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Winter’s here and the snow is falling all across the Alps. Now’s the time to take some time off and go on that ski holiday you’ve been promising yourself for so long. You’ve found the perfect winter holiday deal and now all you have to do is pack your bags and head for the slopes. But then you discover the airline’s baggage allowance is a lot less than you thought and you need to consider very carefully what you’ll be taking with you so that you can avoid those horrendous excess baggage charges. Making the Most of your Baggage Allowance • If you’re flying with your own skis and boots, you will most probably have to pay for an extra bag. If the weight and size restrictions allow for it, pack as much as you can into the ski bag. If you’re paying for that extra 15 Kg or 20 Kg – make the most of it! • Wear your ski jacket and walking boots. These tend to be heavy and bulky, so wear them on the plane. • Ski boots are another weighty item. Remember, you’re allowed a carry-on bag – take the boots in the bag onto the plane. • Get a suitcase scale and weigh you luggage at home. Getting to the check-in desk and discovering that your bag is 2 -3 kilos overweight can make a big hole in your spending money! Ok, that’s the heavy and bulky stuff taken care of – but what about the rest? What are the things you really need to take with you on your winter holiday deal? The Essential Packing List 1. Don’t skimp on socks and underwear. Take at least one pair of each for each day and then pack a few more “just in case”. Make sure your socks are free of any holes and well insulated. You’ll be in the snow all day and if your feet get cold – so will the rest of you. 2. Thermal underwear, long sleeved vest and long johns are essential for staying warm. But they also soak up the sweat, so take at least two sets so you can wear one and wash the other. 3. Sure it’s cold and wet – but the sun will still burn and your skin will dry out. So remember to take sunblock and lip balm. 4. As well as your usual toiletries, take a small first aid kit – some plasters, headache pills, indigestion tablets. They could save the day when you’re feeling under the weather. 5. Make sure you have all the ski gear you need – gloves, goggles, sun glasses, a ski helmet, waterproof outer clothing and so on. If you forget, you can get them at the resort, but you’ll usually pay a premium price. 6. Remember, you’re on a skiing trip. Most of the day you’ll be on the slopes having the time of your life. So you don’t need as many casual clothes as on a normal holiday. 7. A good night’s sleep after a hard day skiing is essential. Make sure you’re comfortable with your own pyjamas and a warm pair of slippers for those “night visits”. 8. Remember, European plugs are different from British ones – so don’t forget to take an adaptor with you. 9. Wallet, foreign currency, insurance, tickets, booking confirmation – make sure you have them all. 10. Make a check list of everything you’ll be taking and, as it’s packed, tick it off. Packing can be a pain – but your winter holiday deal ski trip will make the effort worthwhile. Bon voyage and good skiing! Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. With a team that has years of experience, if you're looking for a great winter holiday deal in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.
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