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Ski holiday packing checklist: what to pack for a family ski trip
Ski trip essentials: your family ski holiday packing list
I’ve lived in La Plagne since 2006, and packing is one of the things families ask me about most every winter. With three kids of my own, this is everything I’ve learned about what to bring, what to leave at home and what you can rent when you get here. Updated for winter 2026/27.
Want my printable packing checklists?
My three printable packing checklists now live in my free Ski Holiday Reset Planner. You also get a 6-week countdown, a kid-by-kid kit check, documents and insurance checklists, and a travel day timeline, so nothing gets forgotten.
1) Make a list and check it twice
Before you pack a single sock, write a list. It’s the only way I don’t forget anything, and you can tick things off as they go in the bag. Include all your ski kit (skis, boots, helmets and goggles if you’re bringing your own), warm layers, medication, toiletries and something to keep the kids busy on the journey.
Don’t forget your hand luggage too. What goes in the carry-on bags is what keeps the kids happy, entertained and (fairly) clean, from the flight all the way through the transfer.
To make it easy, my printable packing checklists are in my free Ski Holiday Reset Planner. Print them off or tick them off on your phone.
2) Pack for the weather and activities
Check the forecast and pack for the weather, plus whatever you’re planning to do. Think thermal layers, a waterproof jacket and proper boots for walking around in the snow.
If you’re skiing or snowboarding, you’ll need all your kit and protective gear (or book it to rent in resort). And if you’re planning a swim or some ice skating, pop those bits in too.
3) Don't forget the ski holiday essentials
These are the things that are easiest to forget: passports, travel documents and any medication. I’d also pack snacks and water for the journey, chargers for everything, a small first aid kit and some entertainment for the kids.
New for 2026/27: the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in place at the border. The first time you travel into France under the new system, you’ll have your fingerprints and photo taken (children under 12 just have their photo taken), so leave a bit of extra time. ETIAS, the EU travel permit, isn’t needed yet.
Here’s my full packing list, section by section.
Essential ski clothes and layers for your ski trip
Waterproof Ski Jacket
An absolute must. You will wear your ski jacket every day of your holiday. Look at the quality of the piece and that it will be waterproof in a ski resort and snowy conditions.
Waterproof Ski Pants/Ski Bib
The same goes for ski salopettes, adults, and kids. Top tip – when trying them on, move about in them and squat and bend over. You need to be able to move comfortably in them. If they are too small, the buttons will pop, and the seams will strain. The legs of the salopettes want to brush comfortably on the floor so that once you have ski boots on, your ski salopettes will sit comfortably over the ski boots.
Under/mid Layers (for additional insulation)
I’ll often put a vest top on my kids under their base layers for comfort. Also, if it does end up very warm, then they can strip off layers without stripping to nothing. There are some great mid-layers and fleeces here.
Base Layer Tops
Look for thermal base layers with a turtle neck and also sleeves that reach comfortably to your wrists. You want ski thermal base layers that provide a good level of connection between all your clothing break points. Merino wool base layers are the best, they really do wick moisture away. So they might cost more than others, but you need fewer ski base layer tops.
Base Layer Bottoms
The same as above for thermal bottoms. I prefer base-layer leggings that are full length to my ankles, and then I’ll put my ski socks over the top. However, if you do have tight ski boots or sensitive shins, then consider getting ¾ ski thermal bottoms to reduce the amount of material and seams within your ski boots. I really like the Dare2B kids' winter base layers. They are good quality and reasonably priced.
Hats/Beanies
These are my lifesavers! I always have a beanie hat on under my ski helmet. I love this because I am always cold, and this is an extra layer of warmth for me. However, when we stop skiing or head to après ski, I can take my ski helmet off, keep my ski beanie on, and not worry about having terrible ski helmet hair!
TOP TIP: Avoid beanie hats with bobbles on them if you’re planning on wearing it under a ski helmet. The bobble will make your ski helmet not fit.
Snood/Buff Neck Warmer
They come in a variety of materials and thicknesses. There are thin tube buffs that provide a small layer of protection from windchill. And then thicker, fleecy snoods, providing much more warmth and comfort. I am always cold, so I have a thick fleecy snood that also fits over my helmet for even more comfort!
