The Ultimate Ski-Trip Packing List
Whether you’re heading for Vail, Zermatt or Niseko, packing for a ski vacation takes considerable thought and precise planning. These are the latest skiwear updates you need to know to make your alpine adventure as stylish as possible…
The chalet’s booked, the snow report is looking good and your itinerary of fabulous piste-side lunches is all locked in. The only remaining question is what to wear to look your best while skiing down those slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a great day’s skiing always begins with some super-cool (but cozy) kit. So read on for an alpine-vacation packing list that is guaranteed to have you hitting the slopes – and après-ski – in suitably magnificent mountain style.
Ski suits
Once you’re on the mountain, skiing can be one of life’s most exhilarating experiences. But the most taxing part of any ski trip is probably the morning mission to get yourself out of the chalet with all the right kit. One easy hack to simplify things? A ski suit. Popular in the 1970s and ’80s, the fitted all-in-one has made a triumphant return in recent years and is chicer than ever thanks to brands like Perfect Moment and Cordova. If you’re in the market for a high-fashion flex, look no further than ski-suit maestro Perfect Moment, whose ‘Helen’ one-piece has a glossy quilted shell top and contrasting flared pants. Similarly, Dutch brand Goldbergh elevates things further with its faux-fur ‘Lieke’ suit for a runway-to-ski-slope vibe. All you need to complete the look is a pair of vintage-style aviators when the sun’s out. Meanwhile, if your day on the mountain involves more skinning and off-piste activity than cruising down the leisurely runs, check out Moncler Grenoble’s no-frills, high-performance ski suit. It’s made from four-way stretch fabric with a wind- and waterproof coating and has an insulating down-filled top.
Base layers
Whether you need to keep warm on a chilly mid-winter ski trip or simply want to nail your glamorous mountaintop-lunch look, the right base layers are a key component of any ski capsule. For the former, you want high-tech fabrics – Cordova’s ‘Sol’ turtleneck top is made from stretch-jersey that’s cut for an ultra-close fit to lock in heat and sit neatly underneath a ski suit, while Falke Ergonomic Sport System’s technical stretch leggings from our NET SUSTAIN edit promise protection from extreme cold-weather conditions, while simultaneously absorbing and managing moisture and and regulating body temperature. To ooze alpine chic once you lose the layers at lunchtime, pop one of Perfect Moment’s slogan roll-neck knits under your ski jacket – not only does the ultra-fine merino wool mean you’ll be super-warm, but with a snow-white mountain backdrop, they’ll create Insta-post perfection, too.
Boots
No alpine-vacation packing list is complete without a pair of warm, waterproof boots that have grippy soles to ensure no slipping in ice and snow. Moon Boots are a classic choice for wandering round a ski resort in slip-free comfort – what’s more, they are specially designed to keep toes toasty in ultra-low temperatures. Elsewhere, Moncler’s ‘Trailgrip’ pair have Vibram ‘MegaGrip’ treaded soles for optimum grip on wet, slushy surfaces. If you’d prefer a pair of boots that you can wear back in the city, too, look to Brunello Cucinelli – the brand’s padded suede pair is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER and looks great with cashmere leggings or straight-leg jeans.
Outerwear
A beautifully crafted ski jacket is an investment piece you’ll have for decades, and Bogner’s leopard-print ‘Ellya’ jacket is perfect for making an on-slope statement. Similarly bold is the bright-red puffer style from Aztech Mountain – which not only looks great but feels supremely cozy thanks to its down filling. If, however, subdued hues are more your thing, look no further than Fusalp’s effortlessly elegant ski line. The brand’s beige ‘Gitu’ jacket is crafted from smocked shell that is perfect for sunnier ski days and for strolling around the resort in style paired with tonal cashmere joggers and shearling-lined boots. For an après-ski kit that you can wear back in the city, Goldbergh’s faux shearling-trimmed ‘Giselle’ style strikes the perfect balance between practical and stylish.
Après-ski
Whether you’re kicking back in the chalet, popping out for a hot chocolate or getting the gondola to join friends for lunch on the mountain, soft, cocooning layers are key to elevating your après-ski wardrobe. Varley’s Fair Isle ‘Heidi’ sweater looks cool thrown on with knitted track pants – try Varley’s ‘Simeon’ pair and accessorize with cashmere socks for a fondue night in the chalet. Alternatively, pair Loro Piana’s mélange cashmere sweater with blue denim, brown shearling snow boots and a tonal puffer jacket – the perfect cozy fit if you’re venturing out into the resort.
Accessories
Part of the fun of skiwear shopping is all the functional yet chic accessories. A high-tech helmet, and quality goggles – such as Goldbergh’s ‘Dazzler’ pair – are non-negotiables, but after that it’s all about having fun. Guest In Residence's wool and cashmere-blend balaclava (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive) is the perfect complement to alpine walking attire (and will also be snug under a helmet on freezing-cold ski days), while Arch4’s ‘Lorenz’ beanie from our NET SUSTAIN edit is the definition of cozy-cool. If your hands tend to freeze up in the cold, Moncler Grenoble’s gloves are made from water-resistant Gore-Tex® and supple leather with a soft fleece lining for maximum warmth. And if they don’t cut it? We recommend cradling a hot chocolate instead.
The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown