Our very own Chief Mudder, Natasha, shared with us her top tips for packing for a family ski trip.

If you have taken the brilliant, brave and crazy decision to take your family skiing this year then planning and packing just what you need can seem daunting but is essential. I heard one Mum say the other day that it would be easier to take her children to explore the Amazon than get them ready for one week in the Alps.

I know what she means. The daily rigmarole (as my Mum used to call it) of getting everything on and ready for the slopes is exhausting just to think about it. Read on to discover the basics of what you need to make sure nothing is missed off that packing list which could cause trouble when out in the snow.

What to pack

1) Thermals and toasty socks

I’ve said it before and I will say it again - the key is layering! First of all thermal base layers both top and bottom are essential. Children’s thermals can keep in the warmth and wick away any moisture for sweat which can help keep them cosy all day. Combine these with a snug pair of merino mix snowflurry ski socks for an ideal underlayer on the slopes or set of sloppies when you get in at the end of the day. Next up a polo neck followed by fleece hoody on the top half should be about right for January and February skiing. If you are planning a milder March or April trip then just a thermal top or thermal plus one extra layer should be plenty. 

2) Ski suit for younger children

Now on to the actual ski outer layers. For little ones a ski suit is great as they are quite likely to spend quite a lot of time on their bottom in the snow. Lots of our customers love our Scampsuit for skiing, it is super waterproof and therefore resilient in the snow and the zip out removable fleece means it can be easily adjusted for warmer days. 

3) Ski jacket and salopettes for older children

For older children from 3 or 4 years up then salopettes and a ski jacket work far better. It makes a big difference buying a proper ski jacket compared to a warm winter jacket (even though it hurts to have to buy another coat) as it has all the bells and whistles. A super fit for purpose ski jacket will have extra warm insulation, protective waterproof outer shell, a zip off snowskirt, ski pass holder, wrist warmers with thumb loops to prevent snow going up the sleeve and a removable or foldaway hood that will not get in the way of the ski helmet. Then for salopettes make sure they have elasticated bottoms to fit over snowboots and reinforced fabric on the bottom and knees so they can sustain the wear and tear of super active days out on the slopes.

4) Snowboots and protective accessories

Lastly you just need to think about footwear and accessories. A pair of snowboots that can be worn in to town or out tobogganing and having other snow fun after skiing are really handy and can be worn back in the UK as well on icy, cold days. Ski gloves or mittens that are waterproof with extra grip to hold on to the ski poles and insulation against biting weather are another essential as well as a handy neckwarmer which can protect the face when racing down hill.

 I personally think one set of everything (except perhaps socks and base layers) where you might want to stretch to two is plenty for a week. Then it is best just to hire skis, ski boots and a helmet as these are so expensive and really will need replacing every year while children are growing. Although the kit is extensive the wonderful thing is that at the end of each day children should crash in to bed and need almost no looking after at all!