Thick Winter Socks
Not all socks are created equal! I was recently a guest on The Ski Podcast, and we spent at least 10 minutes just discussing the benefits of different ski socks!
Having said that, they are worth investing in. £20 might seem like a lot for socks. But please trust me when I say they are absolutely worth it. Don’t opt for tube socks, they will fall down within your ski boots.
Finally, don’t wear multiple pairs of socks on cold days. Whilst it might seem illogical, doubling up on socks does not keep your feet warm. But it does compromise the blood flow to your feet.
Top ski gear to pack on your ski trip
Ski gear is often the item that you can rent in the resort to reduce your packing and the amount of bags you are travelling in.
Ski boots/Snowboard boots
When you begin investing in your own ski or snowboard equipment, boots are the first piece I always recommend buying. Having a pair of personal ski boots or snowboard boots fit to your ski style and your feet really will make a big difference to your ski comfort.
Skis and poles or snowboards with bindings
So much to say about skis, poles and snowboards and snowboard bindings. I’ll keep it short and sweet here! For packing purposes, if you own your own ski or snowboard equipment, then you need to pack it!
Ski Goggles
Again, it is worth investing in. The first pair of ski goggles I got cost me £20 from a random high street store, and they were terrible! A decent pair of goggles can set you back up to £100 but, again, can be worth the investment. Some things to be aware of:
- Prescription ski goggles – yes, you can get prescription ski goggles at a lot of opticians now.
- If you wear glasses, you can fit them under some goggles, so make sure to try them on together if this is your plan. Just be aware that your glasses will often fog up doing this.
- I have opted for contact lenses when skiing as the above options don’t work for me. However, I have friends and their children who comfortably wear their glasses under goggles whilst skiing.
- Remember to take sunglasses in your pocket for when you stop to protect your eyes at lunch or après ski.
Sunglasses
Look for polarised lenses, which can cope with the strong mountain sun. Decathlon has some great ones for around £20, plus a good range of kids’ sunglasses.
TOP TIP: Get your kids used to wearing sunglasses before your family ski holiday. It will help them do it when they need sun protection.
Ski helmet
An absolute must, in my opinion. Most ski schools insist on helmets for children in lessons, and I’d recommend them for parents too. Lead by example and the kids are much more likely to keep theirs on.
If it’s your first time skiing, I’d rent helmets in resort, as they’re super bulky to pack. I also wouldn’t buy a helmet secondhand, as you don’t know what’s happened to it before.
TOP TIP: To get your kids excited about wearing their ski helmets, you can buy a cover, usually a cartoon character. My kids both loved these – and it also helped me stop them on busy ski slopes. We had a dragon ski helmet cover and a giraffe!
What to pack for time off the slopes
Comfy after ski pants and tops
You don’t need many options. Take half the amount you’re thinking! You’ll spend 90% of your time in your ski gear or relaxing in your base layers.
Warm Jacket
A thin fleece or ‘shell’ jacket is a great idea that you can also layer up underneath your ski jacket.
Warm Hat
If you’re packing a beanie hat to wear when skiing, you probably won’t want to double up. However, if you don’t wear a hat under your helmet, think about packing one that will fit in your ski jacket pocket. This is so that when you stop for lunch or après ski, you can take your helmet off and put your ski hat on to keep warm and also stop worrying about bad ski helmet hair!
Gloves/Mittens (a dry set separate from ski gear)
I've written a whole post here about whether you should go for ski mittens or ski gloves for your kids. TLDR: Always try to get mittens for kids. Trying to put finger ski gloves on kids is soul-destroying.
I also have a pair of under-gloves for myself and my kids. These are a thin thermal pair of gloves to add warmth underneath your main ski gloves. Then, a separate pair of woolly gloves is a good idea when you are out and about. And don't forget to get mittens or ski gloves with wrist straps – everything I recommend is here.
TOP TIP: Make sure to dry your gloves out each evening so they are ready to go again the next morning.
Warm Waterproof shoes
A solid pair of snow boots with good grip are essential. Look for boots with rubber grip and not plastic soles. Plastic boots – like Dr. Martens or UGGS will slip on ice and snow. Good boot brands are Sorel or Timberland.
