I love a good ski holiday. There’s nothing better than getting out in the brisk winter air and zooming down freshly groomed slopes. Whether it be Europe, the US, Australia or Japan, it’s doesn’t matter if you’re taking off for a week or a weekend, planning what to pack is essential.

Since ski gear is bulky and heavy, and airlines have strict weight limits of generally 20kg, you’ll need to be careful not to pack unnecessary items. But first things first, make sure you know the exact weight limit for the airline you are travelling on and check your specific route, as some airlines have different weight limits for different routes. So, in order to stick to this limit and avoid paying excess baggage charges, here is my essential ski packing list as well as some packing tips to save space in your bag.

What to pack:

• Socks and underwear: at least one pair per day, I usually add a couple of spares just in case. I like to pack thick ski socks for skiing and don’t forget you’ll need socks for evenings too.
• Ski thermals: base layers are essential items when skiing, again one per day, if possible. I like to travel with washing sheets (they dissolve easily) so you can wash on the go. It’s much better than the traditional washing liquid that’s likely to spill in your bag.
• Ski Jacket: I often wear my ski jacket on the plane to save space in my bag
• Ski Trousers: ideally a good pair of waterproof trousers
• Sunscreen and lip balm: I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve forgotten sunscreen and have had to borrow from my friends on the mountain. The sun can be particularly strong when it reflects off the snow. And the last thing you want is a ski goggle tan on your face!
• Ski googles or sunglasses: I like to bring both, they are good for combating the glare coming off the snow on blue bird days
• Ski Helmet: I have my own ski helmet, but of course you can rent one at your ski resort too
• Ski Gloves: a good water proof pair of ski gloves can make all the difference on long days. You will want to keep your extremities warm as they are suseptable to cold weather.
• Ski Boots: I like to bring my own ski boots and rent skis and poles at the destination
• Midlayer Clothing: like a fleece or woolly jumper if it’s particularly cold to wear over your base layer and under your ski jacket
• Walking Boots: (or snow boots) with good grip are a must for walking around the ski resort as the snow can be slippery and some paths can get icy.
• Regular Clothes: for wearing after skiing and to dinner in the evenings

What to pack in your hand luggage:

On my first ever ski trip to Chamonix in France, there was an Air France baggage handlers’ strike, and my bags never made it! Yes, it was a nightmare. I went on a ski holiday without my suitcase. So ever since then, I always make sure I’m prepared, just in case. I like to travel with these things in my hand luggage:

• Spare pair of underwear and socks
• One pair of ski thermals
• Ski Jacket, can be worn on the plane as your ‘day jacket’
• Snow boots, usually this is a bulky item anyway, so this makes sense to wear it and save space in your bag
• Passport
• Book/kindle
• Phone
• Phone charger
• Essential travel documents

How to pack; my essential packing hacks:

1. Keep to a few simple basic colours so you can co-ordinate on and off the slopes.
2. Rolling your clothes generally creates more space in your bag, or else try a compression cube.
3. Pack ski googles and spare lenses inside your helmet, it will protect them in your bag. Top it off with your gloves for extra padding on top.
4. Squeeze as many thick ski socks inside your ski boots (or walking boots), this will free up space in your main bag.
5. You can generally get away with one pair of ‘stylish’ snow boots, worn on the plane of course,to free up more space in your bag.
6. A pair of thermal legging/ trousers to be worn for apres ski can often be warmer than jeans.

Remember, these tips are just a starting point. Tailor your packing list according to your specific needs and activities planned during your stay. By packing smartly, you’ll be better prepared to fully immerse yourself in your ski holiday!