Packing Essentials for School Ski Trips: A Teacher's Guide

You've planned the perfect school ski trip. Risk assessments are complete, parental consent forms are signed, and excitement is building in the corridors. Then comes the question every teacher dreads:

"Miss, what do I need to pack?"

After 15 years of organising school ski trips, we've seen it all - students who packed three hoodies but no gloves, the Year 9 who brought five pairs of jeans for a three-day trip.

This guide is your packing solution for school ski trips. Share it with students and parents. Pin it to the staffroom noticeboard. Send it in your pre-trip emails. Because a well-packed group is a happy group - and you've got enough to think about without lending out spare socks at 3,600 meters.

The Essential Packing List

On The Slopes - What To Wear

Base Layer (Thermals)

• Top and bottom thermal sets (1-2 sets recommended)

• Material: Synthetic or merino wool, not cotton

• Why it matters: Cotton holds moisture and makes you cold. Thermals wick sweat away

• Pro tip: Tell students these go UNDER their normal clothes, not instead of them

Mid Layer

• Fleece or lightweight jumper (1-2)

• Long-sleeved t-shirt or thin hoodie

• Purpose: Insulation without bulk

• Avoid: Heavy cotton hoodies (they get sweaty and don't dry overnight)

Ski Jacket

• Waterproof and windproof

• Preferably with snow skirt (stops snow getting up the back)

• Bright colours recommended (easy to spot in a group)

Ski Trousers (Salopettes)

• Waterproof, insulated ski-specific trousers

• Salopettes (bib style) are a suitable alternative to regular ski trousers (snow can't get in)

• Must be actual ski trousers, not just "waterproof trousers" (fashion joggers will soak through in one fall)

Socks

• Ski-specific socks (long, cushioned, moisture-wicking)

• How many: 2-3 pairs minimum

• ONE pair at a time - never double-sock (causes blisters and reduces boot control)

• Avoid: Football socks, normal ankle socks, cotton socks

• Pro tip: Pack extras. Socks are the most common "I forgot" item

Gloves

• Waterproof, insulated ski gloves (NOT fashion gloves)

• Two pairs are useful (one gets wet or lost, you might need a backup)

• Mittens are warmer than gloves for younger/more nervous students

• Glove clip or string to attach to jacket (reduces losses)

Headwear

• Warm hat for Après Ski

• Buff/neck warmer is useful addition

Neck Warmer

• Covers neck/face on chairlifts

• Warmer and more practical than scarves

• Can pull up over nose and mouth

Suitable footwear for around the resort

Sunscreen

You may be scratching your head at this one, but UV rays at altitude are significantly stronger. Apply every morning, reapply at lunch.

Lipbalm

Students will forget things. That's why you have backup supplies.

Parents will panic-pack too much. That's why you send this guide.

Something unexpected will happen. That's why you plan thoroughly.

Despite the lost gloves, the forgotten thermals, the overweight suitcases... it will be brilliant. Because when that nervous Year 7 conquers their first green run, when the quiet student finds confidence on the mountain, when the group bonds over hot chocolates at altitude, when they return home exhausted but buzzing with stories... All the packing stress will have been worth it.