Essential ski trip packing list for kids

When it comes to packing for a ski trip, it can be easy to forget what you need or panic and pack things that aren’t necessary. If you’re packing for little ones, too, this doubles the stress.

That’s why we’ve created the ultimate ski trip packing checklist for your kids (although it’ll help you to remember what to pack for yourself, too). We’ve included all of the essentials, so you won’t have to pay double for any missing items at the airport.

Before you pack: 5-minute checks

To save you wasted time and money, contact your child’s school to find out what they require your child to bring. Some schools have different helmet, glove, and neckwear rules depending on where they’re going. 

Since the weather is likely to change, pack layers instead of single-purpose outfits. That way, your child will be able to cope with anything the mountain throws at them. 

Ski trips can vary widely depending on the child's age. A toddler will most likely be playing about in the snow, which means you’ll need to pack fewer things compared to a seven-year-old doing half-day ski school. Pack accordingly! 

There’s just one important thing left you need to decide: what you’re hiring and what you’re buying. Most families rent skis, boots, and poles at the resort, allowing you to travel lighter and save money. 

In terms of clothes, if you already have comfortable, thermal base layers at home, that’s great! Just prioritise the top layers and make sure everything still fits well.

Simple layering that works

We’ve already established that when it comes to ski trips, layers are the essential foundation for every outfit. 

The base layer absorbs sweat, the middle layer insulates, keeping your child warm, and the outer layer shields them from snow and rain. Get this part right, and you’ve already mastered the majority of your child’s ski wardrobe. 

1. Base layers

Damp skin gets cold fast on the mountain, so you want to pack moisture-wicking materials.

• 2-3 thermal tops
• 2-3 pairs of Thermal leggings
• Thick socks

Adjust the amount you bring depending on the duration of your trip. We also suggest opting for materials like merino or a good technical fabric, since they dry quickly and prevent odour.

2. Mid layers

One good layer beats three random jumpers. Dress your child in too many mid-layers and they’ll just get irritated and be unable to move properly.

• A lightweight fleece
• Warm zip-tops
• A cosy knit jumper

If it’s very cold, you can double up with a thin fleece plus a light insulated layer, but most of the time, one decent mid-layer is enough. Zip-up jackets are great because they’re easy to add or remove during the day.

3. Outer layers

The outer layer does most of the work of keeping harsh wind and snow out, so your child stays dry and comfortable while skiing. 

• Snowsuit
• Thick winter coat
• Ski trousers
• Ski jacket
• Salopettes

Snowsuits are the best option for small children since they make toilet trips easier and stop snow from getting in at the waist when they roll around. For older kids, a ski jacket and salopettes are great for pairing. 

These pants sit higher on the waist and help keep snow out when they’re on chairlifts or they fall over.

Evening wear

When jetting off on a cold ski holiday, it’s important to remember that you won’t be on the slopes all day, every day. You’ll want to pack a few normal outfits for evenings strolling around the resort. 

This part is all down to you and what you want your child to wear. However, we suggest the following:

• 2–3 comfy outfits, plus a warmer layer for walking around the resort.
• Pyjamas and slippers/indoor shoes.
• Swimwear if there’s a pool/hot tub.

Joggers, jumpers, and warm leggings will serve your child better than jeans or t-shirts, as they’ll keep the winter chill out and help them stay relaxed after a long day of activity. No one wants to walk around shivering in a stiff pair of jeans.

Essential accessories and extras

It’s better to accept now that your child is most likely to lose a few items amidst the excitement and chaos. That way, you can plan to pack a few extras.

• Gloves/mittens (2 pairs minimum)
• Neck warmer + balaclava (Choose ones that are comfortable to wear with a helmet)
• Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Woolly hats (for when you’re off the slopes)
• Hand/foot warmers (optional but handy to have)
• Blister plasters and normal plasters (for falls and cuts from shoes)

At Village Kids, we have a selection of cosy hats and gloves that will keep your kids' extremities warm while keeping them looking stylish.

Top tip: When it comes to socks, doubling up can actually make your child's feet colder because it restricts circulation and makes boots tighter. Invest in a good pair of ski socks to avoid this issue. Pack two pairs for every day; this will give you an extra pair in case the first get wet.

Footwear that won’t end in tears 

What’s on your child's feet can make or break their skiing experience. A pair of boots that rub and cause blisters will just take them out of the moment and lead to tears. 

Wet and sore feet are a quick way to ruin a trip. That’s why you want to make sure your child has two types of shoes:

1. A good pair of ski boots: These are for skiing only. If your child wears them around the resort, they’ll start to rub. Plus, they don’t fare well on icy pavement.
2. Warm snow boots: Snow boots, on the other hand, are perfect for everything off the slopes. Opt for warm boots with good grip and a water-resistant design. Make sure they come up high enough on the ankle to keep snow and sludge out. 

It can be better to hire ski boots at the resort to save money and luggage space. When your child is trying them on, they should expect a little pressure, as you want them to fit snug. If they feel a sharp pain or rubbing, swap them for a bigger size.

Top tip: Always test a pair of ski boots with some ski socks on. This will make the difference between a pair of shoes that slide and rub when skiing and ones that fit well with the extra layer.

The on-slope day bag

When your child is up on the slopes, a small backpack will do the trick to hold all of the essential items they need to keep with them. 

We have a selection of great waterproof backpacks for skiing, such as our Lyle and Scott Navy Logo Backpack. This has plenty of space to store any essential bits, like snacks and a water bottle. 

You’ll also want to add the following items:

• Lip balm (ideally with SPF)
• Sun cream (a small travel tube)
• Tissues
• Plasters
• One spare layer for warmth (a thin fleece or warm top)
• Money
• Spare gloves and a neck warmer
• A small “wet bag” for damp gloves or socks

Get Ski ready with Village Kids

Now that you know what to pack, it’s easier to shop for all of the items you know you need for the trip. That way, you won’t scramble to buy useless items ‘just in case’.

At Village Kids, we have a selection of designer clothing that is bound to keep your kids warm and stylish while out on the slopes. 

From cosy boys' hoodies and girls' waterproof jackets from brands like Boss and Ralph Lauren, perfect for late-night dinners at the resort, to essential accessories, we can help you build a practical ski wardrobe.