Most ski packing lists are aspirational. They assume you're climbing the Eiger when you're spending a week on blue runs in Méribel. Here's what genuinely makes the difference for a normal chalet week.
The non-obvious essentials
- Two pairs of ski socks per ski day. Not just for changing — for sizing up boots that suddenly feel tight.
- A buff or neck gaiter. £10 on Amazon. Used every day. Most overlooked piece of kit in skiing.
- Lip balm with SPF. Alpine sun + cold air destroys lips by day three. Get the SPF 30+ stuff.
- Hand cream. Same problem, less obvious.
- Spare goggle lens for low light. The £40 lens you'll use every cloudy day. Most people skip this and then can't see anything in flat light.
- Power adapter with multiple USB ports. Chalets typically have two sockets in the bedroom. There are five of you.
- Insulated water bottle. Mountain restaurants charge €5 for water. Refill at the chalet.
- A book. Mountain weather happens. You'll have an afternoon indoors at some point.
Gear you don't need
- Multiple ski jackets. One does the job. Wash it when you get home.
- A second pair of ski boots. Just no.
- Heavy ski socks "for warmth". Modern boots are insulated; thick socks reduce circulation and make feet colder. Thin technical socks every time.
- Avalanche gear (unless you're going off-piste with a guide, in which case they'll supply it).
- Your own ski helmet if you fly Ryanair-tier — rentals are fine, baggage fees aren't.
- More than one après outfit. Nobody is looking.
The clothes maths
For a week: 7 base-layer tops, 4 base-layer bottoms, 2 mid-layers, 1 jacket, 1 pair of ski trousers, 14 pairs of socks (7 ski, 7 normal), 2 pairs of jeans/trousers for evenings, 3 jumpers, 1 nice shirt or top for the one fancy dinner. Done.
What goes in the boot bag (carry-on)
Boots, helmet, goggles, and gloves if your case is bursting. Most airlines let you bring one ski bag + one boot bag, and the boot bag often doesn't count against your normal cabin allowance — check the small print.
Skis: hire or bring?
Hire. Always. Unless you've got a serious freeride or touring setup and a strong opinion about it, modern hire skis are excellent and you avoid £80+ each-way baggage fees. Most resort hire shops will swap skis mid-week if you don't get on with what you've been given.
Find your chalet, then worry about packing the week before.