Warm Socks
As above for ski socks. I wear ski socks all winter. They are comfy and warm. If you want some ‘daytime’ socks. Look for longer, mid-calf-length socks.
Jeans/Pants & Warm Tops
Again, take less than you think. You will hardly wear them. Often only to head out for dinner in the evening. But most nights, you dine in your accommodation.
Underwear
For skiing, you will want some functional sports underwear. I always ski in a sports bra and take a few options with me that look good and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
Sleepwear
Pyjamas and comfortable sleepwear.
TOP TIP: I often put my kids to sleep in their baselayers so they are ready for the next day when they wake up. Base layers are essentially as warm and comfortable as pyjamas. And vice versa, if I am short of ski thermals, I’ll use the kids’ pyjamas as they are comfortable and fun designs.
Swimsuit (think jacuzzi!)
Throw swimwear in for all the family. A lot of accommodations have hot tubs now. And if you are looking for a family-friendly non-ski activity, heading to the local swimming pool is a great idea especially as it will tire out your children.
Ski holiday packing: toiletries
Sunscreen (yes, even in winter!)
The sun in ski resorts is powerful. It also reflects off your ski goggles and the snow. Make sure you have a strong SPF and pick something that is easy to apply to your children’s faces. I also love to take a travel one in my ski jacket to reapply at lunch stops or après ski. These are some of the best sun creams I have used that actually work in harsh Alpine conditions.
Snow bounces the sun straight back at your face, so SPF goes in every pocket, even on grey days.
- For me: Altruist Face Fluid SPF50. It's my everyday mountain SPF: five-star UVA protection, non-comedogenic, and I find it sits nicely under make-up. On days I want a little bit of cover, I reach for the Altruist Anti-Redness SPF50 instead. I've been wearing it every day lately and I'm finding it amazing.
- For the kids: Altruist Family Spray for speedy top-ups on wriggly arms and necks, and the Altruist Kids Roller, which is a lifesaver for little faces and noses.
Ad: 15% off Altruist with code JenSnow15 (one use per person, valid until 30 April 2027).
Lip balm
Your lips will really dry out in ski resorts. So pack some moisturising lip balms. And because it's one of the questions I get asked the most about – skincare in ski resorts! I've pulled together 10 of my favourite lip balms and lip protection for ski trips. But, the highlights are these. I love my Typology lip duo for daily repair. But my absolute go-to is the Elizabeth Arden Intensive Lip Repair, used by all my French mum friends.
Body Lotion (for dry skin)
I recommend packing one with a pump top for easy application each morning. The air is very dry in ski resorts and at altitude, so keep your skin glowing and soft by popping some on after a shower. Here are some top tips for keeping your skin hydrated this winter.
Other toiletries to pack for a ski holiday:
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shaving Products
- Hairbrush
- Makeup
- Contacts/Glasses, Contact Solution
- Nail Clippers
- Tweezers
- Medications/Vitamins
You can find recommendations for glowing ski and ski holiday beauty here.
Planning a family ski holiday?
Get my free Ski Holiday Planning Pack: the Ski Holiday Reset Planner, the Ski Lessons & Ski Hire Guide, the Accommodation Guide and the Transfer Guide, written by a local mum of three to help you plan your La Plagne trip.
Ski holiday packing: babies and toddlers
Baby carrier
Often much easier than trying to push a baby stroller through the snow. I use and love the Ergo Baby 360, which was comfortable for the babies and me. It was also structured enough to feel safe walking through ice and snow conditions.
TOP TIP: Baby carriers are much easier to travel through an airport with than a pushchair. I would always wear one with the baby in it and then use the pushchair to load all the hand luggage onto.
Nappy Bag
Look for a ski nappy bag that is waterproof and can be worn as a backpack. The more functional, the more use you will have for it on a ski holiday.
Nappy Changing Kit
We used to call this the ‘oh crap bag!’ Simply a go-to bag that you can pull out that has everything you need in it for a quick change: nappies, wipes, cream, and nappy bags. Plus, a change of pants and clothes for the baby. But also a change of T-shirt and leggings for you. I’ve lost count of the number of times I got sick on, and I had a change of clothes for my kids but not for myself.
