How To Pack For A Day On The Slopes

Bringing a few key items for a day of piste skiing can significantly increase your comfort and safety, even if you never venture outside the resort boundaries. In addition to the basics like phones and wallets, here are some of the essentials that you should consider packing.

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How To Choose A Backpack For Resort Skiing

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Ski backpacks have several features specific to skiing, and while many of them primarily target off-piste skiers, there's plenty of options that aren't purely backcountry-orientated.

The sizes of skiing daypacks usually range from 10 to 30 litres, leaving plenty of room for the essentials. Designed with stability and comfort in mind, they utilise a low-profile shape to distribute the weight evenly without affecting your balance. Additionally, the chest and hip straps ensure that the bag fits snug against your back.

Keep an eye out for extra features such as a hydration sleeve, a goggle stash, helmet carry, glove-friendly zip pulls and snow-shedding fabric.

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What to pack for a day of skiing

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• Spare layers - It can be hard to estimate how many layers you're going to need to stay warm during a day's skiing. It's always worth bringing an extra fleece or base layer in your backpack if the temperatures change. Make sure you've also got some extra room just in case it's too warm and you need to remove a layer.
• Water bottle or reservoir - We all know that staying hydrated is crucial, especially during exercise. Bringing your own reusable water bottle is better for the environment, and it will also save you money. If you have room in your bag, you could even consider bringing your favourite hot drink in a sealable flask.
• First Aid Kit - Even if you're staying within resort boundaries, bringing just a basic first aid kit that includes a few essentials like plasters and cleansing wipes can be a great help with numerous minor injuries. Make sure you've also got blister pads; there's nothing worse than the feeling of blistered feet inside ski boots!
• Sun Cream - Most mountain-specific sun creams are sweat-resistant and can last for hours, but it's worth topping up every now and again to ensure ultimate protection from the intense UV rays at high altitudes and snowy conditions.
• Beanie - A handy item to have while you're taking a break and want to remove your helmet. It's not only keeping your head warm but also concealing the unavoidable helmet hair most of us experience after hours of fun on the slopes!
• Sunglasses - Another great item to have while you're taking a break and don't want to wear your goggles.
• Snacks - It's no secret that the food at ski resorts can be expensive. Bringing your own favourite snacks or even lunch with you on the slopes is an easy way to save money on a ski holiday.
• Hand & Foot Warmers - Maybe not a must but a nice thing to have for extra comfort just in case your fingers or toes start feeling the cold. Best of all, handwarmers don't take up much room in your bag, and they certainly don't break the bank!
• Power Bank - Cold temperatures can drain your phone and camera batteries quickly. It's worth packing a portable charger to make sure you don't miss out on capturing those priceless moments you'll want to cherish forever.
• Piste map - Make sure you grab a paper version from your resort or print one at home before your trip; relying on your phone battery for map access in the cold is not the best idea.

Bonus item for the 2021 ski season: Face masks and coverings are recommended, and in some cases required, in all indoor spaces and lifts, as well as any outdoor setting where physical distancing isn't possible.

 

If you need some tips or reminders on what to pack for your next ski holiday, check out our full skiing kit list to make sure won't forget any of the essentials!

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