layering up too enthusiastically in the late season may end up leaving you miserably hot. Check the weather and seasonal average for your trip, and pack accordingly. A good rule of thumb, however, is to pack for a few degrees colder than you expect; you can always leave unnecessary layers back at your chalet.
Winter Clothing
Of course, a luxury ski holiday is as much to do with life off the piste as it is about the skiing experience itself. So make sure you’re covered for life out and about in your resort town. Grab your:
- Warm winter coats or jackets
- Hats or beanies
- Sweaters or hoodies
- Waterproof pants
- Thermal or woolen socks
- Thermal underwear
- Warm boots or snow boots
- Gloves or mittens
- Scarves
The Alps, though cold, can be very dry during a sunny day – so you may not need all of these, all of the time. That being said, once the alpine nights settle in – a short walk through the town can chill you to the bone. So keep your chalet closet chocked full of warm winter clothing – and don’t underestimate the power of good thermal layers if you want to enjoy a long evening out of your chalet.
As far as holidays with Consensio are concerned, there are myriad delights to be found within our luxury chalets and apartments – and with bespoke meals cooked for our guests by our teams of private chefs – you may find it hard to leave your chalet at all. In that case, make sure you’re not entirely out of regular, thinner, casual layers that you might wear at home – so you can make the most out of a toasty evening relaxing in cinema rooms, or log-fire heated lounges.
Miscellaneous Ski Equipment
Back to practicality again! If you own your own ski gear, make sure to pack:
- Ski/snowboard locks (to secure your equipment when dining on the slopes)
- Ski/snowboard wax and tuning tools (if you prefer to maintain your gear)
- Ski/snowboard repair kit (you can never be too prepared)
And for anyone expecting a long day out, either in Alpine sun or snow – take:
- A backpack for carrying essentials on the slopes
making sure that it’s stocked with: - Sunscreen (with high SPF)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- Hand and foot warmers
Bear in mind, Consensio’s luxury-chalet teams will be on hand to prepare you with snacks and drinks for the day should you wish to take them with you on your alpine exploration – in which case, taking a backpack on the slopes with you is a must.
Other Miscellaneous Items
All the usuals here, grab your:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Medications and any necessary prescriptions
- Preferred toiletries
On a Consensio holiday, our properties are stocked with luxury toiletry brands – but every guest has their own individual taste, and if you have a preferred shampoo, shower gel or moisturiser – make sure you take these with you. If you’re staying at a Consensio chalet – you’re probably also anticipating long dips in your pool – so be sure to have packed a swimsuit or two.
Travel Essentials
To have a successful ski trip, its imperative that you actually arrive at the resort – so do not forget:
- Passports/ID cards
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight/train tickets
- Accommodation details
- Wallet/local currency
You may live a totally off-grid life – but if you’re like most, you’ll be married to your electronics, so make sure you have your:
- Mobile phone
- Laptop
- Chargers
- Travel adapters (if needed)
- Camera or video equipment (optional)
- Entertainment for the journey
And there you have it! A top-tip for all travel preparations is to make sure you prepare the bulk of your packing a fair way ahead of your travel date. It pays to be on top of packing early, rather than saving it all for a last minute rush, where you may be in danger of forgetting something important. And once you’ve finished your packing – make sure to relax and reward yourself; the planning’s done, and you can now sit back and relish all the pre-holiday excitement.
If you’d like to save our comprehensive travel list to use before your next alpine adventure, download a copy through the link below.