Ski Season Packing List: What to Bring for Your Season

Ski Equipment

Your ski season packing list is critical - you'll be living with these items for 4-6 months, often in limited space. This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need for a successful season. For job-seeking tips, see our complete guide to getting a ski job and what to expect from your season.

Essential Ski Gear

• Skis/Snowboard: Bring your own if you have quality gear; otherwise, buy or rent on arrival
• Boots: Your most important piece - bring your own properly fitted boots
• Helmet: Non-negotiable for safety
• Goggles: At least one pair; consider a spare lens for different light conditions
• Poles: Easy to replace, but bring if you have them

Recommended Additional Gear

• Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel (if backcountry/touring)
• Ski touring setup (if you plan to tour)
• Ski lock
• Boot bag
• Ski bag for travel

Clothing Essentials

Ski Wear

• Ski jacket: Waterproof, breathable, with pit zips
• Ski pants: Waterproof, durable
• Base layers: 3-4 sets of merino or synthetic tops and bottoms
• Mid layers: 2-3 fleeces or lightweight down jackets
• Ski socks: 5-7 pairs of quality ski-specific socks
• Gloves: 2 pairs minimum - one insulated, one shell
• Neck gaiter/balaclava: 2-3 for cold days
• Beanie: 2-3 for on and off mountain

Off-Mountain Clothing

• Casual wear: 5-7 t-shirts, 3-4 long-sleeve tops
• Pants/jeans: 3-4 pairs
• Warm sweater/hoodie: 2-3 for evenings
• Down jacket: For walking around town
• Waterproof outer layer: For non-ski days
• Going out clothes: 2-3 outfits for apres and parties
• Underwear: 10-14 pairs
• Pyjamas: Staff accommodation can be cold!

Footwear

• Snow boots: Waterproof, warm, for walking in resort
• Trainers: For workouts and casual wear
• Slippers: Essential for staff accommodation
• Going out shoes: One pair for bars/restaurants

Work-Specific Items

For Chalet Hosts

• Chef's knives (if using your own)
• Recipe books/cards
• Non-slip kitchen shoes
• Apron

For Instructors

• Certification cards
• Teaching aids (for children's lessons)
• Fanny pack for essentials
• Quality sunglasses

For All Positions

• Black trousers (often required for service)
• White/black shirts (if dress code applies)
• Comfortable work shoes
• Watch (many jobs require punctuality)

Electronics

• Phone: Unlocked for local SIM
• Laptop/tablet: For entertainment and staying connected
• Camera/GoPro: Document your season
• Portable charger: Essential for cold days
• Adaptor plugs: For your destination country
• Headphones: For music and calls
• E-reader: Lighter than books for downtime

Important Documents

• Passport: With at least 6 months validity
• Visa/work permit: If required
• Travel insurance: Including winter sports and repatriation
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC): For EU countries
• Driving license: Including international permit if needed
• Employment contract: Signed copy
• Bank details: For salary payments
• Emergency contacts: Written backup
• Qualification certificates: Instructor certs, first aid, etc.
• CV copies: For additional job applications

Personal Items

Toiletries

• Basics for first week (buy more on arrival)
• Sun cream (high SPF - essential at altitude)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Moisturizer (mountain air is dry)
• Contact lens supplies (if applicable)
• Prescription medications (with documentation)

Health & First Aid

• Personal first aid kit
• Any prescription medications (3+ month supply)
• Pain relievers and cold medicine
• Blister plasters
• Hand warmers

Miscellaneous

• Padlock (for staff accommodation lockers)
• Day backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Eye mask and earplugs (shared rooms!)
• Photos/personal items for homesickness
• Cards/games for social evenings
• Small gifts from home (to share with new friends)

What NOT to Bring

• Too many clothes: You'll wear the same things and can buy more
• Full-size toiletries: Buy on arrival, saves luggage weight
• Books: Use e-reader or swap with other seasonaires
• Cheap ski gear: Better to rent quality than bring poor equipment
• Valuables you can't afford to lose: Staff accommodation isn't always secure
• Hair dryers/straighteners: Usually available to share
• Kitchen equipment: Provided in most accommodations

Packing Tips

• Use compression bags for clothing
• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
• Check airline ski equipment policies
• Leave room for purchases and souvenirs
• Take photos of packed bags for insurance

ChairliftCareers Team

Our team has years of experience in the ski industry, helping thousands find their dream mountain careers.