Ski Packing Checklist for Families: What to Pack for Skiing with Kids
Packing for a family ski holiday requires rather more thought than preparing for a week in the sun. Between ski clothing, equipment, children's essentials and the practicalities of mountain weather, it is surprisingly easy to overpack or forget something important.
Having enjoyed a recent family skiing holiday at Kempinski Palace Engelberg in Switzerland, I've learnt that the secret is to be selective. We prefer to rent skis at the resort, invest in properly fitted ski boots and bring the clothing and footwear that make a genuine difference to everyone's comfort.
This Ski Packing Checklist for Families covers what to bring, what is worth buying, what to rent and how to prepare for skiing with children of different ages.
What to Wear Skiing: Layers, Salopettes and Gloves
The most important principle when dressing for skiing is layering. Temperatures can vary considerably between the village, ski lifts and exposed mountain slopes, while children may become warm during lessons and cold again when waiting outside.
Thermal base layers should sit comfortably against the skin and help manage moisture. Merino wool or technical synthetic fabrics are preferable to cotton, which retains
perspiration. For children, choose soft, close-fitting layers without uncomfortable seams.
Mid-layers, such as a fleece or lightweight insulating jacket, provide warmth beneath the ski jacket. They should be easy to remove as conditions change.
Ski jackets and salopettes need to be waterproof, wind-resistant and breathable, with enough room for the layers underneath. For younger children, salopettes with braces are particularly useful because they help keep snow out when children fall or sit in the snow.
Ski socks should be designed to fit smoothly inside ski boots. Avoid wearing multiple pairs, as excessive thickness can create pressure and make boots uncomfortable.
Waterproof gloves or mittens are essential. I would always bring a spare pair for younger children, who are particularly likely to end up with wet gloves after lessons or playing in the snow.
You don't need a different ski outfit every day. One good outer layer, combined with enough thermals and socks to rotate throughout the week, is generally a more practical approach.
Ski Boots, Helmets and Skis: What to Buy and What to Rent
For families flying to the Alps, I wouldn't recommend travelling with skis. They are bulky, require additional luggage arrangements and can be hired easily at established resorts.
However, there are two pieces of personal equipment worth considering buying.
Why I Recommend Buying Ski Boots
Properly fitted ski boots are one of the most worthwhile investments for a family that intends to ski regularly. Comfort and fit can make a considerable difference, particularly for children who are learning. Owning your boots means returning to a familiar fit rather than adjusting to a different pair each holiday. Have ski boots fitted by a specialist. Children's feet can grow significantly between seasons, so their boots may need replacing annually. Adult boots can generally last longer, depending on their condition, fit and frequency of use. Never buy oversized boots for a child to grow into. A secure, appropriate fit is important for both comfort and control.
Should You Buy Your Own Ski Helmet?
A helmet is another item I would consider owning, especially if skiing becomes a regular family activity as they are fitted for age ranges and last a few years. Having your own means knowing its history and being familiar with the fit. However, children's helmets must be checked each season as they grow, and any helmet should be replaced following a significant impact or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a ski-specific helmet that meets the relevant safety standard and fits comfortably with goggles.
Why We Rent Skis
We prefer to rent skis and poles at the resort rather than transport them from home.
It makes travelling considerably easier, and rental shops can provide equipment suited to each family member's height, ability and current conditions. Bindings should be adjusted professionally to work with the skier's boots. For families travelling with children, it is a practical way to avoid unnecessary luggage without compromising on suitable equipment.
Snow Boots and What to Wear Around the Resort
One of the most useful things we bring on our Alpine holidays is a good pair of waterproof, insulated snow boots. These are entirely different from ski boots. They are the boots you wear when walking around the resort, exploring snowy paths or playing in the snow with children.
We use ours regularly away from the slopes, and I would consider them essential for a family ski holiday. Look for warmth, waterproofing and soles with good grip. For the hotel, I would pack comfortable trousers, warm jumpers, everyday tops, swimwear if there is a pool or spa, and a couple of suitable outfits for dinner. You may want a pair of heels or smarter shoes for dinner depending on where you stay.
