What to Pack for a European Ski Holiday
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Getting ready to pack for a ski trip to Europe?
EEEK! I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU!
Skiing in Europe is such an amazing experience, for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
But packing for a ski trip abroad can be a bit daunting.
Between the ski kit and après-ski fashions, as well as boots, scarves, and other accessories, there’s a lot to consider bringing along.
If you’re not careful, you can easily overpack.
On top of the expanded wardrobe options, there are also the items required for traveling internationally: things like passports, insurance cards, and plug converters will need to be added to your packing list if you’re heading to Switzerland, but not Colorado.
Luckily, I have an entire explainer post about these items that MUST be packed for any trip to Europe. You can read the list of Essential to Pack for a Trip to Europe here.
For those ski breaks though, read on for the equipment, accessories, and personal care products to stash in your suitcase.
The European Ski Packing List
Essential Ski + Snowboard Gear
Unless you are a very advanced skier or snowboarder, someone who is experienced in traveling with your own equipment like skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets, then I would just leave the heavy equipment to the rental shops.
EVERY EUROPEAN SKI RESORT HAS A CLUSTER OF SKI EQUIPMENT RENTAL SHOPS.
Larger resorts will have even more rental companies, offering more variety for comparing shops on price and equipment newness.
It’s common in Europe to rent core hardware like skis and snowboards.
Any ski rental will typically include ski boots, ski poles, and ski helmets.
Although I have seen some rental shops offering ski goggles for rental, I would suggest buying your own pair of ski goggles before departure.
Ski goggles are one of those items with a pretty large markup and limited selection if you rely on purchasing it at a ski resort.
For finding the exact look that you prefer among a wide variety of styles, you’re better off buying ski goggles online before you leave the states.
I really like this pair from SMITH Optics.
There are a ton of frame and lens color options and it’s affordable for beginner skiers - who will likely want to put their dollars towards other parts of a brand new ski kit.
My first ski outfit: shout out to the Bogner jacket, Bogner stirrup ski pants, and FALKE socks!
IN TERMS OF OUTERWEAR, YOU WILL NEED A SET OF SKI PANTS AND A SKI JACKET.
There’s so many options for these two pieces that I don’t want to be too prescriptive so instead, I’ll just tell you what works for me.
I have a Bogner ski jacket with two features I really love:
One, it has what’s called a snow skirt.
It’s pretty much just a strip of water-resistant fabric at hip-height on the interior of the jacket.
When I snap it shut, should I fall, it would prevent snow from flying up my back and leaving me wet for the rest of the day.
Some brands also call this feature a powder skirt.
The second feature that it has is a sleeve pocket for ski passes.
This typically sits on the left sleeve of a ski jacket.
It’s a discrete zippered pocket where you can store your ski pass. All you have to do at each ski lift is just kind of lean into the automated sensor and it will read your ski pass and open the ski lift to you.
These are two features that you should look for on any jacket that you’re considering buying.
Insider Tip: Be sure your ski jacket has a sleeve pocket to store your ski lift passes.
As for ski pants, I will always recommend Bogner‘s Stirrup Ski Pants.
They are kind of an iconic pair.
Rather than your typical puffy, insulated ski pants, Bogner’s Stirrup Ski Pants are made out of a stretchy, waterproof fabric that keeps you dry and warm on the slopes.
They have stirrups on the bottom to keep everything in place when you’re racing down the pistes.
The pleating right down the center of the leg adds a chic detail to their slim fit.
I always feel like I’ve just stepped out of a Slim Aarons photo whenever I’m wearing them, and with good reason.
The style caught on in the 1950s and was worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
I’ve also been known to wear my Bogner Stirrup Ski Pants in Frankfurt on very, very cold winter days.
IT’S THAT SAME VERSATILITY THAT ALLOWS THIS PAIR OF PANTS TO GO STRAIGHT FROM THE SLOPES TO APRÈS SKI.
They are a fantastic investment piece.
Bogner is a European sportswear brand so if you are looking to purchase a pair of these pants they are probably going to be slightly less expensive if you purchase them in Europe versus the US.
Bogner often has stores located in ski resorts.
I would confirm that they have a location in your destination ski resort and then purchase their Stirrup Ski Pants there.
This will likely be easier than trying to track them down in the US, although if you’re located in New York or Los Angeles, the brand has stores in your city.
Please accept this elevator selfie as proof that I enjoy wearing my Bogner ski pants in the city, too.
BEYOND OUTERWEAR, BASE LAYERS ARE SUPER IMPORTANT.
Especially if you’re going to wear a pair of slim cut pants like the Bogners.
I always wear a base layer consisting of a long sleeve thermal shirt and thermal pants.
I find Merino wool to be an outstanding material for base layers.
It has the ability to keep you warm in cold temperatures, but also allows for breathability on warmer days.
These pieces by Smartwool are a great choice - the base layer crew is a simple, long sleeve top and the base layer bottom is a mid-rise pant that will fit snugly under your ski pants.