Portable High Chair, Bottle Warmer, Monitor
Make sure you have all the items you need for a successful family ski holiday. However, I would always recommend checking with your accommodation provider to see what they have available in the resort for you. Then, also look for childcare equipment rental companies to see what you can rent in the resort.
Travel Toys
To keep those ski kids happy, you need to keep them entertained. I always try to keep it simple, but I also know that “new” is more interesting than the toys they already have. But rather than buying tat purely for the journey, see what you can borrow from friends with similar-aged children. Or try rotating toys around and take travel toys that they haven’t seen for a while.
TOP TIP: The travel toys we have had success with are reusable travel stickers, rubbery wiggly worms, colouring-in-ski-themed Pinna – audiobooks and stories, and, of course, screens and iPads with wireless headphones. Check out our Amazon travel list here.
Ski themed books
It's also a great way to get kids – and yourself – excited about your ski trip. Try reading a book together, or separately, to get you in the ski zone! Some of our favourite ski books are here,with reviews, for adults and kids. And I also love Kindle Unlimited for ski trips, especially having it on my phone so I have something with me for myself and the kids at all times. I've written a full review of Kindle Unlimited for ski holidays here.
Ski holiday packing: tech and ski gadgets
Smartphone
I love my iPhone, but each to their own!
What I would recommend is a phone case that will survive a ski holiday. Think waterproof, and drop or break-proof. Go for a tough, drop-proof case from a brand that’s built for it.
I keep my phone on this SURPHY retractable phone lanyard, so I can take it out on chairlifts and while skiing without worrying about dropping it. More tips in my guide to keeping your phone safe while skiing.
Wallet
You can use Apple Pay in most shops and restaurants in La Plagne, so you rarely need to carry a wallet. A few remote mountain restaurants may want cash, but it’s rare.
Camera/GoPro
For most of us, your phone will have all the camera quality you need. I take most of my social media content on my iPhone.
However, if you want to film more, it can be worth looking at a GoPro plus a waterproof case and a ski helmet mount. Or Insta 360 camera. I have a GoPro 11 that we love to use when we head out with the kids. We don't take it all the time, because I just don't have time to go through all the footage later. But if we are heading to the park, it can be a great way to grab some fab memories on film.
Passports/ID cards
Clearly, don’t forget these! Otherwise, your family will be skiing without you. Check every passport before you book: for France, a UK passport needs to be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. I’ve had several guests over the years who couldn’t travel because of their passport dates.
Lift Tickets/Passes
Check out this article for everything you need to think about for your La Plagne lift passes.
Insurance
Make sure your travel insurance covers skiing on and off-piste. You can also add a carte neige to your ski pass to provide additional insurance for your family ski holiday.
Tablet & headphones
We have an iPad, but again, I think it was given to us as a gift from a family member. Whatever you have access to, bring it! Just make sure you have the chargers and a good case for it. Also, the ability for your kid(s) to use it together. We have some brilliant iClever wireless headphones that are brilliant on long car trips or planes. Plus a headphone splitter so 2 – 4 kids can listen to the same iPad at the same time.
Chargers for all devices and converter plugs
TOP TIP: if you have lots of UK – or non-EU – plugs, think about bringing a multi-plug, and then you only need one plug converter that can connect all your items to the multiplug.
First Aid Kit
I would always recommend packing lots of plasters and Compeed blister plasters. After having run a 10k here in the mountains and getting multiple blisters on my feet, Compeed blister plasters were good enough that I was back out skiing the next day whilst the plasters provided enough protection for total comfort.
Water Bottles
I love these refillable squeezy water bottles from Decathlon for popping into my kids’ pockets. Perfect for their ski lessons. And they love them too because they are like water pistols – apparently!
Hand Warmers
I like these reusable hand warmers, and they really do work. Again, they're great for putting in my kids’ ski jacket pockets if they need to ‘crack’ them to warm up mid-ski lesson.
Tissues
Absolute must on a family ski holiday. However, rather than packs of disposable tissues, I use old-fashioned, washable hankies. They work amazingly well on ski holidays when disposable tissues fall apart in snowy conditions.
