Packing for a ski season: 5 unexpected items you need
With 6 months of mountain life ahead of you, packing for a ski season is an exciting task. It’s important to pack the essentials like that brand new ski coat you’ve been waiting to show off, snow proof shoes and plenty of layers. But, here’s a seasonaire’s guide on 5 unexpected items you need on your packing list to make mountain life that little more comfortable.
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#1 Toiletries
Obviously you mustn’t forget the classics such as hair products, shower gel and toothpaste. But, a couple of essentials to survive the season is lip balm and moisturiser.
Exposed to a constant change in temperature from chalet accommodation to piste to bar, combined with additional moisture from washing up duty (or throwing too many snowballs), your hands are going to be crisp and flaky in an instant. So, it’s important to invest in some good moisturiser to keep them supple.
The same goes for your lips! Although, they have an additional factor to survive; the sun. Those bluebird days are certainly any ski lover’s dream, but it’s important to stay sunshine safe. Ensuring you have a high SPF balm will save those lips to pucker up another day.
It’s also worth mentioning that life in the mountains can be a little remote at times. You can’t always guarantee the local supermarket will have your favourite branded products fully stocked. So, it’s best to take those extra special items with you in bulk when packing for a ski season.
#2 Extension lead
If you’re heading abroad for your season, you might have remembered an adaptor or two. But, a step above this is remembering to take the humble extension lead along for the ride.
It’s the true saviour in the multi device world we live in these days, particularly when a one-plug room share is a high potential risk. Sometimes a little bulky, but well worth the space, it’s something everyone will want a piece of.
#3 Medical kit
Limited vegetables, continuous supplies of alcohol and a fair few sleepless nights will have your immune system soon at rock bottom. Throw in a fast spreading virus from a snotty child, or god forbid, the famous norovirus, and the whole resort could be out in a matter of days. I’d highly recommend having a well-stocked medical kit for all eventualities, as you can never be too careful. Plus, you don’t want to have to spend your sacred tip money on medicine!
#4 Fancy dress
Everyone loves a bit of dressing up and on a ski season it’s usually at the heart of the mayhem. Whether it’s onesies, Hawaiian shirts or Mario Kart characters, it’s best to bring a couple of fail-safe items that could work across the dressing up realm. One item that’s always a necessity (and never goes out of fashion) is the Christmas jumper. It’s a big part of the Christmas day festivities.
Need some inspo?
Head to my Pinterest board for all things fancy dress – slope style.
#5 A piece of home
Whether it’s your first time away from home or your fiftieth, there can come a time where you might feel a little homesick. Add in a hangover and a spot of over-tiredness and you can soon feel pretty down. It’s always a good idea to bring a little piece of home with you to boost you in these moments.
Some old photos, a cosy blanket or perhaps that soft toy you’ve been meaning to outgrow; these mementos will help you get through the blip of homesickness to seize another day in the mountains. You often won’t have much alone time anyway, as a shared room is pretty much a given. But, odds are there will be someone in the team who’s feeling the same. So, reach out, you never know who might be in need of a lift too.
Embarking on a winter ski season can be a daunting but exciting experience. Whether you’ve convinced a friend or partner to join you, or you’re braving it on your own, you’re guaranteed to have a good time and make life-long friends. Add these items to your ski season packing list and you’ll be well set for anything the mountains throw at you!
Unsure what ski season job would best suit you? Read my guide on the options available. Or, if you like the sound of being a chalet host but want an idea of what it’s like, read my day in the life account.
Els x
