That's La Plagne
Winter Essentials for Your Next Ski Trip
Everything YOU need to think about to head from the ski slopes après with comfort and confidence. PLUS a bonus packing guide so you don't forget the ski essentials!
There are so many things that need packing for a ski holiday!
I'm here to break it down for YOU from nearly 20 years of tried and tested gear and products.
Keep warm
It's all about layers, both for skiing and après.
Stay safe
Proper winter boots with good grip are essential.
Skiing is sport
Your boobs - and other parts need to be supported!
Comfort is king
Winter, ski and snowboarding is about active comfort.
Slope to après
Keep it simple and easy to mix pieces in and out.
A good hat!
An absolute game changer for going from the slopes to après! PLUS, steal my go-to ski holiday packing guide. Trust me, you won't forget a thing!
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Ski & Winter Must Haves
When you head out on your ski holiday, there is a lot to remember to pack. Of course, all the ski gear is essential, but you also want to feel comfortable, feel good and look good.
This might seem like a big ask when your main concern is not falling on your bum in the snow!
But don't worry! It is possible. In the last couple of years, we've seen a rise in ski, snowboarding and winter gear designed by women for women. Meaning that instead of the classic ‘shink-it and pink-it' of men's clothing, we're actually starting to see functional clothing that fits women's bodies and looks good at the same time. So, let's check out my top picks.
My family and I use all of these products and love them. So they are tried and tested by the harshest critics! I may receive a small commission if you use my links to purchase something.
The Full Ski Fashion Breakdown
- Underwear. It starts here. So important that you find something comfortable that fits and supports your body. I always recommend skiing in a sports bra rather than the usual. I love Nike's Indy model as it's super comfortable and unpadded. But I actually bought mine on Vinted for a fraction of the price. And I also recommend getting something you don't mind others seeing – often, you might want to strip off some layers if it warms up and having a sports bra that is more a crop-top means it's no problem to whip off the base layers when you get to après.
- A good beanie hat is essential! You are constantly taking on and off clothing, jackets, ski helmets and more. Even those of you blessed with well-behaved hair will find yours hot, sweaty and messed up pretty quickly. Enter your favourite beanie hat. Immediately covering up a multitude of sins – plus making you look right at home at après ski. I recommend something without a bobble on it so that you can layer up under a helmet if you need to. This Planks one is great, and I also love Carhart. But to be honest, my mum knits me a new hat every winter and that's always my go-to choice!
- Eye protection for off-the slopes. Make sure you've got good sunglasses for all your outside time – not just on the slopes. I love Oakley's and have this Frogskin model. But some other great, cheaper options are Melon, SunGod , and also Decathlon.
- Base layers. I LOVE Eivy layers. Designed for women, by women, these layers are cute enough that you won't want to cover them up. They are slightly fleece lined for comfort and also wick sweat away from the skin. This is the set I love, it's called Bloom and is the yoga top and leggings. I have both in Medium, and I'm a UK 10. These thermal leggings are also suitable to wear as leggings and look gorgeous tucked into your warm winter boots (number 10!)
- Decent snowboard or ski socks. Make sure to get the correct socks, comfort starts from the feet up. Tube socks just don't cut it when it comes to being active on the slopes. I always pick something that looks good as well, as I'll often layer them over my leggings and on view from my winter boots. These are some of my current favourites from Burton, but also check out Roxy for cool designs and also Decathlon for cheaper options.
- Buff and hood. Another Eivy classic! Considering I live in the mountains, I feel the cold. This buff/hood combination is great for when I'm out snowboarding (the hood fits over my helmet for total warmth – see image at the top of the page). But it's also great if I'm heading out in the evening and need a hat – but don't want to squash the volume in my curly hair! Pop the hood up, and you're warm and fashionable, and your hair remains intact!
- Salopettes. A great pair of snowboard or ski pants will be your best friend for your entire ski week. I wear mine for dropping the kids to school, normal and ski school. I wear them to snowboard or ski – of course! But I also wear them to après and out in the afternoon and evenings. I love these Volcom Elm GoreTex because they are technically great on the mountain, as well as looking and feeling super comfortable. But the real bonus of these salopettes is that they have a zip that runs around the middle (like a belt) for easy access when you head to the toilet. It sounds silly, but if you have multiple layers on, getting to the toilet in the mountains can be a real problem. Another thing to think about is pockets – you need a good amount of pockets as there is a lot to carry, especially with kids. Having good and well-positioned pockets means you don't need a bag with you.
- Button-down shirt. The plaid shirt is a classic staple of the mountain and ski resorts. It's a perfect lightweight layer to ski in, plus a warm cover-up in the evening. I have a big collection of plaid and flannel shirts from Volcom, Picture, and various charity shops. My personal preference is oversized men's shirts for comfort – usually £1-£2 on the charity rails, bargain.
- Good winter boots. An absolute must on snow and ice. You need to look at rubber-soled and not plastic-soled options – plastic will slip and slide around on the ice. I love my Timberlands as I can lace them loosely to take on and off with ease. The ones I've linked to are currently 40% off in the end-of-season sale! Sorels are also great, and I have these Joan of Arc pink boots, which look great but take ages to get on and off. I've also had UGGS in the past – comfortable but pretty useless in the snow (not very waterproof) and no grip – lots of falling over on the ice. Boots are the main time when the more expensive options are better – it's one place to invest for you and your family.
That's La Plagne Bonus Time!
Ski Holiday Packing Checklists
Planning a ski holiday can be overwhelming, but with my ski holiday packing checklists, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a stress-free trip. Whether you're hitting the slopes with friends or family, my comprehensive checklists cover all the essentials, from:
- Warm clothing
- Ski equipment
- Après ski style and outfits
- Babies and toddlers' ski gear
- Ski kids checklists
- Medical ski essentials
- Ski holiday gadgets – must-haves and leave-behinds!
Plus, how many of each item you need for a week-long ski holiday per person.
Honestly, I've done all the hard work for you!
By ticking off each item on the list, you can rest assured that you're fully prepared for your alpine adventure and can focus on enjoying your ski holiday to the fullest.
That's La Plagne Looking Good on and off the mountain!
The main thing on the mountain is that comfort is king. It's not about having the most expensive bag or fanciest shoes. It's about comfort, safety and spending as much time on your skis or snowboards as possible. And then looking like that is what you've just been doing!
This is the La Plagne lifestyle – and to be completely transparent, if you're heading to Val d'Isere, Courchevel or Courmayeur for your holidays, it's more of an expensive style, and people tend to prefer a more ‘groomed' look – which is why I live in La Plagne!
TOP TIPS:
- Invest in good snowboots! For safety of course, as well as looking good!
- Check out charity shops or secondhand marketplaces like WhoSki.com or EcoSki to rent ski clothing or Vinted for some amazing deals.
- If you want to shop the look, check out the list here.
- Check out my other must-have lists for packing, skiing with kids and winter beauty essentials.
- Feeling better on the slopes is also about ski fitness, check out my popular blog with 5 tips for better ski fitness this winter.
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