The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List (and What Insurance Should Cover)

Packing for a ski trip requires more thought than most holidays — the combination of technical gear, clothing layers, and safety equipment adds complexity that a standard holiday packing list doesn't cover. This guide walks through everything you need, with notes on which items your ski insurance should cover.

Technical Ski Equipment

**Skis or Snowboard + Bindings**: If bringing your own, invest in a padded ski/board bag. Document equipment value for insurance purposes — keep receipts or take photos with dates.

**Ski Boots**: Boot bags prevent damage to bindings and fittings. Boot trees inside boots during travel prevent deformation.

**Helmet**: Non-negotiable for all ability levels. Ensure it fits correctly — a helmet that doesn't fit is significantly less effective.

**Goggles**: Bring two pairs if possible — one for low-light/overcast conditions (clear or yellow lens), one for bright sunshine (dark polarised or mirrored lens). NZ and alpine UV is intense.

**Poles**: Often overlooked but needed — lightweight touring poles fold for packing.

Clothing System

**Base Layer**: Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking long underwear top and bottom. Merino is the gold standard for ski base layers — regulates temperature, resists odour, comfortable for full-day wear.

**Mid Layer**: Fleece or down jacket for warmth over the base layer. Down is warm but useless when wet; synthetic fleece is reliable in damp conditions.

**Outer Layer / Shell**: Waterproof and breathable ski jacket and pants. Look for sealed seams, underarm vents, and snow gaiters on pants.

**Gloves or Mittens**: Bring both — mittens for very cold days, gloves for moderate conditions. Keep a spare pair in your jacket pocket.

**Neck Gaiter or Balaclava**: Neck gaiter for cold and wind; balaclava for extreme cold or off-piste.

**Warm Hat**: For lifts and around the resort — wear under the helmet.

**Ski Socks**: Purpose-made ski socks (thin, knee-high, padded in key areas) prevent blisters and improve boot fit. Bring 5–7 pairs for a week.

Safety Equipment (Off-Piste)

If venturing off-piste: - Avalanche transceiver (beacon) - Probe - Shovel - ABS pack (optional but recommended)

*Note: Some off-piste insurance policies require carrying safety equipment as a condition of cover.*

Documents and Insurance

**Insurance documents**: Print and save digitally. Include policy number, 24/7 emergency assistance phone number, and policy schedule.

**Insurance card**: Many providers issue a wallet card with emergency contacts — carry this at all times on the mountain.

**Policy coverage summary**: Understand your limits before you go — medical, equipment, cancellation.

**Receipts for equipment**: Photograph receipts and email to yourself for digital backup. Required for equipment insurance claims.

First Aid and Medications

• Personal medications (enough for trip + 3 days extra)
• High SPF sunscreen (30–50+) — UV at altitude is significantly more intense
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hand moisturiser — very dry at altitude
• Paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Blister plasters
• Altitude sickness medication if heading above 3,000m (discuss with GP before trip)

Insurance Coverage for Your Packed Items

**What your ski insurance covers**: - Ski equipment: Lost, stolen, or damaged ski/board, boots, bindings, helmet, poles - Ski clothing: Most policies include sports equipment that extends to ski clothing

**What's typically NOT covered**: - General personal items (phone, camera, wallet) — these are covered under separate personal effects sections of travel insurance, not ski equipment sections - Wear and tear or pre-existing damage

Keep your equipment cover limits in mind when packing — if your kit value exceeds your policy's equipment limit, you're underinsured. Consider increasing the limit when purchasing.