TOP TIP Get them from secondhand and charity shops, where you can often pick them up super cheap.
4) Pack strategically to save space
Roll your clothes instead of folding them and you’ll fit far more in. I also love packing cubes for keeping everyone’s things separate, and these rollable vacuum bags are brilliant because you don’t need a vacuum to use them.
Another tip is to stuff socks and small bits inside your ski boots or helmets. It saves space and protects them on the journey.
But my absolute top tip is to look at all the clothes you plan on packing and then half it! You will be wearing your ski gear for most of every day. Your ski gear goes on in the morning and then all day into après. It will be used for most outdoor non-skiing activities before heading back to your chalet for bed!
5) Consider renting equipment to save on packing
Unless you own your own kit, I’d rent it in resort. Every ski shop in La Plagne rents skis, snowboards, boots and helmets, which saves luggage space and the hassle of lugging it all through the airport.
It’s also ideal for kids who grow out of everything each year. Book ahead for the best prices and to make sure your sizes are available. My free ski lessons and ski hire guide has all my tips, and you get an extra 5% off with Alpy using my code THATSLAPLAGNE.
Renting is not just for ski equipment, however. Check out EcoSki for clothing, again ideal for children that grow out of their ski clothing every winter. But they also have the most recent outfits for adults, so if you fancy a change in ski gear – but for a fraction of the price, rent a ski outfit from EcoSki.
The other thing you can rent is childcare equipment. You don’t need to travel with suitcases full of toys, books, baby equipment, buggies, etc. Companies like AlleyOops La Plagne will deliver all this to your door and then collect it when you leave. So easy and simple.
6) Ski snacks and food essentials
An absolute must are some go-to snacks, both for the ski resort transfer. But then, when you’re skiing, it’s a great idea to have some pocket snacks to keep blood sugar high and the risk of ski meltdowns and tantrums low. I always recommend that you buy some of your family or ski kids’ favourite snacks in advance and bring them with you. Of course, you can buy them at your ski resort, but they will cost a lot more. Plus, you will want them on your travels. We will usually order a tub of Haribo and then decant it into reusable bags for the kids to keep in their pockets or bags.
If you have booked a self-catered ski holiday, you should also consider where you will be doing your food shopping. If you can stop in the valley, it will cost a lot less than food shopping in a ski resort.
Bringing food from the UK? There are rules on bringing meat and dairy into France, so have a read of what you can bring from the UK before you pack the cheddar.
TOP TIP: A lot of self-catered apartments in France don’t have kettles, so if a morning cuppa is important to you, think about taking a travel kettle with you. I found this amazing foldable travel kettle, perfect for space-saving on ski holidays.
If you have dietary requirements, food allergies, or intolerances, find out what you can find in the resort to avoid overpacking. Then, you can focus on bringing the food essentials that you can’t find in your ski resort. Here are all the food items you can find for dietary requirements in La Plagne for gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose intolerance, and vegan diets.
A great alternative to having to cook all your own food is to organise a food delivery service, like Huski. They cater to all food allergies, intolerances, and vegan and vegetarian diets. You can order to have a meal ready for your arrival day, just breakfasts, kids meals, or sort out your whole holiday.
7) Items to rent if hotel doesn't provide
Most accommodations will provide childcare equipment like cots, highchairs, and pushchairs, so always ask what they have available before trying to bring your own.
Other things to check into are sleds, snow toys, kids’ books, and other childcare equipment. If they don’t have them available, you can always rent them in La Plagne instead of packing them or buying new things to leave behind then.
One final thing to consider is what time you are arriving in La Plagne. If you arrive before your accommodation provider's check in time, then you may need to think about luggage storage.
That’s La Plagne & how to pack for your family ski holiday
Get my printable packing checklists in the free Ski Holiday Reset Planner
I hope this helps you pack for your next ski trip, whether it’s a family holiday or a trip with friends. Tick off the essentials before you leave, and you can relax and enjoy the mountains when you get here.
Drop me any questions below if you want to know more about ski holiday packing. Or if you’re looking for any other ski holiday help!
See you on the slopes!
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