Last updated: 25 October 2026.
The short answer: for a first ski trip, buy what touches your body or keeps you warm (base layers, a mid layer, a waterproof ski jacket and trousers, good gloves, ski socks and goggles) and hire the expensive hardware (skis, boots, poles and usually a helmet) in the resort. Avoid cotton next to the skin, pack one pair of thin ski socks per day rather than two thick pairs, and bring warm, grippy boots for walking round the village.
Our Men's Ski Jacket and Trousers Set.
The layering system (how skiers stay warm)
Mountain weather swings from freezing chairlifts to sweaty afternoons in the sun. Layers let you adjust.
- Base layer: a thermal top and leggings in merino or synthetic fabric. They move sweat away from your skin. Cotton holds sweat and makes you cold.
- Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated top. Take it off on warm days, add it on cold ones.
- Outer layer: a waterproof, insulated ski jacket and trousers (salopettes). Look for a snow skirt inside the jacket and a decent waterproof rating; see our waterproof ratings guide.
Buying a matching ski jacket and trousers set is the easiest way for beginners to get both pieces right first time. We have sets for women (with braces, which stop snow getting in when you fall) and men.
Women's Ski Jacket and Trousers Set, white with pink.
Buy or hire?
| Item | First trip | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Skis or snowboard, poles | Hire | Expensive, bulky to fly, and the shop sets them up for your level |
| Ski boots | Hire | Fitted in the resort; swap them if they hurt |
| Helmet | Hire or buy | Strongly recommended; mandatory for children in some countries |
| Jacket and trousers | Buy | Hire clothing is limited, and you'll reuse them for snow days at home |
| Gloves, base layers, socks, goggles | Buy | Personal, inexpensive and rarely available to hire |
Hands: the thing beginners regret most
Beginners spend a lot of time sitting in snow, queueing and on chairlifts, so cold, wet hands ruin more first trips than anything else. Pack waterproof, insulated ski gloves or mittens with long cuffs. If you or your children feel the cold, heated ski gloves make a huge difference: see our Rechargeable Heated Ski Gloves and Kids' Heated Ski Gloves, and our heated gloves guide.
Kids' Heated Ski Gloves in the Cairngorms.
The complete packing list
On the slopes
- Ski jacket and ski trousers (or a ski set)
- 2 thermal base layer tops and 2 leggings
- 1 or 2 fleece or light insulated mid layers
- Ski socks: one thin, knee-length pair per day (never two pairs, which cramps your feet in ski boots)
- Waterproof ski gloves or mittens, plus thin liner gloves
- Goggles (and sunglasses for sunny lunches)
- Neck warmer or buff, and a thin hat or helmet liner
- High-factor sun cream and SPF lip balm: UV is much stronger at altitude and off the snow
- A small backpack for water, snacks and a spare layer
Off the slopes
- Warm, waterproof boots with grippy soles for icy village streets: try our Women's Non-Slip Snow Boots or Insulated Waterproof Snow Boots
- A cosy jumper for evenings: browse our knitwear
- Swimwear (many chalets and hotels have a pool or hot tub)
- Slippers or indoor shoes for the chalet
Grippy, waterproof boots for the walk back from the lifts.
Documents and practical bits
- Passport, and a GHIC card for state healthcare in the EU
- Travel insurance that specifically includes winter sports (standard policies often don't)
- Lift pass and ski school bookings (book lessons early in school holidays)
- Phone charger and a power bank; spare lithium batteries go in hand luggage
- Blister plasters and painkillers
Packing for children
Children get cold faster than adults and won't always say so. Pack an extra pair of gloves per child (they will get wet), all-in-one or bib-style trousers, a helmet, and snacks for the slopes. Name-label everything for ski school.
FAQ
What should I wear skiing for the first time?
A thermal base layer, a fleece mid layer and a waterproof insulated ski jacket and trousers, plus ski socks, waterproof gloves, goggles and a helmet. Avoid cotton and jeans.
Can I wear normal winter clothes skiing?
Not really. Ordinary coats and jeans soak through when you fall in snow. Ski jackets and trousers are waterproof, insulated and cut to move in.
Should I buy or hire ski gear?
For a first trip, hire skis, boots, poles and usually the helmet, and buy clothing, gloves, socks and goggles.
How many ski socks do I need?
One pair per day of thin, knee-length ski socks. Wearing two pairs at once makes ski boots tighter and your feet colder.
Do I need special travel insurance for skiing?
Yes. Make sure your policy includes winter sports cover, including mountain rescue and medical repatriation.
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