Practical Packing List for Your Ski Vacation

When the mountains call and snowy winter delights beckon, few can resist. And that’s absolutely the right time for a holiday! To avoid any unpleasant surprises and unwanted "improvisations" at your destination, it’s wise to create a packing list for your ski vacation beforehand.

With a list, you'll be well-prepared for anything. A well-thought-out packing list also saves valuable space in your suitcase. Find the perfect accommodations close to the slopes at ALPS RESORTS. That said, here’s your perfect packing list.

Tips for Creating an Individualized Packing List for Your Ski Vacation

In winter, you need more clothing than in summer, and active vacationers need more changes of clothes than those on trips purely for culture or leisure. Accordingly, sporty winter holidaymakers need a good packing list to avoid their suitcases bursting at the seams.

First, the amount of clothing to pack depends on the duration of your stay and your planned activities. If you're going to be active all day, you should always pack an extra set of underwear, socks, and shirts/long sleeves. To be completely safe, plan a double set of basic wardrobe for each day. Take everything times two, as a simple rule of thumb.

Bring with You or Rent on Location?

Depending on the type and frequency of your winter sports activities, consider what equipment to bring along and what to rent on location. Classic ski vacationers hitting the slopes several times a day will naturally pack their own skis and gear. Planning to complement your ski vacation with activities like sledding, ice skating, or winter hiking? Equipment such as sleds, skates, or snowshoes take up a lot of space. That said, in this case it's far wiser to rent them once you arrive, unless these sports are a regular part of your vacation activities anyway.

At a Glance: Packing List for Your Ski Vacation

With our practical packing list, you can tick off one-by-one everything you need for a successful ski vacation.

Clothing and Equipment:

• Skis and/or snowboard
• Ski poles
• Ski helmet, ski goggles
• Ski boots
• Winter boots
• Ski wax and repair kit
• Sunglasses
• Winter sports jacket and trousers
• Thermal/ski/functional underwear
• Thick socks
• Shirts and long-sleeve garments
• Sweaters and cardigans (consider layering)
• Jeans and trousers
• Hat, scarf, gloves
• (Warm) pajamas or nightwear
• Casual clothing for the hotel/apartment like sweatsuits
• Clothes for restaurant visits, excursions, cultural trips, etc.
• Slippers or thick (non-slip) socks
• Hand- and bath towels
• Swimwear (e.g., for the wellness area)
• Sewing kit
• Handwashing laundry detergent or stain remover

Winter Cosmetics

• Daily washing and personal care utensils like toothpaste, soap, brush, etc.
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Balm for protection against wind and weather
• Optionally, makeup
• Nail scissors, tweezers, razor

Travel Pharmacy for a Carefree Ski Vacation

• Blister plasters, bandages, compresses
• First-aid kit (also to carry in your backpack)
• Wound ointment and disinfectant
• Tissues
• Cold remedies (like nasal spray, cold balm, cough drops for a scratchy throat)
• Painkillers
• Remedies for nausea, diarrhea, stomach problems
• Personal medications

All Your Leisure Needs

• Books and magazines
• Mobile phone and/or tablet
• Charging cables, power bank
• Games (e.g., cards and travel gams)

Documents for Your Stay at ALPS RESORTS

• Personal ID
• Drivers‘ license
• Debit/credit card and cash
• Travel documents (e.g., booking confirmation, train ticket)
• As needed, an autobahn toll sticker (available, for example, from ADAC, to avoid waiting times at purchase points before border crossings)
• Health insurance card and documents documenting international medical insurance
• Other tickets and reservation confirmations (e.g., for special events, winter sports tournaments)

Making Packing Easy – Here’s How

Selecting the Right Clothing

• Dress in layers during your ski or winter vacation to quickly adapt to individual temperature conditions.
• That said, you want to be able to mix-and-match various clothing items.
• Create a capsule wardrobe. Combine two basic colors (like black, white, gray, beige) with one or two accent colors (for example, red or blue). The reduction in colors allows for numerous ways to freshly recombine your clothing, letting you get by with fewer items.
• Choose clothing of varying lengths and thicknesses for your layered look.
  
  

(Space-Saving Packing Tips

• Use hollow spaces like shoes to pack small or delicate items.
• Also fill ski or hiking backpacks with clothing, games, or provisions.
• Bring or rent? This question applies to sports equipment like sleds or skates. The first option saves money; the second saves space.
• Choose travel-sized cosmetics like handwashing soap or shampoo to save space in your beauty case.
• Rolling clothes instead of laying them flat in the suitcase can also save space using the right technique.
• Check with your accommodation provider or the local tourist office for shopping options on location. Often, you will receive discounts on sportswear and equipment with your guest card. If you forget something or something breaks, you’ll have no problem covering your needs locally. A guest card is already included in your stay at ALPS RESORTS.
• Leave some space in your suitcase for travel souvenirs and gifts. From culinary treats to traditional crafts, the Alpine region offers an array of specialties that will also bring joy to you once you are back at home.

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