Packing list and kids ski equipment for a ski holiday with children

Borrow or hire children ski clothing whenever possible and rent rather than buy children's ski equipment as children will grow out of ski gear and equipment before you can say apple strudel.

Pre-book children's ski equipment and gear well in advance if you are travelling at a busy time as sizes can run out and are limited. If you do buy kids ski equipment try to do it in a shop that offers a "buy back" scheme to trade it in when you need larger boots or skis. Never buy too big for them to fit into it as this will hamper progress and can be dangerous.

Ski Clothing

Children should certainly wear ski helmets without fail and in some countries it is compulsory.

Goggles are better than sunglasses and helmets are an absolute essential. With the helmet they wear goggles, but once they stop for lunch, they remove the helmet and goggles and children will need a hat or cap and wraparound sunglasses that stay on. Children need easily applied high factor sun block and lip salve with a sun screen.

Mittens are easier for kids than gloves and remember to pack thermals and lots of layers for the kids. Bring extra mittens, warm fleeces, tee shirts for indoors and roaring fires and separate indoor and outdoor shoes for the evening with a good grip.

Two piece suits are better than one piece suits for toilet trips if nothing else.

Children's Skis

Children's skis are usually shorter and softer versions of adult skis which turn more easily than traditional straight skis. As with adult skis, you should take into account the child's weight, ability and aggressiveness when picking the correct ski length and get proper advice on this.

Children's Ski Boots

Whether you decide to rent or buy children's ski boots you should always get professional help when choosing ski boots for your child. It can be hard to get proper feedback from smaller children especially if they are tired and may say anything to get outside to the snow so try to time your trip to the shop right.

Children's Ski Bindings

Always get an experienced ski technician in a ski shop to set the bindings for your ski bindings.

Children's Ski Poles

Children do not usually use poles until they have at learnt the basics of skiing. They can get in the way getting on and off the lifts so it is best to leave them in the early stages. More experienced and older children may want poles.

Children's Ski Helmets

It is absolutely recommended that all children wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding. Test it to be sure that it fits well and dose not obstruct vision or hearing.

Buggy/Pushchairs in ski resorts

If you bring a buggy, it needs to have big wheels to get across snow and remember that young children need to be protected from the glare of the sun and the cold winds.

Depending on where you are going you will have different requirements.Cold and miserable kids will be terribly unhappy so try to bring appropriate gear to keep them warm and smiling as they career down the slopes. Have a look at our ski holiday section for tips on choosing the perfect ski resort, ski childcare options and what age is best to learn to ski.

Here is a list for ski stuff to pack and a general list of items to pack. We have also provided you with more general packing lists including a first aid checklist, car checklist, a hand luggage checklist and lots more here on this site.

Packing list for a family ski trip 

A crash helmet

Ski goggles (better than sunglasses)

Sunglasses for lunch or snowball fights

Very high factor sun cream

Sun screen lip salve

Ski mittens (easier than gloves)

Warm fleeces

Thermals

A two piece ski suit (better for toilet trips)

Medical kit

High factor sun cream

A warm hat

Layers and fleeces

An ID tag with your mobile phone number and accommodation address in it for their jacket pocket

Child-friendly resorts normally provide travel cots, high chairs, baby baths and bottle sterilising facilities but do check and reserve in advance where necessary. Bring sufficient supplies such as nappies and baby food/formula as supplies can be limited in certain resorts. 

We have separately provided you with a checklist for your hand luggage and also with suggestions for things to bring to keep your children entertained when travelling. As far as your main luggage is concerned when travelling with your family there is no perfect formula. Infants under two will not have a baggage allowance unless you are paying for a seat for them and this can be one of the most difficult things to negotiate as infants and toddlers tend to have the most equipment.

Baggage allowances are also relevant. Some low-cost carriers now will only allow each person travelling to have 15 kg. They charge exorbitant prices for each kilogram over their weight. While it might seem like a good idea for a family of four to travel with two big suitcases if either of those cases goes over a key 15 kg limit which will happen in a flash. You could be facing a large bill. Most carriers will not allow baggage allowance is to be combined.

Generally, it is better for children to have their own suitcases particularly as they get older. They would then not be messing up anything in your case when they are rooting for things. Sports gear and swimming gear are best packed into their own bags and drawstring cloth bags, cases, plastic bags and laundry bags are a great for secreting small items.

Main luggage checklist when travelling with your children

Nappies and changing accessories

Tissues and wet wipes

Swimsuits and swimmer nappies where appropriate

Sterilising equipment

Towels where necessary

First aid kit

Reading and entertainment material

Linen and bedding for your children if not supplied

Children's and adults toiletries including toothbrushes and brushes

Sweaters/sweatshirts

A sewing kit

Trouble plug adapter

Travel alarm clock

Adapters

Chargers

Torch

Clothesline and detergent

Camera

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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