Family Ski Gear Checklist for End-of-Season Trips (UK & Europe)

Spotted an unreal deal on an Easter ski trip? Or perhaps just finally managed to get the time off work for a last-minute getaway? Either way, it’s time to get packing and get on those slopes!

To make life easier as you get excited for your upcoming skiing holiday, we've pulled together this complete family ski trip gear checklist covering everything you'll need to take with you — ski wear, equipment, toiletries, travel essentials, and more — plus a free printable version you can download and tick off as you pack.

Ski Trip Packing List for Adults and Kids

Here’s an easy round-up of everything you need to pack for a great end-of-season ski trip.

 

Ski Wear + Footwear

• Waterproof ski jacket
• Waterproof ski pants or salopettes
• Base layers
• Mid layers (fleeces)
• Ski socks
• Hat (beanie or a bobble hat is usually a good shout)
• Gloves
• Goggles 
• Snow boots or waterproof walking boots (for around the resort)
• Casual clothes for evening (slippers, trackies, hoodies, t-shirts)
• Sleepwear + underwear
• Useful extras: 
  • Sturdy, reusable water bottle - we recommend Stanley as a reliable choice
  • Buff neck gaiter - they are so versatile, and can double up as balaclavas, headbands etc
  • Swimsuit - lots of ski accommodations have hot tubs or pools to relax in after skiing. Double check whether yours does before packing!
  • Sunglasses - when you stop for breaks and take your goggles off, sunglasses help protect your eyes from the brightness of the sun reflecting off the snow

 

Two bestselling fleeces for skiing: the Craghoppers Corey + Miska

Ski Gear + Equipment

If you aren’t renting your gear then add these to the packing list for your ski trip:

• Skis (for each person)
• Helmets (for each person)
• Ski boots (for each person)
• Ski poles (if you use them)
• Edgie-wedgie (if the kids are still finding their feet)

Whether you bring your own gear or rent from the resort usually depends on how often you ski. If you’re regular skiers, then it makes sense to invest in your own skis, helmets, boots etc, but if you’ve got growing kids or are more of a once-every-so-often type of skiing family, then stick with renting.

Plus, renting means you don’t have to faff about lugging equipment through airports or train stations!

 

Our Top Tips for Your Ski Trip Checklist

• How many baselayers, fleeces, and socks you’ll need will depend on how long you’re going for and whether your accommodation has a washing machine or laundry services on site. Do a bit of research before you start packing to see what’s available where you’re staying.

• For end-of-season ski trips, you and/or your kids might find you don't need your midlayer every day due to the sometimes milder weather, but make sure it still comes with you. 'Just in case': the saving grace of holidays with children!

• Pack your fleece near the top of your backpack or suitcase so it's easily accessible when you arrive at the resort. Even if you weren't cold during travel, once you're in snowy conditions, you'll be glad you didn't bury it under everything else.

• Does your child tend to feel the cold? If so, you might want to add hand and/or foot warmers to your checklist.

• Before your trip, make a small, laminated emergency contact card. Include your mobile number and any important allergy information. Pop it in a zipped pocket of your child's ski jacket or trousers. It gives you extra peace of mind when everyone's out on the slopes.

One important thing to bear in mind: skiing is an active sport that requires easy movement. It can be tempting to pile on the layers to stay warm, but bulky clothing can restrict you and make skiing harder. Proper ski wear is designed to give you warmth and flexibility together, which is why we always say it's worth investing in the right kit rather than trying to make do with what you've already got.

Dare 2B Ski Jackets for the whole family

Toiletries and Ski Trip Essentials

Of course, this section will be largely dependent on what you personally use, but there are a few ski-specific toiletries you’ll need to pack.

• High-factor sunscreen - This might seem odd for a ski trip, but the sun is exceptionally strong in the mountains. It reflects off the snow, intensifying UV exposure. Pack a high SPF and reapply throughout the day.
• Lip balm with SPF - Same reason as the sunscreen. Your lips need protection from the sun, wind, and cold. Choose a stick balm so you can apply it easily while wearing gloves.
• Medication - Prescription medications, travel sickness tablets (if you're prone to it on mountain roads), and pain relief for any aches after skiing.
• Small first aid kit - Handy for treating blisters, bruises, and any aching muscles!
• Dried, packaged snacks - For when you’re travelling to the resort, plus when you’re waiting around it can be good to know you’ve got a little energy boost easily on hand
• Hair ties - If you've got longer hair, you'll want to tie it back under your helmet and hat.

Standard Travel Toiletries + Essentials

Then you’ve got your usual suspects for any travel packing list:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Hair products
• Shaving kit
• Wipes
• Face wash
• Hand sanitiser
• Moisturisers
• Chargers and EU adaptors (for phones, tablets, games)
• Books and puzzles for entertaining kids while travelling
• Passport (if travelling out of the UK)
• Cash (in local currency) + cards (able to be used abroad)
• Travel insurance documents

How to Pack Your Family Ski Trip Gear 

Right, you've got your checklist. Now, let's look at making packing it all up a doddle - or, at least, as much as packing can be!

