Going on a winter holiday with your child(ren) is a wonderful prospect! But what to pack for your trip? Is this the first time you are taking your child to the snow or are you already experienced in packing all your winter sports gear? Especially if you're going on a skiing holiday with a baby or toddler, you'll want to have all your gear with you. Perhaps you still need to purchase some items you need? In any case, it's always good to think carefully about what you really need to take with you. To avoid forgetting anything before departure, you can tick off this handy checklist and be sure to have everything you need for your coming holidays.
When leaving on a winter sports holiday, it is already a challenge to remember what all you need to pack for yourself. There's so much ski equipment and other things to take along. Check out our general packing list for winter sports holidays to get some tips. But packing becomes even more challenging with children coming along, especially small children, as they might need all kinds of baby equipment. Then a skiing holiday can quickly become a hassle. A roof box is super handy! Keep in mind that the local supermarket's range of baby products might be limited, so if you are attached to specific products, food, or formula milk, you should bring them from home.
It is advisable to check in advance if your accommodation provides a baby bed or cot and a high chair. Otherwise, they may know an address where you could rent these. In some winter sports destinations, it is even possible to rent a pram. Rented equipment saves a lot of space in the car. And if you forget to bring something along, you can always buy it locally. Just bear in mind that winter sports towns are generally small and you might have to drive to a bigger village or town to buy the forgotten things, which you later still have to fit in the car. Travel items that you will only use during the holiday can also be rented via various British websites and taken with you on your winter holiday.
Are your children going skiing, or is your baby or toddler old enough to play in the snow or sit on the sledge? Bring good skiwear for your child. A good ski suit or snowsuit is warm, waterproof, windproof and breathable. It is also essential to keep all extremities, such as the head, ears, feet and hands, warm with waterproof materials. For small children, waterproof mittens and a neck warmer are more convenient than gloves and a scarf. Dress your child using the three-layer system: starting with woollen underwear or thermal clothing, followed by a ski pully, fleece vest or a mid-layer. Over that goes the jacket or ski suit. You can dress a baby warmly in a (merino)woollen romper, fleece vest, tights and snowsuit or ski suit and warm slippers. Clothes to tick off the checklist:
Skiing children will need complete winter sports equipment, which you can also hire at your winter sports destination. A toddler may be skiing for the first time or still playing in the snow, or a combination of the two. On the piste or in the snow, your child will need the following winter sports equipment:
Don't forget the care products for the toiletry bag! You can also tick these items off the checklist:
A sick child on holiday is never fun. Usually, you can find all you need at the local pharmacy. To be on the safe side, take the following first aid kit and medication with you:
What to bring along on winter holidays with a baby? When travelling with a baby or toddler, you will need a lot of extra things. Check with your accommodation if baby equipment is available and what kind of equipment you can rent. Furthermore, tick the following items off the checklist:
Is your child going abroad for the first time? Then don't forget to apply for a passport or identity card on time! And to add your child to your health and travel insurance policy.
If you're going on a winter holiday by car, your kids might ask you if you are there yet after an hour of driving. Children have to sit still for a long time during a car journey. The best way for all of you to survive this is with plenty of entertainment on board. Music is always a good idea. An organiser with pockets that you hang on the car seat is ideal, so your child can take out something to play with on the way. With plenty of distractions and the occasional surprise present, the drive will be a lot smoother, and you'll reach your winter destination faster.
Be sure not to forget the following items from the packing list!
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
