Ski Holiday Packing List for Family Breaks

So, you’ve located your GHIC cards, checked the dates on your passports, and booked your winter sports travel insurance and airport parking. You’re off to a great start! Now it’s time to think about packing...

To help keep things simple, we’ve collated a ski holiday packing list for you to use below.

Before you pack

Start preparing to pack a week (even two) before you travel
Don’t over-pack – older children are likely to be in ski gear for much of the day, even if you have booked our childcare services
Once back indoors and at the end of the afternoon, most children will be keen for a bath and to snuggle into their PJs (especially if they are going to be enjoying Pyjama Club in the evenings at Bear Lodge
Think about what VIP SKI can provide for you – then take these items out of your suitcase
Chalets are warm and if you have sufficient warm outdoor clothing, then there is no need to rush out and purchase lots of bulky warm fleeces and jumpers

We recognise that airline luggage allowances don’t always reflect the needs of our family groups. In an emergency, your chalet host or nanny may be able to assist with laundry, or you can use the local laundrette.

Alternatively, you could purchase a tube of hand wash to rinse out smaller items such as bibs, underwear and smaller items of clothing in the bathroom sink. Clothes of that size will dry in no time, and could save a lot of space in your luggage.

Blonde toddler playing on plastic ride on toy with ski nanny in Bear Cubs childcare — We have a huge selection of toys in our Bear Cubs playroom

Smiling ESF ski instructor with smiling young boy wearing ski kit outside Bear Lodge in Arc 1950 — Remember the ski essentials with our checklist

Packing for infants & toddlers

GENERAL CLOTHING

All in one vests (short or long sleeved)
Babygrows/sleepsuits/PJs
Sleep bag (if used)
Tights
Socks
Outfits of choice – think mix and match layering and what is easy to hand wash if needed
Swimsuit
Pair of shoes
Non-slip slippers or slipper socks (if walking)

FOR OUTDOORS

All in one ski suit (for those not walking, consider ones with feet)
Warm jumper or cardigan
Sunglasses (consider Baby Banz, they cannot be pulled off and lost)
Gloves or mittens on a string (to avoid being pulled off and lost)
Woolly hat – one that covers the ears
Sun hat (especially if you’re spring skiing)
Wellies or snow boots (if walking)

CHANGING

Nappies & wipes (you can pre-order these to be in the chalet on your arrival)
Swim nappies
Formula (VIP SKI can provide these items for you at a charge. Click here for more information.)
Travel change mat – always handy

FEEDING

Weaning spoons
Bottles
Sippy cup
Bibs (go plastic, wipes clean so less to wash once home)

FROM THE BATHROOM CABINET

Baby medicines (definitely pack your prescriptions. Most over the counter medications can be found at the pharmacy, but for ease you may want to pack infant Paracetamol or Ibuprofen)
High factor sun block
SPF lip balm
Nappy cream
Travel size tin of Vaseline
Teething Gel (if required)
Travel size shampoo, baby bath and lotion (to compliment what VIP SKI provide)
Hair bands/clips
Face cloth or sponge

HAND LUGGAGE

Colouring book and crayons
Books and a rattle or small musical toy
Load your tablet or phone with favourite nursery rhymes or children’s programmes for the flight and coach journey to resort
Snacks – raisins, chopped fruit, rice cakes & fruit purée pouches are ideal
Food pouches (for those on solids)
Water - buy or refill airside
Formula (ready-made)
Change of clothes
Nappies and wipes
Comforter (dummy, muslin cloth, toy)
Plastic bag

TOP TIP

You should get through security with sealed food pouches and ready-made formula, however, did you know you can order from Boots and collect at the airport? Order a week before you travel.

Afro-carribean baby sleeping on bed — Sweet dreams...

Young girl in bright coloured ski gear learning to ski with Oxygene ski school — Try to borrow or rent ski gear where possible

Two smiling children wearing bumble bee costumes in Bear Cubs in Arc 1950 — Big smiles in the Bear Cubs playroom

Packing for older children - checklist

GENERAL CLOTHING

Vests and/or T-shirts
Underwear
Socks
Trousers/skirts/leggings – three max
T-shirts
Hooded top or jumper - two max
Swimsuit (NB: boys are required to wear speedo-type trunks at some resort swimming pools so do check before you go)
Swimming goggles
PJs
One pair of shoes (pack and travel in snow boots for extra room)
Slippers or slipper socks

FOR OUTDOORS (SKI GEAR)

Ski goggles
Sunglasses
Ski gloves and glove liners (two pairs are recommended)
Snood/neck warmer
Ski suit or ski jacket and salopettes (jacket can act as ‘coat’ for the week)
Thermal base layers
Microfleece or similar (depending on the time of year)
Woolley hat (although a helmet is necessary when skiing)
Ski socks (at least two pairs)
Snow boots or something similar that is fleece lined and waterproof (travel in them)

To lighten the load, we recommend adding ski and snowboard equipment hire to your booking. Ski boots can also be hired at many resorts.

FROM THE BATHROOM CABINET

Junior paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
Medication if required
Toothbrush/Paste
High factor sun block – including a pocket-sized one to pop in kid’s salopettes
Face cloth
SPF lift balm - perfect for protecting young lips and dry patches which can appear in such a dry environment
Deep heat (in case of any especially achy muscles)

HAND LUGGAGE

Kids quiz book/colouring book and crayons/pencils
Book
Top Trumps/Uno/card games
Load the tablet with films etc. and make sure this is fully charged for the flight and coach journey to resort
Headphones
Travel sickness medication, if required
Snacks – avoid chocolate if you can as it can be a messy option!
Water – buy or refill airside!
Change of clothes (perhaps overcautious however we recommend just in case)
Plastic bag

TOP TIPS

Children’s ski kit is expensive and kids grow out of it quickly, so consider renting your ski wear from a company such as EcoSki or borrow from friends if you can. VIP SKI customers can enjoy 15% off the EcoSki rental and shop collection. They need to be warmer than adults and one-piece suits or salopettes with braces will help keep out the cold.

Cold hands will ruin a child’s day, so bring two pairs of gloves as they will get wet at ski school or when playing in the snow and may not dry in time for the next trip outside.

Do remember to bring slippers or indoor shoes for the chalets as the floors can be slippery in socks.

Although it can seem overwhelming at first, if you stick to our checklist, packing for a family ski holiday needn’t be stressful. Once your children come in from skiing or playing in the snow, they will be happy to run around inside in their thermals so try not to overpack!

Smiling child sitting on mother's lap on traditional carousel in Les Gets — Make memories with the children this winter

Don’t forget that our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have prior to your holiday and you can pre-book any baby equipment you need before you travel.

If you’re yet to book and all this talk of ski gear and childcare has got you dreaming about a family ski holiday in the French Alps, then you can browse our luxury catered ski chalets and hotel here.