On top of my long sleeve base layer, I always wear a Merino wool sweater, too.
Like this one, by Dale of Norway, or this one by Icelandic brand ICEWEAR.
My Merino wool sweater and a lightweight jacket that I occasionally wear under my ski jacket.
Base layers, sweaters, ski jackets and ski pants are the core of any proper ski outfit.
BUT YOU’RE ALSO GOING TO NEED A FEW ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES.
I think ski socks are super important.
Good ski socks should also be made out of a durable yet soft material that will cushion your feet, ankles, and shin during multiple days in rigid ski boots.
You also want a pair of socks that is going to keep your feet dry all day.
FALKE’s SK4 Ski Socks are my favorite choice.
Gloves are also an accessory that you’ll want to purchase before you depart from the United States.
You’ll be able to find a much wider selection at more competitive prices if you shop for this away from a ski resort than what you’ll find at a ski shop.
They’re two types of design for ski gloves.
One is of course the regular ski gloves.
The other is the mitten design.
Personally, I’ve used both, and I don’t find the mitten design to be as constricting as it may seem.
You don’t really need individual finger dexterity to ski.
But it’s really up to your personal preference.
Either way, gloves or mittens should be insulated, snug on the wrist and not too bulky.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a pair of glove liners, like these.
They help to keep your hands dry from sweat or clamminess.
Finally, a lot of folks will recommend a neck gaiter.
A neck gaiter is just a piece of fabric that goes over your head and covers your neck.
It protects this delicate part of the body from elements like sun and wind while you’re skiing.
Some folks may opt for a simple scarf in the place of a neck gaiter.
I personally use something that’s halfway between a neck gaiter and a balaclava.
It includes a headpiece that protects my hair from the ick of a rental ski helmet. I just pull the face cover part down below my chin.
I like this construction better because the headpiece keeps the neck portion in place and I don’t have to worry about a regular neck gaiter falling down to my shoulder.
I created this downloadable ⬇️ Packing Checklist ⬇️ that you can snag right now.
It helps you plan what you’ll pack, and then keeps you organized as you cross things off once they’ve been packed.
What to Wear to European Ski Resorts
The clothing and accessories that you wear off the slopes will probably be a little at a European ski resort.
In the United States, après ski outfits tend to be more casual and comfort focused: think cozy flannel shirts, fleece pullovers, and comfortable jeans or leggings.
The influence leans sporty.
It’s not uncommon to see the same ski jackets or hoodies do double duty on the slopes and then later in the evening in town.
In Europe, especially at Alpine ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, après-ski fashion leans towards a more sophisticated and stylish look: think tailored ski pants, turtleneck sweaters, and formal outerwear.
Rather than a sporty influence, the vibe leans more towards luxury brands and elevated fabrics.
Cashmere and fur-trimmed accessories are popular.
Designer sunglasses and intricate après-ski boots with fur details are also common.
European ski resorts are the perfect excuse to pack faux fur vests, Moon Boots, and flashy accessories.
I typically opt for colorful sweaters and slim fit black pants for après-ski, along with plain black snow boots.
( 📸 Instagram Vibe Check: One trick that I like to do when I’m visiting a new ski resort for the first time is something I call the Instagram vibe check.
I’ll go to the location of a restaurant or bar that I hope to visit at the destination, and then I’ll look at what people are wearing in the photos tagged with that location.
It’s a quick and easy way to get a feel for what people are already wearing at the destination. 📸)
Skincare for Ski Conditions
Packing the proper skincare for a ski trip is crucial.
CONSIDER THE TYPICAL SKI CONDITIONS AND HOW THEY IMPACT YOUR SKIN:
Sun reflects off the snow and increases the likelihood of sunburn - even in the middle of winter.
Cold, dry mountain winds strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, flaking, and irritation.
Prolonged exposure to these strong winds can cause windburn, which feels similar to sunburn.
The sun beating down on the slopes of Kitzbühel, Austria.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
First, be sure to pack a rich, hydrating facial moisturizer to protect against dryness and windburn. (This is a good hydrating moisturizer for sensitive skin.)
Second, don’t forget a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF to guard against UV rays, which can be intense at high altitudes and in snow.
In that same vein, a moisturizing lip balm with SPF will prevent chapped lips and sun damage.
A nourishing hand cream is also a good idea to take along, as it will keep hands from getting dry and cracked in cold, harsh conditions.
I also like to pack a hydrating face mist to refresh and soothe my skin after getting off the slopes for the day.
In Closing
I hope this Europe Ski Packing List helps you feel more prepared and ready for your trip!
With the right gear, accessories, and personal care items packed, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes and enjoy everything European ski resorts have to offer.
Now you can focus on what truly matters: soaking up those breathtaking alpine views, carving down pristine slopes, and, of course, indulging in après-ski culture.
Safe travels, and have an unforgettable time on the mountain!
Until next time,
Angela ⛷️