What to take with you to the ski resort?

06 October 2021

Mountain vacations are not to be forgotten, especially when they are spiced up with a pinch of extreme sports and frosty sunny weather! Skiing, snowboarding, sledding or tubing gives bright emotions, as well as serves as a good sports discharge. What to take to the ski resort? This is the first question that you should ask, if you are planning to go on such a trip for the first time. We have collected tips from experienced tourists to make a detailed list!

What equipment should you bring with you?

Fortunately, you don’t need to bring your own skis or snowboard to the ski resort — you can easily rent everything you need on the spot. This is especially convenient for beginners who have not yet acquired the appropriate equipment. If you already ski, you can take the usual helmet, because not every model will be comfortable for you.

If you prefer more challenging trails and an aggressive style of skiing, it makes sense to bring protection for your spine, hands, knees and hips. Suitable elements of such equipment can be difficult to find in the local rental, and they do not take up too much space in your suitcase.

Taking into account the sunny weather and the inherently high light reflection factor of the snow, it is worth bringing dark glasses: for everyday wear and skiing. If you’re afraid of freezing, you can take a pair of compact arm warmers. A good solution is an electric or catalytic device. Chemical warmers are also handy, but they are usually single-use.

Don’t forget to take a small backpack, where you will put the things you need for outdoor activities in winter: thermos or thermo mug, snacks, sun protection, GoPro camera, mat for sitting in the snow and other necessary small things.

What clothes and shoes to take to the ski resort?

Winter holidays in the mountains is enjoyable only if you take care of comfortable clothes. Let’s talk about what things you should take with you to conquer the ski slopes.

Thermal underwear (two sets or more). It effectively wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you warm. It is better to take more than one set of golf and leggings to have a removable bottom layer in case of laundry.
Fleece. This can be a thin jacket with a zipper or sweatshirt – it will play the role of a second layer, protecting from the cold wind. In relatively warm weather, the fleece will be easy to take off.
Jacket. Special models are made of water-repellent material, equipped with ventilation flaps on the zippers (located under the armpits). It is desirable that the jacket has stitched mesh to protect against the penetration of snow.
Snow pants or overalls. These things also have water-repellent properties, a special insulation inside and ventilation valves. They allow you to comfortably put on high boots and protect against blowing.
A liner or balaclava. This piece of clothing will ensure a fairly snug fit helmet and warmth during skiing.
Gloves. Ski models are equipped with enhanced insulation, do not blow through and do not get wet.
Warm buff. It’ s quite windy on the slopes, and a balaclava does not provide enough protection to your neck from the cold. Sports buff is tight enough, it does not slip and does not twist like a normal scarf.
Ski socks. They are quite high (ending above the boot), and have a special cut that prevents rolling. Also ski socks are perfectly air permeable, maintaining an optimal microclimate for the feet.

When you’re thinking about what to take with you to the ski resort, don’t forget the usual stuff! They will be useful for more relaxed leisure activities: walking, visiting restaurants and excursions. Give preference to light, warm, functional clothing. So, it can be a wool sweater, down jacket, thick insulated pants. In addition, take two pairs of waterproof shoes, a hat and a scarf.

Filling a cosmetic bag for the ski resort

Although these funds are called “ladies’ stuff”, most of them will come in handy for both girls and men – frost and intense sunlight activity does not spare anyone. Therefore, in the list we have combined cosmetic products that travelers of both sexes will need.

Sunscreen (SPF 50). Despite the cold, it’s easy to get sunburns in sunny weather in the mountains. The cream should be applied on your face 30-40 minutes before going outdoors. During the day you may refresh the cream a couple of times when you go to a cafe to warm up.
Cream. The cold dries the skin, causing redness, peeling and even cracks. Therefore, it is worth to take a nourishing cream for the face and hands, which you will apply shortly before going outdoors. At night, however, it is worth using a moisturizer.
Lip balm with a protective factor SPF. It provides excellent protection for a particularly delicate area of the face.
Bathing and shaving accessories. You can make this set by yourself based on your own preferences.
Hairpins, rubber bands. The frost affects the condition of long hair very badly, so it is better to hide them under the helmet and buff.

First aid kit for a trip to the mountains

List of things to take to the ski resort will only be complete with a first aid kit. What should you take with you on vacation?

Painkillers, including for headaches.
Products for treating abrasions, scratches, and other minor wounds.
Medications to treat colds.
Drugs for food poisoning.
Drugs to normalize blood pressure.
Warming and cooling sports gels.
Several elastic bandages.

Since skiing and snowboarding is a fascinating, but injury-prone sport, it is recommended to get medical insurance. This is relevant not only for foreign trips, but also for holidays in the Carpathians.

If you’re going to the mountains with children, you can safely use a list of travel essentials and outfits for the gathering. Additionally it makes sense to take a coloring book, an album with pencils and some favorite toys. If necessary, also adjust the list of medicines in the kit, adding there remedies with lower dosages of active ingredients and personal drugs, if you need it. Note that it is possible to “put” the child on skis from about 3-4 years of age. At an earlier age, parents will have to find other leisure activities.