With flights, transfers, accommodation, ski pass, equipment rental and mountain priced food and drink to consider, a ski holiday doesn’t often come cheap. It’s not easy to cut costs – demand is high in the mountains and the price tags tend to be that way too.
So how can you save a few pennies? What about packing light and saving on checked baggage fees? It’s really not as hard as you think. The trick? Plan your packing list in advance – being organised is crucial here – it could end up being a very cold holiday if you forget something important.
What to take?
There are some things you simply can’t be without in the mountains; jacket, gloves, sunglasses etc. If you’re staying in a hotel you will be able to get washing done there, even if you aren’t most resorts have a laundrette, so you can forget about towels and endless outfit changes. You will probably get mini toiletries on arrival, if not there are supermarkets in the mountains too, so there’s no need to lug your 400ml bottles of Pantene to the slopes and back. But what really is ‘essential’?
- Ski trousers
- Ski jacket
- Goggles/sunglasses
- Ski socks x 2
- Snood
- 1 pair of shoes
- 1 pair of jeans
- 2 tops for skiing
- 2 or 3 tops for the evening
- 2 jumpers
- Underwear
- Pyjamas
Sort in the resort?
There is very little you can’t buy or rent in a ski resort… from toboggans to travel wash, you can feel confident in packing light and still having everything you need at arms reach! Here are the main things you will probably want to get there:
- Skis
- Ski boots
- Poles
- Helmet
- Sunblock
- Shampoo / Conditioner
Ready for take-off?
So the ‘what to take’ list might outline the bare minimum but it’s still a lot for a carry on bag… fear not, we have a plan. You will wear your shoes, jeans, a top, your bulkiest jumper, AND your ski jacket for the journey. If space is still tight you can stuff the pockets of your jacket with socks and underwear (but don’t forget to close the zips).
Technically this would be cheating, but SWISS airlines let you take your ski equipment in the hold for free.
Extra tips
Wondering how to make the most of your baggage space? Watch the video below for demos on the best packing methods out there.
