What To Pack For Your Family Ski Holiday

So, you’ve booked your family ski holiday, located your GHIC cards, checked the dates on your passports, purchased your winter sports insurance and booked your 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 our top tips and a comprehensive checklist for you below.

Before You Pack

• Start preparing to pack a week (even 2) 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 luggage space.

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 (travel in them)
• Non-slip slippers or slipper socks (if walking)

• 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)
• Mittens on a string (to avoid being pulled of and lost)
• Woolly hat – one that covers the ears
• Sun hat (especially if you’re spring skiing)
• Wellies or snow boots (if walking)

• Nappies & wipes (pre-order and these can 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

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

• 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

• 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.

GENERAL CLOTHING

• Vests and/or T-shirts
• Underwear
• Socks
• Trousers/skirts/leggings – 3 max
• T-shirts
• Hooded top or jumper - 2 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
• 1 pair of shoes (pack and travel in snow boots for extra room)
• Slippers or slipper socks

• Ski goggles 
• Sunglasses
• Ski gloves (2 pairs are recommended)
• Snood/neck warmer
• Ski suit or 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 2 pairs)
• Snow boots or something similar that is fleece lined and waterproof (travel in them)

• 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
• Plasters can be found in the chalet first aid box and you can buy if required at the supermarket/pharmacy

• 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 (VIP SKI customers can enjoy 15% off the EcoSki rental and shop collection) or borrow from friends if you can. 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 2 pairs of gloves as they will get wet at ski school or 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!  

Stress-Free Family Ski Holidays

Don’t forget that Millie, Jess, Cam, Louise and Maxine are on hand to answer any questions you may have prior to your holiday and pre-book any baby equipment you need before you travel.

And if 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 hotels here.