Essentials For A Ski Trip

Skiing and snowboarding holidays are, quite honestly, the best. They are often jam-packed with little time for rest and relaxation, two feelings synonymous with holidays, however in return you experience mind-blowing mountainous views, the thrill of jetting down a slope with the wind in your hair, and the much-loved 'après ski'.

I recently returned home from a lovely ski trip in the French Alps, and I wanted to collate everything I took with me in one blog post - make sure you check off this list before your next ski trip!

Heated ski boots

I suffer with terribly cold feet, which isn’t ideal for a ski holiday in sometimes sub-zero temperatures. So when I discovered the Thermic Heat 3D Insoles, I was completely won over. They are battery controlled and have three heat settings. The battery clips onto the outside of my boots. They last all day, sometimes across two days, and they have kept my feet toasty warm in my boots for two seasons now.

Glove liners

I struggle with cold hands as well, so glove liners are a must for me. I wear a thin pair of gloves under my North Face mittens and they do a great job of keeping my hands warm.

Helmet

I never, ever ski without my helmet. It is possibly the most important part of my ski gear that will protect me in the event of a nasty crash or fall. I’ve had my Solomon helmet for a few years now and it is super comfy, and the ear pads help keep my ears warm too.

Helmet scarf

I wear a scarf under my helmet, firstly to give me an extra layer on my head for warmth (a pattern is emerging here - I get very cold very quickly), but also to keep my hair out of my face now that it is super short and I cannot tie it back.

Here are the other key items I pack in my suitcase when on a ski holiday.

• Goggles: whilst sunglasses shade your eyes, UV and impact protection goggles are essential for protection in the event of a fall.

• Thermal layers, long-sleeved shirts and fleeces: even in the warmer period of a ski season, it can be terribly cold on the mountain, so layers are absolutely key.

• Waterproof ski jacket and ski trousers/salopettes: if you fall in the snow, having waterproof protection will keep you warm and dry.

• Waterproof gloves/mittens: when fallen on at high speed, snow can cut your skin like glass. You can protect your hands by wearing gloves or mittens.

• Ski/snowboard socks: always measure for your ski boots with the socks you are going to be wearing.

• Neck warmer: these are a god-send when your face gets cold, and can prevent the skin and lips from getting chapped.

• SPF sunscreen and lip balm: even if the sun is hidden behind the cloud, or if there is not sun at all, you should always protect your face and lips from the sometimes sub-zero temperatures.