What to pack for your school ski trip
We bet that your students are itching to go on their Ski trip! Well, amongst all the excitement, remind your students of the essentials with a school ski trip packing list.
It can be easy to forget the odd piece of clothing now and then, but with the help of our school ski trip kit list, your students won’t forget a thing!
School Ski Trip packing list
Planning a school ski trip for your pupils can be stressful. Along with all the planning, there are many things you need to consider when it comes to packing for a ski trip!
To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a ski trip packing list of all the things you’ll need:
Essential ski gear
Ski jacket/Salopettes
A ski jacket and salopettes are must-haves for a ski holiday, providing essential protection and comfort for your students on the slopes. Not only do they keep them warm in the cold, but their waterproof qualities ensure they stay dry even if they take a tumble or it’s snowing.
Ski socks
Your students will need at least a couple of pairs of thick ski socks to keep warm and comfortable when they’re on the mountain. These socks tend to be thicker, offering essential support and cushioning in key areas, especially when wearing ski boots. This will enhance overall comfort during their time on the slopes.
Ski gloves
What’s the difference between ski gloves and normal gloves? It’s down to thickness and warmth. As they glide down the fresh ski slopes, the last thing they want is cold hands. That’s where ski gloves come in. They ensure your students’ hands stay warm, dry and protected from the chilly winter elements.
Sunglasses and goggles
Sunglasses and goggles are more than just cool accessories—they’re your students’ best friends on the slopes! Not only do they shield their eyes from the sun, but they also keep them safe in tricky weather. So, whether it’s sunny or snowy, they can stay focused and have a blast on the slopes without worrying about a thing!
Jumper
Your group will need a jumper to help stay warm even when they’re not skiing. During free time whether they’re heading to the shops or relaxing indoors, it’s still going to be chilly so it’s best to wrap up!
Thermal layers/long-sleeved t-shirts/polo necks
These are more vital pieces of clothing for when you’re all skiing or snowboarding. Thermal layers are perfect for these trips because they’re thin and can make a huge difference in keeping warm. They’ll still need to be paired with a jumper/fleece and/or a coat but they’re not as bulky. Considering the colder temperatures on the mountain, layers become important in staying comfortably warm.
Clothing for free time
Whether your students will be relaxing in their rooms or exploring the area, they’ll need some clothes for when they’re not skiing or snowboarding. We recommend a warm fleece, swimming costume/trunks, t-shirts, shoes, a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes/boots.
Warm Fleece
A cosy fleece is perfect for layering up during free time or evenings at the resort. It provides warmth without being too bulky and is ideal for walking around the resort or relaxing indoors after a long day on the slopes.
Swimming Costume/Trunks
Some resorts have pools or wellness facilities, so packing a swimming costume or trunks means your students can make the most of any leisure opportunities. It’s also useful for any indoor water activities that may be included in the itinerary.
T-shirts
Comfortable t-shirts are great for wearing under layers during the day or lounging around in the evening. Packing a few ensures your students have clean, casual options for their downtime.
Waterproof Jacket
Even outside of skiing, it’s important to stay dry. A lightweight waterproof jacket is handy for rainy or snowy days when exploring the resort, keeping students dry and comfortable during off-slope activities.
Waterproof Shoes/Boots
Sturdy, waterproof footwear such as snow boots or sturdy trainers are essential for walking around the resort. Whether it’s snow-covered paths or wet conditions, having the right shoes helps keep feet warm and dry and reduces the risk of slipping.
Scarf and hat
A hat and scarf are great accessories, especially during the evening or when enjoying free time. As the temperature drops, having a hat and scarf handy ensures staying comfortable and snug when strolling around the resort.
Important documents
Passport
A valid passport is a must-have for any international trip. Make sure students know where it is, and double-check it’s in date well before departure. It’s a good idea for leaders to carry a list of passport numbers too.
EHIC
The European or Global Health Insurance Card allows students to access necessary medical care during their trip. Remind parents to check that the card is in date and packed in hand luggage for easy access if needed.
Documents of Medication
If a student takes regular medication, make sure it’s packed in their hand luggage along with any supporting documents, such as a doctor’s note or prescription. This helps avoid any issues at borders and ensures they stay on top of their health while away.
Other Necessities
Suncream and lip balm
Despite the cold temperatures, the sun can be surprisingly strong. Therefore, it’s crucial to pack sun cream and lip balm (ideally with SPF) for your face and lips. This ensures protection against sunburn and prevents dry lips. Many people overlook these essentials, but they play a vital role, especially when hitting the slopes for a skiing adventure.
Pocket money
Your students might want to buy a snack each day, or something to take home that reminds them of this epic trip! £5 – £10 per day is recommended and should be more than enough to cover what they’d like.
Reusable water bottle
With the days being filled with high-energy activities, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. By bringing a reusable water bottle, your students can quench their thirst whenever they need it.
Washbag and toiletries
And last on the list is a wash bag and toiletries. This includes things like shower gel, toothpaste, a toothbrush and more! Keeping them organised in a wash bag means they can get ready easily in the mornings to maximise time on the slopes!
