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Ultimate school ski trip packing list for 2026/27

Time to read

3–4 minutes

Slope style starts at home

Packing is always a challenge, wherever you’re heading, but escaping for a week on the slopes requires some essential extra items to make sure everyone stays warm and dry, and has an unforgettable week in the mountains.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together this school ski trip packing list to ensure you don’t forget any of the necessities and you can master the art of packing for your school ski trip. We’ve also included a printable, handy PDF checklist, perfect for giving out to staff and students before you go.

Skier sliding down the slope

Essential ski gear

Thankfully, with a SkiBound school trip, you won’t need to worry about skis, boots, poles or helmets, as the cost to hire these is already included in your price. However, you will need to pack suitable ski clothing.

Go for several base layers as well as your ski jacket, as temperatures and weather conditions in the mountains can fluctuate throughout the week.

What you need to pack:

  • Ski jacket (waterproof)
  • Ski trousers (salopettes)
  • Comfortable sweatshirt / hoodie
  • Thermal base layers
  • Hat / beanie
  • Neck warmer / buff
  • Ski gloves
  • Ski socks
  • Goggles
  • Sunglasses
Student skier in pink gear

Clothing

Don’t forget to pack clothes for travelling to your resort, casual evenings, après-ski activities and any other time when you’re not skiing the slopes.

Skier standing on top of a mountain, admiring the view

We recommend bringing:

  • Casual clothes
  • Snow boots
  • Indoor shoes / slippers
  • Swimsuit (for indoor swimming pools and hot tubs)
  • Hats and gloves
  • Pyjamas / Nightwear
  • Socks and underwear
  • Comfortable travel clothes

Necessities

Getting excited about packing for your fun-filled week ahead can mean the basic, sometimes most important, essentials slip your mind.

Don’t forget the essentials:

  • Valid passport
  • Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – giving you access to healthcare in the European Economic Area.
  • Spending money
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
  • Sun cream (SPF 50 or 50+ is highly recommended)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Plug adapter
  • SPF lip balm

Important travel information

Passports:

  • Must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU
  • Must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave
  • Check the government’s latest entry requirements before travel

GHIC cards:

  • Free to UK residents
  • This is not a replacement for travel insurance
  • Apply for a GHIC via the NHS

Border checks

EU Entry/Exit System (EES):

The EU’s new digital border system is now fully in place. The first time each student and staff member enters the EU, they’ll have their passport scanned and a photo taken at the border. Everyone aged 12 and over will also have their fingerprints scanned (under-12s are photographed only).

There’s nothing to do in advance and it’s free, but please allow extra time at the border – especially at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, where checks happen before you leave the UK.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS):

ETIAS is not currently in operation and you do not need to apply for one yet.

The EU will give several months’ notice before it starts, so don’t pay unofficial websites offering to apply for you.

Packing tips for Party Leaders

Leading a school ski trip can sometimes feel overwhelming, but SkiBound is here to help you every step of the way – including with your packing.

  • Pack a day rucksack. Packing a rucksack you can take with you on the slopes is ideal for storing a few essential items that can keep all your students happy and ensure they are enjoying the snow.
  • Small bottles of water. It’s always a good idea to have some water on the mountain, whether it’s for you, other Party Leaders or any of your students.
  • Sun cream. Although we’ve included this in the main packing guide, this is one necessity that is often forgotten. Make sure you pack extra since you and your students will be more exposed to the sun’s rays at high altitudes
  • Tissues. Runny noses in the mountains are inevitable, so make sure you pack a few tissues.

Any extras

You may not require all of these, but we’ve listed them anyway so you don’t forget! Here are a few extras you and your students might want to pack to ensure you have the best ski trip.

  • Mobile phone + charger
  • Headphones
  • Travel sickness tablets
  • Camera
  • Ear muffs
  • Hand warmers
  • A good book

You’re ready to hit the slopes!

Not sure what to expect in resort? Explore our school ski destinations and contact us on 01273 244570 to start planning your trip, or get in touch below.

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