What To Take
Kit List
To help you get ready for your school ski trip, we have prepared a simple packing list including all the essentials and some little extras tips too.
Ski Gear
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A ski jacket that is both waterproof and windproof will be an essential piece of clothing for your ski trip. There is no need to bring two jackets, your ski jacket can be worn when the group is out and about in the evenings too.
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Ski trousers/pants/salopettes will keep you warm and dry, as they are wind and waterproof.
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Some prefer mittens, but the choice is yours, just remember to go for something warm and waterproof. Some groups advise students (and staff) to take two pairs as inevitably, these are the first items to go missing.
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A warm winter hat that covers your head and ears will protect you from the cold and wind. You’ll be wearing a helmet when skiing but a bobble hat will keep you warm at other times and works wonders to hide “helmet hair”.
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Thermal ski socks to keep your feet warm but also moisture free. Ideally one pair per day as they can get a bit smelly…
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Long sleeved thermal tops and bottoms will help you stay warm and retain your body heat while being breathable.
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It is important to stay warm and using layers is the best way to manage the changes in temperature on the mountain. Over your thermal base layers and t-shirt, wear a fleece or warm hoodie that can be easily taken off if you are getting too warm.
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Neck warmers or buffs are more practical than scarves and they’re a close fit so keep necks and faces warm and dry.
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It might not be obvious, but you will get some great sunny days on the slopes and you will need to protect your skin and lips from UV rays, so make sure you pack sunscreen of at least factor 30, and lip balm with a high UV protection too.
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Ski goggles will protect you and allow you to see better on snowy days while sunglasses will be a good option on sunny days.
For the Journey
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During long travel days, it’s important to keep a power bank and charging cable on hand to prevent the absolute worst-case scenario of a “Low Battery” warning! We recommend bringing a power bank as not all coaches are fitted with charging points. If you’re flying, please do check the relevant airline’s rules and regulations in regards to powerbanks - they will need to be kept on your person or in your cabin bag.
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Sometimes nothing beats the comfort of your own pillow. This can help you get comfy for the journey, especially during the overnight stint on the coach. If you’re flying to resort, a pillow may be unnecessary and impractical to take on the plane with you.
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A good all-rounder: can be used to carry essentials on the journey, and also on the slopes if required too.
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This one speaks for itself. Remember, keep it sensible - 6 packets of Haribo maybe isn’t the smartest idea for a long coach ride (unless you’re sharing!).
Don’t forget, liquids won’t be permitted through security at airports if flying, although you can always take an empty bottle through and refill it air-side.
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After several hours on a coach you (and your peers) will appreciate a toothbrush like never before.
This one may not be necessary for shorter journeys and flight groups.
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Mainly for extra snacks, food or souvenirs on the journey. It’s always a good idea to have both £ and € available, and maybe even some € change to use at restrooms in European service stations.
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It’s always a good idea to keep any important medication with you whilst travelling - including travel sickness medication. Your party leader may choose to collect this in for the duration of the trip.
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Another self-explanatory one. As much as you love your favourite Netflix show, maybe not everyone else on the coach/plane wants to hear it too.
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Before you depart home, it might be a good idea to downöoad a few episodes of whatever you’re binging nowadays, or an album or two on Spotify so that you have something to keep you entertained if the signal drops or whilst flying. You also save on roaming and European data charges, too!
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This one speaks for itself. Comfort over fashion is definitely the motto for travelling out to resort.
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Keep yourself feeling as refreshed as possible with some deodorant. Please do keep your peers in mind and avoid using aerosols in an enclosed space such as a coach or plane.
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For runny noses, or any minor spillages. Tissues are a lifesaver in situations like this.
Clothing
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Pack enough for each day, plus a couple of spares. Trust us, nobody has ever regretted bringing extra underwear.
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Bring plenty of everyday socks for evenings and travelling. Your ski socks have a much more exciting job to do on the mountain.
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Only required if your group are planning on swimming during the week.
Don’t forget a towel too, as you won’t be allowed to take the hotel’s towelt o the pool with you.
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Bring sturdy, warm shoes with good grip for walking around the resort. Snowy Austrian pavements and brand-new Nike Air Force aren’t always the best partnership.
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Something comfortable to chill and sleep in after a long day on the slopes.
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Handy for wearing around the hotel and giving your feet a well-earned break from ski boots. Lightweight and definitely worth squeezing into your bag.
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Bring a couple of comfortable everyday options for evenings and time away from the slopes. There’s no need to pack your entire wardrobe.
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Ideal for travelling, relaxing at the hotel and casual evenings. After five hours of skiing, comfort tends to outrank fashion anyway.
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Perfect for layering up in the evenings or heading out around the resort. Remember: you’re still in the Alps even when you’re not skiing.
Party leaders may wish to consider purchasing ski trip hoodies for your trip. These not only make a great souvenir, but they make it so easy to identify members of your group, especially during travel to/from resort. Think about all those teens on the ferry and at service station stops, matching hoodies make it easy for everyone to stay together.
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Pack a few for wearing around the hotel and underneath layers. Austrian hotels can be surprisingly warm inside, so you won’t always need to dress for the Arctic.
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Essential when you’re off the slopes and the sun is bouncing off all that snow. They also make sitting on a sunny mountain terrace considerably more stylish.
Extras
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Useful for keeping in touch, taking photos and finding your way around. Just remember: phones and ski lifts have a surprisingly complicated relationship, so keep it somewhere secure.
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Austria uses European two-pin plug sockets, so bring an appropriate adaptor for any UK devices. One adaptor plus a small extension lead can also save a lot of arguments over the hotel room socket.
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Bring your usual essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower products and anything else you use daily. Travel-sized bottles are your suitcase’s best friend.
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Completely optional, but great for capturing your adventures on the mountain. We strongly advise against helmet-mounted or head-mounted cameras, as these can present an additional safety risk in the event of a fall. If bringing an action camera, please use a secure alternative mount and always follow your instructor’s guidance.
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Bring something secure for your spending money, cards and any essentials you need while out and about. Ideally, not something that can easily escape from a pocket on a chairlift.
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There’ll be some downtime during the journey and in the evenings, so bring something to keep yourself occupied. Yes, unfortunately, a ski trip doesn’t make homework magically disappear.
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Quite an important one! Make sure it’s valid for travel and ready to go. Your Party Leader may collect and securely hold passports for the duration of the trip, so please follow the arrangements set by your school.
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Bring your valid EHIC or GHIC card for access to necessary state healthcare while abroad. Your Party Leader may collect and securely hold these alongside passports during the trip. Remember, an EHIC/GHIC does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
All packed and ready to go?
Everything you need for an unforgettable week in the mountains should be covered above. Still have a question about what to bring? We’re always happy to help.
For an easy-to-save or printable version, download our complete Kit List below.