There is no need to overpack evening clothing. Part of the appeal of staying in a luxury Alpine hotel is being able to relax after a day outdoors, rather than constantly changing into elaborate outfits.
Where to Shop for Children's Ski Clothing
When shopping for children's ski clothing, I prefer a mix of specialist skiwear, beautifully made outerwear and practical everyday essentials. Childrensalon and Mytheresa are useful places to explore premium children's winter clothing, including designer ski jackets, salopettes and snowsuits. For thermal layers, socks and other basics, I would also look at John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
There is no need to invest in designer pieces for every layer. I would prioritise waterproofing, warmth, fit and freedom of movement, spending more on the items where technical performance genuinely matters. For ski boots and helmets, I would always favour a specialist retailer offering professional fitting.
Sun Protection and Hydration: Two Essentials Not to Overlook
Sun protection is one of the most important and sometimes underestimated — parts of preparing for a ski holiday. At altitude, ultraviolet exposure increases, while snow reflects sunlight towards the face. Cold temperatures can create a false sense of security, but it is entirely possible to develop significant sunburn while skiing.
For adults and children, I would pack:
Broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen
High-protection SPF lip balm
Ski goggles with appropriate UV protection
UV-protective sunglasses for time away from the slopes
Apply sunscreen before leaving the hotel and reapply according to the product instructions, particularly after sweating or wiping the face. Remember exposed areas such as the nose, cheeks, ears and lips.
Hydration Matters Even in Cold Weather
When skiing, it is easy to underestimate how much fluid the body needs because you may not feel particularly thirsty. Skiing is physically demanding, and fluid loss continues through perspiration and breathing, particularly in dry mountain air. I would pack a reusable water bottle for each family member and encourage regular drinking before, during and after skiing.
For younger children attending ski school, check whether drinks are provided or whether they should bring their own bottle.
Skiwasser and Sweet Mountain Drinks
One of the pleasures of skiing in the German-speaking Alps is stopping at a mountain restaurant for a drink. In Austria and parts of Germany and Switzerland, you may come across Skiwasser, often made with raspberry syrup, lemon and water, alongside fruit juice spritzers and other sweet refreshments. It was a favourite of my German husband as a child, and my son equally loves it. But some contain considerable added sugar, depending on how they are prepared. I would treat them as an occasional treat rather than the family's main source of hydration. Water should remain the default throughout the day.
Ski Packing Checklist by Age: Babies, Toddlers and Older Children
What you need to pack changes considerably depending on your children's ages.
A baby accompanying the family to a mountain resort has entirely different requirements from a teenager spending the day in ski school.
Age group | What to prioritise |
Babies under 2 | Warm, insulated snowsuit; mittens; suitable booties; spare clothing; nappies and feeding essentials; age-appropriate sun protection. No ski equipment required. |
Toddlers aged 2–4 | Waterproof snowsuit or salopettes; extra mittens; snow boots; comfortable thermal layers; goggles and properly fitted ski equipment if beginning lessons. |
Younger children aged 5–9 | Fitted ski boots; helmet; goggles; waterproof clothing; spare gloves; ski-school essentials and clearly labelled equipment. |
Older children aged 10–17 | Fitted boots; helmet; goggles; suitable layers; personal water bottle; lift pass and emergency contact details. |
Age ranges are approximate. Ski-school minimum ages and children's readiness vary by resort.
Babies and Toddlers in the Mountains
For babies under two, the priority is warmth, comfort and suitable activities away from the ski slopes.Be cautious about exposure to extreme cold and altitude, particularly with very young babies, and seek medical advice where appropriate. Never ski while carrying a baby in a carrier. For toddlers beginning to ski, keep expectations realistic. Some children enjoy short introductory sessions, while others are happier playing in the snow. Comfortable clothing, spare mittens and a relaxed approach are far more important than trying to maximise time on skis.
