What you need for the school skiing trip covers what you need to pack and how to help prepare physically. Let’s face it when it comes to sending your children off on their own you do not want to get it wrong. Especially if they are going to get wet and cold in a foreign country! This is going to be particularly difficult for us following our teen’s skiing accident!
Where and when they are Going on the School Skiing Trip
Chances are they are going to a mountain where skis, helmets, boots and poles are hired in resort. This post is written assuming that it is going to be cold but sunny. If the conditions are different you may need to adapt that. Also you may need to add extras if they are going to be doing some other entertainment activities in the evenings – such as swimming – which will obviously require other clothes!
Things to Prepare Before they Go on the School Skiing Trip
Obviously you want to make sure that you have everything before they go. Not only will this include everything you need to pack, but an update-too-date passport and a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
You may have also had to give the school their height, weight and shoe size – so that everything can be got ready for when they arrive. This is as well as their passport details.
Fitness Before Skiing
The fitter they are when they go on the school skiing trip the better. They are going to spend a lot of time skiing and this may take it out of them. The more active they are the less likely they will end up exhausted – well at least so early on.
Cardio is an essential part of pre-skiing readiness – reducing the likelihood of injury, as well as improving energy levels on the slopes. Activities such as running, swimming, football, basketball, cycling, rugby etc).
As well as keeping active outside of school the school may offer some fitness classes within school. If not there are plenty of videos on YouTube. For legs – squats, lunges, deadlifts and step-ups. Arms – bicep curls, tricep extensions, jump ball slams and lat pull downs. Finally, Abs and back – back extensions, dumbbell rows, Russian twists, bicycles and side bends.
Where to Buy Skiing Gear
When it comes to buying the things needed for the skiing trip you may want to try somewhere like Aldi* or Lidl. The ski school told us that these are plenty good enough. Or you may find somewhere local who hires things out. We were lucky enough to find someone from another school selling on their child’s ski stuff after their trip!
How they are Getting There
You will need to know whether they are going by coach or flying. This may have an impact on their luggage size/weight. Either way chances are they will need a main bag (we shall refer to this as the hold) and one that stays with them (we shall refer to this as Carry-on).
Baggage
You will need to make sure that they can carry their own baggage. Nothing too bulky and possibly with wheels to make it easier to move.
Also if they are flying for the first time they may want to understand the difference between hold and carry-on luggage. Plus an awareness of what happens when they go through security. This may include talking about liquids and electronics for example. Carry-on luggage that makes it easier to access any electronics and liquids
Wearing/Carrying en route to your School Skiing Trip Destination
Obviously they will be wearing some of the kit so these things won’t need to be packed! I like to have lists that I can tick off so here’s what they might need to have on them for on the way to the ski destination.
- Their Passport, GHIC and Money (Sterling/Euros in a wallet) that will most likely be handed in to a member of staff.
- Handkerchief/tissues – chances are they will need them in the mountains.
- Ski Jacket (waterproof) – gloves and ski hat in pockets
- Clothes – socks and underwear, shirt, sweater or fleece, trousers.
- Stout shoes or boots if you have them – if not trainers should do.
- Carry-on bag
- Water bottle with food for the trip (including any sweets/snacks). The water bottle can be refilled once through airport security.
- Entertainment (books, magazines, etc). Remember any headphones and if opting for electronics remember they need easy access for security if flying, a charger, and European plug adapter.
- Lip balm.
Hold Baggage on Skiing Trip (for coach or aircraft)
How much that they can take will obviously depend on any restrictions with the size of the case and weight. If you do happen to have to buy a new case then make sure it is distinct in some way. If not maybe get a coloured band or something to go round it, so it’s easily identifiable. For those who are flying you may want the added security of a combination lock for it.
Clothing to Pack for the Hold Case
When it comes to clothing for skiing you need to stay away from wearing cotton clothing (jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc.) next to your skin, because it will absorb sweat and snow and make you cold. When skiing, it can get quite warm while on the move but chilly once you are still. It is important to stay warm and using layers is the best way to manage the changes in temperature.
Thermal base layers such as merino wool bottoms and long sleeve tops will help you stay warm and retain your body heat while being breathable. Over your thermal base layers and t-shirt, wear a fleece or warm sweater that can be easily taken off if you are getting too warm. With waterproof layers on top.
Some say that 2/3 pairs of ski socks will be enough to last the week, others say wear a fresh pair each day. A good way to pack is to roll an outfit up for each day – which would be easier with the latter. I would love feedback from those who have already done this in regards the socks please!
Plus don’t forget the things they need for when they are not skiing!
- Base layers (thermal)
- Mid Layers – T-shirts, trousers, fleece, sweatshirts
- Waterproof layer – Ski trousers (salopettes) (and jacket already wearing)
- Comfortable and warm clothing and footwear for evenings and travelling
- Swimming kit – trunks/costume and swim goggles
- Underwear – Ski socks (long/merino wool) and cosy socks for evenings
- Nightwear/tracksuit
As well as clothes inside the case pack the following:
- Double lens goggles and sunglasses with keeper cord.
- An extra set of gloves
- Buff (neck warmer) – or gaiters will be more practical than scarves that can flap and get in the way when skiing.
- Woolly hat
- Wash bag with Toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sun cream (factor 50 snow block), comb/brush, moisturiser and lip salve. If long hair also add in hair bands.
- Towel
- Blister plasters
- Hand warmers
- Drinks bottle
- Bags for dirty washing
- Optional small back pack
- Sweets/snacks
- Walking boots/indoor shoes/slippers
- Snow boots/good outdoor shoes
Lastly, it is a good idea to ensure that toe nails have been trimmed before going.
Do you have any further advice to add about a school skiing trip?
*I have previously worked with Aldi but this is not an advertisement or an endorsement for their skiing products.