School Ski Trip Packing List for Teachers and Leaders
As the group leader, it’s not just about remembering your own gear; you’re also the go-to person for any student mishaps, forgotten items or last-minute questions. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay prepared:
Essentials for leaders:
- Ski jacket and salopettes
- Thermal base layers and fleeces
- Ski gloves and a warm hat
- Sunglasses or ski goggles
- Comfortable après-ski clothing
- Waterproof footwear for snowy conditions
- Toiletries and medication
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks (great for quick energy boosts)
- First aid kit
- Spare gloves/socks for students in case they forget theirs
- Phone and charger (plus portable charger for long days)
- Documents and organisation:
- Group passport list
- EHIC/GHIC copies for each student
- Emergency contact numbers
- Insurance documents
- Medical information for pupils
- NST itinerary and contact details
- Copies of student rooming lists
- Behaviour policy and consent forms
- Spending money (for emergencies or student needs)
Being well-prepared means you can focus on what matters, helping your students have an incredible, safe and unforgettable trip.
Why are school ski trips important for pupils' development?
Although school ski trips are mainly to make sure students blow off steam after a tough school year, there are some educational outcomes to going on these trips, too! It's great for your pupils' personal development, whether that be personal, social, physical or educational.
Let's take a look at some examples of how ski trips improve your pupils' development:
1. Personal Development:
Boost Confidence: Mastering a new skill like skiing or snowboarding, overcoming challenges on the slopes, and achieving personal goals significantly enhances self-esteem and belief in one's abilities.
Nurture Independence: Being away from home in a new environment encourages students to manage their belongings, make decisions, and take responsibility for themselves, fostering independence and self-reliance.
Develop Resilience: Learning to ski involves facing physical challenges, dealing with falls, and persevering to improve, building resilience and a growth mindset.
Enhance Adaptability: Navigating a new environment, potentially a different culture and language, helps students become more adaptable and open to new experiences.
Improve Organisational Skills: Students learn to manage their time, pack effectively, and ensure they have the necessary equipment.
2. Social and Emotional Development:
Strengthen Social Skills: Interacting with peers and teachers in a non-classroom setting, working together in group lessons, and sharing experiences fosters communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills.
Build Camaraderie: The shared adventure and excitement of a ski trip create lasting memories and strengthen bonds between classmates and with teachers.
Improve Teacher-Pupil Relationships: Spending time together outside the traditional classroom environment allows for a different kind of interaction, building trust and mutual respect.
3. Physical Development:
Promote Physical Fitness: Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding activities that improve cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and coordination.
Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle: Experiencing the enjoyment of a winter sport can spark a lifelong interest in physical activity and the outdoors.
4. Educational Benefits:
Experiential Learning: Applying concepts learned in the classroom (e.g., physics of motion, geography of mountains) in a real-world context enhances understanding and engagement.
Cultural Awareness: Visiting a different region or country exposes students to new cultures, languages, and traditions, broadening their perspectives and fostering cultural understanding.
Motivation and Engagement: The anticipation of a ski trip can increase motivation and engagement in schoolwork.
School ski trips provide a holistic learning experience that goes beyond the traditional curriculum, fostering personal growth, social skills, physical well-being, and a broader understanding of the world. These experiences can have a lasting positive impact on pupils' development and create memories that stay with them for years to come.
Tips and tricks for packing all the gear
Packing for a ski trip doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right approach, your students can fit everything they need into one suitcase and a backpack with room to spare. Here are some top tips to share with pupils and parents before they pack:
- Layer up, not bulk up - Encourage students to pack multiple lightweight layers rather than bulky jumpers. Thermals, long-sleeved tops, and a fleece are much easier to pack, and warmer when worn together.
- Use packing cubes or zip bags - Keeping similar items together (like underwear, ski socks or evening clothes) helps keep suitcases tidy and saves time when they’re unpacking or getting ready.
- Stuff socks inside ski boots or shoes - This trick saves space and keeps everything neatly together. They can also tuck gloves or hats into their helmet or coat pockets.
- Bring a soft holdall instead of a hard suitcase - Soft luggage is often easier to pack into coach compartments or smaller rooms in ski resorts.
- Don’t overpack! - Remind students they won’t need a new outfit every day, most time is spent in ski gear. Focus on essentials and a few items for evenings and downtime.
- Pack essentials in hand luggage - If students are flying, make sure key items like medication, travel documents, a change of clothes, and toiletries (within liquid limits) are packed in their carry-on, just in case luggage is delayed.
These simple steps can make the packing process smoother and help avoid any last-minute panics before departure day.
Book your Ski and snowboarding trip with NST!
We hope this school ski trip packing list comes in handy. If you’re interested in booking with us, see our Ski & Snowboarding trips for schools. You can enjoy a ski and snowboarding school trip to:
At NST, we have an exceptional offering of trips, locations and activities to enjoy, so get in touch today to discuss your next school trip.