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Phone safety on the ski slopes
How to keep your phone safe & working while skiing
Skiing with your phone can be a great way to capture memories and stay connected on the mountain, but it can also be risky. Smartphones with large glass screens are especially vulnerable to damage. From dropping your phone off a chairlift (which I have done!) to extreme temperatures, there are many hazards that can damage or destroy your device. It's also important to question where to keep your phone when you are skiing, i.e., which pocket is the best one to keep your phone safe when skiing. Fortunately, there are some simple precautions you can take to keep your phone safe and secure while skiing.
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1. Invest in a sturdy phone case
One of the most important steps you can take to keep your phone safe on the slopes is to invest in a sturdy phone case. Look for a case that is specifically designed for outdoor activities and can withstand drops, impacts, and extreme temperatures. Some cases even come with additional features like waterproofing or built-in screen protectors. Don't skimp on this important accessory – it could save you from costly repairs or replacements down the line.
For years I had a Mous phone case, recommended to me by a good friend who worked as a ski host and then at Oxygène Ski School (thanks, Andy!). Mous cases are built to take a real battering, including being manhandled by your children. I’ve since upgraded my phone and changed case, but the advice stands: whatever phone you have, go for a tough, drop-proof case.
2. Use a waterproof pouch or bag
Even if your phone case is waterproof, it's always a good idea to use an additional layer of protection when skiing or snowboarding. A waterproof pouch or bag can keep your phone safe from snow, moisture, and other elements. Look for a pouch that is specifically designed for outdoor activities and has a secure closure to prevent any water from seeping in. Some pouches even come with a lanyard or strap so you can easily attach it to your gear or clothing.
Personally, I've never used a waterproof bag and just made sure to have a designated pocket for my phone that isn't likely to fill with snow.
If you find your phone getting wet from snow or sweat, you can bring a ziplock bag with you as a backup.
TOP TIP: To keep your phone screen clean and dry, one of the best things to keep with you is a goggle wipe or, as I use, an old-fashioned cotton hanky. You can find them super cheap in secondhand and charity shops, and they do a great job. I got a stack of them for about £1, enough for 1 a day on a family ski holiday.
3. Keep your phone close to your body
4. Turn on airplane mode to conserve battery life
When you're hitting the slopes, you may not have access to a charger or power source for hours at a time. To conserve your phone's battery life, you can turn on airplane mode. This will disable all wireless connections, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
If you do this, you need to remember that people will not be able to get in touch with you. So if you are using your phone to stay in touch with friends or family, you need to keep the airplane mode switched off.
However, in aeroplane mode, you can still use your phone to take photos or listen to music.
TOP TIP: If you need to keep your phone open for calls, then my top tip is to close all unnecessary apps or services open on your phone – it's surprising how many of these will be open and lurking in the background of your phone. Do keep your GPS open, though, if you want to be findable.
5. Use a phone lanyard
One of the most important things you can do to keep your phone safe on a ski holiday is to use a lanyard or wrist strap. This will ensure that your phone stays attached to you at all times, even if it falls out of your pocket.
Look for a lanyard or wrist strap that is designed for outdoor activities and can withstand cold temperatures and snow. Some options even come with waterproof cases to protect your phone from moisture.
I use a phone lanyard whenever I ski, and I think they’re brilliant. A small tab sticks to the back of your phone or case, and a stretchy, coiled cord clips to the zip or inner ring of your jacket pocket. Your phone stays tucked in your pocket, but if it slips out of your hand on the chairlift, it doesn’t go anywhere. Much better than watching it bounce down the piste below the chairlift (I’ve been there!).
The lanyard clips to your pocket zip, and some ski jackets have a ring inside the pocket for exactly this.
What to look for in a ski phone lanyard
- A stretchy, coiled cord: long enough to take a selfie or a family photo, but neat enough to fit in a slim breast pocket.
- A strong clip that fastens securely to a zip or pocket ring, and is easy to use with gloves on.
- A slim tether that sits between your phone and case, or sticks on the back, so it doesn’t get in the way when you’re not skiing.
- Two tethers in the pack is a bonus: one for your phone and one for your partner’s, or a spare for when you change phones.
My favourite ski phone lanyards
My pick is this SURPHY retractable phone lanyard. It has a coiled cord that stretches far enough for photos, a slim tether tab for your phone and a metal hook that clips onto your pocket zip.
For a budget alternative to the Mous strap I used to have (it was fine, but really expensive), try this CACOE crossbody phone lanyard. It comes with two tabs and two adjustable straps, so you can keep it short like a wrist strap or wear it longer across your body. Handy around the resort and on the plane as well as on the slopes.
Pair your lanyard with a high breast pocket (see tip 3) and you’ve got the best of both worlds: a warm phone with a longer battery life, and one that can’t fall off the mountain.
That's La Plagne and how to keep your phone safe on your next ski holiday
Hopefully, these 5 ways to keep your phone safe and secure while on the slopes will mean you can take some fabulous ski chairlift selfies whilst making your phone battery last from first lift to last call to capture those après ski pics!
If you've got any questions, pop them in the comments below, or head over to the That's La Plagne Instagram and ping me a DM, and I'll get back to you a bit quicker.
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