Younger and Older Children
For younger children, ski school often becomes a central part of the holiday. Make sure they can manage their clothing comfortably, know where to meet their instructor and have properly fitted equipment. Older children may spend longer on the slopes or begin moving around the resort more independently. Agree on meeting points, emergency contacts and appropriate boundaries before separating.
Free Printable Ski Packing Checklist for Families
To make packing easier, I've created a printable checklist for a seven-night family ski holiday, with separate sections for adults and children, suggested clothing quantities, equipment, sun protection, hotel essentials and a final morning check before heading to the slopes. Keep it on your phone or print it and tick things off as you pack.
Practical Ski Packing Tips for Families
A little organisation can make the journey and the first morning in the resort considerably easier.
Wear bulky items while travelling. Where practical, wearing winter coats and snow boots on the journey can free up suitcase space.
Use packing cubes. Separating each family member's thermals, socks and everyday clothing makes busy mornings easier.
Check hotel facilities. Ski storage, boot drying and laundry services can reduce the amount of spare clothing you need.
Confirm ski-school arrangements. Check lesson times, meeting points, equipment requirements and whether lift passes are included.
Review your travel insurance. Standard policies do not always include skiing or other winter sports. Check that your cover includes your planned activities, medical treatment and mountain rescue. A GHIC or EHIC is not a substitute for suitable insurance.
Our Five-Minute Morning Ski Check
Before leaving the hotel, I would make sure:
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm have been applied.
Everyone has had water and knows when they can drink again.
Helmets, goggles and gloves are ready.
Ski boots fit comfortably and are correctly fastened.
Lift passes, ski-school meeting points and lesson times are confirmed.
It's a simple routine that can prevent a surprising number of avoidable problems.
Our Family Ski Holiday in Engelberg, Switzerland
Our family skiing experience in Engelberg reinforced how much the right destination and accommodation can contribute to a successful holiday. For children, suitable slopes, good instruction and manageable daily routines often matter more than the number of challenging runs available. For parents, the convenience of equipment hire, transfers and returning to a comfortable hotel can make all the difference. You can read more about our experience in my review of Kempinski Palace Engelberg, Switzerland.
Formative Travel™: Confidence and Perseverance on the Slopes
Skiing offers children a wonderful opportunity to develop confidence through practice.
Learning to turn, stop and navigate a slope requires patience, repetition and the willingness to try again after something feels difficult.
Before a lesson, encourage your child to identify one small skill they would like to improve. Afterwards, ask what became easier through practice.
These small reflections can help children recognise their own progress — one of the reasons I value skiing as a formative family travel experience.
Formative Travel™
Confidence · Perseverance
Explore: Before a lesson, encourage your child to identify one small skill they would like to improve. It might be stopping more confidently, learning to turn or simply feeling more comfortable on their skis. Allow their instructor to guide the process, and focus on progress rather than performance.
Reflect: At the end of the day, ask:What felt difficult this morning, and what became easier after practising? The answer may be something small, but recognising progress can be an important part of building confidence.
Our Family Ski Holiday at Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Our experience in Engelberg, Switzerland, reinforced how much the right destination and hotel can contribute to a family ski holiday. For children, suitable beginner slopes, good instruction and a manageable daily routine are often more important than the number of advanced runs available. For parents, practical arrangements such as equipment hire, ski-school logistics and the quality of the hotel can make a substantial difference.
You can read more in my review of Kempinski Palace Engelberg: A Luxury Family Ski Holiday in Switzerland.
Planning a Luxury Family Ski Holiday?
Through my Formative Travel Advisory, I help families plan carefully chosen journeys around their children's ages, interests and capabilities. Whether you are considering your first family ski holiday or looking for an exceptional Alpine hotel that combines skiing with family-friendly facilities, I can help with the destination, accommodation and wider itinerary.
For personalised planning enquiries, email hello@thekensingtondiary.com or visit my Formative Travel Advisory.
Shanti
The Kensington Diary
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