To pack for a ski vacation, you’ll be faced with a mountain of gear that you’ll need to thin out by at least half. Annoyingly, snow apparel is bulky, and there’s no way around that other than investing in decent packing cubes to reduce volume. So my first tip, if you don’t have packing aids already, is to get onto Amazon and treat yourself to a set of mixed-sized compression bags. Read reviews first because price dictates the quality of zips, and there’s nothing more frustrating than a split zipper when you’re flying out the next day.
What I Packed for a One Week Ski Vacation in the French Alps
Another first-world problem with a European ski vacation is that they take après-ski to another level. My recent experience with Club Med, Tignes had a roster of evening events that encouraged themed outfits. If you’re cringing while reading this, I was, too. Packing my outdoor gear is one thing, but planning a chic color-coded wardrobe was quite another. Luckily, Club Med is pretty chill about theme suggestions (much like an all-inclusive cruise line), so I could mix and match many of my items to work for multiple nights. A smart high-waisted pair of jeans and tucked-in turtle neck with different accessories became a go-to, and the dresses and pair of healed boots I brought came home unworn because they were just too much, and I want to be comfortable (and warm) after a day on the slopes.
I traveled to France with a checked luggage limit of 50 lbs. Unless you purchase more, you’ll likely have the same. I was right on the nose with my limit, and other than the elegant evening wear I never used, I don’t think I could have packed smarter.
Here’s my travel-tested list of what to pack for a week-long ski vacation in France.
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What to pack for European ski trip
Before we get into my packing list, Club Med, Tignes offers a gear hire service. It can be a lot of work to navigate bulky skis, boots, and helmets, not to mention the added weight and stress at the airport, so opting to rent your kit is a huge benefit of staying at one of their properties. The resort offers a wide range of high-quality equipment from top brands. If you need clarification on which equipment is right for you, the staff at Club Med can provide expert advice. They’ll help you choose the perfect gear based on your skill level and preferences. The process is streamlined and efficient, so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your holiday.
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton
On arrival, you’ll need to visit the ski pro shop, where you’ll be fitted for boots (if you didn’t bring your own), skis or board, and your helmet. Next to the shop, you’ll find changing rooms with lockers. Each guest has an allocated locker with a number corresponding to their room. This is where all your gear will be stored throughout your stay. When it’s time to go home, you leave the hired equipment in your locker and the staff will return it for you.
Despite my trip being at the beginning of the season, the conditions were excellent. We had fresh powder on day one and a nice dose of sun, which took the edge off the 17-degree air. When it comes to layers, I always have at least three. This approach allows me to adapt to fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions and ensures I’m always comfortable. For a base layer, I have a thermal merino long-sleeved top. Because I don’t own multiple, the one I brought was washed in my hotel room and dried quickly on the heated towel rail. I also did this with the set of gym gear I packed. This might seem like an extra step you’d rather not take, but it will significantly reduce the gear you need to bring. Also, keep in mind that many European resorts have self-service laundry facilities so that you can avoid the exorbitant price of room service laundry.
The gear list below served me well. On top of this, I brought the aforementioned gym gear, a swimsuit for the sauna and pool, evening wear, and some afternoon comfortable outfits, which, because Club Med ended up being more accepting of casual wear than I imagined, I often wore them into the evening for dinner and drinks.
Base Layers
Photo: REI
Smartwool’s thermals are not exactly cheap, but for the quality, you’ll find it hard to get anything under this price point. Crafted from 100 percent Merino wool, this base layer regulates body temperature, wicks moisture, and manages odor. Because Merino wool is also naturally odor-resistant, you can wear one for multi-day ski trips. They come in a range of colors. I have Twilight Blue and use these for all outdoor winter sports, from ice skating to cold weather hikes.
Outerwear
Your outerwear is another investment that will hopefully last you for a few years unless you’re a gearhead and want the latest gear to look uber-fashionable on the slopes. Looking stylish is not as high on my list as being practical, but luckily, I have a couple of essentials that tick both boxes. First is the Parmi Women’s Explore Jacket. If you don’t know Parmi, you might want to check them out. The company is based in Quebec and produces beautiful outdoor and sports gear. I used the Explore Jacket as my second padded layer in the snow. It’s also quickly becoming a go-to winter layer back home in Scotland for walks and running. You’ll also need waterproof salopettes. I fall back on The North Face, and I don’t think you’re just paying for the label. These are a solid choice; they fit perfectly and are not extortionate. That said, before this pair, I got some second-hand online, which is a no-brainer if you’re working with a tight budget.
Mid-Layers
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton
Sweaters or fleece jackets serve as excellent mid-layers for skiing, providing additional warmth and insulation without adding bulk. RevolutionRace offers a range of high-quality, functional clothing designed for outdoor activities like skiing. Their layering system prioritizes comfort, performance, and durability; again, these are a staple in my household for all outdoor sports. My husband and I share our collection, and a medium size fits us both perfectly — we just have to worry about fighting over the favorite green fleece.
Handwear
Photo: REI
A decent pair of gloves or mittens will elevate your entire ski vacation, especially if you’re someone like me who suffers from Raynaud’s. I also always carry backup hand warmers, which are not the best when holding poles but are fantastic to have in your pocket for use on lifts or between runs. I love The North Face Montana Ski Mittens. Their waterproof and breathable construction prevents moisture from seeping in, while the high-quality insulation traps heat, ensuring my hands stay cozy.
Footwear
Photo: REI
Warm socks are another essential for skiing as they provide insulation and comfort, protecting your feet from the cold and preventing blisters. Again, if you suffer in cold weather, you’re going to want to invest here. The Darn Tough Yeti Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski Socks are popular among skiers due to their exceptional warmth, durability, and comfort. These socks are crafted from Merino wool and offer superior insulation, moisture-wicking properties, and natural odor resistance. I also like that these are over the calf, giving me that extra length and support from ankle to knee.
Face Protection
Photo: REI
Face protection is crucial for skiing, safeguarding the face from the harsh elements of winter. Exposure to cold, wind, and sun can seriously damage the skin, especially after a few days on the slopes. When choosing a sunscreen for skiing, look for one with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and choose a water-resistant and sweat-resistant sunscreen to ensure it stays effective even during intense sweat sesh on a black run. I also wear a gaiter. The Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter is a great shout. Crafted from Merino wool, this gaiter can be worn in various ways: a neck gaiter, face mask, or beanie.
Headwear
You’ve also got to pack a stylish beanie. Even if you’re in a helmet, you’ll need a grab choice for walks around the resort and town. I also wear a headband under my helmet. This is personal preference, I know many might find that a headband slips down under the proactive shell, but that doesn’t bother me too much if I’m in a well-fitted helmet. Again, I turn to Parmi for this and have the Polar fleece lined one in dark green. It keeps my hair off my face and is stylish enough to wear to lunch after a morning session, too.
Eye Protection
Photo: REI
You can go wild in aisles and spend a fortune on ski goggles, but you really don’t need to. Unless you’re skiing all season, you can get away with a decent pair from Smith. They are gendered. The women’s are designed with a smaller frame. The compression-molded foam creates a draft-free seal, keeping wind and moisture out and ensuring a clear field of vision. The Fog-X anti-fog treatment further enhances visibility by preventing fogging, and the cylindrical dual lenses provide a wide field of view, allowing you to see more of the terrain and react quickly to changing conditions. Again, you’ll easily find second-hand goggles online, although in my experience you can run the risk of getting a pair with some wear and tear. 