Those who have undertaken family ski trips will perhaps agree with me that no type of family trip poses as much of a packing challenge. Bulky ski pants and jackets dominate the precious space of your suitcases, as do long underwear, fleece tops, down gloves, and plush neck warmers. And don’t even get me started on helmets and goggles. The packing of all this clothing and gear is enough to push many parents to say “thanks but no thanks — too complicated!,” when the suggestion of a ski trip has been raised. Staying put at home certainly seems more relaxing.

My family loves to ski and we’ve been really fortunate to take a few ski trips together. Having learned the hard way what things to pack for a ski trip (and what NOT to pack), I set forth my ski trip packing list tips in today’s new video. The video isn’t so much of an “ultimate packing list” for family ski trips as it is a general guide for what to bring and not bring.

What to Pack for a Ski Trip

First off, the general rule when it comes to all family trips (and ski trips epitomize this rule): DO NOT OVERPACK. Ski resorts — whether you are in Idaho, Washington state, Vermont, New Hampshire, Colorado, or the French Alps — are generally very casual. Dinner attire can easily equate to long underwear with a fleece top; a fun knit cap and some good boots and you’re good to go. No one cares what you wear and it’s not important. You want your family to be well-prepared for the outdoors, and not overburdened by stuff. No matter how you plan to travel, whether by car, bus, train, or plane, an extra suitcase is going to weigh you down. Bring your basic ski clothes, one change of long underwear, an extra pair of socks, and perhaps one or two things to wear at night (with your ski boots). THAT IS IT. NO MORE!Drilling down into the long underwear point, there is not need for multiple changes of long underwear. For a younger child who is post-potty training years, I would bring two extra pairs. For everyone else, I suggest one extra pair. And kids can wear their long underwear to bed as their pyjamas. Your suitcase is already beginning to get lighter.Switching gears, let’s talk about helmets. Helmets play a crucial role as they keep your child’s head safe in case of a strong impact. Once a helmet has incurred an impact, it’s protections are not guaranteed anymore and you can’t depend on it. For this reason, renting helmets or accepting hand-me-down helmets are not advised. Even though helmets are expensive, you should buy a good quality helmet that fits properly for yourself and your child.For more tips when it comes to packing for a family ski trip, check out my video. Happy vacation whatever you are doing, and hoping that you are enjoying the start of 2018 with you families.

Melissa