Choosing Your Luggage

If you're flying, you'll, of course, need to stick to airline limits for carry-on and checked bags. Double check these before you start packing so you know what you're working with.

If you're taking the train, you won't have the same restrictions, but think practically about carrying luggage between trains and to your accommodation. Especially if you’ve got kids with you which you’ll need your hands free for. 

A few considerations:

• Most suitcases are four-wheeled these days, but it’s worth confirming yours is. The extra wheels allow you to manoeuvre it easily in any direction, which is handy particularly if you're hopping on and off trains.
• Choose a backpack that can work as your carry on during travel, then double as a daypack while you're at the resort.
• Pick up a bum bag or crossbody bag too, as they’re great for keeping essentials like your passport, wallet, and phone easily accessible during travel. These usually count as a personal item on flights, but check with whoever you're flying with to make sure.

 

 

Top Tips for Packing for Your Family Ski Trip

When your brain is full of what to take, we know that the how can sometimes get a little muddled. So here are a few things that have helped us on our family trips over the years:

• Use packing cubes - These help keep everything organised. You can separate base layers, fleeces, ski wear, and casual clothes into different cubes. Plus, when you arrive at your accommodation, unpacking is far quicker as it’s all neatly grouped.
• Consider dirty clothing - What will you store your dirty or wet clothes in? It’s worth bringing a spare, washable bag that you can use to keep everything separate.
• Wear your bulkiest items while travelling - Your ski jacket and snow boots take up loads of space in a suitcase. If you can, wear them during travel as this will create more room for perhaps another fleece or similar.

If you have your own tips for family ski trip packing, we'd love to hear them too! Feel free to share them in the comments at the end of this post.

Family Ski Trip Gear Checklist: FAQ

Got a few questions before you zip up the suitcase?

Here are some of the things families ask us most when they're gearing up for a ski trip.

 

Is my regular waterproof jacket ok to take as a ski jacket?

Your waterproof jacket will serve you well on your hikes and for day-to-day life, but its features are probably not quite what you’re after for skiing. It’s best to look for proper ski jackets, like those from Dare 2B. 

For example, take a look at the features for the Dare 2b Mens Baseplate III Padded Ski Jacket:

• AEP kinematics technology for unrestricted movement and enhanced comfort through stretch fabric and ergonomic design
• Articulation on critical movement points for better agility and power when skiing
• Abrasion-resistant fabric engineered for durability
• Ski pass pocket and detachable snowskirt with gel grip
• Full water protection with water-repellent zips, durable water-repellent finish, and fully taped seams

These features are designed specifically with skiing in mind, helping your movement and comfort on the mountain in ways a standard waterproof jacket can't always match.

How many base layers should I pack for a week-long ski trip?

For adults, two to three sets should be plenty if your accommodation has washing facilities. Pack a small tube of travel wash so you can rinse base layers and socks in the evening - they'll usually dry overnight.

For kids, we'd suggest three sets. Children seem to have a natural tendency to get wetter and dirtier than adults, so having that extra set gives you breathing room!

Should I dress my kids in a one piece ski suit or a separate ski jacket and pants?

Choosing separates (a ski jacket and pants) gives you one obvious advantage: toilet trips are much easier to manage! When your child is already bundled up with base layers, a hat, gloves, and goggles, the last thing you want is wrestling with a one-piece suit in a small cubicle. 

There's also the practical side of washing and drying. If one piece gets wet or dirty, you can wash just that item rather than the whole suit. And as kids grow, you might find the jacket still fits while the legs have got too short - with separates, you only need to replace one piece instead of buying an entirely new suit.

 

 

Do I need different socks for skiing?

Yep, ski socks are specifically designed to work with ski boots. They're thinner than your walking socks, with features like:

• Reduced padding in specific areas to prevent pressure points
• Shaped design for left and right feet
• Reinforced sections exactly where you need them
• Moisture-wicking fabrics to keep feet dry

For example, Dare 2b Mens Tech Ski Socks have padded zones for warmth, comfort & durability, plus antibacterial odour control treatment. Just what you need for a long day skiing!

Are ski pants or salopettes better?

Both work well, so it comes down to personal preference and what you're comfortable in.

Ski pants are like regular trousers with a waistband. They're easier to get on and off, and some people find them more comfortable for layering. The downside is that snow can sometimes get in around the waist if you take a tumble.

Salopettes have shoulder straps (like dungarees) and usually a higher back. They're excellent at keeping snow out around your waist and lower back, and they stay in place better when you're moving around. The trade-off is they can be slightly more awkward for toilet breaks, though many modern salopettes have clever designs that make this easier.

All You Need for Your Ski Trip, in One Place

There you have it - your complete family ski trip gear checklist with everything you need for your end of season trip.

We hope this checklist takes a little of the stress out of the planning, so you can save your energy for the slopes. And if you need any last bits of kit before you head off, our ski wear collection is full of great options for the whole family.

 

From all of us at Avenue 85, have an absolutely brilliant trip!

 

About the Author

Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.