Family Ski Trip - Packing Checklist

Three children dressed in colourful winter clothing kick up snow as they play in the mountains

Packing for a ski trip with your family can feel like preparing for an expedition to the North Pole, but with a few smart packing hacks, your family ski holiday will be a breeze.

 

Kids ski clothing - add layers, not bulk! 

We’ve all seen that kid who looks like the Michelin man, dressed in too many bulky layers. But the key to keeping kids warm while skiing is dressing them in well-fitted layers that have a good warmth to weight ratio. 

Opt for moisture-wicking base layers (we love merino!), followed by warm midlayers, and finished with waterproof and windproof outer shells. 

If this sounds like a lot of kit to carry with you, use our premium ski clothing rental service to keep your kids toasty warm and comfortable, so they can move freely – and most importantly, have fun on the mountain!

If you want to learn more about how to create a breathable, warm, and waterproof layering system, read our comprehensive layering guide for skiing and snowboarding

 

A young girl tastes a ball of fresh snow, she’s wearing a pink hat and a blue spotted jacket by namuk

Mission Snow Jacket by Namuk Kidswear

 

Rent your ski clothing and equipment in resort

Skip the hassle of bringing bulky ski clothing and equipment. Rent ski clothes for the whole family on our website, and we’ll deliver your top quality skiwear rental anywhere in Switzerland. 

Renting with Cirkel means there’s no need to carry heavy bags of damp ski clothing home - simply leave your rental order at your hotel (or the location where you had it delivered), Cirkel will take care of the rest!

Be sure to rent your ski outfit at least 2-working days in advance to secure delivery at your Swiss destination. Ordering in advance ensures your clothing is waiting when you arrive – fresh, clean, and ready for a mountain adventure!

To rent skis and boots at your Swiss destination, do some research and book it online before you travel in order to save money and time. 

 

Two women wade through deep snow in the forest while carrying a big Patagonia duffle bag

Photo credit: Patagonia and Colin Wiseman

 

Family ski trip - packing checklist

 

Best kids clothing for a family ski trip

  • Merino baselayers (leggings and a long sleeve top)
  • Midlayers (a light fleece and a mid-weight down jacket)
  • Ski jacket (waterproof, breathable and insulated)
  • Ski pants or bib pants (waterproof, breathable and insulated)
  • Onepiece ski suit (as an alternative to a ski jacket and pants combo)
  • Gloves (bring a spare pair per child)
  • Balaclava (merino)
  • Neckwarmer (fleece) 
  • Warm beanie
  • Snowboots
  • Ski socks (warm, long, and made to work well with ski boots)
  • Swimsuit 
  • Backpack for carrying snacks, drinks and spare layer

 

Ski equipment to rent in-resort

  • Skis (or snowboards)
  • Ski boots (or snowboard boots)
  • Helmets
  • Ski poles


Other essentials 

  • Suncream (SPF 50)
  • Lip balm (high SPF where possible)
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles (occasionally available for rent at your ski rental store)
  • Hand warmers & foot warmers
  • A basic first aid kid
  • Snacks: granola bars, trail mix, etc

 

Photo credit: Namuk Kidswear

 

With our family packing tips in mind and this checklist in hand, your family will be well-prepared for a stress-free ski holiday. So, pack smart, travel light, and let us handle the clothing, so you can focus on making memories!