What to Pack for a Ski Season (According to People Who’ve Done It)

Planning a ski season can feel a little like preparing for an expedition – exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. What will you actually need? What should you leave behind? And is it even possible to fit your life into one suitcase and a board bag?

To help, we asked the experts: our 2024/25 team, fresh from a winter in the Alps. We caught them on camera sharing their top tips – the essentials they were glad they packed, the non-essentials they regret bringing, and the one piece of advice they’d give anyone heading off on their first season.

From thermals and toiletries to Marmite and moisturiser, the answers varied – but a few items came up again and again:

• Comfy clothes for chalet downtime - Think joggers, hoodies and sliders.
• Waterproof boots for resort life - Snowy commutes and slippery steps demand decent footwear.
• A reusable water bottle and coffee cup - You’ll save money and the planet.
• Multivitamins - Especially when you’re running on less sleep and more fondue.
• An extension lead - With limited plug sockets in shared accommodation, this one’s a game-changer.
• At least one fancy dress outfit - Theme nights and costume parties are part of the fun – don’t be caught out!

Even seasoned skiers overpack. Our team’s list of “don’t bother” items might just save you space and stress:

• High heels and dressy clothes - You’ll wear them once, maybe.
• Too many gadgets - Between work and ski time, there’s not much downtime for screens.
• Massive suitcase - Space is tight in staff accommodation; pack smart, not big.
• Lots of pairs of trainers – You won’t need them!

We ended by asking: If you could give one piece of advice to someone about to start their first season, what would it be?

Here’s a teaser:

• “Say yes to everything (within reason), the best memories happen when you do.”
• “Be kind. To your teammates, to yourself, to your guests.”
• “Bring a positive attitude. It’s your winter, make it amazing.”

There’s plenty more where that came from so don’t miss the full video. Whether you're packing for your first season or just curious what it’s like behind the scenes, this is for you.

If you’re thinking of joining us for a future season, we’d love to hear from you. Working a winter with VIP SKI means fresh mountain air, lifelong friendships, and a job that genuinely makes guests’ holidays unforgettable.

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